Mental Hunger

[hepcbal 0]

I had my surger on 4/30. I lost 17 lbs prior to the surgery. In total I've lost 30 lbs. At 2 lbs per week I should have lost 51 lbs by now. I've had 4 fills. At first I felt no restriction. The last two fills I have begun feeling the restriction, but I've come to discover that if I stop eating for a few minutes the food becomes "unstuck" and then I feel no restriction. Mentally I have not been helping myself out. A lot of times it doesn't matter if my stomach is growling or not, mentally I want to eat. The cravings are just as bad as before surgery. I was going to the gym religiously for awhile but I wasn't losing. I'm so frustrated. I feel like I just wasted my money on this surgery and EVERYONE is watching. Even the people at the doctor's office are judgmental, but they have no advice on how to handle the mental hunger.

Has anybody gone through this before? Any ideas/suggestions? Am I doomed to fail?

[Mimilou2004 13]

I don't think you are doomed to failure, but you are going to have to work harder than some ppl. My head hunger is a torture to me and I have to stay vigilant with tracking my calories and exercise and attitude. Some of us must struggle more than others.

Best wishes,

Mimi

[carbgrl 0]

Hep,

I had my surgery about two weeks before you. I feel the same way. Last week, I had my fourth fill. Before I felt like I could eat to much then I was to tight. Now, I think I'm ok with restriction but, maybe alittle bit short of my "sweet spot".

It's a struggle with head hunger. I was starving too after being to tight and not even being able to drink Water. It comforts me know that many ppl have had success with the band and WE CAN TOO!

Keep working to conquer the head hungry, manage portions and exercising! I will too!

[bambam 0]

I can so relate to head hunger!!! I work from home and have literally found myself in the kitchen with the cupboard or fridge open.. just looking. I have to literally say out loud "You are NOT hungry." It is such a hard habit to break. Once in a while it gets the best of me, but I usually am able to catch it when I realize I really am not hungry. I know it sounds corny, but I have a picture of me on the fridge at my highest weight, and boy is that a deterrant!! I've also found I can't have any tempting foods in the house - they are just too hard to stay away from. If we have company and I bake something or we have something like chips - it goes home with our family or friends, or goes in the garbage when the guests leave.

Of course this doesn't mean you are going to fail with the band - we all have food issues or we wouldn't be getting the band in the first place. Realizing the head hunger is half the battle, just don't let it win!!

Edited September 4, 2009 by bambam

[pilotlisa2008 0]

Good tips. I actualy don't have any recent photos of me. I realized this about two weeks agoe, It occured to me that I am a camera ducker. If I do have a picture it's because I was drunk and a friend ambushed me. They arent pertty, and I only have a few of those. I think it's sad I plan to print out that halloween picture of me and slap it on the fridge. Maybe in the future I won't always be behind the camera. It realy is odd, I have family photos and friends photos, but only one of me for the last 3-5 years and i was in a costume, My mom only has a hand full of me past age 13, she said I deleted them all, or refused to be in them, not a coincidence that is when I started getting chubby. We do have an obligatory wedding album, although I dieted before and was also in a body girdle and a tone of make up mmmm.....

Banded 8/05/09

Edited September 4, 2009 by pilotlisa2008

[RebeccaJ 0]

I totally understand. Although my surgery was only on Monday of this week, there are times I am really dying for something to eat and realize it's just because I'm used to eating then. I really am hungry at times, and I am starting to tell the difference a little bit.

It is always a danger to put it out there when you have something like this done. So many people have told me it is a waste of money, I should do the gastric instead. I wanted the lap band because I think it was the best choice for me. Don't worry about what anyone thinks or says, just do the best you can every day. Remember, each day is brand new and you can be successful!

I have thought a lot about what I would do if I found this to be hard for me to handle emotionally. Even though I have never been in therapy in my life and hated going to the psychologist, that is probably the first thing I would do. I am heavy now (and have always been heavy) because of a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with food. We all have baggage. If you are having a hard time, make an appointment and discuss it with someone who can help. I think that is what I would do.

Best of luck to us all! I am sure that we each have different challenges and problems, and I am glad we can share our ideas here.:sneaky: