Frustrated and Hungry

[DebHas 27]

One year and 3 days and 54# gone. I should be happy right??? BUT I am hungry. I have had 3 fills since my surgery. I think I am around 3-3.5cc in my band. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the weight loss but I feel like it has been a constant battle. I didnt think the band would end all of my eating issues. I know it is a tool to weight loss but it is a constant struggle for me. I feel that all foods go down without any problems. I am watching my diet and exercising. I am not really sure the band has done anything for me. I know in the last year, I have not always made the right food choices(bad habits are hard to break). I know that there are days that I should have went to the gym(laziness got the best of me). Overall, I have made many changes in my life and am pleased with my results. Just getting a little frustrated that I feel hungry. Any thoughts...do I just need to keep getting fills until I hit my sweet spot....is there an issue with my band....Thanks!

[BandedBrunette481 310]

I have about the same amount of Fluid in my band and I'm in the same boat. Everything goes down. I have never even had a stuck episode on a single thing. The 30 pounds I've lost so far have been all because of my own willpower and it's hard! I want the band to do some of the work for me and I don't think that's too much to ask. That's why I got it and that's what it's there for. To help control how much I can eat (while I make the right food choices of course).

I'm scheduled for a fill next week and I'm definitely sure I need it. So I think you should absolutely keep getting fills. You've done amazing so far on your own but it's ok to want it to work better and help you more! I wish you the best of luck

[Mikee57 699]

I feel the same way ladies...have 4 cc and still no restrictive feelings and I can feel feelings of being full at times other time nothing. I have had stuck issues though...and know its when I get in a hurry...using my slow eat app on phone has helped with that though. but it is very frustrating...seems like we are doing all the work and the band isn't doing much...but no matter what I am trying hard to stay on track. its been a rough 3 weeks but maybe it will get better soon...hope you both start feeling something as well!!! best wishes!!!

[2muchfun 8,927]

Why have you not gone back for more fills? Fills and aftercare are essential if you're going to succeed? Have you consulted your nutritionist? As long as it's a bariatric nut you could be getting some great advice as to why you're still hungry?

And, do you know if this is hunger or head hunger(cravings)?

I posted a study a few months ago regarding why some patients fail with the band. The number one reason was patients not following up with their doctors after surgery. 3 CCs is not a lot of saline although some patients find satiety/restriction with just this amount or even less. But, it's not the norm.

[Wendydarling19 310]

Some people require a lot more than that. I just had my hopefully last fill yesterday at 6.5-7ccs I remember at 3ccs I was still in bandster hell and could not wait to get another fill! You definitely need to get another fill or else the band is unable to correctly do it's job.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Some people never get control of the hunger issue with the band. You just have to eat filling Proteins. Beef is best if you can eat it because it takes longer to digest.

[DebHas 27]

I have had my routine checks with my surgeon. He feels that if you are losing weight, you do not need a fill. I have had to really talk with him to get the 3 fills that I have gotten. I am scheduled for another recheck in about 3 weeks. I am hoping for another fill....

I am determined and I WILL NOT FAIL.

Thanks for all your advice!

[SandyM 1,956]

Sometimes I feel I could use a small fill as I get hungry too soon. I then evaluate and realize, there are times I'm not doing my part as much as I believe I am. For instance last night at the mall we stopped off at food court and I ordered lo mien noodles and teriyaki chicken. I was only going to eat a bite of noodles, but chicken wasn't that good so I ate all the noodles and hardly any chicken. Last night, I over indulged in carbs due to that. Do I need a fill? No, I need to follow the rules. I can eat almost anything and like that for me, but if I don't take in enough Protein, I'm toast.

[2babutterfly 483]

If you are able to eat anything with no problem then u probably need a fill. I had 4 cc in my band and could eat anything and everything. My doc added 1.5 last week and it made a huge difference. ( debating on having a tiny bit taken out). Let the band help you!!

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Being able to eat anything with no problem is not a sign you need a fill. I can eat anything and I don't need a fill. It's what you eat that matters.

[SandyM 1,956]

Being able to eat anything with no problem is not a sign you need a fill. I can eat anything and I don't need a fill. It's what you eat that matters.

same here!

[catfish87 3,471]

I have had my routine checks with my surgeon. He feels that if you are losing weight, you do not need a fill. I have had to really talk with him to get the 3 fills that I have gotten. I am scheduled for another recheck in about 3 weeks. I am hoping for another fill....

I am determined and I WILL NOT FAIL.

Thanks for all your advice!

Good for you for following up on a regular basis.

I've read over the years from many "studies", informational manuals, fill protocol, etc, from band manufactures about adjustments and when to give a fill to patients. EVERY one I've ever read describes NOT to give the patient a fill if they're losing the targeted amount, say 1-2 pounds per week. Unfortunately, they don't take into consideration the patients effort.....how much dieting/exercising the patient is doing, and how much the band is doing.

I really feel some surgeons would do better by just asking what the patient feels, regardless of pounds lost.

There came a time for me, when the band was doing NOTHING, and it was all just another diet, of which I failed at many times.

But after getting properly adjusted, it was night and day. So hang in there, it can get much better. Best wishes!