Hello everyone,

I have a question for the lapband veterans. How did you get over head hunger?? I am struggling a lot with this right now. I am trying to stay on top of my nutrition, tracking what I eat and sticking to the 1 cup max, but I am having a hard time distinguishing between head hunger and real hunger. Sometimes I think I am starving, even right after I have eaten or shortly after, I rarely seem satisfied unless I have eaten past one cup and my stomach hurts. I haven't been able to eat anywhere near what I used to eat, and haven't let myself get stuffed since my surgery. When I think about it, I am pretty sure it is head hunger and food cravings that are taking over, and would love suggestions on how you were able to tackle this and move on!!?? Thanks.

Head hunger is really hard. What I do is when I feel hungry I drink first wait about 10 minutes then if still hungry eat something smart high protein. A lot of times I get busy and forget about food. I also find it extra important to track and measure everything when experiencing. Stay strong!!

I just ate a very small portion of what I was craving, or got myself a fresh glass of crystal lite. It does take the brain a while to catch up. You may well still be in Bander Hell, without enough restriction to let you know you are satisfied... It is a head game, but we all go through it.

The band comes to the rescue every time.....

I may crave something...may even go to the store to buy it...come home, take the time to prepare it....

Sit down to eat...1 maybe 2 bites and the reality of the band steps in......wind up throwing it all away....

Happened to me the other day...bought Chinese take out, a particular dish off the menu I Know I should not - cannot eat...but I wanted it so bad - (Head Hunger) wound up throwing it all away....

Sooner or later you learn, as soon as the thoughts come, you realize from experience it won't work....yet still I find myself attempting from time to time.....only to reinforce lessons learned...

But if you are just starting out...I can't help you.....other than look forward to getting your band adjusted....

Head hunger is really hard to deal with. A popular saying around here is "the band goes around your stomach, not your brain". The bad is great at dimming the physical hunger but the head hunger is ours to deal with.

I too have done what Cheznoel stated- taking just a very small bite of whatever I'm craving. I'm actually really careful to keep things I know are trigger foods and foods I'm likely to over eat out of the house, so if I really want some, I have to make a conscious effort to leave the house and buy it.

Stick to your 1 cup portions regardless of head or physical hunger. It will get easier once you have adequate Fluid in your band.

Best wishes.

DO NOT CLICK THE LINK IN THE POST BEFORE THIS BY ANNEON!! IT'S A VIRUS!!!

A warm drink, usually herbal tea, really helps me with head hunger. I haven't out why a warm drink seems to help more than just any kind of drink, so ymmv.

A warm drink' date=' usually herbal tea, really helps me with head hunger. I haven't out why a warm drink seems to help more than just any kind of drink, so ymmv.[/quote']

Wow! I'm the same way but I drink coffee ... When I feel hungry and I know I ate already I make myself a cup of coffee and I'm good! Usually in the evenings is when my head hunger strikes ..

I am struggling with this too. I have had 3 fills and I am at 4cc in a 10 cc band. This last fill is getting close but, not there yet. The head hunger is about to get the best of me. I try to sit a minute and really FEEL my stomach. I try to figure out whether I an really hungry or if it is just in my head. I hope this gets easier when I finally get to my green zone.

I'm 4 1/2 months out and I think I'm starting to get a handle on head hunger. Sometimes it helps me to chew a piece of gum after a meal. It is a cue that I am done, and it keeps me from putting anything else in my mouth.