questions about increased appetite

[Guest j234555]

I received the lap band about 5 months ago. Since the surgery I've lost about 80 lbs.; however, in the last few weeks I've experienced a significant increase in my appetite. I've had one fill (about 30 days after surgery), but none since. The thing that concerns me is that I seem to be able to eat a large of amount of food with no discomfort. Since the procedure I've had no episodes of vomiting and I haven't experienced one ache in my stomach. That said, I can easily eat a sandwich, piece of fruit, etc. (along with a liquid) at one sitting and feel satisfied. Don't misunderstand, I can't eat as much as I used to, just much more than the usual 1/2 of a sandwich (or 6-8 oz by volume) which we've all heard should be normal.

Any advice?

[Alexandra 55]

Time for a fill!

Seriously, there are two things that could be going on. One is that you have experienced lessened restriction as you lose weight, a common result as your stomach walls get thinner and fat disappears. In that case, a fill will bring back the restriction you used to have and you'll be back in the driver's seat.

The other scenario is that there is something wrong, but I think that's highly unlikely if you're having no symptoms. By "wrong" I mean erosion (worst case scenario) or a leak of saline. The leak wouldn't cause any symptoms beyond a loss of restriction, but IMO it's less likely to be the cause than your weight loss.

Call your doctor and make an appointment for a fill. That's my advice.

[Guest j234555]

Thanks so much Alex. I've already got an appointment this Monday, so a fill is probably the way to go. Also, I should have mentioned that he used the new larger band (10 cm) with me. So as the fat erodes, less restriction makes good sense.

Thanks again.

[New Hope 37]

You've lost 80 pounds! How much were you expecting to lose at this point? And you must be blessed to be a male, right?

[Guest j234555]

I guess my first post did sound a bit ungrateful.

Yes, I'm a male and I was 399.7 lbs. when I had the surgery (maybe I should have drank a few glasses of Water before the pre-surgery weigh so I could have made it an even 400). I'm sure both of these factors contributed to the quick weight loss.

[New Hope 37]

Congratulations on the 80 pounds gone forever! You must be doing something right! But your band certainly could have loosened from that much of a loss. Did you say that you're drinking w/ your meals? Usually, a bandster should wait at least one hour after eating to drink. The reason being that food will stay in your pouch longer and help you feel "satisfied" longer.

[Guest j234555]

not often...usually I wait at least 30 min., but on occassion, I have had something to drink with a meal and I haven't had any problems. That said, your advice makes sense. Drinking has to force the food through faster.

Thanks.

[La_madam 20]

It's fill time for you Mister sounds like ..If you can eat like that with ease then you need a fill

Congrats on the 80 lbs ..you have done a great job so far

Damn men they lose so fast :huytsao