I had surgery July 26 and 3 weeks in I was doing great down 20lbs and the past few days I've been overheating even to the point of making myself sick. What is wrong with me? Am I ever going to win my battle with food? I swore things was going to change once I had surgery and you know I can't seem to overcome my need for food. I was doing so good and as usual I ended up failing. I'm a failure I felt so angry at myself. I'm almost 40 and I wanted so much to accomplish the one thing I have dealt with my whole life. It's like I went from feeling full to I'm not. Will it change once I have my first fill in a few weeks? Has anyone experienced this same problem?

Honestly, it sounds like you should consider counseling. food addiction is real and sometimes we need very real help to overcome it. The problems you describe are psychological not physical. There is a saying we have around here "the band goes around your stomach, not your brain". The band is great at dimming our hunger and helping us need less food to be satisfied, but it can't and won't change unhealthy relationships and addictions to food.

You can do this, you just may need a little professional help to do it.

Best wishes.

Unfortunately, surgery doesn't cure our addiction to food. For me, it's a constant challenge and something I am mindful of every single day. It does get better once you are properly adjusted, but it does take work and motivation. Hang in there and best wishes!!

(Keep in mind I am pre band, so I am just commenting from that perspective.)

Did you eat any sugar or carbs? That throws me off a stint of good eating every time. Are you eating Protein first? Then veg, then other stuff. That's working for me. I am doing the low carb (under 100 per day) diet and doing just fine that way. If I were you, I'd go see the nutritionist or call your doctor.

PS If you do go see a therapist, be picky. I had one once that didn't understand my food addiction and quickly told me to "just go to Overeaters Anonymous"...that was her only advice. (PPS Already been there, done that.) Ugh!! If they don't want to work on your issues, then move on to one that will help you.

(Keep in mind I am pre band, so I am just commenting from that perspective.)

Did you eat any sugar or carbs? That throws me off a stint of good eating every time. Are you eating Protein first? Then veg, then other stuff. That's working for me. I am doing the low carb (under 100 per day) diet and doing just fine that way. If I were you, I'd go see the nutritionist or call your doctor.

PS If you do go see a therapist, be picky. I had one once that didn't understand my food addiction and quickly told me to "just go to Overeaters Anonymous"...that was her only advice. (PPS Already been there, done that.) Ugh!! If they don't want to work on your issues, then move on to one that will help you.

you're very smart with your pre-surgery eating. Good luck. We have all been there or we wouldn't have had band surgery or be getting it.

Could it be that maybe your fill is not right yet? As for food addiction -- the head hunger -- this is something you can conquer. It's going to take your all, though, and you need to be sure everything is lined up, including the band adjustment, right foods in the house, etc. You deserve the good health coming your way. You can do this!

Does your doctors office offer any type of support or classes? I am pre-band as well but I am starting a class next week called, "The Hungry Head" that is aimed to help with the addiction we all face.

Try to keep a postive outlook. You may have "failed" (tho, I wouldn't even use this word) this once but that does not mean you are a failure. In fact, you're just starting out. Get support, where ever that may be and believe that you CAN do this! There is power in positive thinking... "I think I can, I think I can". I always say, "If you think you cannot do something, you're right". You have to believe in yourself, first.

I know it is hard and frustrating at times. Everyone has struggles and set backs but those do not define us or our ability to succeed and overcome our food addictions. The advice I have for you is to take it one day at a time, one meal at a time. Remember, just because you over eat at Breakfast doesn't mean the whole day is wasted. (I used to think like that!)

Chin up. Believe in yourself. You've got this!

Along with food addiction you are also probably battling what is known as Bandster hell. Bandster hell is that period after right after surgery but still do not have any 'restriction'. Unfortunately, it is all on you to eat properly until such time you get the needed fills to a point where your band becomes utilized. I would definitely recommend finding a binge eater support group. It does get better in time and patience can be really tough at times. You have to not beat yourself up too much cause that could end up leading to more overeating. I had a serious food addiction especially junk food. chips, cheez its, ice cream and soda. I had it bad. Now with my band that is properly adjusted my head hunger is gone and I eat three meals and day with no snacking. Sometimes it amazes me how I have become a "recovered binge eater".

Hang in there and keep working at it. Remember this is a journey and there is a learning curve and missteps do happen. Forgiveness is very important. Keep up with your appointments and fills and you will see in time it will get better.

Best wishes..Jim

I feel your pain. Don't get discouraged. I go through the same thing on the daily basis. When dealing with head hunger my nut has given me several coping strategies that are helping. 1. I keep ice cold water in the fridge. When I feel hungry (head hunger or real hunger) I go and grab a glass of the water. It helps in two ways. First the cold water kills off real hunger for a bit which gives me time to decide if I am really hungry or not. Second I know I should not drink anything a half hour before I eat. That means I have half an hour to decide what I am going to put into my mouth. Another coping strategy from my nut was that I pre plan all my meals and have them laid out in the fridge. I use one shelf that is mine alone that has only that days food allowance on it. Its then easy to see what you have eaten so far and what you have left. You can then make the decision to carry on and eat knowing that when the shelf is empty you get nothing else or decide to save whats left for later. Your doing great. We all slip up. Just know what your triggers are and have some strategies in place so you don't panic when the hunger hits. Talk to your nut. Mine has been invaluable in helping me find better ways to deal with my hunger issues. Best wishes!!

I can't really add anything but to tell you that once you get the proper fill, things get better. (((hugs)))hang in there!

Babynae I'm happy too hear I'm not alone. Was banded 27 july, lost 30lbs really fast in the first 8 weeks and since then just gaining and losing 1lbs.

Its my own fault though. Every dat I'm pushing my boundries, eating one more bite, having one sip at the wrong time, thinking tomorrow is another day. And quess what, tomorrow I eat even more!

food addiction is a legit disease, definitely thinking of seeking professional help.

I had surgery July 26 and 3 weeks in I was doing great down 20lbs and the past few days I've been overheating even to the point of making myself sick. What is wrong with me? Am I ever going to win my battle with food? I swore things was going to change once I had surgery and you know I can't seem to overcome my need for food. I was doing so good and as usual I ended up failing. I'm a failure I felt so angry at myself. I'm almost 40 and I wanted so much to accomplish the one thing I have dealt with my whole life. It's like I went from feeling full to I'm not. Will it change once I have my first fill in a few weeks? Has anyone experienced this same problem?

Babynae, b4 I recieved my first fill, I too felt hungry between meals. Trust me it goes back to "lap band" normal after a fill. In fact, most of the July Banders (including me) have experienced this. If you have the need to snack, make it a right choice. Ex. Greek yogurt, sugar free jello-o or ices. Your still healing, cut your self some slack. Learning how to eat differently after 40 will take some time. Hang in there.

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