fighting head hunger

It's 10:40 and I want to eat something. I am not really hungry. I know it is in my head and my emotions. I am drinking protein shake. I hope that this works to over-come my head.

Go to bed!  8 times out of 10 this late night eating is caused by tiredness, not hunger!  Eating that late before bed is asking for trouble with reflux.  I didn't have any reflux for a year post op but today I can't eat less than a hour before bed or I get reflux.  

Also, protein shakes are sliders and the calories are usually pretty high.  A protein shake is a meal, not a snack.  Unless you haven't had enough protein for the day, stick to solid foods which will make you fuller and a snack should be around 100 calories.  

I know, I know, when it's head hunger there is not rational thinking, but what I learned in therapy is that head hunger is always about dealing with another emotion, not hunger.  Try to stop before you eat and identify what's really bugging you.  Sometimes just realizing that it's frustration, anger, sadness, etc. will help you.  Then, deal with the emotion in another way.  Write about it, talk to someone about what's really getting to you but stay out of the pantry!  Go to bed!

Hang in there.  It takes practice but it can be conquered.

Best~
Lisa O.

Thanks!

I am suppose to eat three meals and two shakes a day. It was my second shake for the day non flavored protein and made with crystal light for a total of 120 calories. I didn't eat anything else thank God.

Sounds like you made a good choice and decision.  I am a licensed counselor, but six months after getting my lap band, I am having a terrible time with head hunger and snacking even though I know full well I shouldn't.  I am making an appointment tomorrow to start seeing someone who can help me with this emotional component.  However, you do have to have a counselor who "can" help you identify the problem and strategies.  It can't be someone who is struggling and loosing the battle themselves.

I lost 40 pounds right away, but have been stuck for about two months with no loss, just up and down three pounds.and I am very discouraged right now.  So the last bit of response was helpful to me...I know it comes from boredom, feeling deprived that I can't load up on carbs...chocolate, and lonely.  So, thanks I will get to work on this now.

Please help me out i am on my day two of my nine day pre op diet shakes and sugar free jello cottage cheese and broth. I am starving and have had an awful headache. Anyone else preparing for surgery? I am scheduled for Aug 23 for lapband.