Since reaching restriction three months ago I've not been hungry. Anyone know how/why this works? You long-time banders - how long does this last?

Well, I'm not a long time bandster, just banded in June, but my understanding is that the chemical receptors in the stomach that send the message to your brain that you are full, are most plentiful at the top of your stomach. When you have restriction, food sitting in the pouch triggers those receptors that sends out that message that you are full. Since it takes a while for the pouch to empty with proper restriction, it keeps sending out that message. There may be more to it than that, and I'm sure it's a simplified view, so if someone has more info, I'm eager to hear it too! As far as how long it lasts, I believe it lasts for as long as you have proper restriction. I know that you can lose restriction over time as you lose weight because you lose fat tissue that is between the band and the stomach, so as you slim down, you can loosen, so once you start feeling hunger again, and eating too much, and not losing weight, you need to get another fill/adjustment to bring you back up to that level where you are satisfied. That being said, even though that's the theory, it seems some people have very varied experiences. Then there is the whole issue of 'head hunger' as well. Which can always be present, or can come and go.

XO

Leila

Hi Scott,

Some people don't experience much hunger after banding, while others get to experience real hunger for the first time. So many of us haven't not eaten to the point where we really are hungry. (I hope that makes sense)

I know that I'm no longer consumed with food, as a general rule. Now when I'm on a cortiosl high, I understand what's going on. But when that happens, it doesn't rule me.

A lot of new bandsters are quite upset when they discover that they still feel hungry after being banded. I know that some have reacted with this with anger and feelings of betrayal. They thought that they would never feel hunger again. But the band doesn't stop that. But it lets you feel real body hunger.

For me, one of the keys has been to understand when I'm getting hungry, so I don't wait until I'm actually really, really hungry. If I wait to eat then, I usaully get into trouble and take too big of bites. And that will lead to being stuck or worse

I get hungrier than I used to actually - but only really at mealtime.

I have way less general appetite where I think I just want to eat something but I'm not actually physically hungry. But I wake up in the morning starving for breakfast and I generally get very hungry at dinner time as well.

I like that. It's much easier to eat appropriately and eat the right amount when you're working with actual hunger than it is if you're just in a vague eating mood. I think its a healthy sign my body is functioning properly.

I had my first fill on Monday and even though I feel restriction now, I am still hungry all the time. I am only able to eat a few bites of anything now, but about 15 minutes after those bites, I am hungry again...to the point of my stomach growling. Its really frustrating.

Scott -

I was banded on June 20, 2006 and as of today, I have had no hunger pains or desires or appetite. I did ask my surgeon about this and he said some people have this reaction after being banded. I think it has made the first few weeks of being banded easier.

Good luck to you

tracy

Great thread, thanks for all the info.

I do feel those feelings of hunger - like clock work. When I wake up I have a protein shake...by 11 I'm having cottage cheese and peaches...at 3:30 I'm wanting a cup of pudding, at 7 or so we have dinner, and by 10:00, if I'm not sleeping yet, I need another pudding. I try very hard not to have anything until I feel the hunger. I'm hoping to move up my fill date because I feel like I can eat too much.

I was banded June 29 and hadn't really been hungry until yesterday when I was RAVENOUS. I managed to keep it to 1700 calories, but I was so hungry....and yes I drank all my water! I think its PMS. I decided to have a more substantial breakfast today. That used to work.....