Hello all!

My surgery is going to be either at the end of August or early September, but since having my band removed...I'm starving!

My bariatric surgeon won't prescribe an appetite suppressant and I'm slowing gaining weight.

I am finally healed enough to begin going back to the gym, which is fantastic.

Does anyone have any experience with appetite suppressants? I really don't like the feeling of hunger. My surgeon said gaining weight is to be expected, but I am going to have to buy larger pants if I don't stop eating. Sigh...

Any ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Even when you convert to the sleeve, you will still need to deal with head hunger. With the fact that you said that you are not hungry, I am not sure what an appetite surpressant is gonna do. Maybe it's time to take the bull (head hunger) by the horns and deal with it. HINT, if you can follow a strict plan for 4 days, it is usually easier after. GOOD LUCK!!!

I gained a little less than 30 pounds between my LapBand being removed and my sleeve being put in (I had to wait 11 weeks) - lost 10 of that on my pre-op sleeve diet. While not happy with that, I also had to recognize that I'd been starved for 2+ years with a BADLY slipped band - my body had survived on high calorie drinks. When I could eat again? I did. My doctor knew I'd gain weight and had no problem with my weight. Luckily, I didn't have to buy new clothes, but I sure was tight in mah pants by the time I started my pre-op sleeve diet!

Bottom line is...I agree with the poster above . Don't beat yourself up over the gain. If your clothes aren't fitting and you don't want to buy new ones (which, I'd agree with - they won't last long once you start losing again!), you've got to deal with this head on! Alternatively, check out thrift/consignment stores for cheaper summer clothes - it won't be too long!

My insurance would not have approved my surgery if I had gained weight. It shows them that I was mentally prepared for this life changing surgery. Here are the things I did to help me get through the 12 weeks prior to my sleeve when I really wanted to overeat. Drank 8 to 12 oz of water before every meal and snack. What a difference that one thing made. Then after I ate the appropriate amount of food- I popped in a piece of sugar-free gum. There are flavors out now that taste like you just had an awesome dessert. I also increased the amount of fiber grams every day-- that gave me a feeling of fullness and contentment. You need to fight for your self. Don't let yourself even gain 1 pound. Get serious. Tackle head hunger now- before your next surgery. Because you don't want to overeat with the sleeve- don't let it be all for nothing. Good luck.

I was allowed to take phentermine up until 2 weeks pre-op. I was only to take 1 does every other day or 1/2 dose per day and for me, it was a godsend. The only thing you have to be careful of is if you are doing a blood pressure test, heart test, etc. because it will knock your numbers out of whack.

I love love love phentermine. It was my mommy crack. I could get more done in a day on it than a week off it. That said, it's horrible for you. It's a short term solution and I am so glad I am not taking it anymore. Ask your doctor before going to your PCP.

Arts137 - Actually, I said I was starving. My stomach growls.It ISN'T head hunger.

LipstickLady - Thank you for the informative reply. I will definitely check that out. Much appreciated!

I asked for phentermine a couple of weeks after my band was deflated because I could not control the weight gain. Doc was only willing to give me the lowest possible dosage and it wasn't doing anything except making me act bitchy. So I didn't use it. I've done well on higher dosages in the past. I know how you feel. Right now your stomach is stretched from the band. I was so hungry! The good news is every pound I gained feel off within two weeks post op. I had no pre op diet. Now just under five weeks out I am less than I was when they unfilled me.

How about eating raw veggies to help fill you up? Have a big lettuce salad with veggies and some sort of low-fat dressing between meals. Or try some of the Light Progressive Soups between meals? Or add an entire can of green Beans to your meal for filler. I think it would be pretty hard to gain weight from most raw or cooked non-starchy vegetables.

Just stay away from any calorie-laden food. If you are truly starving, then some baby carrots will take care of it. If the only thing that your brain tells that will fix the hunger is, say, chocolate cake, then it's a craving.

Very helpful indeed. I have been using raw veggies as a filler and if I have a craving for something sweet I grab a Greek yogurt or sugar free Jello. At dinner I do my best to ear more Protein than anything.

I guess since I didn't have that hungry feeling for three years, it strikes panic. Imagine my surprise when I heard my stomach growl. So weird.

Thanks to all who responded...September cannot come soon enough!

Fixerupper!

That is fantastic news! Thank you for the encouragement. I am going to ask my doc for a low dosage...I only need two months worth. Maybe I'll visit GNC and see what they have or maybe I'll just try to do my best on my own. The important thing is what I am eating when I'm hungry.

My doc said no pre-op diet, but I really want my surgery to be flawless and free of any complications so I'll implement the pre-op diet on my own.

Thanks again and congrats!

Ang

Arts137 - Actually, I said I was starving. My stomach growls.It ISN'T head hunger.

LipstickLady - Thank you for the informative reply. I will definitely check that out. Much appreciated!

Sorry that I misunderstood, little friend!

No Worries! Thank you for the sentiment though...trust me, if it was head hunger I wouldn't mind so much. I can usually occupy myself with a diversion. But when my full size, healthy stomach growls in the middle of a meeting it's so embarrassing.

I think I am going to try eating something small about every three hours.

Have a fantastic day!