Don't fret, you are perfectly normal! Most of us had the same experience! In fact it is so common, it is referred to around here, as "Bandster Hell". It is that time period when you have a healthy band in place, and no restriction to help....it usually begins when you are still on liquids only, and will continue to be as difficult as former dieting was until you can get some fill. Now that you CAN eat food (and that is an excellent sign) choosing protein packed food will help with the hunger, as will getting in plenty of fluids, just not while you eat. Avoiding the carbs and sweets right now would be helpful, mainly because the more of them you eat, the more your body craves them. The protein will keep you full longer, and is released into your system in a manner than keeps blood sugars regulated better. The high and low spikes of blood sugar works in conjunction with cravings---and hunger.
I said earlier it is a good sign that you can eat normal food, because that is usually one of the requirements for getting your first fill. So now when your healing is far enough along to satisfy your Dr. you should have no trouble getting the fill. When you do get it, be sure to follow the Dr.s plan for returning to normal eating.
It is very normal at this point to wonder why in the world you got this stupid band, it isn't doing anything!!! And you are right, it isn't currently doing anything to help you lose weight. What it IS doing is settling in to a good position. When you get your first fill you still may not feel big differences. A lot depends on how aggressive your Dr. is on first fills. I had to slow down after my first, and it was 1.25cc. in a 4 cc. band. A month later I went for my 2nd fill which was just a half a cc---but I got excellent restriction from then on, I have not had an adjustment now in over 7 months---it changes completely then!!!
I can truly say to you I have not felt hunger in over 7 months. It is so much easier to make wise food choices when you aren't starving. When you are full in a matter of a few bites...and you don't feel a need to run to the fridge 5 minutes after leaving the dinner table!

Hang in there---you ARE normal---but you will get through it, and when you begin the fill process, your band will step up and help!!!
When it gets tough, log on---we will try to help!
Kat

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No fill + Steroids + Stress = 34 pounds to lose AGAIN!!!






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