Don't know what to think!!

Hey everyone, My surgery was Sept 12, about 5 weeks ago and I am like craving certain foods. To date I have lost 20 pounds, and I find myself grazing, drinking water while I eat, and eating too much of the wrong food throughout the day. I love crackers and cheese and I eat too much of it. And now, I have eaten hummus and all I can think about is eating hummus and crackers!! I have gotten sick, (but not thrown up) with a can of chicken and salmon, but in general I can eat a wide range, I had taco bell today: 1/2 of a soft taco, a quarter of the pinto's and cheese and a regular nacho. I feel so guilty, I mean, it's not like I can eat a ton at each setting, but I am eating too frequently throughout the day. Is anyone else as far out as me and having this problem? I mean, sometimes I think that this surgery is not going to work for me, and I know that I need to put in way more effort to focus on eating good foods, but I am to lazy to "think" about food, I just want something simple. You know? I don't know what to think, and I have been so ashamed to really talk about it with anyone, and even more ashamed to bring it up in the boards. Can someone help?

I think one of the main things you need to stop doing is drinking with your meals. The not drinking helps the food stay in your stomach longer and helps you feel full longer. If you drink with your meals or right after eating you are just washing the food right through, thus making you feel hungry right away. I know how you are feeling. I have been hungry since the 2nd week. But, you have to remember this surgery only fixes the physical aspect of eating, not the mental. Yeah, its hard, and yeah, I feel hungry through out the day but I only allow myself to eat 3 times a day. Because, I know I have to start healthy habits right from the get go. If its too hard not to eat things like Taco Bell then stay away from there. Eat at home. You can still have your crackers and cheese, but limit it to your lunch only. Then, only allow yourself so many crackers and so many pieces of cheese. Take them out of the box and walk away. Are you taking 20-30 minutes to eat a meal? That could be some of the reason you can eat so much. Try to put 45 seconds between each bite. Don't eat till your full, just till you are satisfied. Thats a huge new thing for most of us. No more eating till we want to die, just till you feel satisfied. A huge thing I learned in my pre-op psych eval is Mindful Eating. When you want to eat step back and think about it. Am I really hungry? Is it boredom? Am I stressed? Then, think about why you are eating what you are eating. Do I want the crackers and cheese just because they taste good? Is it because I know I am not supposed to have it? Etc. At first this is really hard to do, but in time it becomes habit. You can't eat like you used to. You have to really think about it now. Think about if it has protein or is just an empty food that isn't going to give you nutrients. I am not judging you, just trying to offer some advice. If you want to talk or anything feel free to send me a message!

I find it very hard not to drink with meals also. But I do my best. I would suggest you stay away from the carbs. try and make up more of your meals from protein. And keep track of your cal intake with fitday or something like it. If I want to eat and I know I am not due to, I do something else to pass the time. I have even set the oven timer for 30 min or so and when it goes off I then eat something. Call a freind and have them get you through the I want to eat nows

Hi. I had surgery sept 9th. Sometimes I like to graze. I was visiting the fast food places too frequently- the greasy meat slides down better. I have since cut that out. But meat (except raw fish) hurts. So what I have changed- No more fast food. I make my meals ahead of time. I have gone pretty much vegietarian. Lots of soy- soy chips (it has protein with my hummus) Since I like to graze- I graze with my meals. I have a set amount of a meal and I eat every so often. No water with meals! And occupy your time with something else when you feel like you have to eat. or drink water or crystal light or something. Good luck. It's trial & error. don't be discouraged