HELP! I got GAS, BM Problems and I'm Hungry!

Lady Libra · June 9, 2007

I was just banded on June 4th. I am doing well, physically, however I have a lot of gas, and my bowel movements are not regular, and most of all I am HUNGRY!

I am still on the liquid diet, but I also, have had Soup and cream of wheat. Which my nutritionist said is fine. Once I eat, I am fine, but I get hungry again very fast. Not sure if anyone else is having this issue.

The gas is something I anticipated to deal with, that get's better by the day. But I have always had regular BM's, and now they are slowed down to a crawl! I do drink Water, but I fill up fast with water. How are you all doing with drinking all the water? Any tips on any of the above mentioned, please let me know.

Oh, and I am craving popcorn

musicalmomma · June 9, 2007

I was just banded on June 4th. I am doing well, physically, however I have a lot of gas, and my bowel movements are not regular, and most of all I am HUNGRY!
I am still on the liquid diet, but I also, have had Soup and cream of wheat. Which my nutritionist said is fine. Once I eat, I am fine, but I get hungry again very fast. Not sure if anyone else is having this issue.

The gas is something I anticipated to deal with, that get's better by the day. But I have always had regular BM's, and now they are slowed down to a crawl! I do drink Water, but I fill up fast with Water. How are you all doing with drinking all the water? Any tips on any of the above mentioned, please let me know.

Oh, and I am craving popcorn

Hi Lady Libra :wave: I'm having the same BM issues. I am ALWAYS regular...2-3 times a day! I haven't gone in 3 days now and it's really bugging me...I'm heading to the pharmacy to find a liquid laxative for immediate relief. I'm also going to add more Fiber to my shakes for future regularity. Now I do NOT expect to "go" as much, because I am not consuming as much...but I DO expect to "go" at least once a day! I feel all backed up!

On the hunger...I started getting hungry around day 5, for a day or two, and yesterday, it started to ease up a little. I hope it continues, cuz that hunger sux! The key is Protein! The more Protein and fewer carbs you eat, the less hungry you feel. If you're eating more carbs then Protein, you'll be starving through the liquid phase :girl_hug:

I'm doing well with my water. Remember, fluids in your shakes and Soups can count towards your 64oz in the beginning. I think I would have been water logged if I had to do 64oz PLUS shakes and soup, the first few days. Now I'm up to about 60oz, plus my shakes/soup.

Hang in there lady...we'll make it :target:

Lady Libra · June 9, 2007

I am drinking the Protein Shakes, and I didn't count the Soup and shakes as Water intake. Thanks for the suggestions. I did use a stool softener, and that gave me diarrhea! I read in another post to drink prune juice. I'll try that. Anyway, I think I am craving salty foods, not that I think it out. It is not just popcorn. For the most part I am sticking to the diet; just can't get pass the hunger phase.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

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pacupatty · June 9, 2007

hungry, no. i am still in so much pain from the incisions and gas that i have no appetite

mikeomando · June 9, 2007

Be patient. I think everyone goes through these stages. I was banded Jan 10, and I learned the hard way that you should try and add Fiber to every Protein Shake. I use benefiber. Also, you will feel hungry. You have to recover from the surgery, and then get adjusted until you get to your "sweet spot". I've had 3 fills, and only recently am I having good restriction. So for me it took 4-5 months to get here. Get enough Protein and concentrate on healing from the surgery. Get enough fiber and Water, and if you get badly constipated, use a suppository. Try different foods that supply protein in easy to swallow forms, and stock up on them. I like Instone high protein pudding. It comes in cans, and doesn't taste too bad, and when you finally have restriction, it's a good mushy food with protein.

I wanted the band to start "working" right away, but there are so many things that have to get settled. Being nervous before the surgery, being relieved after, healing up, getting strong enough to move around again, eating differently. You're getting there.

LLSibley · June 9, 2007

You have to be patient with it all. I wasn't hungry until I started on real food again. It comes and goes now. I've had 2 fills. I find if I keep busy I'm not hungry so that tells me it's head hunger not real hunger. If it were real it wouldn't go away when busy. I had diarreha so bad for a week so I can't give advice on that. I couldn't get too far froma bathroom and definately didn't want to pass gas because sometimes it would be more. Everything finally settled down. To get rid of gas just walk a lot and try gas x. I still have more gas than I ever did pre banded

kimmom · June 9, 2007

I am hungry also and full of gas. I was banded on june 5th. For the BM problem my Dr said to get Benifiber it is natural and is not gassy. I tried it and it helps. I think most of my hungry problem is that I want to crunch and chew crackers or something of substance. I know alot of it is mentally because I am bored being sore and want something to do. I hope this might help you ( the Benifiber ) info good luck and know you are not alone I am still blown up full of air but it gets better each day. I cannot believe how little I drink before I am full. Its amazing. I have to stop before discomfort sets in. Dont over due your dinking it really hurts I did it yesturday when I drank my ice tea fast, wont do that again. I wish you the best of luck, feel free to email me where we are only one day apart . PM me anytime

Kim:)

smyly · June 11, 2007

Lady Libra

I had the same problem, but mine was from the paim medication. Are you taking pain meds? If so that usually is the cause. Try getting the Phillips Milk of Magnesia, worked wonders for me. On the gas issue try GasX strips, they work great. On the hungry issue, you should be having something just about every hour, which should keep you full.

Hope this helps.

Lady Libra · June 13, 2007

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am still in the liquid phase, so, there is not much to do, but drink every hour. I am getting better at this, and the weight is coming off. Does anyone have any liquid food suggestions?

SimplyMe · June 13, 2007

I just love this forum!!!! But really......what person doesn't go into lapworld without realizing that they will still have to deal with all the "head hunger" issues.....food issues.......emotional issues?!? This is a tool.....Man I hope I don't forget that!......

I'm sure that after saying this........

I'm banned to "Bandster Hell" for longer than most!!!!!!

pacupatty · June 13, 2007

I am drinking the Protein Shakes, and I didn't count the Soup and shakes as Water intake. Thanks for the suggestions. I did use a stool softener, and that gave me diarrhea! I read in another post to drink prune juice. I'll try that. Anyway, I think I am craving salty foods, not that I think it out. It is not just popcorn. For the most part I am sticking to the diet; just can't get pass the hunger phase.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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i was banded on 6/4 also. i am not concerned about BMs. maybe i should be, but i wonder how you can expect to have a BM after the pre-op bowel prep and 10 days of liquids. Not much in there

WASaBubbleButt · June 13, 2007

i was banded on 6/4 also. i am not concerned about BMs. maybe i should be, but i wonder how you can expect to have a BM after the pre-op bowel prep and 10 days of liquids. Not much in there

Pre-Op bowel prep? Most docs quit doing that ages ago when it was demonstrated to do... well, nothing. Not for banding anyway.