Head Hunger Question

I don't feel hungry most of the day, but even when I'm full I still get my cravings. I tell everyone that this surgery just took away my ablility to give in to my cravings, not the desire to have it!! I would kill for chocolate, a burger, and a piece of pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I eat alot of tuna with light miracle whip and some splenda. I like it because it stays with me for a while, and a can has 25 g's of protein and I can eat about 3/4 of a can at a sitting (that's about 1/2 cup).

ooooooh the cravings!!!!!!!!! I get them too - so badly!!! It's not so much the taste, but the texture and how it feels on my tongue! What is getting me?? I want a big ole' hunk of fried greasy sausage (oh that is so bad)!! We *will* get through this ~Lori

Jacquie, Have you shopped for sf chocolate yet? I found a wonderful one by Russel Stover. It's like a peanut butter log. Tastes like Butterfinger/Clark Bar. It isn't as rich as the real deal, but I like them a lot, and they are individually wrapped in the bag. I have one about every other day (they are little), when my drinking isn't so great. I nibble on it over 30-45 min, and will drink down about 12 oz milk because of it (SO I get in 12 extra oz of fluids and 12 gm of protein, I think it is worth it! Lori

No, I haven't shopped for any yet. I guess I really hadn't even considered any of it yet. But I do LOVE butterfingers so I may have to try that! Just something for a nice treat here and there!! Thanks for the tip!

Hi Lori, I am just starting to get where I am hungry and usually if I drink something that feeling goes away. Head hunger is totally different. Sometimes I think I want something to eat but when I try to eat I can only get a few bites in before my tummy cries uncle My biggest problem since having the surgery is eating too fast and having that feeling of the food sticking in my throat. Not very comfortable Teresa

Hi Teresa!! Yes, I have only gotten that feeling of something stuck in my chest area once... the kids were talking to me, and I was doing too many things at once and trying to eat (I waited too long and I was ***SOOOO**** hungry). I'm going to try drinking the water too when it's not meal time and see if that helps...just seems like I drink all day as it is though! Life certainly gives us learning experiences!! You take care, ~Lori

Hi Lori, You certainly are not alone! I am just over a month post-op and my "head-hunger" is slowly subsiding. Like the other posts, I agree with having some water or sf popsicles to moisten your mouth and give you some flavor. There are times when I can eat more than I'm supposed to though. I think the biggest trick about overcoming real hunger and head-hunger is to always eat your protein first! It takes your stomach longer to breakdown and it'll stay in your stomach longer which keeps you fuller longer! But, I have to say one thing that I do to help fight head-hunger and real hunger..... Hunger is hunger. It doesn't matter whether it's in your head or from your stomach. The results are the same. Only YOU can control what you do to your body. I try to think of positive thoughts when I'm feeling hungry, such as; acknowledging that I am hungry and looking at the clock to see if it's time for a meal. If it isn't, then I ask myself if I had enough protein the meal before and that may be the reason why I'm "hungry". If I had more than 20grams of protein at my last meal then I move on to asking myself how I feel emotionally. My hunger cravings form in many ways. It's crucial that I rule out all possibilities before I go ahead and eat something. I also think it's very important that we all feel what physical hunger actually feels like. I know for me, I never gave myself an opportunity to get hungry! Now I know what physical hunger feels like! I hope this helps you. Positive thinking and nurturing your mind and soul are just as important as caring for your body. Take care Megan B

Hi Megan, thank you so much for posting this!! What a great attitude you have! ...great advice!! Best wishes, ~Lori

Hello Lori and all! Whew that was a HOT topic! ;) I just wanted to add something, and that is that I have been taking in 2-3 oz a meal when I am only supposed to get in 2 oz. But I feel like I am actually eating SOMETHING that way. Maybe it's all a mind game, but I feel way better eating that extra ounce. Also I have chated a little: watermelon (chew real well and slowly to break it down to mostly water), not pureeing the broccoli from my cheddar broccoli soup (it's too good, and doesn't bother my new tummy!), and I got Russel Stover sf peanut butter cups...YUMMY! I am allowing myself one a day, and boy can I drink a lot of milk after one of those! I actually don't care for the chocolate all that much, but I eat the peanut butter stuff out...tastes like Reese's. They are awesome for sf. Now I have confessed. I feel bad, but had to share with someone. Am I terrible? Lori

Hi Lori! I don't think you are terrible at all!! In fact, I think it's AWESOME that you have found a way to satisfy a craving!! (hmm...wonder if they make fat free greasy sausage??) That broccoli soup sounds so good. Since surgery I've wanted more warm, salty food whereas before I went more for the sweet ones. Next time I'm at the store, I'm going to get some of that broccoli soup! (((HUGS)))) ~Lori