I want to snack!

I'm doing what I think I should be doing...I'm sharing with people who are understanding and supportive. So here goes: I WANT TO SNACK! The past couple of days, I've been wanting to eat between meals so badly! My surgeon says that's a . Yesterday, I actually snacked on some pork rinds right after lunch (I GUESS it could be considered part of my lunch). They have no nutritional value whatsoever. Empty calories...but it felt so good to chew and crunch after 3 and a half months of being on a mostly liquid diet! Last night, I couldn't keep my dinner down (shocking, I know), so I ended up having a liquid dinner again. Then, right before bedtime, I came so close to eating some cheese sticks. I had to do that HALT thingy.... H- Was I hungry? Not really. The protein shake was fine A- Was I angry? Nope. L- Was I lonely? Yes, I was T- Was I tired? Getting there. So, I decided not to eat. I'm proud of that. Today though, I went straight back to the pork rinds. I haven't eaten any yet, but they're in my office drawer...calling me. I should have my shake for lunch and have them after, if I'm still hungry, I guess. The surgeon says I can start trying a few new solids if I feel like I can tolerate them, so I kind of have his blessing...even if I'm sure he wouldn't recommend pork rinds. Thanks for listening to my long post. Feels better to get that out of my system. I think I can avoid the crunchies...for this minute. Julie

Julie, I have episodes like that, too. I'm so proud of you for stopping and analysing it before it went any further. Great job! I buy the pork rinds from bariatriceating.com that you microwave. They ARE a good source of protein and way better than the kind you buy in the store. I can eat a couple of them and they solve my crunching thing. Also, and I know this is REALLY bad for your teeth, so if there's any dentists out there, sorry but I chew ice. It gives me (and my teeth) something to do and usually by the time I'm done with a few ice cubes, the urge to eat something is gone.

Thanks, Becky! I appreciate the tips. Are the pork rinds on bariatric eating the "right kind" of protein? 'Cause I thought it was so great when I saw the 8g of protein on these, but then was told on the main message board that it's not a good type. Mmmm....ice.

Julie, So your surgeon says "no snacking"? My surgeon and nutritionist wants 6 small meals a day. I usually have 5. Three meals and 2 snacks. I feel that I do better during the day that way. But, the snacks have to be protein to give you that effect. Last night I went to a concert after work (Kasey Chambers, in case any of you happen to know her). I had eaten my 3 meals and 2 snacks so didn't bring anything bu****er with me. After a few hours of really enjoying the music and probably 45 minutes of dancing, I felt very light headed like I really needed to eat. I barely made it home. I guess I need to have a cheese stick or something with me, just in case. Getting used to our new selves and our needs is a challenge, that is for sure! Lori 384/313/170

Yeah, Lori...no snacking for me. My surgeon is one of those that says snacking leads to more snacking and that your body doesn't really need more than 3 meals per day. In fact, he says 2 or 3 meals are fine. So, one of his four rules is NO SNACKING! I'm sure he wouldn't be against me having something if my body needed it (like yours did last night), but he just wants me to think about why I'm eating first. That makes sense to me.

Julie, my surgeon's barriatric coordinator (former pt) says no snacks...my nutritionist says 3 meals/3 snacks or 6 small meals. (the two have been known to headbut) I've tried a few techniques, and I think my bottom line is I cant just have one, so I need to have none...so I am gonna try 3 filling/healthy meals, and at least 1 shake, and hopefully get out of snack mode, which leads to graze mode, One day I know I will get this right. Keep me posted and let me know what works for you...

What's wrong with pork rinds? I've heard they're a good source of protein, low in fat and calories. Now I'm . Anyway, I think most nutritionists say 3 meals and 1-2 snacks/day. I usually have bfast, lunch, a protein shake, dinner, snack or protein shake - sometimes (GOD FORBID!) I actually have a protein shake AND a snack!! DUM DUM DUM...(the gavel has fallen!) But, 99.9% of the time, it is a healthy snack like a string cheese, wheat or rye crackers and cheese, soy crisps, sunflower seeds, etc. something like that. Right now I have been wanting to snack a bit more, too because I'm PMSing. But, I know that I don't need more than my normal routine, so I'm fine. However, I have noticed that for my meals, I am able to eat a bit more. Like last night I made myself (for dinner) a low carb tortilla (soft taco size) with ff refried beans, 2% cheddar, light sour cream and salsa. I rolled it up but it was pretty full. I ate all but about 3-4 bites of it. If I weren't PMSing, I'd have been able to eat maybe 1/2 of it. Strange. Michelle

Michelle~ I was with you about the pork rinds. I was so excited when I read the nutrition contents and saw the protein vs fat/calories. I didn't hear much about people eating them post-op, so I put a message on the main messageboard yesterday asking about them. Every response I got (about 6) said they are just of no nutritional value at all. The protein isn't the healthy/digestable kind we need....it's just fried junk. Didn't stop me from having some during my lunch. Mmmmmmm....tortilla.... Julie P.S. I think I'm PMSing too...AGAIN

Julie (and everyone else) I think you need to have some snacks sometimes. My nutritionist is okay with a snack a day as long as it is healthy. Normal people do snack and it is a part of eating that we need to learn how to get control of. I can't imagine that you could go forever without snacking, what would happen is that finally you would break down and snack on things that are unhealthy and not good for you. I hope this doesn't sound like a lecture because it sure isn't meant too. All I really wanted to say is that I snack on Salted Roasted Soybeans. 3 Tbs is 10gms of protein. And they are soooo good. Jen 243/194/135

I don't think you sound preachy, and believe me, I've considered the fact that I need to be careful of depriving myself because I'll likely go hog wild... The thing is, I will never be a "normal person" when it comes to eating. I'd like to learn new habits...like how to eat in moderation, what a normal portion is, and healthy food choices. However, I don't feel the need to learn to snack. As a food addict, I've proven over 31 years that I am not able to stop snacking once I start. I don't want to wreck this tool by eating myself into oblivion...again. What is it that they say? The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.... Thanks for your support and advice! Maybe I'll try the salted roasted soybeans. They sound awesome! Julie