Snack Replacement

Hi, guys.

I'm new to OH.com.  I'm having my surgery on June 30th and over the next couple of weeks I'll be putting some meat on my profile. 

I have a concern about post-op life and I'm looking for ideas.  One of my habits is snacking while I'm watching TV.  I expect to be more active in the future, but I'm sure I'll still be watching baseball, etc.  What do I do with my hands when I'm watching TV?  I feel like a smoker.  I need something to keep my hands occupied.

Has anyone else experienced this?  What did you do?

Thanks.

 How is your vision?  I ask this because if you become involved in an activity where you can watch sports while keeping your hands busy doing something else, you may be able to avoid snacking.  For example, I used to do needlepoint.  One hand would be putting the needle in from the top while the other hand would be pulling the needle out from the bottom.  Other crafts such as knitting or making a hook rug are similar.  Yeah, I am a guy.  The problem with some other activities is that you can easily put them down and start snacking.  Doing a jigsaw puzzle may work.  Perhaps working on a model could use your hands.  Possibly even playing solitaire or easier ( less involved) computer games such as scrabble, maj johnf or one of the Jewel games.  

I found that reading does NOT prevent me from snacking.  The same goes for doing crossword puzzles.  You may have to try different passive activities to see which ones occupy your hands while still allowing you to concentrate on the games.  By the way, a lot of the times I turn off the volume.  I don't need a spotscaster to tell me what's going on in a football game.  But, if you get really absorbed in another activity, you may want to leave the sound on so you don't miss anything.

It is very different after the surgery.  Usually for the first 6 months with any WLS you are dropping the weight, eating right, and don't think much about snacking.  After awhile the desire comes back.  A few ideas...They may sounds strange but they work for me.  Raw vegetables; carrots, broccoli, cabbage give you that full feeling you'll be looking for.  Raw nuts can satisfy the need also...Don't go hog wild because of the fat content in them.  Air popped popcorn can work.  What you may crave...I know I do...is the salty crunch.  Now when I want the salty crunch ("Warning...kids don't try this at home") I will make a small plate of nachos...about 1/3 the size I used to make.  This is after I got to near normal weight.  You need to fight those temptations till you get to goal or you'll be sorry...Cat out of the bag type of thing.  What I literally had to do post op was take a walk when I felt those cravings...Strange but it worked...  

I love to watch my Yankees and yes I am used to snacking while I do it. Two solutions. #1: I schedule my workout while the game is on. If you can set up a treadmill/eliptical machine where you can watch the two activities go nicely together. I don't have gym membership but as far as I hear the gyms have the TV  with exercise setup. #2: Use this time to drink your fluids. Once you are sitting there watching with you water bottle, every time you have an urge take a sip.

Well since my wife is expecting our 3rd child in August you can see what I used to replace my urge to snack with LOL.

Seriously though for me the attraction for food has pretty much left.  If I get a head call to eat I typically pick up a healthier choice and eat very little of it or I drink something.  If it wasn't for my schedule there are days I would probably forget to eat.

I appreciate the feedback, guys.

An ipad always keeps my brain occupied even especially during slow sports like baseball. Really helpful as i watch my Aggies losing in the CWS