Starting Over...or finally starting...

I had my lap band put in in April of 2009.  Now, almost 4 years later I'm above my surgery weight.  At the most  I was only down 20 pounds from 310 (surgery) to 290.  I know my band is filled properly as I can only eat so much with out being uncomfortable, and I can not eat bread or anything doughy. I had success last year with a 90 day diet and exercise plan that allowed me to lose 52 lbs. However, my band was completely empty at the time and I've unfortunately gained it all back. I am disappointed in myself, but am committed to moving forward and not looking back.

My concern is that I'm always hungry. I've never been satisfied after the recommended 1/2 cup of food no matter what it is.  I would love some tips from anyone who as struggled as I feel the band should be a tool in helping me stick to this and yet, it feels no different than dieting without a band.  

I'd appreciate any help or advice. Thank you.

Your Band is ready when you are. But, you need to get FIll's. It's like having a tire with no air in it.

I would strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your doctors nutritionist. I eat more than a cup of food depending I what I am eating. I never heard that a half a cup serving was recommended. Could you have possibly misunderstood? Get that dense protein in your body, like 3 ounces Then Incorporate your veggies. Of course stop with the refined carbs ( crackers, chips, bread etc...).

Do not take this wrong, but, i would also recommend you seeing a counselor, to see what has been keeping you from using your "tool". I see one almost weekly And she has helped me out greatly . Also attending support group meetings are also vitally important.

Definitely exercise!

Hope this helps,
Prek3

Hey Prek, I think you made some great suggestions, but I was wondering if maybe you misread the OP's post regarding the fill level?

I think the OP was saying that the band was empty during last year's 90 day diet/exercise period, but that it is not currently empty and he experience restriction and cannot tolerate bread or doughy foods.

If the OP is currently experiencing restriction, but just making poor food choices, I'm not sure another fill would be a helpful thing.

Thanks,

Lindsey

 

 

Oooopppd, glad you brought that to my attention! Thanks buckeye!
Prek3

 

Not quite sure what you are saying You have a good fill level because you can"t eat more than half a cup? To me that's not s good fill level, that's too tight. I have always eaten more than that. Not surprised you are hungry. How often do you eat? I am totally relaxed now as I have been below goal for a very long time but I ate four meals a day and if I felt hungry, slotted in an extra. 

Are you making the right food coices? Dense protein first, then veggies, carbs of any room left? Or, being tight, are ou tempted b slider foods?

Kate

Oooopppps I think I misread your post .
Disregard the FILL. Buckeye just brought to my attention
Sorry
Prek3

As others have said, it's important to emphasize solid, dense foods (animal protein, fish, seafood; non-starchy veggies; fruits) and avoid liquid or soft "slider" calories (that are often high in sugar, fat, and starches).

Good food choices are important not just for health and satiety, but also to keep your blood sugar steady (even if you're not diabetic). When you eat something high in sugar or starch, your blood sugar spikes up, then crashes, and that makes you hungry all over again. You can prevent that by avoiding stugary, starchy stuff, and by always eating a protein and a starch at the same meal or snack.

When you say you're hungry all the time, do you mean physically hungry? So that when you've eaten 1/2 cup of food, you still have a growling, empty stomach? Or do you mean that you want more food then but can't eat it? Have you tried eating small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day rather than 3 meals a day? When I was banded, I managed physical hunger and kept my blood sugar steady by eating 6 times a day.

 

It's a little confusing.  You say you think your band is filled properly, yet you are having a lot of hunger.  As mentioned, 1/2c food may not be enough.  I agree, go see your nutritionist and surgeon too.  Talk with them about what your eating, how it can be tweeked and whether you need a fill or not.  It would be helpful to keep a log of what you eat, and your hunger issues before you go.  Good luck!  I think it's great your not beating yourself up about the weight gain and looking forward.

I used my band as a tool. I did it the way my two docs wanted me to. I never felt full....only hungry or stuck. 6 years. Approx 20 lbs....I'm finally moving forward and never looking back. Perhaps you should consider revising. I'm getting the duodenal switch in 16 days. I cannot wait to get this band out. And I can only imagine what peeps are saying at my posts here. You are going on 4 years. Don't be like me....by the time you know it it is 6 years and still no avail with the band. Only way for a change is for you to make it. All the best to you.

I was like you are now and how thinlizze was.  When I had proper restriction, I was either hurting and/or hungry.  Nothing is worst than stuck and starving.

The last time I was exercising and losing I was totally unfilled too.

Good luck.  I finally gave up on trying to save my band, didn't want to be a failure again.  In 11 days I will be getting my sleeve.