Snack Attack

I am 11 weeks out and have had a fantastic experience so far. I started at 235 and have lost 50 lbs., which puts me at 185. I think with every triumph, I try to destroy the greatness of it all. Over the past few days, I have wanted to constantly snack. I have poked things in my mouth like pretzels, pringles, chex mix, fruit chews. I am just sick that this food has become so important to me all of the sudden. Any advice out there, with the exception of jaw wiring?

Hi Cheri, You are really doing well with your weight loss. A great job. I'll give you my 2 cents on the snacks. First, I hope none of these are in your house. If they are, get them out of there, no matter who wants them in your family. Next, buy some cherries. They are in season and absolutely lucious. Because you've been staying away from sweets, they will taste wonderfully sweet. Finally, here's what I would do: get myself to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. The fact is that those of us who are addicted to certain foods can not control our eating. It's hopeless. But there is hope, and OA really offers some tools you can use to be successful. You will be with people *****ally understand you and love you unconditionally. And they will be more than ready to help you through this. Donna

We have to remember that the surgeon operated on our stomachs, not our minds. It's a battle, I know. Get the junk food OUT of your house if possible. Have healthy things ready-to-go so you can just quickly grab those if you get those cravings. Also, be accountable for EVERYTHING you put in your mouth - even if it's a bite or two, write it down. You have done a great job so far, and you will continue to do so!! Keep up the good work, and just remember - nothing tastes as good as thin feels! You aren't alone!! Hugs, Trisha

Brain hunger is our worst enemy. It is the reason we all got as big as we were in the first place. What we have to do, while the surgical tool is doing it's work, is to try to figure out what caused us to eat the way we did in the first place. Whether it was a salve for stress or loneliness or boredom or whatever, we have to find substitutes. If you don't yet belong to a support group in your area (our hospital has one), join one. If there isn't one, consider starting one. It doesn't have to be much: Just an opportunity to talk, face to face, with other local WLS patients. Consider talking to a nutritionist. If it's really bad, consider talking to a therapist. Let me stress: This isn't weakness on your part! It's years of ingrained habits and psychological issues we ALL have, that we ALL have to break. Some do it more easily than others, but it is our hardest bit of homework and we all must do it! I am not much of a food diary person, but I've been using fitday.com and it has made a huge difference. You have to stay on top of it and you have to be honest, but you'll get some serious motivation if you do. Good luck, Cheri. We're all on your side!! Greg (342/252/178)

It is a constant battle with our minds wanting things we shouldnt or can't have. My nurse advised me to keep a journal and when I'm feeling that I want something I shouldn' thave - write it down. By the time you have written it down with your thoughts and feelings- you more than likely won't want it anymore. Stay strong and know you can win the battle. It is also good if you don't keep those kinds of foods in your house. If its there and you see it- you are going to want to eat it. If it's not there- you wont see it and then you wont be tempted to eat it... even if it's only a few!!! Hang in there- I know you can overcome it You have accomplished so much already and I know you will continue to do so Bonnie

i agree with greg--fitday.com is excellent, it keeps me accountable. if i have a bad grazing day (usually worst on the weekends) i see it b/c i make myself put in every little thing that went in my mouth, and the calorie and carb counts (and lack of protein) tell me the truth. i get disappointed when i realize that i ruined meeting my custom nutrition goals for the week, i hate seeing the numbers turn red b/c i had too many calories/carbs/fat or not enough protein. i try to keep healthy alternatives in the house (fruit, soy crisps instead of chips, whole wheat crackers, sugar free treats, yogurt, etc.) so if i do feel the temptation, at least it wasn't something too bad for me. my son thankfully isn't a picky eater, so i don't have to keep too much junk in the house for him. he doesn't mind my sugar-free and whole wheat stuff. i was craving macaroni and cheese yesterday so i bought some whole-wheat noodles and a jar of cheese sauce and made a healthier version. he loved it, he asked for more and then wanted it for dinner too! good luck, i know it's difficult. head hunger is a battle. michelle 277/219/150