is it hunger or head hunger?

hi everyone!   I have a  question for you all.   I have been reading the posts nearly everyday.   And I hear about the hunger before you get a fill.   Well, I also hear about  how the "head" hunger can really be tough to deal with.    What is the difference with hunger and head hunger.  How do you know which one you are feeling?  Sorry if this sounds like a really stupid  question, but i have not had the surgery yet.  I am living this lapband life through all of you right now.  I see Dr. G for the first time at the end of this month.  So i am busy making my appointments.    Thanks in advance for your responses!     LynnDee

I find that when I am truly hungry my stomach will actually growl, will get tight and can actually be painful (believe me I am not one who has every been truly hungry!).  And that does happen between meals, in the middle of the night, when I wake up, etc.   Head hungry is your mind telling you that you have just not ate enough.  When you finish a small measured meal your mind seems to think that you need to eat more.  Just three weeks ago I was eating more - much more, so it is a big change.  Also, when you see something that looks good and you know that you cannot eat it - to me that's head hungry.  I have noticed that while watching prime time TV that a large portion of the commercials are for food and restaurants.  It's like they are targeting people at night when they know they will snack.   I have found that if I follow the diet and get all my protein and water in, it is not so bad.  I am taking it day by day and the weeks are going by quickly. Jen

Not a stupid question.  Head hunger is like mind games.  They are not real and if you can avoid giving into them you are better off.  When I am unsure if it is head hunger or real hunger I try to asses what I have eaten for the day and if I have gotten in enough water.  Typically I need more water and then I am better.  I also try to get my mind onto something else, I make cards and scrapbook so if I can get my hands busy doing something like that my head hunger goes away.