Getting back my appetite

Well I am 3 and a half months out from surgery and am finally getting an apetite back. Unfortunately it scares the hell out of me. I had some issues with eating when I was stressed, sad, bored, etc. and boy am I stressed now.  I DON'T want to fall back into old habits. So far I have maintained but am getting cravings for semisolid food. Before I ate simply to maintain my nutritition. Now it is definitely hunger for whatever reason.  Anybody have any suggestions on dealing with this? I don't want to panic but am looking for ways to nip this early. Thanxs, Tony J.

One of the things that has helped me the most was a suggestion I got here in the lockeroom - that was to adjust the protein/carb balance in my diet. Increasing my protein intake while reducing my carb intake.

The protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer...If you see yourself getting too comfortable with snacking between meals then try to go back to the basics and re-commit yourself to eat only three hours with nothing to drink for 30 minutes before and after.

Hey Tony, Just like Mike said, try to increase the proteins and decrease the carbs. I found if I felt hungry try eating some beef jerky. Very high in protein and low in fat and carbs. I searched all over the net for a good price on jerky because I was finding prices as high as $24.00 per pound. The place I order it from only charges $9.69 per pound. They have several different flavors so you can order any assortment and you won't get bored with the same old flavor. If you order 6 pounds they give you free shipping.  And by the way it tastes great, here's the link: http://www.jerkynet.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPat h=1&zenid=f71147b82e012f74373537b40dd97443 I hope that helps. Take care. dan

But before you go and add the extra protein........ BREATHE! You are already recognizing the old habits for what they were.  Being able to recognize those behaviors and stop them before they take root is another key element to success post-op.  Remember that the WLS is JUST A TOOL!!  this is why we all got to visit with the shrink before we started shrinking. An appetite is normal and healthy.  Be glad that you can recognize the potential bad habits.  Continue to be grateful everyday.  And, oh yeah......increase your protein! Peace, my brothers!!

Thanxs for the thoughts guys. I need all the support I can get right now.  Breathe and protien Breathe and protien Breathe and protien Breathe and protien Breathe and protien Breathe and protien Breathe and protien OK Think I got it! Tony J.

Tony, How often a day are you eating? Some are directed to only get 3 meals a day PERIOD, no exceptions… But my doc and others have been set up to eat smaller "Mini-meals" about every 2 ½ to 3 hours. I’ve been doing that now for 4 years and I haven’t been hungry over a few dozen times. Maybe ask you Nutritionist/Doc about it. My total intake is about the same as others, But I keep a constant bloodsugar level and by "eating by the clock" I eat even when I’m not hungry because "It’s Time." This has kept me from being ravenous when I do eat. Just a thought… There’s also "Water Loading." Tried that? It does work for most RNY Post-ops. Best Wishes- Dx

i would just add that keep your water intake up. i hate water but it is the best regulator in terms of weight loss and electrolyte balance. it's also very filling. so if you get hunger pangs then try some water. protein is very filling as was mentioned bu****ch out for those bars, to me they're candy. some can eat them and be ok so it's up to you how you react to them.

as for being hungry, it's been 18 or so months for me and i swing from being able to stuff myself to eating nearly nothing and feeling full. i've had a little harder time than most but i think you might find that you'll change from time to time as far as intake. also, you're nerves are still healing down there so give it time. the best advice i can give is just eat until full. it's a good practice. i don't always listen but i try and that has made the difference for me. better habits.....carbonblob

There's CB,

How are things going? Hope the insides are doing better.

Best Wishes,

Dave

hey Dave,

still here. it's been a real trial though. haven't worked in a month due to the sickness. still throwing up every single day. not good. healing though so i should make a slow recovery. i've lost a lot of weight and muscle due to not working out and being so weak and sick. i think the bleeding is under control for the most part but it's back to square one with the gut. i have to watch everything i put in now otherwise, right back up. it's very sensitive right now and hurts like hell all the time. so in time i guess it will heal up. thanks for asking. oh, started doing pullovers again after reading your great link! take care......carbonblob

Hope the time off from work hasn't caused too much trouble and the crew can take over. Main thing is that you get better and get rid of the pain.

Pullovers are a magical exercise that kind of gets everthing in the front and lateral torso, both chest and lats and of course shoulders. I started doing them on my special shoulder day. I also do weighted dips on the same day, because like pullover, dips get the serratus (rib-like thingies) and shoulders too.

I've taken a few days off, believe it or not - limited myself to just the swim, so I expect a burst of intensity next workout.

Get better, bro. Hope you can get a newfangled electric box or something and hope the ulcers and shingles clear up.

All the Best,

Dave