Anyone else having this problem?

Hi everyone! Its been awhile sine I posted.... anyways,.. I had my lap-band surgery on November 30th, 06. Since the surgery, I've only lost about 20 pounds. My biggest problem is feeling hungry all the time and drinking when i eat. When I don't drink when I eat, I feel almost like I'm choking on my food. I feel like I have to drink when I eat... I don't know why... but is there any way to break myself from this habit? Or if you have any tips that might help me I'd be ever so grateful!!!!  I'm just kind of frustrated at this point with myself!! Thanks everyone!

Hi!  I also had lap-band around the same time, November 27th to be exact.  So sorry you are having the problems you are having.  Are you taking small bites and chewing really well?  That is what works for me.  Have you talked to your doctor about what is going on?  If you are feeling hungry, you most likely need a fill.  Have you had one yet?  I have already had 3 and those have made the biggest difference.  As for drinking while eating, I know it is hard, but it just takes getting used to.  I think drinking while you are eating might be contributing to your hunger.  It is probably pushing your food through your pouch and then you feel hungry all over again.  See what happens if you don't drink while eating.  If you are still hungry, it may be time for a fill.  Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.   Sara

I had my lap band surgery on 11/20.  I only feel hungry when I need a fill.  I was doing well but suddenly feel like I have a huge appetite.  So, I understand that.  I would make an appointment with your doctor...you really may need a fill. As far as drinking while eating goes...I can't do it!  I have made the mistake of taking a drink while eating and that caused problems.  I threw up.  I got food stuck a few times and thought that I would take a drink to pu**** through....It just was worse.  Now, I had stuck food with cold liquid on top.  I threw up in layers.  I know,  TMI.  Again, I think that if you can eat and drink at the same time, you may need a fill.  When I am properly restricted, I can eat a small amount of food.  I take small bites and chew like crazy.  I don't have room to drink anything.  As a matter of fact, I usually can't even drink for at least 30 minutes after I eat.  Call your doctor or at least try to talk to the nutritionist.  I think your weight loss is AWESOME!!  To break the habit of eating and drinking at the same time takes control.  If you know you shouldn't do it...try it!  It takes practice.  You can do it!!  I really think that you will feel more satisfied from food if you DON'T drink while eating.  You may find that the hunger lessens when your pouch is only full of good, protein rich food.  Try it!

Hi!  I had surgery  on 11/20/06.  I had the same problem.  The reason that it happend to me is b/c I wasn't chewing well enough and too big of bites.  I have learned that I can't eat bread or potatoes.  They always get stuck on me.  If you drink while eating it will push your food through and then you will be hungry all the time. I would call your doctor and tell him.  He can help you with the decision of is it that you need a fill or for other reasons. Jenn

Hi,

I was banded in December 06 and I had some problems with things getting stuck.  There are so many things that I can no longer eat so I really had to change my eating habits. I know it's not easy, but you really have to work hard on the drinking and eating together.  If you stop, you probably won't be hungry all the time.  The fluids just wash food right through your band.  You may also need a fill. 

Please start posting on the Lap Band forum because you will get a lot of help and support there.  Even if you don't post, just go there because a lot of lap banders have some of the same problems and you will get the answers that you are looking for.  When I feel like I'm lagging, that board really keeps me going. 

Don't give up, just hang on.  Once you start following the band rules, you are going to do great.  I always say that weight loss is more than ljust osing weight -- we have to be prepared to make some hard choices and sacrificies to get what we want. Just take one meal at a time and work on not drinking while you eat.   Don't even worry about losing weight right now, just focus on following the band rules that you were given.  If you do that the weight loss is going to fall in place.   Feel free to send me a message anytime and I will do everything that I can to help you stay encouraged and get you back on the right track. Karen