Hungry???

Hey everyone.....So far I have done great on this, but I find myself hungry still. Is anyone else amazed that they want to eat? I eat three meals a day and try to drink the water (am not doing so good on the shakes) and I also have joined Curves for Women. I am 8 weeks post op and down 35 pounds....Let me know if anyone else is hungry too......

Jackie, i am nine weeks post op, and man do I get hungry. My boyfriends always laughs at me because I tell him I am starving, then we eat and after 3-4 bites I am done. I have tried all kinds of foods, but like I said only a few bites and it is over. I am down 52 pounds since surgery, and i think that is good, being that AI really don't deprive myself of anything, i just know the limit. I have read so many posts here about everything you should not eat, but I don't think that we ought to deprive ourselves, even though I eat pretty much what i want I still only get about 500 calories a day. Meat is not agreeing with me, it keeps getting stuck. and the protien drinks, I cannot handle them, tried just about everything. Congradulations on your loss. keep losing take care, janel

Janel: One of the hardest things for me is that I don't want to slow down to eat. It is hard to wait a few minutes between bites. When was your surgery? You are doing great! I can't wait until I am at 5o pounds!! I have a steel stomach and have only gotten sick one time thus far. I can not tolerate chocolate ice cream! I took another pic tonight since I am 8 weeks post op wearing the same clothes I wore in the picture I have posted and I can tell a HUGE difference! Congrats on your weight loss too! Best of Luck! Jackie

Jackie, my surgey was on 08-23-2004 one week before yours, I also have a problem with learning to eat slow. Meat is really bad, and when I eat it or forget to eat slow, I throw up. I've thrown up alot, it is not fun. finely figured out it is the meat getting stuck. haven't really had any dumping though. have you tried the sugar free ice cream, i got started eating that when I was on weigh****chers, before surgery. It is pretty good. At cold stone they have really good sugar free ice cream too. Keep in touch. take care, janel

Hi Jackie, Here are a few ideas that my doctor shared with me that may help ... 1.) Do not starve yourself. 5 small meals are better than 3 large. 5 300 calorie meals are far better than 3 500 calorie meals. Plan meals and snacks so that you never get very hungry. Your body is more likely to utilize the calories this way rather than store the calories. 2.) Don't drink with your meals. Liquid will wash your food out of your pouch and prevent you from feeling full. 3.) Chew very slowly and thoroughly, and enjoy your food as much as possible. Say a prayer before each meal. Thank God for the nutrition and taste of the healthy food you are about to eat. Savor each bite. 4.) Keep a very strict journal. There have been many studies that just writing down what you eat can make a huge difference in losing weight. 5.) Drink lots of water, if you are hungry and it is not meal time then drink water, it will fill you up. Good luck & take care, Rhonda

Rhonda: You have some great pointers! I do eat 3 meals a day and wondered if 5 would be better for me! My doctors office told me no, 3, but I do get hungry! I have to admit that I have a real HARD time eating slowly. For some reason I can't get that through my head that slower is better! I am going to Curves and I do drink water....so, maybe my body will just get used to this. Sometimes I feel like I overeat, but the weight still comes off, amazing! Thanks for your great info! (By the way, I always pray before I eat!) Jackie

Jackie, How many meals a day are you eating? I know every surgeon's requirements are different however, I was told to eat 5-6 meals a day. I am never hungry, and I have to schedule all of my meals in, or I will not get in all the requirements nutritionally I need for the day. I start every day with a protein shake with 16 oz. of milk and 1 scoop of protein powder (either vanilla or chocolate). It usually takes me an hour or so to get the whole thing down though. Around 10 each day I eat my 2nd meal which is usually either a Carb Countdown Yogurt Smootie with a 4-5 whole grain crackers or 4 oz. of lowfat cottage cheese with 1 tsp. sugar free jam and a splenda with 4-5 whole grain crackers. Lunch is usually 1/2-3/4 of a Lean Cuisne or Weigh****chers meal, today I have 1 slice of whole wheat toast with 1 slice turkey and 1 slice cheese and a dill pickle slice. Afternoon snack around 2:30 is usually a yogurt smoothie. Then about 4:30 in the car on the way home I have a Carbwell High Protein (10g) Cereal Bar. Then we eat dinner about 6:30 which is usually 2-3 oz. of some sort of meat, about 1 tbsp. vegetables, and usually about 1-2 tbsp. of baked potato, yam or rice, then I'm good for the night. I always get all of my water in (about 100 oz.), which I'm sure helps with the hunger, and before I go to bed I usually drink 4-6 oz. of Carb Countdown Ruby Red or Lemonade. I also keep a glass or bottle of water by my bedside. It sounds like a lot, and I have to push myself, I spoke with the nutritionist about it, and she says I'm right on track and doing fine. In fact the last week I've been pushing this menu, and my protein has increased from where I was, I had been going up and down the same 5 lbs for about 2 weeks, but when I really focused on eating all of my meals and getting in at least 100 g of protein, I dropped 11 lbs. from Fri. Oct. 15 - Sun. Oct. 24. I guess I'm doing something right. Sorry I rambled on, and it is probably more information than you wanted, but, I know this is what has been working for me this past week after a frustrating lull, and basically, I'm NEVER hungry! Good Luck. JUDY Open RNY 8/16/04 359/306/175? -53 lbs.

Judy, No, the information is very helpful! I am unable to attend the support groups at my dr. office because they are on wednesday nights and we go to church. I need all the help and support I can get. I feel like I am stuck now, but I am getting in quite a bit of water and I joined Curves and work out 3-5 times a week. My dr office told me 3 meals a day, maybe you plan will get me jumpstarted and keep me fuller all day! Thanks so much!! Jackie

Hi Jackie! I am feeling hungry, too. That's when I try to stuff my face. Everytime I eat too fast I either feel bad for an hour or I throw up. So I really have to focus on slowing down. I am supposed to eat 6 small meals a day, but if I did that, I'd never get my water in. As is, I eat 4 meals a day and still have a hard time getting in more than 32oz of water. I am 9 weeks post-op and have lost 58, but I probably have alot more to lose than you. My body was like, "WHAT?!?!? Only 500 calories??? You used to eat 10 times that!!!" LOL! So, I hope everything works out for you. *~Amber~*

Amber, I know what you mean about stuffing your face..lol! I also tend to eat too fast and feel a bit miserable afterward. I have only thrown up one time (what a blessing!) but it wasn't a pleasant experience! I am getting my water in pretty good, but not doing so hot on the protein shakes. Definately need to work on that! I am sure it will help me drop a bunch of weight! I am working out and feel great that way! It seems you have done a remarkable job...I am jealous!!!! Good Luck to you too!!! Jackie