Post-op lifestyle

[Soundman999 3]

I am an overeater...not sweets or cake and the such, but lots of food! How does your body and brain handle the decrease in calories? This isn't going to deter me from the procedure. I'm just looking for tips from actual Bandsters who have, or are now going through the post-op period.

[LeighaMason 19]

I don't think your body reacts to the decrease in calories because basically you are over feeding it now so you will start giving it what it needs not depriving it.

The brain is a different story, I went through a period where I literally pouted because I could only eat a small amount. I really enjoyed the act of eating but I now enjoy the fact that I am thin so it has replaced it. I think that is key you have to replace overeating. But sometimes even now, my mouth or my brain is still hungry but my stomach is full.

I personally think the band helps overeater's the most because I physically can not over eat. I could stuff ice cream in there all day but ice cream wasn't my problem. I would eat a huge plate of food and still be hungry. Now I eat a small plate of food and I am full and I stay full. That is where the band helps me, it stopped the physical hunger that I use to suffer from.

[Astrasmom 1]

I am an overeater...not sweets or cake and the such, but lots of food! How does your body and brain handle the decrease in calories? This isn't going to deter me from the procedure. I'm just looking for tips from actual Bandsters who have, or are now going through the post-op period.

Your body goes through something like a detox. When you first start your pre-op diet (if you have one), or if you don't do the pre-op diet, when you do your surgery, your body goes through starvtion mode. You may feel tired and cranky for a few days but it passes. Biggest thing is to keep yourself busy and drink lots of fluids. Eventually you will learn the difference between head hunger and real hunger.

[Soundman999 3]

Thank you very much. I just began the paperwork this week and I'm begining to feel a little apprehension...I'm really a big baby!! I have a history of lightheadedness, headaches and sweats when I don't eat when my body tells me. I was wondering if I will get this way post op, and if I do; will it get better with time? Sorry for all of the questions. You guys have been through it and in my opinion...the experts on how you feel.

[Astrasmom 1]

Thank you very much. I just began the paperwork this week and I'm begining to feel a little apprehension...I'm really a big baby!! I have a history of lightheadedness, headaches and sweats when I don't eat when my body tells me. I was wondering if I will get this way post op, and if I do; will it get better with time? Sorry for all of the questions. You guys have been through it and in my opinion...the experts on how you feel.

Do you have to do a pre-op diet? Chances are you probably won't because your body will have already gone through the starvation mode before your surgery. If it DOES happen, it won't last for long. Things do get better.

Please ask any question you like. The only stupid question is the one never asked. :thumbup: Good luck on your journey.

[LeighaMason 19]

I have a history of lightheadedness, headaches and sweats when I don't eat when my body tells me. I was wondering if I will get this way post op, and if I do; will it get better with time?

After your liquid diet, when you are back on regular food, you will eat when your body tells you to. You just wont eat as much food at one time. I eat 5 times a day.

Do you eat a lot of sugar? Carbs? Caffeine? Artificial sweeteners? You could experience withdrawals from any of those.

[jenontheband 0]

Soundman, I did that whole lightheadedness thing along with sweats and shakes. You name it. My doc said I was hypoglycemic. In the end what I have come to find with all of that is that if I have Protein throughout the day it never happens. It only happened if the only calories I was intaking were sugar calories. I could eat 800 calories a day with protein no problem, but give me 800 of sugar products (donuts, Cookies, candy) then I got the shakes right away. Again, this is my experience but maybe it is the same for you?