In need of wise words

Hi everyone. I don't post a lot - but I am on here a lot learning from all of you! Today I am worried. The fact is - I can eat too much! I am hungry a lot and I have to stop myself from eating. I can almost eat a whole Caesar salad from McDonalds! I can eat a whole hamburger with the bun! Isn't that a ton? It's been like this from day one. I can eat more than most WLS people and I don't dump on anything. I am not unhappy with my loss so far (66lbs) But I am so afraid the old eating habits will come back!!! I even had 3 bites of my stepson's graduation cake - I couldn't stop myself. I guess 3 bites isn't soooo bad - but what if it's 4 next time and then 5!!!! I try to eat mostly protein, but I still get hungry every 3-4 hours. Your advice and encourging words are welcome. Does anyone else have the same problem?

HI Deb, I woke up hungry. I am one of the few unfortunate people who experienced real hunger - vs. head hunger from day one. I get hungry too most days evey 4 hours or so. I do not dump on anything. I admit it - I ate a candy bar - nothing - nadda - not a heart palpatation, not a cramp, no dizziness, no sweats, nothing. I can eat a half of chicken breast with no problem. I think we will need to be very diligent with our efforts and monitor each bite we eat. My question is ... does this taste good enough to keep these hips - sometimes my answer is yes. OTher times I think what in the world am I doing. Here is what I do. I start my day with a 30 gram protein drink. That way I have almost 1/2 of my protein in. In addition to the protein, it gives me my first 12 ounces of fluid for the day. Lunch I usually have some kind of chicken. Then it all goes to hell. The afternoon comes and I want a snack. What should I do. Eat a snack, high proetin low carb, low cal, low fat. What do I eat, not necessarily what I should. Then the family comes home and we have a well balance dinner. I usually just eat the protein portion with a few veggies. Then comes night time and I get the carb munchies. I can hardly resist the carbs - and I do not mean the good carbs, I mean crappy refined white carbs and sugars. When I get these cravings, I am trying to eat sugar free popcicles - but I do fall short. I am going to send you a private email as well. God Bless, JEn

Hi Deb, I wrote you once and lost it all! I am sorry you are stuggling! Sometimes when I am hungry......I drink to fill me so I do not eat to much. I, like you have not dumped but I do stay away from sugars and stuff that would make us dump! If it makes you feel better you are beating me in the weight loss. I have lost 55 pounds so far and am 20 days behind you! Try not to worry. I know for me somedays I eat more than other days! ~~hugs and well wishes~~ Chris

Thank you. I will try drinking even more. I won't give up!

Hi Deb I'm sorry you're struggling. I guess I'm one of the lucky one's in that I'm almost never hungry but I can eat alot too. I do have a couple of suggestions for you though: 1. Drink more. Make sure you drink at least 100 oz a day. That will help with the feeling of fullness and; 2. Try eating 6 small meals a day. If you get hungry every 3-4 hours, then eat every three to 4 hours. Just make sure it's protein rich Hope that helps. Best of luck to you. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Yes, Deb, I feel you. I've said many times that I've always been hungry, eat more cals than anyone who posts, don't dump, can eat a lot and still fight all my fat demons (if there are cookies or ice cream in the house, they still call to me and I will pick at them until they are gone--it just takes longer now). So for me, WLS hasn't been a 'magic bullet' either. I know that Jen Jen feels similarly, as I've also seen her posts along the same lines. I tell myself that I am very lucky-- I am getting used to dealing with food issues early. I sometimes think that those who don't have hunger may have a harder time when it returns----so I try to put a positive spin on things. My weight loss has been pretty good, I feel (81 total, 66 since surgery). I try to follow the pouch rules: 1) wait 1 hr after eating to drink 2) try to drink first when I feel hungry 3) choose protein first I also try to exercise, though, I often fall a little short. All in all, I feel I'm a woman with a lifelong weight problem who is doing very well. I am not going to beat myself up over my eating-----I've done that my whole life. It is what it is and I'm doing the best I can. Take care and I'm with you--- Cathy

YES! you are like me and Jen Jen. It will continue to be a lifelong fight - BUT we CAN WIN IT!