Starting to feel hungry again

Everyone told me it would happen--hunger would come back.  Well, it has, and at the worst possible time!  I am on a no lift, push or pull order from the doc for now until I can get in to see the neurosurgeon. So, essentially, no exercise.  I am home all day because my Hospice won't even let me come into the office, much less see patients.  Too much liability!  I have not lost any weight in 2 1/2 weeks.  About the length of time I have been off.  And now, I am feeling hungry!  And, for the first time, deprived.  I am missing some of my old high calorie friends.  HELP!!!!!!! Marilyn

hey There!   Sorry to hear about your back pain.  As for the hunger, I know that devil well!  I went through the spell (4 months) of little loss and increased hunger and I fed it with carbs!!!  So no loss for me.  I have since spoken to the goddess of protein and she jumpstarted me and now have dropped 10 pounds in 2.5 weeks.  Increase your protein drinks when you feel hunger and increase your water.  If you can walk, walk.  Even just a little, this will help the hunger.  I know you know the mantra, it's just head hunger.   Be strong, don't give in.  You have done a great job so far, and you can keep doing it, don't give up!  Oh, and stay away from the sugar free candy!!  It will not help you!  Plus, it will give you the fluffies!!!  Have a great weekend! Beth

Marilyn Is it true stomach growling hunger?  Or is it that you "crave" or "want" food because there is a difference.  After surgery, we dont truly experience hunger, just an empty feeling when we need something to eat...  and must force ourselves to eat.  But there will reach a time when we start to "want" things and its not our bodies telling us "HEY, I'M HUNGRY. GIMME FOOD".  It's actually our learned behaviors, habits, desires, that old nasty head of ours...   A good way to tell is to eat a good substantial amount of protein, such as a dense 4 oz chicken breast.  See how long it takes, listen closely to your body, and if you are feeling "full" but still want something else, then you can know that its head hunger.  We have to listen really closely and get in touch with our bodies so that we are able to tell the difference. It's very hard!  I remember asking myself a lot, "Am I REALLY hungry?"  "How do I know when I am full?"  "Am I thirsty?"   Try these things: *Drink fluids; sometimes our bodies are really thirsty and we mistake it for hunger *Load up on protein as it will help you feel full longer *If you are addicted to carbs again, try going back to basics (shakes, full liquids) during the day and have a light supper of high protein at night for 3 days.  Susan Maria does this and calls it the 3 day lpt (liquid protein train). It will decarb your body and help you get in touch with your pouch again.  And afterward, you will feel full on less food.   Hope this helps.  Unfortunately, if its head hunger, we gotta do the hard work of self control and keeping our minds off that desire to snack and eat...  let me know how it goes.  take care.

Thanx Beth and Mel, I will try your suggestions.  I "think" it is a combination of real hunger and head hunger.  I think that I am truly starting to feel empty again, and then my head takes over!  My problem has been grazing-a bite here, a bite there.  I HAVE GOT TO GET A HANDLE ON THIS!!!  I will try the chicken breast thing this afternoon.  I appreciate you guys so much, don't know that I could do this without you. Marilyn

Marilyn, It kinda sounds like boredom and maybe a little depression eating? I know you can't do anything physical but maybe do scrap booking or some kind of hobby puzzles, crossword, ?? Stay busy, get your old pictures out to keep you motivated. Combined with the what Mel said maybe this will keep you distracted. You'll get pass this. Good Luck Bob

I think everyone ha**** the nail on the head!  If I am just sitting around, I want to eat.  As long as I stay busy, it\'s not a problem!  So, get you bottom off the couch and do something!  Or as Major Bob says...IDGOMB!!!!!!!!!  Hang in there!