Pre-band worry- Will the band make me throw up???

mypov · September 25, 2006

Ok so I'm getting the band in a few months. I guess my main concern is that my doc recommends eating 3 small meals a day and no snacking in between. However, whenever I go awhile without food, I start feeling really sick- lightheaded, dizzy, clammy, weak-- and then I my stomach feels like it drops and I dry heave (TMI, I know). I'm really worried that I will have that problem if I'm not eating much after the banding and I've read alot about how throwing up can cause the band to slip. Should I be worried? Or will I usually still have something in my stomach to keep me from having what I assume is the effects of low blood sugar(which actually my dr. said can't be right since I have insulin resistance and high blood sugar). Anyone know? THanks!!

JDru · September 25, 2006

hi mypov!

I'm not sure what to tell you about not feeling well when you don't eat. But hopefully the band will make you fee like you're full longer, so you won't be deprived.

I am in SLC too! Dr. Hansen is doing my surgery on October 5. There are a few other people on here from Salt Lake too. Keep us updated on your situation and good luck on your journey!

GayleTX · September 25, 2006

I was concerned about that, too...I often had dizzy spells, shakiness if I didn't eat regularly (I am diabetic). However, it has not been a problem....haven't had even one episode since surgery - 6 mo. ago). Also at time of surgery I was taking 5 pills/day for diabetes, now I'm down to one.

Best wishes......

Carlene · September 25, 2006

You won't be as hungry, as often. That was my DH's biggest fear - that he would be hungry and could not eat. He has lost 74 pounds and cut his Diabetes meds by 3/4.

Also...in most Americans the thirst mechanism is so weak that we mistake it for hunger. With that in mind, I have learned to drink first when I think I'm hungry, and only eat if fluids don't satisfy the "hunger". You would be surprised at how well that works.

JJB · September 25, 2006

I am not diabetic. But I used to get light headed and feel weak ans shakie when I didnt eat. I have not felt that since I have had my band. I also have not thrown up yet. I know a lot of people do. I guess so far I have been lucky. Good luck to you.

sleepyjean · September 25, 2006

Ok so I'm getting the band in a few months. I guess my main concern is that my doc recommends eating 3 small meals a day and no snacking in between. However, whenever I go awhile without food, I start feeling really sick- lightheaded, dizzy, clammy, weak-- and then I my stomach feels like it drops and I dry heave (TMI, I know). I'm really worried that I will have that problem if I'm not eating much after the banding and I've read alot about how throwing up can cause the band to slip. Should I be worried? Or will I usually still have something in my stomach to keep me from having what I assume is the effects of low blood sugar(which actually my dr. said can't be right since I have insulin resistance and high blood sugar). Anyone know? THanks!!

Maybe if you spread your food out over the day, you'll be ok. They say take 3 small meals a day, but if you get sick after a couple of hours without food, I say go ahead and eat more frequently. Success has to do with how much you eat, not how often you eat.

JulieNYC · September 25, 2006

I don't have the same "too hungry" signals post band that I had pre-band. I used to feel light headed and dizzy if I didn't eat. I don't feel that at all now, even if I only eat 300 calories in a day (which happens if I don't plan my meals better). I feel completely fine on almost no food. If I didn't think we needed to eat, I'd just avoid it altogether.

You'll be fine. If you do feel bad due to hunger and you can't eat solids (which shouldn't happen on a regular basis), there are always liquid calories that will go down and pull you out of a low blood sugar moment if you truly need them.

mypov · September 28, 2006

Thanks, that really helps alot. I think mb i will have to spread it out a little more than just 3 meals a day, if i have problems anyway. I'm soooooo excited but of course a little nervous too!!

cammy · September 28, 2006

Are you sure your not hypoglycemic? I am hypoglycemic but not diabetic, I have similar symptoms to you even post banding. I am tiny now but it was hard. I got dizy and felt constant hunger... basically if i didn't eat i felt weak and nearly passed out. Good part is you don't have to eat very much!

Make sure the food is protien and solid (not sloppy) so it sticks in your pouch and you'll be better (sloppy foods or liquids go right through, liquid calories will make you feel even worse than not eating at all)..... eating sugar or carbs when you feel like that makes it worse too.

Basically you can have a band and these sympoms and still get through and lose the weight if you manage it right. Watch your caloires monitor them with calorie king software and you'll do great. Following the low GI way of eating for the most part really helps.

6 tiny meals *yes tiny, you don't know tiny until you have a band* - at least 4 of them good solid protien (that fit on a 3" plate with room to spare), less than 1000cals a day (usually only around 600-800 cals a day) and about 11 months was what it took for me to lose about 130lbs. Lots of exercise in there too.

Good luck, i'm sure you'll do great.