Hi Barbara, the band is a tool. It is not known to suppress our appetite. He will have to learn how to deal constructively with his hunger. I know what you mean about the stomach growling, but it is a one meal at a time thing for me. He is going to have to learn other things to do to try to get his mind off of wanting to eat. He might want to try drinking more water and going for a walk when he wants to eat. I hope that this helps, if even a little. Take care..