Newly Banded - hungry already

[CJB1127 0]

I am 6 days post op, feeling a lot of pain under my rib cage on the right side. I know that it is probably gas and I'm working on that, but what I don't understand is why am I so hungry? I must be doing something wrong, but my stomach will growl like I haven't eaten in a week. Anyone else experience this?

[HeatherO 7]

My stomach growled louder and more forcefully in the early months post banding then ever before in my life. It is not uncommon to feel hunger early on . . . in fact this could be considered a good sign in that you must be healing quite well.

If I were to suggest anything it would be to stay on your post-op diet and if hunger becomes excessive, call your doctor about possibly moving up dietary stages to go more towards full liquids or mushies a few days early. However, it would be a mistake to do this without getting your doctors blessing in advance since he wants you to heal properly to get a long life out of your band and avoid potential complications down the road.

It sounds like you are doing great . . . and just remember, these early days are the most difficult in banding. It only gets so much better from here once you start getting fills.

[2Flyguys 13]

if ur doctor okay's u to eat a lil....please....please...please take my advice and measure out ur portions...in a measuring cup...dont try to eyeball ur portions....i know ur hungry...this is the toughest part...be strong willed!!!!!!!!! do it ...do it...do...it!!!!! now go lose!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Just follow your doc's directions post op. I too was hungry from the start; in fact I came to in recovery ready (I thought! LOL) to eat a steak. I didn't though; it was 6 LONG weeks before I had my steak dinner. Hang in there; it is important now that you heal.

[PharmaGirl 0]

Congratulations on your surgery.

In case it would help you, if you go HERE you'll find a forum of us all going through similar experiences following banding in April. I believe there are a few hungry people around there.

Also, have added your name to the list of April Bandsters HERE. (I wasn't sure of your surgery date - was it April 8?)