Head HUNGER!

Two nights ago I had a dream that I went to Burger King and got one of those greasy, yummy chicken sandwiches. I'm only a week out and knew I couldn't eat it, so I brought it home and put it in the blender! Then I tried to eat it purreed--bread, lettuce, mayo, chicken, and all! Even in my dream I was gagging! Then yesterday I felt like I was starving! I wanted pizza, steak, break with butter and scrambled eggs, chocolate, anything!!! I knew I had eaten my appropriate foods, but my head was telling me otherwise! I know that sometimes head hunger is sometimes brought on by emotional issues or boredom... I think it's part of breaking the old habits as well. What do you guys do when the head hunger takes over?

Ill step back and ask myself "do I *really* want xxxx". Ill also try and tune into my belly and see if its really hungry or is it just me. Quite a few times Ive been in the McDonalds drive thru only to pull out of line and be like YUUUUUUUUUCK. Sometimes if its bad I will see if I can find a substitute... like if I want something sweet I will eat some fruit leather, pudding or an ice pop... something salty a few soy crisps or some whole wheat crackers. Usually a few bites and Ive satisified that voice in my head Once I moved onto eating more regular foods it got easier than in the first two weeks (liquid diet). Eating is such a chore you wont want to go thru the hassle of eating burger king. I also found that if I eat cruddy I feel cruddy... if I eat good I feel good. Thats another deterrant now... "remember how you felt last time you ate a cheeseburger from a drive thru" yes oh yes I do!!! Other things I have read as suggestions is it read a few lines of a book, make a phone call, go for a short walk... just something to get your mind off of whatever food its obsessing on.

Ohhh, I so remember those days. I would just cry, I was so hungry. Hang in there, it gets better. Drink! Walk to take your mind off it. Good Luck Susan 5'3" 242/231/142/140

Drink water, get on the treadmill, get on OH.com

I dreamt about meatballs and all kinds of foods during my 2 weeks. I suffered, I found it terribly difficult during this time period. You will survive and be stronger. Please use your resources and keep writing what your going through. I dreamt of meat balls. I craved chese and eggs it's because your cannot have it is why your craving it. Good Luck and Stay Strong, Jennifer

Oh my goodness, I know what you mean. I am 3 weeks out and on soft foods but I still dream (when awake and asleep) about food. Funny that my favorite food of all time is fried chicken. I have never not cheated on a diet in over 35 years that it wasn't fried chicken! But although the thought of fried chicken does sound good I have craved hot dogs with chili, mustard and slaw the most. So when I can eat solid food I will be getting turkey dogs with the trimmings. I know it seems unbelievable that you can't have anything but fluids. I don't know what you had to do pre-op but I was on liquids for 14 days pre-op and 14 post-op. Now that I can have softs I am not interested. It seems to be such a struggle to sit down and take such small bites and pay such close attention to what you are doing that it kind of takes the fun out of eating (thank goodness) but it is also makes me sad when I think of the comfort and safety of sitting down with my family and having a good meal. I know that all this will come in smaller amounts. The same will happen for you. Hang in there. Stay in touch. Tammy