Why do I always feel like eating?

Why do I always feel like eating? Why do I love to graze? Why, at the first sign of stress (whether good or bad) do I reach for something sweet? And if there's nothing sweet available, anything edible will do? And why does my brain shut off at those times, so that I forget that I wasn't going to allow myself to do that? Why can't I start eating like the skinny person that I look like I am? Everyone's admiring my weight loss and I even know a couple of people who have had the surgery as a direct result of mine, and yet I still feel like a fat person inside. I keep feeling like Alice in Wonderland, wondering how long this dream will last, and when will I end up back where I was before. I am determined to make it work, but I am pessimistic after all the years of losing and gaining. I exercise 3-4 times a week and try to keep myself active throughout the day as well. I don't drink any carbonated drinks and try to be strict about not drinking half hour before and after eating. But I love food! I could eat and nosh all day. Stress of any sort sends me right to the cupboard or refrigerator. It's unbelievable - like Pavlov's dog. Anybody relate? Davii

I ask myself these same questions everyday. I always feel like eating and I always think about food. I had gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago. I have gone from 140 to 155 lbs. I am miserable and don't seem able to stick to a food plan. I don't know what has happened to my pouch, maybe it has stopped working.

Daisy: At three years out, a 10-15 lb regain is very normal. I know just how you feel, I seem to struggle every day, not to eat junk, and eat healthy!! I can tell you that exrecising daily really makes a difference!! I have gained around 10 lbs from my lowest and work every day to keep it at that!! I don't think many of us are prepared for the eventual return of hunger and cravings!! I know I kind of figured I was done dieting forever, wrong!! We've all heard a million times that this surgery is a tool, this proves it!! It puts us on an even playing field with "normal" people, but unfortunately we have to work at maintaining our loss Chin up, drink tha****er, exercise, protein first !!!! Best of luck!! DeeAnn

I also know how you feel. I'm 3-1/2 years out, and have regained about 10 pounds. I also still feel like an obese person emotionally. I say this with confidence because I am a mental health counselor, and specialize in emotional eating issues and how they relate to weight-loss surgery post-ops. When we were physically obese, food was our way to cope and soothe feelings we'd rather not feel. Right after surgery, we really couldn't use food because of our pouches being so small, but as time goes on and the pouch relaxes and we can eat more and get sick less, then the old, familiar coping strategies rear their ugly heads again. The important thing is that you REALIZE this is what you're doing, and with that realization, change can occur. We need to find non-food ways of dealing with our stress and other icky feelings. Personally, I like to putter in the garden or do decorative painting. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or over-stressed, I go in the backyard and dig a hole. As ridiculous as this sounds, the physical exertion of digging up the soil with a shovel and then filling it in again really does help me. It helps keep things in perspective, and unwanted or unneeded food out of my mouth as well. It generally takes a lot of time for our brains to catch up with the thinner image we now see in the mirror. It also takes time and energy to start living our lives in positive and affirming ways, and not the self-defeating manner we were accustomed to when we were physically obese. Talking to other post-ops certainly helps--it's nice to know you're not alone in the struggle. If you don't feel better with this approach, perhaps a few sessions with a qualified counselor will help you get back on track. Robyn Lap RNY 7/11/03 Dr. Paul Singh, Albany Medical Center (NY) 227/127/137

As Dx says, when we feel hungry, our bodies are usually looking for protein. If you give in and eat high carb or white flour foods, you will only make the situation worse. I can speak from experience. It has taken me years to give up the junk. However, my pouch always worked will with meals. Try and have protein sources available. Also, you can always go for low carb salads or vegetable dishes if you need more crunch. As for salads, Walden Farms has salad dressings that are sugar free, fat free, and carb free. And, they taste goo.

Hello...me too!!!!! I am 2 years out and I eat all day & night. So far, I have not gained, I am actually still losing but only a pound or 2 a month. I was 427 before surgery, now I fluctuate between 199 & 203. I have the same stuff going on in my head, wondering when I will start to regain. I actually have a drawer with some larger sized clothes I saved just in case. The thought of buying bigger sizes again makes me cringe. My fiance also had the surgery but a year before me & he has gained back 30 pounds. This worries me, we are both food addicts big time. People tell me, "You look great, keep it up" Meanwhile I am telling them: " My surgeon operated on my stomach, he didn't operate on my brain" If my pouch stretches, there is nothing to stop me from gaining. If I had not had the surgery, I would still weigh 427. I identify with you, good luck to us both.