I'm still hungry ALL the time! Can anyone relate?

Prior to surgery I had lost 6lbs on the liquid diet and immediately after I lost an additional 7lbs. Since then I have gained 7lbs back leaving me where I started! I am not drinking with my meals and I know that I'm making better food choices than I was prior to starting all of this. HOWEVER, I am still hungry most of the time and I feel that the food portions I desire are too large for someone banded. I am so disappointed in myself. Do you successful banders out there still battle with hunger each meal? Will it get better? Or should I begin to accept that this just might not work for me? I was under the impression that 7.5cc in a 10cc should give me adequate restriction for weight loss.

Starting weight: 238 on 11/1/09

Surgery weigh in: 232

2 wk post surgery: 225

6 wk post surgery: 232

Surgery Date: 11/17/09 with a 10cc LAP-BAND®®®®®

1st fill: 6cc

2nd fill: 1.5cc

total of 7.5cc in my band

It may be head hunger... it may also be that you're not eating in the proper order, or getting enough protein. Without knowing what you're eating it's really hard to say or give any advice.

I have to agree with ymjackson1. It would very well be head hunger.

Protein is the best way to keep hunger at bay? Do you keep protein bars and shakes on hand? When you really feel hungry and your belly is really growling, try those. They help.

It could be you are not at your "sweet spot". When I am at my "spot" I don't get hungry at all and I have to remind myself to eat.

Talk to your doctor.

Remember, your surgery was not that long ago. It takes time to adjust and settle in. Take it easy on yourself.

I am betting it's protein related or head hunger like the others suggested. When I get my protein, I am not hungry. If I am, it's not really hunger...just that gnawing, anxious feeling like I just want to eat.

I heard once on Oprah that those of us with weight issues just have to make peace with being hungry sometimes. I don't think, prior to banding, that I ever went hungry a day in my life. I don't know if what Oprah said is true but when I get the urge to eat for no reason, I try to tell myself that it's okay to be hungry. I am not going to die or pass out or go crazy if I feel hungry. Usually it passes or I forget about it. Somehow just acknowledging to my brain that I "heard" the request is enough.

I appreciate all of you for your input. This is my first time using this board and I am so glad I did! It is comforting to have access to other individuals that have been through similar circumstances. I will try replacing my snacks between meals with high protein filled shakes/bars/nuts instead of yogurt/cheese/fruit. Hopefully that will be the answer to my problem! I hadn't heard of head hunger before, but I do feel that could have something to do with it! Again, thank you.