cravings are growing

Hi everyone....I'm new to OH, so please be patient with all of my questions.  Any help is well needed.  I am 17 months postop and I am now starting to feel like i'm hunry more often.  My fear is that I will start to put the weight back on and that is one thing that I will not do.  I have lost 122lbs and have never felt better.  I have gone too far and I feel too good to start falling off of the boat now.  My questions are....is there something that I can do to prevent these urges and also I am looking for some healthy snacks to fill me up as well as give me the nutrition that I need.  I've been reading so much on this website and it's been very helpful.  Also 1 more question....for now that is....I live in Windsor and was wondering if there are any support groups in the area that I can attend.   Thanks for your help in advance!! Sincerly, Chris

You can do this Chris! I am not the poster child for WLS ,but I know that eating carbs triggers a cycle of craving them - a lot of people do a 5 day pouch test diet to help get them back on track - maybe you could do something like that? Good luck and congratulations on the 122 lbs. - great job!

Hi there Bev, That's great advice and I surely appreciate it!!!  I will take all of that great advice and try that.  I also got some info from Tammy about the puch test....I don't know much about that, but I am willing to try.  Thank you for your support...it really means a lot to me.  My partner and I have 5 kids and I don't have a lot of time to get things done for myself...but this weight thing is very important for me and support is essential.  Thanks again!! Chris

Chris, I tend to get away from planning my eating and that's when I get into trouble.  Figure out when your snack cravings are the most and save calories/proteins to spend to get you through those times of the day. One of the message boards had a tip for a snack of microwaving pepperoni and it becomes a crunchy chip snack. You lay them out separately on a paper plate lined with paper towels and microwave from 30-60 seconds depending on the wattage of your microwave.  If they are not crisp in the middle do them again for 15 second intervals until they are. Make a dip for your veggies by whirring up a 1/4 cup cottage cheese with a tsp. of Worcestshire sauce and some pepper. (no salt-cottage cheese contains enough already). I have a drawer in my desk at work with protein bars, applesauce, raisins, nuts, etc. so if I forget to bring my food from home I am not at the mercy of the vending machines.  For me it's all about the planning. I hope this helps. Good Luck. Bev

Bev, you mentioned that you keep a stock of protein bars on hand for snacking.  I keep looking for protein bars but they all seem to be loaded with sugar and carbs.  Can you tell me what one or ones you think are good?  Thanks so much, Laurie

They are called Pure Protein and you can get them in Walmart in a box of six.  They also sell them separately so you can try them.  They are 180 to 200 calories (depending on flavor), 19 top 20 grams of protein (depending on flavor).  Carbs are 17g, Sugars are 2g and Sugar Alcohol is 6g. The flavors are Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chewy Chocolate Chip, S'Mores, Chocolate Chocolate Fudge. I am a lap bander so I don't have to be too concerned with the sugar aspect because it won't cause me to dump.  But I learned of these from a friend who had RNY. I actually use it as a meal replacement.  Like if I didn't get to eat breakfast before work or I'm going to work through lunch. Good Luck, Bev

HI tammy....thanks for the support.  Can you tell me about the pouch test?  I am not familiar with this, but I would like to try it.  Thanks again for the support and info!!

Hi -

Back in October Towanda had mentioned that she tried the test and it was a good experience for her (you can scroll back through the messages - but maybe Towanda can pipe in here for you)........

Anyway - here is a link she provided:

http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html


Good luck!