So I noticed that I'm not being compliant with the rules of banding. I know what I should be eating and for the most part, I'm doing ok; however, with only 3cc in my band, I don't feel satisfied and keep looking for more to eat.

I'm exercising 6-7 times a week for 50-60 minutes each session. Is the exercise upping my appetite?

With all I've been through to this point, I don't want to play the old games and sabotage my hard work.

Maybe I need a shrink who specializes in eating issues...?

Anyone have some advice or thoughts or similar experiences?

:laugh:

Oh do I know all about this one. I've been banded for over a year. I've lost 80 pounds. You can see me on www realresultswls.com under testimonials. I'm the last one on the page. Samantha. This was one of the first things my doctor told me about eating and exercise. I said, I exercise a lot but I can't get my hunger under control. He said it wasn't all my fault and that I was working against nature. If we want to lose weight we have to burn more calories than we take in so we exercise. When we exercise we produce the hormone Ghrelin which tells us to eat. Then we fight against that natural response and try to eat less thus producing an unproductive and difficult weight loss process.

If you exercise that much you WILL be hungrier but you should still be eating three meals a day. But your portion size & length of satiety should remain the same if your band is properly adjusted. If you are ABLE to eat larger portions and are not feeling that full upper stomache satisfaction you may need some extra Fluid. Also realize that as the body shrinks in size over time so do the arrangements of the internal organs and your band may also need to be adjusted for that. Many times I have gone for months with my band perfect then all of a sudden I need it filled a little. On occasion due to unexplained body processes I've actually had it unfilled. It's a strange little device but I love it. If you are losing weight rapidly because of your fabulous exercise routines (I'm jealous) then you might need more frequent adjustments.

Don't get discouraged, what you are going through is normal. The lap band can be kinda high maintenance at times but it works. You just have to devlop a relationship with it and go through some experiences over time before you get the hang of it.

The point is...the lap band, when properly adjusted, should keep you feeling full much longer on far less food no matter how much you exercise. That's the point of the band after all. Make it work for you. It can take several adjustments to get it right but it's worth it. Just keep playing with it, keep in contact with your doctor's office and their support staff and you'll do great.

Samantha

Banded August 2009 265 pounds Size 24

Today Dec. 2010 185 pounds Size 12