What Does This Mean??

azchick · March 3, 2008

WHAT DOES BANDSTER HELL MEAN????:confused2:

Angie4b1g · March 3, 2008

That's the period of time between surgery and when you get a fill. The band isn't giving you any restriction yet, so you're just having to white knuckle it through.

texasgal2008 · March 3, 2008

It means that someone who has been banded is having a very hard time due to some kind of problem related to the band! All of us who have had it easy should be very thankful.:drool:

shortgal · March 3, 2008

Bandster hell is the period after initial surgery swelling goes down and our band is not "adjusted" or filled to fit us perfectly. It's there and it can help us a little, but it's not working to it's full potential.

Kind of like batteries that are almost dead. They might work a little but not fully.

We are then tempted to eat more than we should, so we have to be very careful.

We start to get fills, but until we get the band filled to just the right spot, we can still have hunger between meals. Some people never need a fill, some don;t need one for months, some need then sooner.

We're all different inside.

Ang1982 · March 3, 2008

WHAT DOES BANDSTER HELL MEAN????:confused2:

Heyas,

My interpretation of what it is/how it is for me is: Bandster hell is that fun period of time between surgery post op diet and proper restriction. For example, I had my surgery Jan 23, I have no restriction what so ever and do not go for my first fill until Mar 10. I can pretty much eat whatever I want and it passes right through the band no problem. So bandster hell is the period of time where you have nothing but will power to rely on eating proper/small meals. And I don't know about others, but if I had a great deal of will power... I likely wouldn't be as overweight as I am. To me, it's also the time where you are wanting to get the show on the road and it's just not going anywhere, it's also very frustrating. Feel free to check out my blog (link in signature) as I've talked about it and how it is for me right now there.

Ang

texasgal2008 · March 3, 2008

Well, that just shows you what I know! I guess I am entering bandster hell. First day of mushies.........:drool:

kbinaz · March 3, 2008

Just be patient with yourself and remember that this is the time to heal so you are all strong and ready to lose some weight!

shortgal · March 3, 2008

It's a frustrating time and I am still in it, but after you heal and are on regular food, weight loss is possible.

Just follow your Dr's instructions on post op diet first. Once you get to regular food, just practice your old "diet" habits like weight watchers taught us. Weigh, measure, track calories and track your Protein. Stay within guildelines for weight loss for your height and weight and you can still lose until you get good restriction.

Some people have good restriction right from the beginning and don;t lose it until they lose some weight. Once you get your first level of restriction and lose some weight, you'll need another small fill to get it back, as the fat around our stomach and band shrinks. It's just part of the band process.

I haven't broken any weight loss records (well for me I actually have, compared to before being banded) but I've still managed to lose while having less than ideal restriction.

azchick · March 4, 2008

Thanks Everyone! Yes, I Am Sure That I Am In Bandster Hell Now. I Don't Get A Fill For 5 Wks Because My Dr. Is Going To Be On Vacation. I Guess I Will Need To Start Counting Calories And Watching Portion Etc. I Do Not Want To Gain Back The 9 Lbs That I Lost!

shortgal · March 4, 2008

Thanks Everyone! Yes, I Am Sure That I Am In Bandster Hell Now. I Don't Get A Fill For 5 Wks Because My Dr. Is Going To Be On Vacation. I Guess I Will Need To Start Counting Calories And Watching Portion Etc. I Do Not Want To Gain Back The 9 Lbs That I Lost!

Are you sorry you asked??? LOL

Don;t worry most likely your band will give you a little extra willpower than before, that's how it's been for me.

cookienay · March 4, 2008

Seems a healthy fear of pain and nausea have been helping me through Bandster Hell. I am such a weenie. LOL

shortgal · March 4, 2008

Yeah, I should have mentioned fear also. I saw others on the forum say they tried pizza or soft bread to test their restriction, not me. I was so afraid something would get stuck. It took me a while just to try salad again.

Fear can be a good, healthy thing!

Angie4b1g · March 4, 2008

I have this irrational fear that anything I eat outside of the guidelines my doctor gave me is going to slip my band, so it really hasn't been that hard for me. Fear is a great motivator. LOL