Tricks to avoid thinking about real food

Help! I'm only 4 days post-op and while I truly haven't been hungry, I keep feeling this feeling deep inside (like a CRAVING) that I have to eat something unhealthy right before bed. That is how I got into this mess. I could usually watch my calories and fat intake during the day when other people were around, but then at night, when everyone is asleep and I have the whole house to myself, that is when I would totally binge eat my way through bags of chips, big bowls of icecream, etc. not because I was hungry but becasue it felt good. Luckily, if I were to eat like that now it wouldn't taste good to me, and it wouldn't sit well in my new stomach. So, logically I know that I can't eat the way I used to. I even knew that coming into the surgery and I wanted that kind of restriction when I fel the need to eat out of control. Surely I'm not the only one out here who is missing the old ways of eating. I can only think it gets easier with time, and that as the excess weight starts to drop that 'll be happier with how I look and I won't want to sabotage my success with excess eating. I've been at the "I'm so disgustingly fat what's one more chocolate milkshake going to do to me" stage for so many years that it is hard to resist the temptation in such a short time period. I'd love any advice. Thanks, Sarah.

Hi Sarah, Hearing from some of the veterans of this surgery, the "head hunger" is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. I had my biggest challenge last night when I had to prepare dinner for my two girls for the first time since the surgery. I was dying to pop a piece of the meat into my mouth. But I knew two things. 1. If I did I was going to be sick. 2. I really was not hungry. So I threw the plates on the table and went outside for a couple of minutes. It took physical energy to resist the temptation. I was actually worn out... and last night, at bed time, I was as tired as I have been since getting home. The only experience I have to relate this to is quitting smoking (1988). The first couple of weeks were really tough. But then, slowly, it got easier...until...at about 6 months out, the cravings came back with vengence. The good thing was, by that time I fall back on the pride of not smoking for so long...that I was able to push through it. I have a feeling this will be the same. As for your night time troubles. This is not meant to be sarcastic...but why not just go to bed? I am sure you could use the rest (especially right now). Another option, and this assumes a safe neighborhood, you could go for a short walk, or step out side and look at the stars (sorry, I am an astronomer). Diversion seems to be the best thing for me. Try to get away from the habits you followed (like watching TV or reading) that triggered those feelings. Good luck....this part is hard...but you (we) have a wonderful tool to help remind us not to follow those bad feelings. Dave

Sarah, I am so glad you posted this because I actually thought it was just me having these issues. My head tells me I am hungry and to eat something bad, but my stomach says no because i will make you vomit if you eat it. It only happens at night to me which was when I used to eat like a pig before the surgery. I have a hard time making myself eat during the day, but lookout after 5 pm. I hope it gets better with time and I am sure it will. For me I just go to bed or drink water or crystal light and it seems to help me forget the cravings. Try keeping yourself full of liquids and it should help some. good luck Lisa

David's suggestions to divert your attention are great. If, however, you find that that doesn't work for you, perhaps having a SF popscicle at night will help. I have found that the No Sugar Added Edy's Fruit Pops are really tasty, and I consider them a daily treat. Hope this helps! Wendy

I'm so glad you guys are talking about this stuff b/c this is exactly the kind of thing i'm worried about. I quit smoking too and hope, as mentioned, that this will get easier as time passes. thank you for talking openly!!!

Wow! Thanks for all of the replies. THis board is awesome. I went to the store and bought Crystal Lite and the Edy's no-sugar-added popsicles. I couldn't beleive all of the new flavors of Crystal Lite. It has been a while since I bought some. It seems like I have a lot of choices, and that helps. Dave's suggestion to just go to bed earlier was such a simple one, but it works! I've been pretty tuckered out since the surgery, so I've needed the extra sleep. And he's right - when you are asleep you can't eat. Why didn't I think of that earlier? Thanks again, everyone. Sarah