Question:
I have 3.1 cc in a 4 cc band. Still have aggresive appetite. How can this be?

   — tutty8buckwheat (posted on December 4, 2007)

December 4, 2007
i am not sure i am having the same problem
   — janetlapbander607

December 4, 2007
Remember the band is a tool, not a cure. Are you really hungry or are you "head hungry"? - that is just wanting to eat cuz that's what we have always done. The band is NOT as easy as I thought it would be, but after 7 months and 50 lbs, I am managing IF I measure and eat only what I measure and keep track of AND I get all 64 oz of fluid in. Sometimes I still just want something to eat - something crunchy or salty, or just something....... Try to get into your head and decide if you are eating to live or still living to eat. Best of luck. Always talk to your doc though. I have found after fills and then some subtractions that there is a very fine line between too much fluid and not enough. Hang in there! And IF you eat - eat the correct things. I have found that salad stays with me the longest.
   — beckiemclarty

December 4, 2007
When you say aggressive appetite, do you mean you are always hungry and can eat or just that you want to eat. With 3.1 CC in a 4 cc band you should have great restriction if not too much.. I know that everyone is different, but I couldn't eat with more than 1.7 in my 4cc. If you are eating more than 1/4 cup of food at a time, you need to get with your surgeon and make sure your band is still in the correct place. Are you still losing? are you getting your water? You will know when you have the perfect fill because, the appetite is basically gone. I was blessed and had a perfect fill the first time, I lost a total of 130 lbs in 6 months, 100 of it from the date of my first fill. I had no appetite at all. I'd forget to eat, because the hunger just wasnt there. If you aren't happy, first and foremost, talk to your surgeon and don't stop or leave until you get an answer that you are happy with. You pd alot of money for the surgery, you have a right to be happy. remember the band is a tool, but that is why we got the tool to help us and if it is not helping then the problem needs to be resolved. Best of luck
   — mccabesmom

December 4, 2007
Thanks for asking your question. I will say up front that I am not a bander, but had an rny, but please let me say just two things that may help you understand. Appitite, in part, comes from a harmone that is produced in your stomach. You have your full stomach and the full production of that harmone. It is strong and intense and leads your desire to eat. Second, obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Along with that harmone, your head fights the notion that you can eat less, and will do whatever it takes to try and convince you otherwise. It is a huge battle. I don't have any answers for you, but you have to fight your choices and your brain to win this battle. I am not saying you don't, I am just saying that it is a huge battle. I wish you well. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

December 5, 2007
When I say aggressive appetite, I'm talk'n I can eat as much as my husband or two teenage daughters until I feel satisfied. I will talk with my surgeon again. I have an appointment on the 21st. I know from everything I've read this should not be the case. I was told by my surgeon "You will feel full on very little food." NOT THE CASE THOUGH ! I'm feeling jipped.
   — tutty8buckwheat

December 5, 2007
You need to talk to your surgeon. I have a band, and believe me, you should not be able to eat the same amount as non-banded people. If I were you, I would ask your surgeon to do a "swallow" test. Basically, it's a mini-upper GI. My doctor insists on one per year as a precautionary procedure, but it is also used to determine if you band is in the right place or if it has slipped. There is also a chance that the band was jut placed too low and the pouch is too big. Another thing to remember, is that you should not drink liquids for half an hour before and 90 minutes after you eat. This helps to keep the food in your pouch. Hope this helps. Vicki
   — VickiStevens

December 7, 2007
I have a 4 cc band too and I didn't get enough restriction until 3.3 cc. What a difference! I was so frustrated. I was not satisfied with small meals. I have now lost 31 pounds since my last adjustment on 08.21.07. Go back to your surgeon for another adjustment. Good luck!
   — BunnyM