just had first fill, feeling anxious...

Hi all...

I had my first fill on Friday the 23rd. The procedure itself wasn't too bad. They put in one cc.

I've lost 15 lbs so far, and I was banded in Nov. I had lost about 20 lbs and gained some back. After the fill, my doc said to do liquids for 2 days and soft foods for 4 more days after that. I did what he said, but I'm hungry all the time. I had some mashed boiled egg and that seemed to help.

I'm missing food bigtime. and feeling bad that I can't snack. I'm trying so hard not to give in to temptation, though.

I'm also trying hard to exercise. I'm on a walking program and doing that 5 to 6 days a week.

I'm just having those "this is going to fail too" feelings, they are hard to overcome after so many years of trying.

Hi Linda -

Good for you, following your Dr.'s instructions even though it is difficult. If you are hungry, up your intake of the allowed liquids/foods. Blend chilis or other thick soups (split pea, lentil, etc.) to help stave off the hungries.

By now you are about back to your normal eating regimen. Do not despair - although the band cannot do all of the work for you, it makes it much easier for you to do the work that YOU need to do.

You need to honestly analyze your emotional attachment to food, and find ways to substitute something else during those times when you are not physically hungry but want to eat.

It is a long emotional process, and one that can be made a lot easier with professional help. If you can find a counselor/therapist in your area that specializes in compulsive eating disorders, I would highly recommend you look into that. In the meantime, there are lots of good books out there that can help as well. "Intuitive Eating" is one that comes to mind right away.

The important thing is to be gentle with yourself - treat yourself as you would a beloved child or pet. When you are clamoring on the inside for something to eat, ask yourself if you are physically hungry, or if you're bored, anxious, lonely, depressed, etc. If you are not physically hungry, try doing another activity that might make you feel better. If you must eat (in addition to/instead of), do not berate yourself, but know that your subconscious is doing the best it can to take care of you. You are just trying to alter your behaviours a little bit at a time. Know you are getting better everyday. Choose to be happy and joyful. Know that you deserve a better life. Accept that you are worthy of success, and your journey and struggles are worthwhile, not just in this, but in all areas of your life. Eventually with practice you will start turning to other activities to soothe and nurture yourself besides food.

Hang in there, and keep us posted!

Thanks for your response, Donali. :)

I have started eating solid food again. I have noticed that I get full faster, but I can already tell I will need another fill. I am able to eat more than one cup of food and I get very hungry before I'm supposed to.

I'm hanging in there. Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it.