3 months out

Dear All: I had bariatric surgery 3 months ago.  During the last 3 months, I've lost 52 lbs.  It's fantastic.  But now I am discovering this bizarre feeling.  At nights, I feel hungry.  I feel hungry for taste.  My stomach feels full, but maybe it is stress.  I don't know.  I lost my job 6 months ago, and although I did temp work, that's finished as well.  I am looking for a job and taking care of my elderly parents.  One would say I am very stressed.  In the past, food was therapy, albeit not a good one.  But now, I can't do that.  So, I drink a bloodmary here and there, slowly.  Or a glass of beer.  Just once a week.  But I am all worried that now I will stop loosing the weight.  I haven't had anything sweet for months and I don't desire it.  I want to continue loosing weight, but I also need something.  Do you experience this?  Do you know how to get around it?  Is it normal after surgery?  Please share your thoughts with me, I would appreciate it so very much. Thanks very much. Allegra.

Allegra, I'm not banded yet--still in pre-op--but I believe your feelings are called "head hunger". Psychologically you are craving those tastes. I know from reading many other posts on these forums that is a common thing, but since I haven't gone through it yet, I can't really give you any advice from experience. Hopefully others will advise some techniques they've used to get beyond these feelings. Good Luck! Shirley

Dont get yourself into the habit/trap of drinking caloric beverages regualry -especially alcoholic & carbonated ones. The hunger DOES come back- sometimes in the head and sometimes physically.  That's normal.  But, if you start with adding on the caloires, eventually if will effect your weight loss. Please look up WATER LOADING on the site- I don't have tie to write about it now- just passing by the boards for a quick stop- but I'll try to write you later.  Water loading will help a great deal with your hunger issues.  I find it effective even for head hunger.