Question:
Is everyone hungry post band before first fill?

I had lap band 12-30-06 and now I'm hungry and can eat more than I think I should. Is this unsusual before the first fill?    — LauraKay (posted on January 17, 2007)

January 17, 2007
Laura, I had the lapband surgery on Dec 4th. I also feel that I'm eating too much. However I do notice that I'm eating less than before the surgery and still feeling full. There are times though that I feel full faster than others. I'm hoping that after the first fill I'll be able to eat even less and feel full. Try eating slower and give yourself more time to feel full. Good luck. Dan
   — bigdooba

January 17, 2007
I was banded 11-3 and I just had my second fill, and I still feel like I am eating too much. But again less than before. You are probably ready for a fill, everyone is different in how many fills they will need. My Dr just told me I will probably need 5 fills before we find the "sweet Spot" On thing I keep telling myself is that the weight I am loosing will never come back! remember to Drink all your water too. I am still having problems with that, but I keep trying! Good Luck! Marie
   — Marie B.

January 18, 2007
Wow! I'm glad to hear others experienced hunger. I had my surgery on 11-3-06 and the entire month of Nov. I was soooo hungry (even more than I was before the surgery) and was eating more than I thought I should too. I did lose 20 pounds in Nov. I wasn't able to get my first fill until Dec. 13th. He added 1.5cc. After that I was still able to eat more and wasn't really losing. I got my 2nd fill on Jan. 16. He added 1cc. I am feeling full quicker and with less food. I will let you know how it goes. I have to up my water and protein intake. I hope I can get over this 25 pound hump! Kathie Pennsylvania
   — kcannell

January 18, 2007
Hi Laura, When you have a band put in, it is put in empty. The doctor wants everything to heal before they start filling. Right after surgery, you will feel some restiction from the swelling and healing of the surgery. After about 6 weeks you are ready for your first fill. It sometimes takes several fills to get the right restriction that you need. Once you get that restriction, you will continue to have fills as you lose weight. You also lose fat in the stomach. As you get smaller, the band will need more saline solution in it to compensate for the weight loss. It is very common to have as many as 8 fills or more in the first year. Once they give you a fill, wait awhile and see how you do (usually 2 weeks), if you need more restriction, go in for another fill. You can continue this for as long or as much as you need. Remember, you are in charge of your body. You tell them if you need a fill, but take small fills each time as you don't want to land in the ER because you can't eat anything. Good Luck in your journey and what you are feeling is normal. You have no fill in your band yet, so you have to depend on watching what you eat. Just as an FYI, I work in a fill Clinic in Denver, CO and hear these coments all the time.
   — jk_harris

January 19, 2007
I had my lap band on 12-28-06 and also feel unsatisfied. I did contact my nurse and she suggested eating peanuts as a snack once in awhile. It works. I picked the shelled ones as you have to take the time to unshell them and chew well. I also increased my protein a little more. I think maybe I wasn't eating enough as I was feeling some sugar lows. Icky feeling. Cold sweats and shakey. I have my first fill on the 1st of Feb. I have had to set my mind straight and tell myself that I didn't go through this surgery for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a lot of work. Just like a marriage or parenting. Good luck.
   — cjsutton66

January 21, 2007
I am so glad that you asked that question. I am 5 weeks post surgery and one week past my first fill. I still get hungry and fill like I am able eat way more than I think I should. I don't mind restricting but I do hope that at some point we will find that "sweet spot" that other Lap Banders speack of. So far I have lost 24 lbs. counting the pre-op weightloss. I do think I am doing well but I can't help worrying that things just aren't tight enough in there. I'm looking forward to hearing from other bansters. Thanks...Barb
   — bpfoster