Hi There, I'm new to this site and have never done anything like this before. I am 3 1/2 weeks post op and have lost 23lbs. But I am still really hungry. My first fill will be on 12/29. My doctor and nutritionist kept telling me that I wouldn't be hungry and that I'd have to force myself to eat. That's definitely not true. Does this happen to most people?

That was not true for me until I got proper restriction with my second fill. The first made a difference, but it was different only in the fact that I HAD to be careful of eating small bites very slowly, and chewing well. I still experienced hunger. But with the 2nd fill, I lost the hunger. So don't lose hope, it will happen, it just takes some tweaking of the band. Meanwhile practice bandster eating so you do not hurt yourself with a PB right out of the box!!!

Welcome to Bandland, and to LBT!!!! We look forward to getting to know you!

Kat

Yep happened to me I was starving...still am actually...it helps when you have your fill but don't expect miracles it might take 2 or three fills before you feel sufficiently full/restricted.

best wishes

Becky

Could you explain "bandster eating"? thanks

I'm embarrased to say I don't know what bandster eating is either. Nor do I know what PB stands for. Maybe someone can help. Thanks

After my banding I wasn't hungry for the first week then I started eating more food and I was hungry most of the time. I had my first fill 5 wks out and it helped but am still hungry at times. I'm not starving and I have made myself watch my food portions. I eat 1 cup of food at a time, three meals a day and one snack. Sometimes I think the hunger is in my brain more than in my stomach. I also don't drink anything 30 min. before or after I eat and this has seemed to help alot. I am very happy with my band and I know that this was the right choice for me.

Basically, when you have the band, you need to be careful when you eat. At first, it may seem like a chore, but it will become second nature and you won't even think about it anymore. By eating like a bandster, you take very, very small bites. I actually used baby utensils to get myself used to doing this. You want to chew, chew and then chew some more until your food is mush before swallowing. Then, put your fork down and wait a minute before taking your next bite. It is also important to remember to not drink with your meals. By drinking, you help push the food through your pouch, so you do not feel full as soon as you should, and you get hungrier sooner. This one has been easy for me, because if I drink while eating, I have the infamous "pb". PB stands for productive burp. Basically, if you do not chew your food up well enough, you eat too fast, or you eat too much, you will likely have a pb. It is very uncomfortable. Your food gets stuck and there is pretty much no where for it to go but back up. It is not like traditional vomiting, because you do not have all the bile and acid in it. It basically comes up as the whole food, or as slime. But, it does come back up. Usually afterwards you feel better, but it is a good idea to do liquids for a while afterwards to give your tummy some recovery time.

Thanks Susan---I wasn't ignoring you Lena, I just finally got back here! I know it is hard to believe, but I had laundry to do, and was forced to actually cook!!! I know, the injustice of it all!!!!

Glad Susan was here to help you out---she is excellent that way---she has always been there to help me figure out what is going on!!!

Anymore questions, ask away, one of sooner or later will catch itand try to help!!!

Kat

Thanks Kat and Susan, I really appreciate it. It's weird because I don't eat as slow as I should and I'm sure I eat more because of it, but it doesn't bother me. It doesn't back up or make me sick. That's why I was getting nervous because before the surgery I was always being told that if I don't do what I'm supposed to do I'll get sick. But it still feels like I could eat whatever I want. I'm sure it's mostly in my head....

I am looking for someone who has been banded for several years maybe 3 to 5 and someone who has reach there goal weight. I would like toknow how they are doing. I was banded on May 19th and have lost 45 pounds and just turn 50. Thanks for you help.

You can definitely get your hunger back but I'm surprised it is so soon. It should help when and if you decide to get a fill. Good luck.