I can't stop grazing!

Does anyone have some techniques they have used to "break" the grazing habit? I've gained 15 lbs in 4 months from grazing (mostly in the evenings and on weekends -- when I'm not at work). Any advice would be appreciated. I had RNY on 5/21/03 and went from 333 to 165. Currently I'm at 185 and would love to get to 145. I had plastics for arms and stomach in January and have gained 15 lbs. since then. I eat until I'm uncomfortably full and then I'm hungry again in an hour. I'm tired of feeling sick from overeating and I'm tired of watching the scale go up instead of staying the same or going down. I know that part of the problem was I stopped exercising after the plastics and haven't been able to get back into it again. I need ideas for snacks at work that will keep me from eating junk and get me from meal to meal. Thanks, Susan 333/165/145/185

I am still fighting to get to my personal goal so I may not be the best person to give advice, but here goes anyway. I am also a grazer, what do I do? I graze on better things. I am lactose intolerant, but cheese sticks are good choices, peanut butter (on a couple of Ritz crackers or alone), handful of nuts and water, a few wheat thins (1/2 the recommended serving), 1/2 cheese sandwich (may add lean meat), 1/2 PB&J sandwich (USE THE WHOLE WHEAT BREAD!!!). Granola Snack Bites, Dips, etc. I REPEAT, I NEVER REACHED MY PERSONAL GOAL!!! EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION - GOOD LUCK!!!

Me too! My surgery was 5-15-03. I have had two babies since, and am 60# heavier then my lowest weight after surgery!!!! AAAAHHH. I did just have a baby 5 weeks ago. But I was grazing my whole pregnancy, and now i cant stop.

For me, it isni't so much grazing as it is PORTION CONTROL... I can eat two cup fulls of ANYTHING... I just need to stop! My plan is to set out what I am going to eat for the WHOLE day... in little tubs. B Lch DNR and one planned intermezzo meal. All should be less than 1000 calories for me. Ha! right now.. bet I consume about 2000 calories a day.

I agree with "Just Me", for me its portion control, my moderation feature is broken and I can eat a good portion. I have not regained, and I exercise ALOT, but I struggle daily with wanting to eat 24/7 and I know it will be a life long battle. I went through a phase of chewing gum, but because the flavor dulled pretty fast I found myself stuffing more and more pieces in my face to keep the sweet taste from fading. LOL then I did a project were I had to record myself and saw what I looked like chewing gum and havent had any gum in about a month. Yep, I'm weird. My newest phase is working pretty good, its sunflower seeds. I keep some in the car, in my purse, at my computer desk in the house, at work - half portions in ziplocks baggies. They keep my hands busy, and my mouth. If I have just eatten my portioned out meal or snack and still want to eat I go right into the seeds. You'd be amazed how long it takes to go through a small pack. I also have pumkpin seeds, but the stupid shells dont break open as nicely as the sunflower seeds LOL. It's not a cure, it doesnt train you to stop and walk away, but for me its better than a second portion or other grazing. I also have jars of splenda sweetened pickles in the frige at home. When I want crunchie and sweet, I eat right from the jar while standing in the frige, again not a great habit, but its an immediate hand mouth sweet gratification and it usually works to distract me from grabbing food I dont need. Pickles are low to no calories depending on the brand/ingredients...crunch away. And since you dont list what you are eatting, I will say that my worste habit was popcorn, but I have been popcorn free for 4 days and I do not do any other white carbs, never have. Try to stick to wheat breads if you do bread and try for foods on the lower end of the Glycemix Index if you are gonna eat carbs. Fruits maybe high in natural sugars, but are definitely better than full sugar snacks and high carb chips and stuff. The carb crave is the hardest, and it creates a cycle of eat, burn fast, want more real soon, eat etc. Get back to exercising. I do not enjoy my cardio, but I enjoy the benifits of it. I sleep better, it helps digestion/regulation, and it gets me out of the house and away from the frige and the eat me trolls that call my name from with-in. Good Luck - hope something here is usuable. Keep up the fight. Mic

Can you take the grazing and turn it into a scheduled meal? healthy food? I have to do 4-6 meals a day because of hypo glycemia issues. Darlene

Susan, The demons that haunt us prior to WLS eventually return full force after surgery. It is imperative that we learn new coping skills. When I get the urge to graze I ask myself what it is that is causing me to crave food...am I bored, stressed, or are my emotions taking over? Oftentimes I need to start doing something else....anything that will take my mind off foods....I get up and out of the house for a walk, quick trip to the gym, or start cleaning. You need to step away from the food and from the situation...walk over to a friends or neighbors house. Also, you may want to consider volunteering your time at a hospital or shelters in the evenings to get your mind occupied or start a new hobby that causes you to concentrate and use your hands. I avidly exercise each day to control my weight and build my muscles to help keep my metabolism burning at a higher rate. Hope some of these suggestions help you get back on track. Mary 415/163

Are you following the "pouch rules"? Are you eating protein first and staying away from bad carbs, sugar and all the other things that we aren't suposed to get into? Are you eating your meals on a little saucer? Are you drinking lots of water? I know its hard because I struggle with these all of the time. It helps if I have a cabinet and space in the refrig. for just my foods so that I am prepared for a snack attack when it occurs. It helps if I get my mind off of thinking about food. Take a walk, go to the library, shop or call somebody that can help. Don't get on a guilt trip because you slipped and ate something not good for you. We can't change what we ate yesterday but we can prepare for tomorrow and make a right choice at the next meal or snack. Best Wishes.

I admit, this is hard for me too, even though I am still in the losing phase. So I don't come with any air of mastery. I'm still working mine out. I did want to think up some good snacks for you though that you can easily take to work. Mozzerella strip cheese Celery.......plain, with low fat PB, with laughing cow cheese, however you like it. My fav is to use laughing cow cheese (garlic is yummy) and put a little in it, then wrap the celery is low fat turkey slices. I think these would be yummy with strips of peppers too. Boiled eggs beef jerky or turkey jerky SF pudding cups...my fav is Kozy shack rice or tapioca low sugar yogurt or drinkable yogurt low fat triscuits with lowfat cheese cottage cheese......add fruit or SF jam, or even hot sauce.....be creative fresh fruit....bananas are particularly filling to me turkey pepperoni soy chips protein bars......south beach and slimfast make ones that aren't extremely high cal and taste decent.....10 grams of protein. Good luck......this is definitely a challenge to keep on track! Marty

hey susan i know what you mean hey we are food junkies it's hard to break that but what you can do is eat healthy and you already know that so hit the fruits veggies and get busy back on that exercise hey youll be all right