concerned about hunger

MissSac · October 24, 2007

As I read these posts I am really concerned about hunger. (my surgery date is 12/17) I don't deal well with being hungry. I have gotten myself to eat three meals a day and I don't eat unless I am hungry/when I am hungry. (big step for me) BUT.... sometimes it is really hard not to eat, especially between lunch and dinner when I am starving. Have most of you experienced being hungry after surgery... and is it really intense? I don't want to go through surgery (especially a week before Christmas) and be starving anyway. :help:

socaldixiegal · October 24, 2007

I'm on day 5 post surgery (10/19) and so far I've not been hungry. That's not to say I haven't had an appetite. The other day I wanted to eat, but wasn't really hungry. I think part of our challenge in training ourselves to eat is to identify hunger versus appetite, or boredom.

My doctor has advised that the goal is 3 meals and 3 Snacks. If we're in the right spot for our band then with that we won't be hungry - we should be satisfied - not stuffed after our meals. However, we have to get to the right spot. With your scheduled surgery you'll be in the 4 weeks "recovery eating" during Christmas. liquids, soft foods etc. From what I've heard hunger starts around that 3 and 4 week.

That will also be a challenge - learning to eat until satisfied.

I don't know what's around tomorrow's corner, but for now - on day 5 I can honestly say I'm not hungry.

juliegeraci · October 24, 2007

Sometimes your hunger will return before your first fill. In my case, I am 16 months out. I get hungry a few hours after a meal. I eat a few small meals a day. Good luck.

kacee · October 24, 2007

During Bandster Hell (the period between surgery and the first fill giving you restriction) you will experience hunger, mostly in the first 30 days when you're on the liquid and mushie diet. When you get proper restriction you may not feel hunger much at all. I am 5 months out, and never seem to feel hunger at all anymore, and actually my head hunger is rare too. If you don't deal with hunger well....then eat. Just try to eat things that are working with the band. The first 30 days after surgery I tried to find "filling things" that would at least give me the sense of eating something solid (something with a spicier taste, or whatever). I was used to "grazing" a lot. So I grazed....instead of eating 3 Lean Cuisines (which is what I would have grazed on in my "former life" I ate 6 Jello cups (at 10 cal per cup)... But no, to answer your question you are not going to feel like you are being "systematically starved". No one will hold your feet to the fire but you, but hunger has not been a problem since I got a good restriction.

AnnaMC · October 24, 2007

I am also 5 months out. I have found if I do not drink my fluids like I am supposed to, then I get hungry. I have to chart it on the frig. a hash mark fo reach 8 oz. It has really helped me. I also do 3 meals 3 Snacks. I am thrilled with the lap band. My hubby got his 8 weeks ago and has lost 45 lbs. it does work!

good luck

kacee · October 28, 2007

I am thrilled with the lap band. My hubby got his 8 weeks ago and has lost 45 lbs. it does work!

Ain't it the truth!!!! Periodically I see posts where people ask if this is just a "snake oil sell" or something. I can tell you that it WORKS. I didn't think it would work for ME (you always figure you will be the one it will "fail" on!) and NO ONE was more surprised than I as the pounds fell off, my self-discipline shot through the roof!!!!