Question:
Can't control my eating
I am 18 months post op. I am hungry all the time. I do NOT have any dumping syndrom at all. I can eat everything. I have found my way back to carbs and sugar addiction. I do not know what to do. I never really started right because I got pregnant 3 1/2 months after the surgery. I am home all day with the baby and all I want to do is eat. Please help me. I truly feel hungry all day and crave carbs and sugar and I give into temptation. I can eat a lot too, I am very suprised. Any suggestions will help. Perhaps a daily diet plan. I moved and cannot see my old surgeon and have no support. Thank you soooooo much. — tammiherb (posted on October 10, 2007)
October 10, 2007
Tammy, have you looked into a support group in your area? You have to
remember how far you have come, and what you went through. Don't give up!
Ever! Make sure you are getting enough protein and nutrients that you
need, to try to curb cravings. Try giving up the sweets and carbs for
three days. Usually, that is all it takes to make a habit. Good luck to
you!
— lesleigh07
October 10, 2007
Hello...I agree, DON'T give up and remember how far you've already come!
I'm 15 months post op and have been experiencing the same thing for the
past month. Fortunately I haven't gained, but I'm so afraid of having that
happen!!! I can't believe how much and what I can eat now either and how I
crave and still love sugar and carbs (especially salty ones!). I do dump
from the sugar, but that doesn't stop me! :O( I think I haven't gained
because I've added daily exercise to my life....but, I'm going to try the
three day plan suggested to you and see if that will get me back on track!
I was doing just great too! I've lost over 100lbs. and don't want to go
back....I'm planning on filling up on my protein shakes too before eating
anything else! Good Luck! The battle will always be there....Trish
— zoeysgrami
October 10, 2007
I am so sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I know that having a
kid right in the middle of your journey really did put a kink in your plan
for your new life. I know that you can back on the wagon. (that is what I
call it becaues I consider my problem a addiction) I would have to start by
saying to make sure you get yourself busy with something other than
involving food. I think you really have to decarb yourself first. Keep your
chin up. I know you can do this. Keep invovled in all kinds of support
groups. I think that is where I went wrong..
— Kathy B.
October 10, 2007
I was having issues with my hunger level just weeks after my surgery. I
complained to my surgeon that I was upset that I always seem to be hungry,
and I though one of the side effects was suppose to be NO HUNGER. My
surgeon asked me "what does hungry feel like Sam" I thought for
a moment that he was pulling my leg. Then I said "Well it feels like
if I don't eat I am going to get sick, like I have to have something in my
stomach within minutes I was going to get really sick. My surgeon
explained that what I was feeling was "hyperglicima" (I don't
know if I spelled that correctly) but it is just low blood sugar that makes
me feel like I must eat RIGHT NOW. I have to go now, I will right more
later.
Sami Sue
— Sami U.
October 10, 2007
Sami Sue- I am anxious to hear more about the hypglycemic reaction you are
talking about.
Tammy- try to get out with your baby (show him/her off by strolling around,
walking). I feel a little silly posting as I haven't had the surgery YET,
but I know getting out with the baby always helped me. Being home bound
with baby can be difficult and comfort/boredom eating always was a problem
for me. Getting out as much as possible was a good distraction for me.
Hope this helps!
— Lori.Z
October 11, 2007
I was having issues with my hunger level just weeks after my surgery. I
complained to my surgeon that I was upset that I always seem to be hungry,
and I though one of the side effects was suppose to be NO HUNGER. My
surgeon asked me "what does hungry feel like Sam" I thought for
a moment that he was pulling my leg. Then I said "Well it feels like
if I don't eat I am going to get sick, like I have to have something in my
stomach within minutes I was going to get really sick. My surgeon
explained that what I was feeling was "hyperglicima" (I don't
know if I spelled that correctly) but it is just low blood sugar that makes
me feel like I must eat RIGHT NOW.
Well when my surgeon and I discovered that it wasn't hunger but low blood
sugar we discussed how I needed to eat something every two hours so that I
didn't get that MUST EAT NOW FELLING. I started keeping high protein
snacks in my purse, mostly power bars from GNC or Atkins, low to no sugar
and high 15 to 32 grams of protein. I make certain that I eat six times a
day, and I eat about four teaspoons very slow so that I fill up really
fast.
It is difficult to stop, I want to keep eating like I use too, I am not
saying this is going to be easy, but I hope that it helps the hungry
feeling.
Blessings
Sami Sue
Sami Sue
— Sami U.
October 11, 2007
Hi Tammy, I too, had a setback that lasted about 6 months when my lap band
got loose. I found myself craving & being able to eat all the junk that
I used to. First thing you should do is go into ur fridge & throw out
all the nasty stuff, & giving up carbs is not the easiest but do it
gradually, instead of fruit drinks & juices try Crystal light (which
now comes in many different flavors) & instead of cookies & stuff
like that, try Nabisco 100 calorie packs - they have have assorted flavors.
& there is plenty of exercise you can do at home - just put in your
mind that you need to this & you will. I keep a picture of my old self
taped to my fridge - so that everytime I go in that direction I see it
& all of a sudden any cravings just go away. Good luck & remember
there are a whole lot of us out here who are battling alongside with you.
Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
— NYDeebo
October 11, 2007
protien first, chew, chew, chew---take your time....no liquids with food or
for 20 minutes before or after. measure your food, eat small portions, and
think good thoughts. May you be blessed
— DianaE
October 11, 2007
hi!tammy.
i am 19 months postop and i did go through the same thing, what i began
doing is tracking all my food intake at sparkspeople.com,once u can
actually see ur total intake good or bad u will make tht change, i also
log in and share on the forum for WLS graduates right here and those ladys
and gentlemen are really supportive.
go back to the basic, drink water before u even think about reaching for
tht snack or any food tht will postponed the eating for 1 hr.
i know the thought of gaining back all the weight is always on our mind and
at times its a good thing coz its a reminder tht we can go back to square
one.
keep reminding yourself tht u have gone through alot to fall back.u can do
it .
be blessed
— jcurry
October 18, 2007
hi tammy , your not alone, i had my surgery 8 months ago, i too stay
hungry but been fight the temtation, by eating veggie all the time .dont
have any dummping and can eat anything without getting sick. but 2 days ago
i went to my dr and told him about my appitite and how i just gained 4lb
back after only loosing 36lb, he perscribe me some diet pills phentermine
.37.5 mg. also i work out 5 days a week and i have been eating foods hight
in protein, veggie, and water and i got disappointed because i didnt loose
anything in 4 months. now its been 2 days i been taking this diet pill and
it has taken away my appitite
— yvettetas
November 9, 2007
hang in there!
a couple of suggestions...
carbs and sugar addiction.... just don't go there. if chips set you off,
don't buy any, don't bring any into the house. you're much more likely to
resist cravings if the food isn't easily accessible.
consider atkins/southbeach or similar low carb... protein and fat take
longer to digest than carbs so i'm full longer. my blood sugar is
relatively stable when i'm not eating carbs so i don't get that low blood
sugar carb craving. because its much easier to substitute sugar than fat,
there are lots of low carb desserts that satisfy my sweet tooth
exercise... put the baby in a stroller or backpack and walk. it will help
ease the hunger and give you something to focus on other than food. bad
weather, too hot? go to the mall and walk. get books on tape from the
library and listen while you walk. get a bike with a baby seat.
eating a lot... get yourself a meal plan. plan out your breakfast, lunch,
and dinner, plus snacks, and include recipes with appropriate measurements.
aim for no leftovers... i am much less likely to have a second helping of
spaghetti if i have to start all over again and boil more noodles
snacking... try to find healthy snacks you like. i buy, peel, and blanche
assorted veggies on saturday and instead of having chips and dip, i have
veggies and dip.... they taste much better blanched than raw, at least to
me, and while not quite the same, i get some of the satisfaction from
veggies and dip like i did chips and dip. string cheese, nuts, hummusand
deviled eggs are some of my favorite quick snacks. i am more likely to
have a healthy snack if it is already prepared and available for me when
i'm hungry. i'm much more likely to eat pre-peeled and pre-cut carrots
from the fridge than have to drive across town to buy a bag of chips.
good luck to you!
— mrsidknee
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