I'm considering a band. When I eat very little, I usually get headaches and have low energy. What has been this group's experience with these two issues since being banded?

Thanks so much.

Hi Daisy,

Everyone's experience is different, of course, owing to various blood-sugar issues and whatnot, but what I hear most often is that when the constant input of high-carb food finally ends people's energy levels shoot way UP. I found this to be true even before banding, when I made a decision to concentrate on Protein.

I'd submit to you that it's not how little you're eating that gives you a headache, but rather it's what you're eating or not eating. Of course, if you're anything like my husband, who gets cranky if he hasn't eaten in a long time, it may just be lack of food. But the fact is it takes a surprisingly little amount of fuel to recharge your furnace. My husband (who is normal weight, always been on the skinny side), can recharge on a tiny handful of nuts. And you will be able to also, even after banding.

That kind of thing doesn't change, but you'll be eating enough food so that shouldn't happen. Some of us eat three meals a day, others eat 6 smaller meals a day. If you have problems with your blood sugar, eating 6 small meals should take care of those headaches. Also, as you lose weight, you'll gain energy. The band allows us to eat enough food that we don't have problems getting in sufficient nutrition. It's amazing how little food our bodies actually need to stay healthy and active.

I used to be terrible for becoming nauseous and having 'sick' headaches if I didn't eat. This was never sudden, but if I went for long periods (which I did) I would pass a point of no return where I would become very ill. I'm happy to say that although I, too, had this concern before banding. I have maybe had one or two near misses with the band and that's in 18 months. I know the signs, so I now am better about heading them off, but more importantly I am more conscious now of WHAT I am eating and how often.

I still slip on occasion and find myself not having eaten SOMETHING, ANYTHING for too many hours, but it's rare. I think you'll find you develop more discipline around your eating once banded. I know I have.

I don't have those bad headaches since banding. Eating less carbs and more Proteins and vegetables seem to have helped. My energy level is so much better, getting some of that weight off my joints and bones. But if I go too long without eating, I want to eat NOW. If I make a conscious effort to eat at consistent times, I'll avoid that.

Getting off of cokes can cause headaches. But, again, once you're "detoxed", they stop.

It didn't happen when I got banded, but previously I had noticed that my first day or two on a diet, I would get a headache, feel cranky, etc. I think it was maybe some kind of detox reaction? Anyway, like everyone else, my energy level is much better now than it was when I was carrying around an extra 70 pounds. Also, I don't know why, but I used to get sinus headaches almost everyday, but now I get them only infrequently.

Also, I don't think I eat "very little" food. Maybe in the beginning I did. Or maybe it just doesn't feel like very little. But I'm rarely hungry and have had no problems with hypoglycemia since banding.

Nancy

I used to have a lot more sinus problems and sore throats. This sounds gross, but I attribute it to acid reflux. My doc never confirmed it, but when you get acid reflux, the acids lay in the back of your throat and esophagus all night. Sometimes food would even come back up, so it seems likely that would cause throat and sinus irritation. Now I'm not half as bad.

... But if I go too long without eating, I want to eat NOW....

I have this same feeling. DH and I will be out running errands and I'll just HAVE to eat because I've gone too long.

I had a longer period after banding that I felt very low energy. It lasted a few weeks. After that ended, I've had tons of energy. I feel so much better! It took me a while to get back on my feet, but it's been great ever since.

Thanks to everyone who piped in on my question. You've really answered my question from all angles!

Julie