Question:
always hungry!

4 weeks post op banding. Do okay with liquids but got a llittle depressed over this until I saw my doc for 2 week f/u. I lost 26 lbs! Now that I'm on pureed I feel hungry all the time, just not satisfied. Is this normal? I'm really afraid I've gained weight. Could this happen? Is it normal? I feel the same fear as I felt being on a diet. Can someone help me to feel better about this? Charlene    — clogan (posted on March 11, 2006)

March 10, 2006
Hi Charlene, I have not had surgery yet but I've done a bunch of reading and my understanding of the lap band is that they don't put the saline in until 6 weeks post op. That means that you don't really have much of a restriction until then. I'm betting this is normal and when you go back in to get the saline injected, that should help you.. Good luck!
   — kss123

March 11, 2006
Hi Charlene, I had RNY but my sister had the band & she said this was normal. Give yourself time it will eventually even out. Take care. Kenya
   — KenyaE

March 11, 2006
this is completely normal. until you get a fill you are basically dieting--yeah, kinda stinks right? just be patient, it will all be worth it soon...banding is definetely not instant gratification:) this time is for healing, not weight loss, although it seems you are doing great on that end!! chances are you won't feel satisfied until you can eat solids again, and even then, full feels very different...be prepared. its like the lower half of your stomach is still growling but you feel stuffed--all at the same time. its hard to explain, but wanted to prepare you. over some time you will get used to it. yes its possible to gain during this time....those pureed foods slide right through the band (even when you have restriction). get in as much protein as you can, that will help with the hunger. but if the hunger is overwhelming, some docs will prescribe appetite suppressants to hold you until your fill, maybe you can check with yours. you are about ready to get your first fill right? hold on, you are doing great, 26 lbs is awesome!!
   — jessicamegan

March 11, 2006
Thanks for your answers! I feel a lot better now! Charlene
   — clogan