I need to get food out of my head!

Since I've returned from my vacation to Disney World, not only have I been exhausted, but also I've been thinking about and been hungry for food more often. I don't want to eat more; I need to get food out of my head. I'm sure that because I'm 3 months out and the swelling in my stomach has gone away I can eat more at one sitting. The thing that's important to remember is eating the right foods, and not snacking. Being on vacation was a challenge. It was hard finding the right foods, and I didn't have my protein shakes. I even had some bad things...a couple bites of apple pie one day, a few bites of ice cream another. Now, granted, I did a TON of walking. When we walked around the "world" at Epcot, I felt like I literally walked around the world! It was hot, and the trip really wore me out! Now that I'm back at home, I need to get SERIOUS about eating and exercising. I'm setting a new goal: I want to be down 22 more pounds by my birthday, that's August 22nd. If I can achieve that, I'll be at 199. That's a real goal to shoot for. I haven't been under 200 in about 10 years. Good luck to everyone. It's so encouraging to hear about everyone's success, and it's good to hear about the struggles as well. I can definitely relate to the struggles. Hugs, Karen L

I think its completely normal for you to be hungry now. For so long we werent and I find myself now actually saying, " man I'm hungry". Like you said it just means that the swelling is going down and you can actually tell when you are hungry, thats all. I think you can lose those 22 pounds by your birthday, Up your liquid intake and your exercise and protein and it should be no problem. I lost 12 pounds in about 2 weeks(well I was really sick for 6 of the days LOL). I havent really been exercising and I'm at a standstill. My weight fluxuates between 150 and 154 pounds the last week or so. 22 pounds from 199 that is fantastic!!! Keep up the good work!! ~Nicole

Thanks for the suggestions Nicole. I have been slacking on my liquids this past week. I will definitely up my intake, and my protein intake as well. By the way, I checked out your pix, and you look fantastic. Keep it up girl! Karen L

Hi Karen--How are you? My one and only visitor in the hospital...won't ever forget that! I am also 3 months out, have lost 40 pounds and about 28 from goal.... I find myself thinking about food more now too since I feel "normal" and really haven't had many problems at all. I think my key to that problem is eat often but stay within program...never feel deprived then. I still can't have white carbs or red meats....so still am limited, but I did find the Carb Smart ice cream bars which are perfect and satisy my sweet tooth and and have protein in them besides....also love my tomatoes now that I can have salad and raw veggies....I have my protein shake when I get up, a small breakfast when I get to work or about 2 hours later, lunch about 2-3 hours after that, a snack about 2 hours after that, dinner when I get home about 3 more hours and then my evening snack around 7 or 8. Interspersed of course with various drinks...so it keeps me busy and never makes me feel deprived. Sally Bartlett

Sally, You look great....good for you! I'm kicking up my liquid intake, and since I've been back from vaca, cut out most carbs. I usually have 2 fruits a day for my snacks, and occassionally a Carb Smart ice cream, or other low-carb treat. It's just that now I think about food more....like I did prior to surgery. I'd like to get that "honeymoon" feeling back - where I didn't really think about food except that I HAD to eat it, and find good choices that I could actually handle. Still, I'm not really complaining. I feel so blessed to have had this surgery, and a chance to become healthy and fit. Keep up the great work, Karen L.