I have been having a lot of problems getting to andstaying asleep. Anybody else experiencing this. I was banded Jan 18 and have lost 21lbs to date so all is going well except this one area.

Hi Bigmom,

I've had insomnia on and off all my life, but it's been no better or worse since banding. But it's not so surprising, since your brain has a lot to think about now.

I highly recommend Valerian root or melatonin. Both are natural substances sold in health food stores (or any big drugstore with a good Vitamin section). Valerian is an herb sold in kind of large capsules, and it smells pretty rank, so it may not be the best choice for bandsters. Melatonin is, I think, a hormone, and it works beautifully too. It comes in very small pills that are very easy to take.

Either of these does a great job of just relaxing you enough to get sleepy, and there are absolutely no effects when you awake. They'll even let you wake up in the middle of the night if you need to (such as to a crying baby) and be alert. I swear by melatonin now.

I have had insomnia for years so I can say it has been any different since I have been banded.

Thanks Alex,

I think I will try the melatonin it sounds like it is easier to swallow.

Melatonin and a hot cup of Celestial Seasonings "Sleepy Time" tea w/honey and lemon! (Be sure anything you drink is caffeine-free.)

Anesthesia (from surgery) always messes my sleep pattern up for a while. Are you exercising or doing anything to "rev" you up right before you go to bed? Try to avoid stressful things (like paying the bills - yuk!) right before you go to bed. Hope you get a good night's sleep soon!