raging appetite...

Happy Monday I think today was the day you went back to work Linda, I hope you had a nice welcome back. I had a question for some post ops.. I'm following my 1200 cal pre op diet plan that the dietician put me on and I am just so hungry all the time.. my stomach is growling like Cujo and all I can think is how am I gonna make it to my next meal? After surgery , (soon after as well as say 7-8 months out) what is your appetite like? My appetite is what got me to a 48 BMI in the first place. I'm kinda worried that it will always be voracious.. Thanks, Elaine

Hi Elaine, Thanks for thinking of me back at work today. It is good to be back in many regards but was sort of getting used to being a lady of leisure... . I can only answer your question up to the one month point. I found that I am basically not hungry most of the time, however there were a few evenings that I felt that I couldn't eat enough. Now mind you the amounts aren't even close to what I would have been eating previously. Most of the time during the day I am not really hungry and my small meals and all the water keep me very satisfied. Evenings have always been a problem area for me so I know I need to be careful. I rearranged my protein drink to the evenings instead of the morning and that has helped to keep me more satisfied. I have been using fitday.com to keep track of my protein and carbs and calories. Even on my worst eating days I am still under 1000 calories. I guess my average is about 730 calories a day. God knows how many I ate pre-op!!! I also find that drinking hot chicken bullion (5 calories) is very satisfying. Good luck!! and let me know if I can be of any assistance. Linda

Hi Elaine, I'm only 2 months out and for the first time in my life I eat to survive. I get little enjoyment out of eating, and I listen to my body when I'm full. The few times I have been hungry (and I mean few) I would have my 2 oz of protein, 1 oz of a starch or veggie and that would be it. My eyes are still bigger than my belly and I cook enough to feed an army of bariatric patients, but that's ok, my hubby doesn't mind leftovers! Oh, and to let you know, I used to have a voracious appetite...we're talking 2-3 plates at the chinese buffet and now when I see people eat larger portions I think to myself how unhealthy. I hear the honeymoon phase ends at 6 months, and part of me is looking forward to being hungry again. Remind me I said that when I start complaining to you all, ok? Best of luck, and Happy Holidays!