Question:
Hungry after lap band?

I had lap band 3 weeks ago today. I have been feeling extremely hungry since two days prior to my staples even coming out. My first fill is scheduled for another 3 weeks. I have lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks, but have eaten virtually no carbs, and have been excercising consistently. I can eat in the neighborhood of 8-10 oz of food, and I thought I was only going to be able to eat 2oz or so. The doctor's office says this is due to my stomach swelling going down so quickly. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how did you deal with the constant hunger?    — ksarkis (posted on November 6, 2009)

November 6, 2009
I'm also getting in my 64+oz of water per day-forgot to include that!
   — ksarkis

November 6, 2009
Hey Kristi! Congrats on your Band WLS!!! Some Band patients do experiebce exactly what you are talking about...Its really more head hunger than real hunger and I know thats hard to accept in the beginning.... but it does calm down. Eat your meals the way you have been instructed by your dcotors office. be sure to measure everything by volume - not weight... and in bwteen your meal try drinking very heavily flavored zero calories teas -- there's orange spice, black chai, gingerbread, louts blossom, --- any of those will be warm and soothe your system and trick your mind into thinking youve eaten something because of the flavor... It helps a lot... Good luck!
   — DarcieLeighAZ

November 6, 2009
I don't have the lapband but as I understand it, you won't have the full benefit of your lapband until you get your fills. Right now you're in the surgery healing phase so there's no restriction created by the band just yet; a settling period I think they call it before saline is added to give you the sensation of fullness. You are on the right track with your eating and exercise plan though. Stick to it as slow and steady wins the race. You could try a protein shake as it is generally low-fat and carbs but still provide good nutrition; drink maybe 1/2 of one shake in between meals as a "snack". Irregardless of what WLS we choose, we all have hunger issues at some point. If only they could operate on the brain part too...lol.
   — Arkin10

November 6, 2009
i no tell me about it, i wish they worked on the brian part to.i had the lapband on sept 22nd. i had my first fill on oct 21. it made a diffrent but not a hole lot im still having problems with eating a littel over. but i went back on my pr-op diet and lost 15 pounds . now im waiting on my next fill
   — sunrise78

November 6, 2009
Hey Kristi, Until your first fill your band is just there. It doesn't provide much restriction. This is to let your surgery and stomach and pouch heal. Stay with the plan your doctors and nutritionists gave you. You will feel some hunger but eat slowly and make sure you are eating mostly protein. Stay away from carbs and junk. Nothing wrond with drinking protein drinks either. Also make sure you drink lots of water as it is a natural appetite suppresent. An ounce or two every five meinutes between meals works best for me. I had my band three weeks ago also and sticking witht he plan given is the only option for weight loss. Good Luck Kent
   — postalmoose

November 6, 2009
This is the time frame known as "Bandster Hell" YOu have 6 weeks of no fill while you heal from surgery. There is no restriction at the band and you most likely will be avle to eat close to normal. This is the time to learn and practice your rules i.e. eat slow, small bites, chew well, then chew some more. Continue your protein supplement. It will egt better with fills. Good retriction can take several fills to occur. This is the hard part, waiting... Donna lapband 4/19/07 SW 303 CW 185
   — Donna O.

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