i am hungrier then ever,i had my first fill on march 1st and i am very hungry all the time.i'm not gaining,but i'm not losing either.i try to control myself but i cant,could i be stretching my pouch???

You could be. How much are you eating? Are you focusing on getting protein in?

IMHO it's pretty tough to stretch your pouch. The stomach has lots of give to it. Hang in there, it will get better with restriction. Good luck!

laurajean1, i COMPLETELY understand. after my first and second fills, i felt like i could eat much more than i could beforehand. it was almost like i went on a binge. i have three fills now (not one since late january), and i can't say that i have restriction. i just have to use a lot of willpower. i have good days and bad days. i am a total carb addict, so i have to carb detox and really restrict myself with carbs to keep on board with what i need to do. hopefully you reach restriction faster than me, but if not, use all the willpower you can muster to do this...it's not an easy journey by any means, but i'm sure you can do it!

That may be my problem too - I am having a hard time keeping my carb consumption under control, too. Just pigged out this morning on 2 chocolate long johns.

It's not easy as it looks, huh? Im going to have to sit down and go through my food planning for this week and for the next few weeks, although I cant buy much food until the kitchen is finished. It's being remodeled as I speak...

Any advice?

Hi Laura,

You said you are trying to control yourself but then worry about stretching your pouch. I guess the question is - is the trying working? You can do this. Commit yourself to eating the amounts you should be eating and choose dense Proteins that will fill you up. Make sure you aren't drinking before and after meals. If you need a snack - do it but choose veggies (cauliflower is one of my faves and I have a great recipe for Roasted Curried Cauliflower if you are interested).

Stay strong!

Ive had the same problem. I am scheduled for my 5th fill next week. Im not at restriction and only get stuck on bread and pasta at times. Thats how you know you need fill if you get ravenously hungry. And as stated earlier it takes willpower and self control. Do I blow it plenty of days? absolutely, But im gone keep trying to get it right. Just keep trying and you will get there. Also I will say get the junk out the fridge and pantry. I dont buy it! If I "pig" out it will be on stuff thats healthy for most part

missycat, i can't have it in the house. if i do, i can't stop myself. i know it sounds pathetic, but i truly believe i have an illness. if it's in the house, i eat it, and i'll eat it, most of the time, until it's gone. once i get through a couple days without carbs (meaning 30 grams or below for the day), my cravings aren't near as bad.

one of the things i've started to do is make myself work out (even if it's just taking a little walk) when i want to binge. it doesn't always work...but most of the time it does. i work out pretty hard everyday, but i force myself to do something extra if i have a really bad urge for carbs.

there is no easy fix. i assume i'll battle with this for the rest of my life. it's much easier to give in and have it then to resist. i'm praying that, at some point, resisting just becomes a way of life.

missycat, i can't have it in the house. if i do, i can't stop myself. i know it sounds pathetic, but i truly believe i have an illness. if it's in the house, i eat it, and i'll eat it, most of the time, until it's gone. once i get through a couple days without carbs (meaning 30 grams or below for the day), my cravings aren't near as bad.

one of the things i've started to do is make myself work out (even if it's just taking a little walk) when i want to binge. it doesn't always work...but most of the time it does. i work out pretty hard everyday, but i force myself to do something extra if i have a really bad urge for carbs.

there is no easy fix. i assume i'll battle with this for the rest of my life. it's much easier to give in and have it then to resist. i'm praying that, at some point, resisting just becomes a way of life.

I don't think you're any sicker than the rest of us. LOL I know exactly how you feel. If it's in the house resisting it is not easy ... though I have to say it has gotten better. I see an obesity specialist therapist and that helps a lot. But I agree with you, there's no easy fix and we may battle with this for the rest of our lives. I will say that buying new clothes in smaller sizes is quite the motivator, but when emotions kick in .... well, let's just say no amount of shopping money beats that chocolate chip cookie. LOL I keep trying though. I am finding that I am becoming a little obsessed with power walking. I walk in the mornings before work. Today I brought my walking clothes so that I can walk right after work too ... but ... I am feeling compelled to get changed and walk during my lunch break - NOW. It's a strange feeling ... but I like it!

Hang in there folks. We are on a journey that is one step at a time. Patience was never one of my virtues ... but I decided I'd better get with the program or I'd be fat forever! LOL

All the best to you all on your journey.

~Fran

I had my first fill on March 10th and I also feel very hungry at times. I have been trying to stay on a routine - so I eat 3 (4 oz meals) and 2 (2 oz. snacks) throughout my day. If I still feel hungry during one of my meals, I eat an extra ounce or so of protein. I also wait a half hour before and after meals to drink anything. I also try to eat slow and my put my fork/spoon down between bites. I was so used to shoveling everything down, I never even realized if I was full. From what I was told by many friends who have also had this surgery, it may take a few fills before you get restriction. For all of those people who think the band is an easy way out, it is definitely not. As my doctor described, it is a tool but you need to do your part. And it definitely takes work and will power! I keep reminding myself of the payoff. Good Luck and keep your eye on the prize