am I the only one?

Im finding that some of my old eating habits are kicking in, especially mentally.I want to reach for chocolate or chips instead of a protein  source. 

I have a few friends that have had the surgery and none of them seem to be having the same fight mentally that I am. 

Anyone have any words of wisdom or advice? 

Also, Im 9 months out from surgery, approx. what should my calorie count be around? 

Thanks guys!!!

I'm with ya on the "I want CARBS not PROTEINS" binge.

All I can say.. is get rid of anything that is NOT good for you.. because you will be tempted. Make healthy snacks available to you to chomp on.

I'm struggling too.. and I'm only 3 months out..

Can't say muc more than that

Just because they are not telling you doesn't mean they are not fighting them. Some are more private about these issues. Others do not have any issues because they remembered the first rule of surgery. They operated our stomachs not our brains and they do the hard work to deal with the issues as they come up.

The real issue should be YOU are fighting these issues how can you help yourself get over this and remain healthy. Rather the am i normal.

I am out about the same to and still need to remind myself abut the rules of my new life. Some stuff can not be in my house as they are foods that trigger my eating. The list of foods gets smaller everyday as I get better able to make healthy treats that fit my new lifestyle so i no longer feel deprived.

You might need a counselor to help or you might like me and want or need to do it your way on your own.

You signed up for the long haul Not a quick cure.  Go back to your basic research you did when deciding to do this and remind yourself of the whys and and the what's of eating or not eating. If you have bad eating fix it or ask for the help you need.

You are an adult here. No one can do this for you. We can all offer you support but eventually it comes down to you and how bad do you want it. I am trying to live my life the way i want to for the rest of my life.

When it comes to calories I don't track them. I eat each snack and meal following the rules for protein then veg then fruit then other carbs. with no real processed foods and portions we are told to and  that is it. I swim, skate, run, walk and weight lift on a busy schedule so it works for me. I treat myself as a now thin athletic person who eats healthy to maintain a fit lifestyle. This activity level is what I dreamed I wanted now I am doing it. I love baking and making new meals and snacks to get my healthy new fuel into me and my kids without having to make two meals or settle for less them excellent food.

I know this advice may seem harsh but it not intended as such. I know I am not perfect and will always struggle with having eating issues but I know I will be one of the one's to make this surgery work because I will make it so. 

Thanks for the helpful hint Mer thats pretty much what Im trying to do, I just find it harder once Im out and ordering dinner. The mental is tough! I really appreciate the fact that you were honest and feel the struggle that I do, its helpful knowing Im not alone. thank you!! 

Onmom I appreciate the fact you took the time to answer my post,  I didnt find it harsh as much as I found it  condescending. I was looking for others that feel my struggle and the knowledge that Im not the only one with these thoughts or urges. I know the rules and follow them which is why Im still loosing weight, the lecture wasnt needed nor asked for, just an ear to bounce my thoughts off of.  

I too am struggling with head hunger.  According to my therapist, I will be for a while until I turn my stinkin' thinkin' around.  LOL!  I to have some 'treats' in the house.  I have no sugar added chocolate mints.  I just brought them in for Christmas and only have 1 a day and it is in my count.  I have a carb at each meal and it is a carb I like i.e. mashed potatoes for breakfast, cereal for breakfast, croutons for lunch.  However, it is all counted for an allowed.  I follow the rule of protein first, veggie / fruit second, and carb last.  When I get head hunger, I go through all of my NSV's as a way of turning my thinking around (therapist idea).  So far, I am very happy with the Christmas season and how I have been eating.  This is all new to me as I am only 3 months out.  Maybe I am wrong but it is working for me.  I am eating to live not living to eat.  Good luck!

laura thats awesome! Im going to start a list of my NSV's and see if that helps me stay on track. Its not quite so overwhelming when I hear that others have the same problem with the mental as Im having. 

Thanks for your input and Merry Christmas!!

Nikki i am almost same time out and am having the same problem,being busy at work and home doesnt help much here..you are not alone!

I'm 11 months out tomorrow and I've found the carb cravings insane for the last 6 weeks.  I think its a winter thing for me.  Fight the good fight and don't give up is all I can say. You are not alone!

You can't eat what isn't there. Season or marinade a half a dozen boneless skinless chicken breasts and bake them. Keep one chopped up in the fridge for snacking. English Cuke sliced into chips with some hummus or no fat dip is a much better alternative than chocolate or chips. You can do it if you try, just keep the junk out of the house for those times when you suffer a moment of weakness.