Question:
I'm a yesr out I exercise at least twice a day 30 min. or more, but

I'm hungry all the time and I'm pettrified of gaining the weight back, my job makes it hard for me to sit down and eat a real meal so i eat after work which is late at night and i find myself at the snack machine..so far I havent gained but I need help I can never be FAT again I was miserable. Any suggestions are welcome I used to drink my protein, but that doesn't hold me like in the beginning after surgery I wont allow myself to complete any meal ,but maybe that nort good either ....HELP    — minkii68 (posted on November 7, 2008)

November 7, 2008
Melinda, it is completely normal to love your new body and being thin and healthy... but try to take a breath and not freak out about it. I'm not being nasty, I'm just being frank. If you follow your WLS rules, you will not ever have to go back there. It's all about choices. You have to make the choice to be happy and healthy on a daily basis. You need to have several healthy meals per day to have the proper nutrition and to keep your body going. As long as you are eating protein and veggies, drinking water, taking your vitamins and exercising... you'll be fine. You need to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Pack your lunches, keep water in a little cooler under your desk, have healthy snacks at arm's reach like in your car, in your locker at work, wherever you can to sustain your energy and stay on track and to avoid the snack machine. Allow yourself to eat until you are satisfied as we are supposed to and live my friend. Try to relax and enjoy this new part of your life and do the things you have to to never go back. It can and does happen, you just have to make it happen. If you slip up, forgive yourself quickly and get back on track. Deal with your emotions, feel them, work through them and get over them instead of medicating with food like we always used to do. It can be painful, but avoiding them and medicating with food like we used to didn't get us to a good place so we'll have to try a new approach. It is never a bad thing to ask for help when you need it. Keep us posted. Dawn Vickers
   — DawnVic

November 7, 2008
Melinda, First I want to congratulate you on your first year's success. You did it girl and should celebrate your decision every day! I am almost 4 years post-op (02/02/05) and completly understand your fear and desire to stay on track. Congratulations on your exercise regiment as it is very important to protect your muscle mass and, in turn, your metabolism. Remember that you had stomach surgery and not brain surgery so, at this time in your post-op life your food triggers may be stronger than in your first year. As with most obese or morbidly obese people I had/have a problem with food choices. We must always remember that carbohydrates are an energy source that must be carefully watched. According to the physicians I've worked with, carbohydrates have an affect on the amount of insulin your body generates and sometimes insulin is not our friend. Insulin is a hormone that makes you hungry. (Its what kept us alive 10,000 years ago when food was not always easy to find. When we did find food, this hormone said "eat") It also inhibites the ability to break down fat. These things don't help to stay in control. You should always have a balanced diet each day to make sure you give your body the energy it needs but remember that protein is key to staying off hunger and potecting your muscle mass. As the other respondant said, taking time to pack your own snacks and being prepared to eat at any time is a great plan. Consider eating good quality (dense) protein first before anything and then consume your carbs, fats, etc. Protein takes longer to digest and really helps with satiety. Google "protein" and see all the choices you have. Cook your chicken, beef, pork, etc, ahead of time and pack it in small "snack size" zip lock bags. Freeze your snack bags and take what you need each day. I like to cut my protein in strips and put 2 or 3 pieces in each bag. That's about 25 grams of protein and, for me, represent about 25% of the protein I need to eat every day. Keep up the great work Melinda and know that you are not alone. You are awesome and if someone else doesn't tell you that every day, tell yourself!
   — Marcia C.

November 8, 2008
Also remember to get plenty of sleep! If you are not getting enough, the body can mistake tiredness for "head hunger". Do your best to eat protein; cottage cheese, meats, etc. will keep your body full and the blood sugar stable. This keeps you from craving carbs. Take this year to continue to utilize the new eating tools you have learned, and you will stay successful! -Darlene
   — dadebrito

November 8, 2008
Hi, I find if I eat meat it fills me up with just a few bites. Meat is solid and it just fills you up and keeps you full longer. If I eat any sugar or too many carbs ( as I like to do) it will make me feel hungry all the time. I suggest you keep nuts and jerky at your desk and never never again go to the fat making vending machine again. If you have access to a fridge you can keep slices of ham or cheese in there. You also can mix it up with some fruit or veggies for variety. Do what ever you can to stay full. If you let your self get too hungry, too tired , to emotional or to lonely you will eat the wrong things. Best of luck to you , keep strong. you will do fine.
   — bellespre

November 8, 2008
Every response to your question is right on! It is very scary after having surgery to lose that weight, not wanting to go back. I hear you big time!!! Just follow the recommendations made,and you will be fine. It's okay to ventilate....we are hear to support you.
   — ZLander