wanting more to eat!

OK, I think this is the best room to ask this question especially if anyone had their surgery around 4/21/04. I am down 60lbs, and very happy, actually one day I am down 58 lbs and the next day I am down 60lbs, so I am taking for granite that I actually lost 60. Anyway, I noticed that I want to eat more and am able to. I think I graduated to eating an entire cup of food. I am frustrated because I can tolerate all foods except bread most of the time. Today I tried an egg for breakfast the smell made me ill, so I stopped eating it. So I drank a protein shake instead for breakfast. I thought that when I hit 199, I would be excited that I said goodbye to the 200's but I am not, I am more upset because I can eat more food, and I am still feeling hungry. I drink my fluids, I exercise, but for some reason I want more food. Is this normal? Is anyone else feeling this way. I am eating healthy to the best of my ability, I am afraid that I will start snacking. Today, I was hungry in the evening and ate a peach. I am now hoping I loose enough to weigh in at 189 this month and then I hope I can get over this worry that my surgery is not going to let me get any thinner. I also know that I started getting cravings for things I have not had in a while, like Dairy Queen ice cream, or a piece of cheesecake. I am very afraid that I will give into my temptations and I will start putting on the weight again. Is anyone else out there feeling the same way? I want to loose 50 more pounds and be at 168 by Christmas, just am feeling that I am not going to get there. If I am on a plateau, this really is the first one I have been through because my weight loss has been slow but steady. Lori 258/198/148

Hello, Lori I had my surgery around the same date as you and have been going thru about the same as you. When I was in for my 4 month check-up, I explained how hungry I was feeling to my Dr. and also my concerns about being able to eat too much. She suggested that I try to eat 6 small meals a day (2oz) instead of 3 meals at 4-whatever ounces. She also wanted me to add small protein "snacks" in between such as a piece of cheese or a slice of deli meat. What she explained to me is that if we are exercising a lot, we are burning calories more efficiently and we need to eat more (smaller) meals more often to keep up with our metabolism. I have since been doing this and find that I am eating less at each meal and have been less hungry throughout the day. Also, if you are skipping breakfast, you SHOULD NOT as this meal is important to get your metabolism going for the day. I have also found that if I choose more solid protein instead of a protein shake, I feel fuller longer. My weightloss has since started to pick back up, although I am still slower than a lot of people, but every "body" is different, and if you stay away from the bad stuff and follow the plan, you can't help but to lose eventually. Elisha 289/215/150?

Hi Lori, The unfortunate truth is that its totally normal for our appetites to come back. And, like you, I don't dump, much. But if I ate anything like Dairy Queen, in the qtys I used to eat, I most likely would dump. The key here is to make the most of your tool. We need to decide now, what we are willing to put in our pouches (my support group calls it our baby virgin pouch). I find that if I eat smaller meals, less frequently during the day, I don't get as hungry. I also have myself on and eating schedule, so it makes it easier for me to not graze during the day. Do I eat the right things everyday? Not a chance. I have good and bad days, but I'm still learing. The truth of the matter is that hunger and appetite will return, and we need to be prepared for it. Are you in a support group? They really help you stay on track. I know we can do this, Lori; we didn't risk our lives through surgery to fail now! Your sister in the WLS journey, Rachel PS I found a great article on WLS success. I will try to find it again and email it to you. Good luck!

Hi Rachel. Thanks for the good information. I printed out the article from the site you suggested. Peg

Hi again Lori, Here's the info I was referring to. http://gastricbypass.netfirms.com/understandingsmallgastricpouch.htm

I know how you feel. Albeit, I was a really fast loser, I havent lost weight for over 6 weeks.. I like you lost 60 pounds in 4 months and then nothing, I am just 10 pounds away from goal.. you justhave to stick with it.. it will break and you will get on track again.. the wanting to eat more is definitly noticable for me right now.. but i eat every two hours to get over it..

I am having terrible head hunger. I hate it! I guess I am losing weight fast enough, and I know I have a long way to go, but my head is telling me I am starving and to eat,eat,eat. I also have a hard time pushing away from the table after 15 minutes. I have to sit and graze for a while. As soon as I feel room in my pouch, another bite goes in. I think I may need counseling. My weight loss seems to be fine, but I feel out of control.

I had my surgery 4/27th. I feel the exact same way as you. I feel hungry all the time. I tried drinking more water. It helps some. I do snack on Beef Jerkey a lot! Low fat and high protein. I have lost 80 and have 50-60 more to lose. I will start with a trainer next week working on thise problem areas. She said this will boost my weight loss to.