Dealing with the "psychological hunger"

So I am 9 days post-op,everthing went great from the surgical and recovery ends,but after 30 years of being able to put any food and as much as I want in my mouth,I am craving food in the worst way.Of course I expect this is normal,but it isn't just missing the food.It is also the fact that I won't be able to eat and FINISH that whole pizza or sandwich.I am feeling anxiety about that and I haven't even gotten passed the pureed foods! Anybody able to relate?

Dear Kevin, I have not experienced any of these issues, but from what I've read and seen posted on the boards, it is perfectly normal.  The liquid phase of the recovery is terrible.  But once you move on to pureed and soft foods, things do get much better.  And, then you transition to regular foods and increase your variety substantially. You will be eating a portion that a health individual should consume.  When I was pre-op I could eat a whole pizza with no problem at all.  That is why I weighed 375 lbs.  I actually ate a couple of slices of pizza made on a toasted tortilla made with low fat cheese and was completely satisified.  And, in the back of my mind, I knew that this was the correct portion for someone that aspires to be below 200 lbs. Hang in there Kevin.  Things will improve.

Kev: Been there done that.. It is very very normal..Once you graduate to soft and than "normal" foods you will have the opportunity to "test" the waters so to speak...  When I went through this "phase"... I discovered that I no longer.. had the same cravings.. rny "re-booted"my entire appiite and hunger systems... the quanities I can physcially consume are reduced by 75%... the quanities I desire are reduced by 60-70%.. I seem to be at a safe and balanced place today... i do not take this for granted... It has been my expeience that my addictions / compulsions lay in wait for me and I have great respect for this fact.... I am so very happy to be at a healthy weight.. and to have a fighting chance at maintaining it.. I am stooked... Keep the faith Kev-

Kevin,

 

“Anybody able to relate?” COMPLETELY! Those first weeks are the worst! Hang in there. I’m tellin’ Ya’ll Send out for the Sugar-Free Popsicles!!

All of them, every kind…. Depending on the brand, They range from 10 to 15 calories each! Have a few dozen!!! Hang in there and just remember-

“It Does Get Easier Each Week!!!” Best Wishes- Dx

 

give yourself, mind and body a break! you just went through hell and back. adjustment takes time. all things will heal soon enough. yes, head hunger is a tough one but you'll soon see you won't want to eat so much. as for down the road, you'll have better habits in place by then. try not to get worked about what ifs. focus on recovering and relaxing. drink some tea, that's what i do when i'm hungry and i eat something with protein. don't beat yourself up for very normal feelings right now. once you start losing weight, trust me, you won't want to mess up the progress and THAT will be your new motivation.....Carbonblob

Hi Kev, I never had the anxiety, but I just wanted to say Dx is right about the SF popcicles. I just finished two. I buy two boxes of the Kroger brand Two Fruity kind every week. When I think I am hungry or think I really need some thing to eat I grab one or two, especialy when its late and I don't want to eat. Also the SF gum is good. I find there are times when its late I don't want to eat any thing if I grab some gum and chew on it I can get through it. Just hang in there it will get easier. When you do eat, make good choices. That is what these first few weeks are good for, to make a change in your choices. Protein first then every thing else. I am twelve weeks out today. I weighed 253 this morning, 324 the day of surgery, high was 375. I am down from a 54 size jeans to 44. I feel so much better, if I could bottle it and sell it I would be rich.  pan head

Absolutely.  The funny thing is you find habits and they annoy you.  I found my car wanted to automatically drive to someplace for a mid-morning snack.   The interesting thing is that pizza you are thinking about - not a chance you will be able to eat that.  I was 8 weeks and our men's group had a party for the National Championship game.  Pizza was the dinner.  I got one piece in after about 20 mintues.  I tried a second piece and after 2 bites, it all came back up.   After about a month you will find some of those habits going away.  Just don't pu**** on the testign or you will learn the hard way.  It's sort of like starting your exercise routine by maxing out the weights only you pay for it right now and it will ruin your entire day. What you are going through is perfectly normal.  You will also want to crunch something while you are in the soft foods.  We always want what we can't have.  Just stay the course.  This time seems like it takes forever but you will forget it soon enough.  Congrats on the surgery...you are going through normal feelngs right now. Take care, Greg

Hey Kev...How are the gas pains?  I know you were having a lot of trouble with those early out. As for the head hunger, I think I'm probably in the top 10 with that.  I know that when I get it I've started timing it.  I'm actually just kind of stepping back and watching it happen to me, distancing myself from it.  Mine last about 4 minutes.  When I was first out it was more like 15 minutes and mostly focused on cupcakes.  So I'm hoping it does get better for you with time.  I can't tell you how much it has helped me to know that I will make myself physically ill if I do give in.  That seems to be just the ticket I needed.  It has helped more than you could imagine to talk about it with the guys on here. Ken