Really hungry between meals

[twinskins 13]

I was banded in September of last year. Originally lost 20 lbs, but gained 10 lbs back. So a total of 10 lbs lost. I guess 10 is better than nothing, but NOT what I was expecting. I was not doing right by the band. I was eating junk, drinking soda, eating until I was stuffed. About a month ago, I decided enough was enough. I didn't go through this surgery just to keep doing what I was doing before I had the surgery. I haven't lost anything, but I haven't gained anything. I have been going to the gym about 3 times a week. I have had three fills, but I only have 3cc's in my band. I don't even know how big my band is. I am making smarter food choices, but I get very hungry after an hour or so. I don't know if I'm "allowed" to snack between meals or not. But I am practically starving by the time I am able to eat again and then I feel like I'm not satisfied or I'm going to overeat at my next meal. I have an appt for May 16th for another fill, but I'm kind of scared to show my face because I haven't lost any weight since my last appointment back in February. Hopefully this fill will help!

[mrsto 2,925]

It sounds like an appointment with the nutritionist at your doctor's office would be a good step to take. They should be able to clarify your concerns; answer your questions and help get you back on track.

[catfish87 3,471]

First, this isn't a one time and you're done kinda thing...as I'm sure you're aware of. Its an adjustable band for a reason. Your surgeon, per your profile, has "over 3 years experience" with 25 patients who are members on here. I PROMISE YOU, you are not gonna be the first one he's seen, who didn't drop 100 lbs in the first couple of months. I made this mistake over two years ago....and I wasted a year and a half by not going to see my doctor. Thinking it wasn't gonna work for me. PLEASE don't make the same mistake I did.

You state a lot of good info in your post.

#1. You know you're over eating, BECAUSE you state you're hungry all the time.

#2. You know you needed help choosing the right type and quanity of food. Otherwise, why have surgery.

#3. You have only 3cc's in your band, and from the what I read, you're not satisfied on a small volume of food. Meaning, you're probably not at correct restriction.

The good news! All these things can be FIXED with correct follow up/adjustments with a good surgeon and speaking with a nutritionist.

But most importantly......YOU never, ever giving up. Best wishes on your success.

[B-52 7,113]

An example of what the Band Can do......just my own experience...

At 5:30am today I had my usual Protein smoothie along with all my Vitamins, etc.....

I've been on the road all day traveling.....it is now 6pm, just got home, and I have not had anything to eat all day...and right now I am not the least bit hungry....also food just does not have any appeal to me right now and I am not the least bit interested.....

I'm sitting here convincing myself I need to go and have dinner....but I am also afraid I will eat very little and throw most of it away....

So I will eat, because I know I need to...I have a long day tomorrow after going to the gym.....but I have had days throughout this journey where I did not eat anything, especially when I am occupied with some activities.........(but I always get my Protein and water)

The band sends signals to my brain, telling it I am full, satisfied, whatever you want to call it.......but I have not had anything to eat...so it's not a physical feeling......it's all mental.....and it's just not between meals. The band is always there so the signals to my brain are always there.......

BTW, this is NOT restriction....I only experience that when I am actually eating....

[asquill17 72]

My band was filled 7cc's in a 10cc band! Everyone is different keep going to your appointments!!! Recommit you can do it!!

[Trisaddi 21]

I was banded sept 2012. I have slowly lost 50 lbs. what I have figured out is that the key is Protein, Protein, protein!! The days I take in more than 60g of protein I am not hungry or do I crave sweets. The days I don't I want everything. I eat lots of the same things day to day. Cottage cheese with crackers, bean burritos, cheese, protein bars(I use Adkins). Some Pasta and Soup. chicken snack wraps if I'm out. Those are the staples but I also eat a little of almost anything. Before surgery I switched my diet coke habit for an iced tea habit. I haven't really exercised since January. But the weight is slowly coming off. Most bands have a 10cc capacity. I have a 6cc fill. 3cc sounds pretty low to me. Hope this helps

[brianb 81]

I have had three fills, but I only have 3cc's in my band.

Man, that seems way to low to me. It seems like most people are 4.5 CC and up. Just from reading forums, I've got it in my head that 6.5 CC is about average for those who are successful.

I'm at 4.6 CC and still well into the yellow zone:

- I get very hungry between meals.

- Can eat as much as I did before the band

- Can eat very fast with no problem

- Can eat anything I want

Think it's great you are getting back into it and going for a fill. Hang in there!

[Frederic 500]

I only have 3.33 ccs in my 10cc band I rarely feel hungry before 11am and as long as I focus on Protein it doesn't take much for me to feel full and am losing about 1.5lbs a week pretty consistently and shedding inches much faster.

That being said how much fill you need to experience restriction is different for everyone I know people with 7ccs who can easily eat twice what I do and have to eat in the morning or feel miserable.

The same way some people don't need WLS at all some; people are simply more responsive to it. How quickly our bodies adjust to the band will be very individualized the most important person to compare yourself to when gauging progress is yourself a month earlier. As long as you feel healthier than that guy, you're headed in the right direction.

[rpmgrl 0]

I was banded in September of last year. Originally lost 20 lbs' date=' but gained 10 lbs back. So a total of 10 lbs lost. I guess 10 is better than nothing, but NOT what I was expecting. I was not doing right by the band. I was eating junk, drinking soda, eating until I was stuffed. About a month ago, I decided enough was enough. I didn't go through this surgery just to keep doing what I was doing before I had the surgery. I haven't lost anything, but I haven't gained anything. I have been going to the gym about 3 times a week. I have had three fills, but I only have 3cc's in my band. I don't even know how big my band is. I am making smarter food choices, but I get very hungry after an hour or so. I don't know if I'm "allowed" to snack between meals or not. But I am practically starving by the time I am able to eat again and then I feel like I'm not satisfied or I'm going to overeat at my next meal. I have an appt for May 16th for another fill, but I'm kind of scared to show my face because I haven't lost any weight since my last appointment back in February. Hopefully this fill will help![/quote']

We need to be friends..I been banded for three yrs I was 220 and got to 160 but got off track and gained 20 (bad chioces) i could use a good friend for inspiration. Plus I just increased my band fill to 7.2 and really like to know if anyone else is t the same fill???ƒ

[suzzie33 37]

We need to be friends..I been banded for three yrs I was 220 and got to 160 but got off track and gained 20 (bad chioces) i could use a good friend for inspiration. Plus I just increased my band fill to 7.2 and really like to know if anyone else is t the same fillð

That's me too ! Have not had a fill in over a year! I get starving between meals ! Can still eat fast ! So I need a fill. Was 241 now I am 156 give or take. I need to lose 25 more