Please Explain "Bandster Hell"

[tracie30 0]

I was banded last Thursday. I was told to drink Protein shakes which I can't stand anymore. I am having 300 to 500 calories at most every day since my surgery and I am so hungry I could literally eat the keyboard!!

Even if I wanted to eat, I am not sure I could. I feel like there is something stuck at the bottom of my throat. It's not painful but I have thought it to be the restriction, but I have not had a fill yet.

Is this just the "bandster hell" I have seen others refer to? I have researched to find out how you're supposed to feel and eat the first couple of weeks after surgery but I haven't seen anything on this forum.

Could someone share there experience with "Bandster Hell"? I would greatly appreciate it.

[meschultz 0]

Tracie.. I got really sick of the Protein Drinks as well.. I think it is just normal when you are only having that taste for 7 or 8 days straight.. I behaved and did not have anything to eat until my 9th day and I have to tell you the last day was the hardest.. I had the lump in my throat as well. i think it was just a build up of gas. it went away at about day 12 my first few days of mushies I could barely eat, but it was nice to have something different. I guess our difference is I never felt hungry.. I only ate my required amounts for the protein... I asked my doctor why I was so restricted and he said when he put my band on there is some FILL in it already. so it makes the band ever tighter and usually people start to get hungry because the swelling in their stomachs go down so the band is no longer as tight as it once was.. anyways ask your doc. I bet you had some saline in yours to start as well.. and just power through.. any really pains or things that are very uncomfortable or abnormal call your doc ASAP... best wishes..

[noosagirl 0]

Don't know if you have tried Optifast chicken Soup but I like it better than the shakes. The shakes did my head in after a few days, I guess cause I don't really like milk shakes anyway.

[HAPPY ME ! 0]

What I remember, the first few days were difficult but I had to just remember I will heal and life as a bander is going to be a journey to learn what will work for me. I suggest you tell your Dr. that you are hungry and seek his advice.

[lipstix64 1]

:crying:I also had my surgery last thursday and I can only have shakes for two weeks. Thank god tomorrow is the end of the first week. I'm hungry also. Your band should not be filled when they put it in. They usually fill it in about six weeks. I told the nutritionist about my hunder and she said it was just "head hunger". Bullshit, this is real stomach hunger. I'm asking if I can have Tomato Soup or egg drop Soup. Theres only so many shakes and broths I can eat. I feel your pain.

[tracie30 0]

I know I don't have "head hunger". I haven't eaten a bite in 3 weeks...I know I am starving!!!

My dr told me after the surgery that he left 3cc's in my 14cc band. I am scheduled for my first fill on Tuesday. Seems quick but my dr. told me I will get a fill every 3 weeks until my restriction is tight enough.

I just hate the feeling in my throat...it makes burping hurt and hard but man does it feel good when I get it out.

[BLAKQUEEN 33]

Hang in there, where are here to get better.

on another note How do you get the tickerfactory ruler on your profile. I have tried several times:cursing: I need step by step:confused:

thanks

Kim

[Kalipso2 25]

to me Bandster Hell comes about 2 weeks after surgery when you're able to eat real food and you have no restriction because you haven't had a fill yet.

so... you've been banded but can still eat anything you want as much as you want... and you may GAIN weight before your first fill.

[kimmyv 0]

Bandster Hell is also the time after you're healed-- like week 3 and 4- before your first fill. Zero restriction because the swelling is gone and when you start to transition to mushy food and feel like you could eat a truck. So you just went through the pre op diet, the horrible Protein shakes, the surgery and recovery etc. It is hard to just eat 4oz or a half a cup of food because you are STARVING and so happy to not be drinking your meals. You will question whether this was the right decision, is it going to work, what did you get yourself into.. etc. It is a really hard time..... I just had my first fill last week and need another one but that first fill couldn't come fast enough.

Welcome to bandland--This site is the best....

[tracie30 0]

BlakQueen, I wish I could help you with the ticker but the one I have is not set up correctly because I can't update it.

I know there was directions posted one time; if I come across them again I will PM you.

Thanks everyone!!! I know I just need to hang in there. It will get better. It's just a new experience and I appreciate your patience!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

If you are sick of Protein Drinks, try drinkable yogurt and Soup. You can have any soup as long as it's blended so there are no big chunks. I found putting cottage cheese into Tomato Soup to be good. There is Protein in it, and it made me feel full. Ungury also has a soup you can buy online, but really, get some soup you like and blend the heck out of it. Most doctors also allow thinned down oatmeal. Make it watery with milk in it.