Eating too much

I have a rather silly issue, I feel so well that I have been eating way too much over the past few days. I haven't wanted to share this b/c I know that so many people struggle with keeping food down. My issue is completely opposite. So far, thank God, I have had no issues with any of the foods that I have tried therefore am going to town with every meal. On average I am eating 4 oz of food with lunch and dinner and maybe a slice of pizza late at night. I am a little scared of injuring myself somehow or gaining all my weight back. (I am 6 weeks post-op and have lost 60 pounds the last time I looked, though with all this eating I'm scared to weigh myself.) In addition, I am buying and cooking large portions of food knowing that I will never be able to eat all of it. I am pretty sure that I am trying to meet some sort of psychological need. Oh well, enough self analyzing for one day. Any help, advice or encouragement anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Christine! Your issue isn't silly, but it's something you need to deal with now. Some suggestions: 1) Allow yourself 3 meals and only 2 healthy snacks per day. 2) Remember to get in all your liquids. When I start struggling to finish, I know I'm full. 3) Measure your meals & put whatever is left over into the freezer (also in measured portions). 4) Give yourself 20 mins. to eat. Remember to put your fork down & chew, chew, chew! After that time, throw the rest away. 5) If you think you're going to pick at your plate, shake too much salt on the meal. That always worked for me. 6) Remember to eat your protein first, veggies (salad) next, & carbs last. 7) Give yourself a 'cut off' time -- I don't eat after 8:30pm. 8) A late-night option (rather than something heavy) is sugar free hot cocoa made with skim milk, or perhaps some sugar free jello. 9) Make sure to exercise 2-3 times a day for about 15-20 mins. 10) Don't be too hard on yourself. The doctor operated on your gut, not your brain! There are others going through what you are. If you feel like you're really out of control, call your nutritionist. It might be a good idea to have a consult with him/her to get back on track. I hope you don't think I'm being "preach-y"; I'm 3 years out & starting to struggle with my eating habits. Writing to you made me think of things I'd long-since forgotten & need to do myself. We're all in this together! With warm regards, Barb

Thanks guys for all of your helpful words! I actually did much better food wise yesterday, so I am feeling very hopeful. Thanks again!

Christine~ Speaking about your food issue is the BEST thing you can do. Facing it square in the face will assure that you deal with it. And Barb gave you excellent advise. One other thing I would suggest. well... 2 other things. In addition to all that Barb gave you I would... 1. Consult a nutritionist. 2. Go to support group meetings and speak up about your eating issues. oh...and... 3. Go see a psycologist who is familiar with eating issues. Hang in there. Towanda

Hi Christine, You did the right thing by coming to the board for help. First of all, I would say try to eat only when you are truly hungry! The "head hunger" is an awful thing, and I still struggle with it every day. Try to stay protein focused. I have not returned to eating a lot of carbs, especially bread, pasta...in fact they don't sit well and I'm happy about that. If need be, get some counseling. I do. It's mostly for the adjustment to my "new" eating style in life. Try not to focus on food like we did prior to the surgery. Good luck, and let us know if we can help. JA