What to do about cravings?

I have been having a pasta craving that is about to drive me batty! What can I do about it? Any suggestions?

Hey Alyssa, I can't tell you what to do about cravings, but I just thought I would tell you that I been going through something simlar. I think I'm going crazy. I'm 7 days post-op and the last 3 nights or so I've been dreaming about food. I will eat lots and lots of foods that I love or want. Then I sit down and cry because I can't believe that I did that. Or I'll start to panick because I'll stop eating and go what am I doing oh "no" now I'm going to die. Is this just my brain trying to resync it's self with my body. I know I would never do these things. Today was the first day my stomach even growled. Is this just my fears coming into my dreams. You haven't had this surgery to long either right. Did anything like this happen to you? I just find it strange. Does it get better? Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, I'm sorry I haven't been online for a few days. I dreamed about food the first few days after I got home from the hospital too. Really wierd dreams like going through a Sams and eating all the Reeses Peanut Butter Stix...lol. The first week after surgery was what I like to call the "what the hell did I do to myself?" phase. It does get better trust me! I've been replacing those obsessive eating behaviors with other things like exercising, shopping (unfortunately), and some other things. Believe me when I say that it gets better... Even though I've got a couple of weeks to go on the pureed diet. -Alyssa

Alyssa, this is sooo hard for me too, especially around that "special" time of the month lol I can eat a lot more during this time too... I don't know why either. Anyways, fight it as hard as you can.... in my profile, I put up a list of things to do when cravings strike. I found this list on the main message board.. anyways, I've done several of these and it seem to get my mind off of what I wanted. And I too have given into these cravings..but stick to moderation and make sure I exercise a little bit extra that week. There is a pasta that supposedly has 5 "impact" carbs. www.dreamfieldfoods.com I indulge in this sometimes but don't make it a habit. I will have it once or twice a month. And, I've had regular pasta...but in moderation (probably about 1/3 c.) I make sure I really push myself with the exercise too. I am by no means recommending you give in to your cravings!! But, I don't believe in denying myself anything...moderation and exercise are key. My surgeon would probably $#!t a brick if he heard me say that LOL

April, I completely agree with you. When I want pasta, I have it. As a matter of fact, because I am single and don't want to cook so much food for one person, a lot of my meals are Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choice meals...and a lot of times they are pasta based. My first year anniversary of my surgery is tomorrow and I have gone from 307+ to 157.9 (last night). Often I don't finish the meals because I get full...but I don't deny myself. The key really is moderation...and exercise, too, of course.