Something I never imagined would help me.

I am on week two of my three-week preoperative diet of clear liquids and vegetables. I am craving food (in particular an egg sandwich... odd) like crazy! Thursday night, as I was folding the laundry, my husband absentmindedly chowed down on his dinner right next to me, in the middle of the living room. At first, I was upset that he was so inconsiderate (he apologized profusely once he realized what he had done), but then I realized that I felt very satisfied to watch him eat, it was just the smell driving me crazy. So I opened up Netflix and put on an episode of Chopped. Watching those people cook and eat made me feel like I was eating it (without the agonizing scent of delicious food) and began to scratch my itch. Today on my lunch break, I was feeling quite empty after my protein shake was gone... so I looked up youtube videos of people eating delicious foods, and my cravings went away! I am sure this does not work for everyone. I would think it wouldn't work for anyone. In Korea, there is a saying that basically means, "I am full just by watching you eat." It is something my mom would say to me and my brothers when we were particularly enjoying a meal she cooked. I think it must be true for me too! Does anyone else do this or have any other surprising or weird ways to trick the mind out of cravings?

You know what? I had the same experience the other day.  I am 12 days post op RNY and live with my Aunt.  She had cooked kielbasa and mashed potatoes.  Ohh it smelled wonderful!  But I found myself content to just sit there, and inhale it.  It was satisfying, and not mind-numbing like... "Oh God I need to stuff my face with that right now!!"  Im finding ways to change my relationship with food.

I also had another incident where I just WANTED a cheeseburger.  But then I realized it was just my brain that wanted the cheeseburger, not my tummy.  Im learning what is just all in my mind...

Best of luck to you!

-Michelle

Wow, good for you for trying that trick.  I used to love the Food Network, but I haven'****ched it since surgery.  There's just too much great stuff on there that I can't have, and I think it would drive me crazy.

That's so interesting!  I might try it myself. I am about a week post-VSG and have had a few times where I HAD TO HAVE A PIZZA.  I realized quickly those were times of frustration and stress when I craved comfort. I'm seeking new ways to achieve that myself - so far, it's taken the form of manicures and shopping for Christmas gifts. Lol

I love that Korean quote, by the way! 

Good luck with your surgery. :)

I have been just horrible to my friends and family. I love watching them eat. I don't have a desire to eat a piece of cake, cookie, or even a candy bar but, holy cowbells, I love watching them eat it. I will even go so far as to bring stuff home with me for them to eat. None of them have issues with their weight but if I don't get this in check they might. I have gone from an EATER to a FEEDER and it is not a good thing. I am going to try the TV thing. Hopefully it will satisfy my weirdness.

Me too!  I have cooked more since my surgery than I did before.  But I am not eating it, I am enjoying watching them eat it!

i guess I am living vicariously though them.  So glad you posted this, because I thought I was weird!

Me too!  I have cooked more since my surgery than I did before.  But I am not eating it, I am enjoying watching them eat it!

i guess I am living vicariously though them.  So glad you posted this, because I thought I was weird!