I'm a newbie. I've been banded since the 9th of June. At this point I have very little appetite except in the afternoon. I try to get in enough Protein with the Protein drinks. The question is: Should I eat 3 meals a day even if I'm not hungry? Most diet plans say never skip a meal but I can't see eating for the sake of eating. (I take Vitamins and Calcium too.)

Rhonda

I'm a newbie. I've been banded since the 9th of June. At this point I have very little appetite except in the afternoon. I try to get in enough Protein with the protein drinks. The question is: Should I eat 3 meals a day even if I'm not hungry? Most diet plans say never skip a meal but I can't see eating for the sake of eating. (I take Vitamins and calcium too.)

Rhonda

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I never eat just because the clock says I should!

You may or may not feel hunger pangs with the band. I rarely do. But I eat about five or six times a day, roughly every four hours. Not a big meal, but a few ounces of a protein-based meal. Doing that keeps my blood sugars level, I never get those 2 PM crashes, I never binge eat, I never have cravings. For me, hunger is never an issue. But when combined with the kind of food I'm eating, my exercise plan, and a good night's sleep, my weight loss has been pretty consistent.

There is no perfect answer for everyone. It's a personal journey. Listen to your system, and learn what works, then do what works best for you and your body. Good luck!

Dave

I think it's a good idea to have a little something to keep your blood sugar level and to prevent eating too fast when you do eat.

You've only been banded 9 days, your appetite may or may not come back. Most people do get theirs back, but a few lucky ones don't.

Talk to the nutritionist or dietician that works with your surgeon and see what they suggest. Personally, I'd eat something, maybe not a whole meal, but something like yogurt or cottage cheese, where ever you are on your re-feeding plan.

Sounds like you're off to a great start!

You may or may not feel hunger pangs with the band. I rarely do. But I eat about five or six times a day, roughly every four hours. Not a big meal, but a few ounces of a protein-based meal. Doing that keeps my blood sugars level, I never get those 2 PM crashes, I never binge eat, I never have cravings. For me, hunger is never an issue. But when combined with the kind of food I'm eating, my exercise plan, and a good night's sleep, my weight loss has been pretty consistent.

There is no perfect answer for everyone. It's a personal journey. Listen to your system, and learn what works, then do what works best for you and your body. Good luck!

Dave

Very wise words! Thanks!

Congratulations on your success!

If you're getting in all your protein for the day, I wouldn't worry too much. I'd make your protein drinks with whole milk to get some extra fat and calories, but for now you should be all right.