I am brand new here...just created my account today and I am excited to join your community! I am looking forward to being more active here. And I really need some help making sense of this issue I am having.

I've had my band since August of 2010. I did GREAT for 2 years. Lost a total of 75 lbs and was only 15 away from my goal. And then...SURPRISE! I got pregnant! My surgeon's protocol was to completely empty my band, which was very concerning to me. It really messed with my head. Not only was I physically able to eat whatever (and AS MUCH!) as I wanted again, but I felt like I had a "free pass" because I was pregnant. Ya know...the whole eating-for-two excuse, cravings, etc. When all was said and done, I gained back about 60 lbs. Despite getting several fills since the baby was born, I'm still struggling.

Here is what I need help with...I think I am at a good fill level right now. I can comfortably eat about a cup of Protein. However, I am not feeling satisfied for very long. I feel like I am ALWAYS hungry, even if I follow all the "rules" and stick to dense Proteins. I eat my cup of food, and then 30 - 45 minutes later I am hungry again. This leads to all kinds of problems. Either I overeat healthy foods, or I eat too quickly and get stuck, or I get frustrated and start eating unhealthy foods just to give myself some sense of satisfaction.

What can I do about this? I have not been tracking my food (I know I need to!), so maybe I need more protein? I feel like I already eat an awful lot of it! I honestly don't know how I lost so much weight 2 years ago!

Sounds like your band is too loose. Is your band back to where it was before the doctor removed all of the fill? Eating dense proteins first is a good start to control hunger. What does your doctor say?

I actually have more of a fill now than I ever have before, but my doc said that anatomy can completely change after a pregnancy. He was not surprised that I needed more Fluid. I was tighter a few weeks ago and it was definitely too much - I could barely keep more than a couple bites of solids down.

He said we could try another small fill again and see if it helps. I wanted to give it my best effort first and see if there is something else I can do. I don't like to be too tight for obvious reasons, but also because when I get frustrated and hungry it is WAY too easy for me to turn to things like shakes, ice cream, etc.

Protein is not what gives you a sense of satiety. Fiber is what gives you a sense of fullness. You include things like chick peas or hummus, which have hi protein but also complex fiber. There is soluble fiber and insoluble. Oatmeal has lots of soluble fiber bran flakes have lots of insoluble. Adjust yourself to more fiber from veggies, and do not fill on protein first. Just give yourself a try before another fill. I would expect that if you are eating mostly protein, then your elimination would be sluggish too. Best wishes!

When I had my surgery, I was re-educated that Protein ALWAYS comes first. Then a bit of veggies and complex carb. Dense Proteins are what gives us satiety on smaller portions, and for longer periods. I have found this to be true, and when my ratio of protein to veggies & carbs changes, I'm hungry sooner.

Sounds like you need a fill.

Im in the same boat ... just in general not because of pregnancy. I feel hungry within 2 hrs of eating, but I know I dont need a fill bc when I do eat, I can only comfortably eat 1-1.5 cups of food and if I eat more I PB. I eat proteins and I eat healthy but I still get hungry 2 hrs after eating and I feel like Im starving. I'll try the fiber thing. I know I could use more of that.

I'd consult with your NUT or doctor's office before embarking on a WLS diet that puts carbs ahead of Protein intake. Every web search shows that carbs will only serve to increase hunger.

http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/riskfactors/a/lofatlocarb_2.htm

I agree - I have ALWAYS been told that it's Protein first.

Update: I called my surgeon's office today and talked to the PA that works there. She is wonderful. She recommended I come in for a small (.2) fill and see if it helps. Even though I was too tight about a month ago, she reminded me that our anatomy is always changing and maybe I need that little bit back in again.

Thanks for all your input!