Question:
Lap Band..Will I still be hungry all the time?

I'm hungry all the time and that is why I'm considering WLS. Will lapband cut my hunger? I realize I must eat more healthy after WLS, but just would like to NOT be hungry all the time. Any help and info is greatly appreciated. Thanks    — loves-hawaii (posted on April 11, 2007)

April 11, 2007
I did not have a lapband. I was 'on the fence' about what to do. My surgeon asked me 2 questions about my eating patterns. #1-Was I a big sweet eater? (yes) #2- Was I a binge eater or a grazer (grazer). He advised a Roux-N-Y...also you will lose wt with a lapband,but slower. I had my surgery about a month ago. I hope that this helps. My best to you.
   — peacelovecat

April 11, 2007
Hi. I have had RNY surgery, and I will be totally honest with you and say that YES, you will still be hungry. You won't be able to do anything about it (such as eating), but the surgeon operates on your stomach and not your mind...and that is where that awful hungry demon lives. More than anything else, it is your mind's hunger which must be controlled. Very best of luck to you.
   — midaem

April 11, 2007
I am 5 months post op RNY and don't really feel hungry. I know the feelings will come back but hopefully I will be almost or at goal weight before it does. RNY is more restrictive than lapband and does result in a quicker weight loss. If you want the gold standard of wls, you should have RNY. Both procedures require laparoscopic surgery under anesthesia. With lapband you have a plastic ring sectioning off your stomach and no change to the digestive tract. You can eat sugar and carbs without getting sick. (dumping). The ring is removable but you need to get fills and they may not be covered by insurance. You need to do research and see what's best for you. I am glad I had RNY, that was the best method for me!
   — Sheri A.

April 11, 2007
No one is hungry ALL THE TIME~ You need to start eating healthy NOW...weight loss surgery is just a tool. not a solution. No matter what surgery you have, it only assists you in losing weight, it's not your solution. The solution is your will power to become thinner and eat healthier. Actually lapband is not a good solution for you if you feel you are hungry all the time....people can fail faster at lapband than RNY.
   — Diane C.

April 11, 2007
I had lap band surgery 3 and a half weeks ago, and have noticed that I am not hungry all the time now. I had an insatiable hunger mostly because of meds I was on, and of course with the changes from the surgery, have not been on all of the meds. Of course they say people have different results with the surgery, but I think a lot of it has to do with behavior modification. I had 2 weeks pre-op of a liquid diet, and have realized (as if the lightbulb went off) that I do not need...and I stress NEED to eat all that I was eating before. I have lost 29 lbs., and get very frustrated when I hear others say "the weight doesn't come off as fast with lap band as it does with RNY". They are only going on what they know, and if they have had a bypass, and not a band, they haven't experienced it. If you are feeling that you would rather go with the band, then do that. Don't let others sway your decision. For me, I have found that when I'm hungry, which is not that often, I drink my fluids. You will need to eat small portions mroe often, and may not feel a hunger at all when you eat every couple of hours. I won't have my first fill for another 3 and a half weeks, and already losing, already not feeling hungry. Look at all of the info people give you, but in the end...go with your heart, and what you know is right.
   — Karrie W.

April 11, 2007
I am not hungry all the time. If I get that hungry then it will be time for me to get a fill. I am doing great, I was banded Oct 2006 and have been steadily losing weight.
   — Bee

April 12, 2007
Before my wls I would always get hungry about 9 or 10 at night. I know that was one of my problems about my weight, eating late at night. I had gastric bypass Jan 16th. The first month I dont even recall being hungry. After that you start to feel hungry, but when you are suppose to like breakfast, lunch and dinner. My doctor does allow me to have snacks 1-3 times a day, but healthy snacks and not much. I do find that if you drink water through out the day, that will help you from snacking. I can not drink 30min before or 30min after eating. I was thinking about the lap band but like another person said it will not do any good if you are someone who likes to snack and likes sweets. Gastric bypass keeps you from eating certain types of foods. If you do eat it you will get sick and not want to try it again. Just do alot of research on both type of surgeries and pick the one that is best for you. Good Luck!
   — barfiep01

April 12, 2007
I am a banster, Remember in the end lapband and gastric you would end up at the end losing the same amount of weight I learned that in my nurt class. Also are you eating your 5 meals. take care.
   — bintu