Hi, I was wondering if after the surgery

do you still "crave" the "big" foods you want to eat, or rather I mean, does it irritate yiu that you "cannot" eat them anymore ? OR , do you lose that craving (urge) to binge eat because you know it will cause you such discomfort ?/ Because , I can tell you, when I am hungry and am not able to eat (kids, work, etc...) I CAN get cranky, then when I do get to food, I over do it. So, I am hoping, because I shouldn't be " that" hungry all the time anymore, that I won't want "more" and "more" of that good food we eat... Does anyone have an opinion ? I have lived my life a constant dieter and know I can adhere to the lifestyle change, but I don't want to be too cranky not being able to eat those foods, like feel deprived ? Or does the weight loss counter act that ?? Do you lose "some" desire to eat ?

For the first 8 months after surgery I was never hunger. And I mean never, ever. I used to force myself to eat something as I still have to take insulin for my diabetes. Now at 13 months out I do get hungry but just rarely. However I can still overdue it at times, especially if it's something that I really like and don't have often. But I try to: Always have something with me to eat if I'm out and might get stuck and, I don't reward myself with food anymore. You have to remember that while this surgery can re-do your internal plumbing it does nothing to correct the reasons you overate to start with. That's where support groups and in a lot of cases therapy comes in. You will still have to change your behaviors or you won't be successful. Hope that helps and good luck on your journey. Best regards, Ronna

Well, look at it this way the doctor does surgery on your stomach not your brain. You have to change your brain, the stomach pouch will do what it needs to do. I think that some people think that they are never going to crave food again but that is a wrong mind set. We are food addicts and we have to learn to control our food intake. We have the restrictive portion done for us via surgery but we need to work on the eating portion of the equation. You will see the weight coming off and will want to continue eating properly and getting your exercise in. You will not want to go back where you came from and you will work hard at it. This cannot be fully explained to a pre op. You just have to experience it for yourself when you are PO. You also cannot have it fully explained to you as a pre op how you will be satisfied with a 1/2 cup of food (or however much your doctor's protocol is). It happens and you are full and satisfied before you know. As far as the hunger - you will need to remind yourself to eat when you are early PO. The hunger does come back. For me it happened at about 16 months. For some sooner, others later. Once you get to where you want to be and have your weight lost, just keep in mind that you will be dieting then. You will be what others are that do not have surgery. You will need to watch your food intake and keep up with your exercise for the rest of your life-just like a person that has not had surgery. At that point you will be "normal" as far as your food and diet is concerned. Chris You do not loose the desire to eat. You will still enjoy your favorite foods just in a smaller amount. Just remember that there are not any bad foods just bad quantities. You will need to watch that you get your protein in and have a good balance in the nutrition arena and then you can treat yourself if you have room to have something and it fits into your calorie count for the day.I do not restrict myself from any of my favorite foods, I still enjoy them.

Susan, I was never hungry for the first 6 months and I even forgot to eat, what I was suppose to. But I am not 9 months and I have to watch what I eat, how much I eat and make sure I get in my protein I need. Like Chris say you do not lose the desire to eat. You have to train that brain to stay on track, and it is not easy. Kathleen G