Question:
Is anyone hungry after lapband surgery? I had my surgery 4 months ago. I have had

two fills and they don't seem to restrict me at all. I find that I am totally starving no matter what I eat. I just do not feel full. I am so discouraged. I thought fills were supposed to suppress my appetite and make me feel fuller. I can actually eat a full course meal with no problem. Why do I not feel restricted. My doctor is of no help to me.    — janetcarrano (posted on October 7, 2009)

October 7, 2009
the lapband is a tool. We still have to work to make it do its job. Yes, there are days that I am more hungry than other days, I just try and distract myself, drink some water, have a Popsicle, go to sleep,take a short walk. Maybe you are eating the wrong foods. I know for a fact that there is no way you can eat a plate of protein,,, like chicken. Are you eating your protein first? Contact the hospital nutritionist. They can go over the foods you should be eating. Don't put it off. We all want to be sucessful. Remember protein first. Call the nutritionist today. Good luck
   — karrenn

October 8, 2009
Thank you for your help and for answering my question. I guess I have to be more aware of what I'm eating. I will do as you say and see if it helps. Again, thank you.
   — janetcarrano

October 8, 2009
It often takes more than 2 fills for enough restriction. Get back to your doc as soon as your time is up & get another fill. I have heard of some people taking as many as 5 fills just to really start feeling restriction. It took my 3. Donna lapband 4/19/07 SW 303 CW 185
   — Donna O.

October 8, 2009
You may want to talk to a therapist or a support group regarding distinguishing between physical and head hunger... I'm NOT saying that you are not physically hungry, that is for you, and only you to decide. I know when I went to the seminar, the surgeons said where they place the band is at the point of the stomach where the "hunger hormone", Grelin, is released. This is supposed to aid in a decrease of that hormone resulting in less appetite. Sorry your surgeon is "of no help", that stinks! Also, my nutritionist said a meal should take 30-45 mins, no shorter and no longer... this will help train your body to feel full. Hope this helps, I will be praying for you!!
   — Clumsybarbie

October 8, 2009
I think it has alot to do with the size of your band as well. I have a 4CC band and my sister in law has a 10CC band. I lost the weight I needed to loose in the first 8 months and have maintained that for 3 years. I am at 2cc in the band. My sister in law on the other hand is 1 yr out, lost only 40 pds and has 7cc in her band already. She is going for another adjustment on Monday. I lost 80 pds in the first 8 months and I started out at 226. She was a little heavier at 260. So I think band size and the size of the person makes a difference. She can eat more than me. It took me more than 2 fills to tell the difference. So I wouldnt be discourage yet, go get another fill for sure. Best of luck.
   — Babbles

October 8, 2009
I am 3 days post op from the realize band and so far am not hungry. I can tell when I have drank too much or too fast because I become very bloated and miserable. Head wise I keep wondering how long I can put up with just liquids but stomache wise I'm not hungry. I am making myself drink water all through the day. I pray that you will find your perfect level and will be successful with this tool and that i will continue to not be hungry! This is not going to be easy but I finally have the tool i need to beat the obesity demon inside of me!
   — tfshearin