By Gloria Samuels

If you attended a "lap band only" support group before surgery you may have heard newly banded patients say something like:

"I had surgery three and one half weeks ago.  I'm feeling pretty good now; I 'm back to normal activities, but I'm H-U-N-G-R-Y a lot.  I don't feel like the band is doing anything for me."

OR

"I'm wondering if my surgeon really put a lap band on me.  I feel un-banded.  I'm worried that this isn't going to work for me because I don't feel anything"

This may happen to you.  Some people call this "bandster hell."  This is not uncommon.  It usually means that either:

• You may not be getting enough protein or fluids OR
• You are well on your way to being healed and you may be ready for your first fill, especially if you are at least four weeks post-op

It is important to be sure that you are getting enough protein and fluids throughout the day for many reasons.  Be certain.

At this point it is helpful to reach out to your support network.  Most doctors will schedule the first fill appointment at four to six weeks after surgery.  Make sure that your appointment is scheduled. 

Even if you know what to expect and are aware that this might happen, it can still be very scary and frustrating when it happens to YOU!  You may feel like suddenly you are on another diet and this is supposed to be different.  It becomes very important to remember that:

• This is a journey. Your goal is to lose weight and keep it off. This is not about speed.
• You cannot compare yourself, especially during this early phase, to people you know who have had other weight loss surgeries.
• It's important to continue to follow your doctor's instructions even though you are hungry. You may still be healing and you do not want to injure yourself or your band by deviating from your doctor's instructions.
• This phase will pass once you are properly adjusted. This is NOT another endless diet. Your band is just not adjusted properly yet.

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