Can anyone who has had lap band surgery tell me if the constant urge to eat subsides after surgery? My scheduled surgery date is on 4/26 and I'm afraid to fail at yet another diet.

If I eat a healthy meal with a lot of protein, I am satisfied for 3 or 4 hours as far as real hunger goes. Mental hunger is another thing that you will have to work on.

the band helps me manage physical hunger, not head hunger i.e. emotional eating, thinking about food, wanting to eat a particular food, saying no, making the right choices. that is all part of the mental part of this journey and many people have found that getting counselling or some other sort of support is really helpful.

Good luck.

I have noticed a significant decrease in my hungar since the surgery. (excluding the 2 week liquid post-op diet----My stomach growled so hard for so long it was actually painful!) 3 weeks out (today)I have cut back to 2 (food) meals a day. each about 250 calories and 2 protein shakes for a total of 300 calories (or for the day its 800calories/60protein/30carbs) With very little effort. I didn't think he put any fluid in my band during surgery, but something has changed. My first fill is the 26th.

For me, the surgery was just the beginning. The Lapland and adjustments help me control how much I eat but making the choice to eat the right thing is the hardest for me. I am learning to control what I eat and the adjustments help me with portion control.

If I eat a healthy meal with a lot of Protein, I am satisfied for 3 or 4 hours as far as real hunger goes. Mental hunger is another thing that you will have to work on.

This is true!

Sometimes it's a really hard fight between stomach and mind. Chewing gum, drinking Water, walking away from whatever environment I'm in are some of my tricks.

I am totally in the green zone and NEVER feel hungry. Wanting to eat is another story. I fi d myself battling with wanting to eat goodies ALL the time. Not sure if that will ever go away. One day at a time!!!

I still have the urge but not as often, I am three years out. I still sometimes overeat, eat bad things, or eat when I know I am not hungry but I dont do it enough for my weigh to go up...sometimes I still cant believe it!

Thank you everyone for your input, it's a big help to me!

Until you get restriction this will be a will power diet. Did the concept that this was the LAST time I would have to loose weight help; YES. My doctor required meetings with a psychologist to discuss my food/eating issues. These appointments really really helped me understand why I overate. I highly recommend meeting with a therapist even if your surgeon doesn't require it. I had 3 appointments so I'm not suggesting an ongoing basis. From mushies on I was told to measure all my Protein. I bought a very nice digital food scale from Weight Watchers. Don't buy it online, huge mark up. Find a WW meeting and just buy the scale. I was nervous to do that but no one said a word. I was after all spending money.

Once you hit restriction the band helps you eat a meal and not feel hungry for 4-5 hours. If I go 8 hours I do get hungry but that's a long time. At restriction a couple hours after lunch; if you see Cookies at the coffee station you ask yourself "Am I hungry enough to eat that?". Usually the food does not look that interesting. Common store bought cookies just worth it.