Hi new to the boards and to this site.

For me during the preop diet, I skipped breakfast because I wasn't a breakfast person.  I ate a big salad for lunch with lots of chicken or turkey on it and boiled eggs (upped the protein a lot), and ate a reasonable dinner.  My doctor got frustrated with me in March and got pretty "real" during my appointment.  He told me if I got a craving or urge to eat, "go look in the mirror and really think about if you really need that food."  My friends and family were very offended on my behalf but it worked for me.  I think my family and friends were trying to help and be supportive by feeling bad for me, but he basically said, "you got yourself into it and it's time to start getting yourself out."  I know that direct approach won't work for a lot of people, but it definately clicked in my head.  I stood in front of my bathroom mirror many a nights after that thinking "do I really need those chips?"  And I lost 40lbs in 2 months:)  I also took my scale out of my bathroom and put it in my pantry.  Talk about a wakeup call.  Anytime I went to snack, I had that thing staring me in my face.  LOL  Good luck!!

Howdy neighbor, do you attend any groups in the area? i live in South Austin.
I too prefer the direct approach and really love the drs. advice, think i will try it.

Have a great day.
JULie

I actually live in Hutto now and haven't changed my profile.  But, I know there is a group at one of the hospitals in central Austin that is supposed to be really good.  I haven't gone to it yet because I really want one closer to home.  I can look through my papers though and find the date,location, and time.  I work a full time job and a part-time job so time is pretty precious and driving downtown at night isn't something I have been motivated to do.  I feel better if I spend my time walking at the lake or something.  

Head hunger for me usually pops up when I am feeling something or needing something emotionally.  Sometimes to vent about something going on, sometimes I need a hug, sometimes I'm sleep deprived.  Sad, angry, happy... it's usually associated with an emotion.  But the mask is "hunger." 

Real hunger for me is an emptiness and an exhaustion where my body is crying for fuel. 

90% of the time it's head hunger that I'm feeling. Or thirst.  Thirst is a biggie. 

Welcome to all of the pre-ops.... I hope you stick around - this is a great crowd here!  While it doesn't feel like it now, the time will fly.  I can hardly believe I'm coming up on my one year anniversary.  What a wild year it's been!

Hi, thanks for the input, for now i m not experiencing cravings. But, when i am upset, I want food. So, i think it is the old emotional eating that I need to work on. Congrats on you're running! I walked 30 minutes to day.
Have a great weekend.
Julie