Why do newly post ops eat what they shouldn't

I know I should know the answer to this, but lately on the main board one person after another has had a hamburger at 2 wks out, milk shake, french fries, cookies, chips, must I gone on. WHY WHY WHY... I guess not everyone does not feel like eating right after surgery?! I would have been so afraid to stray from what I was told to do. I didn't even look at a piece of chocolate etc for more than a year. On the other hand I did not feel this hunger some folks talk about early out, still don't feel hunger very often. Yes I get that demon called head hunger but I am 3 + years out and know what the consequences are if I give into those urges. I can now balance the good with the bad if you can appreciate that. I have been having a free for all with food this week but I will get back on track. I am hormornal that is why I am eating. I just want to know why? Ok, got that off my chest, or what is left of it, not much I'll tell ya... MaryLyn

MaryLyn, There are always those posts - "I'm on Full-Liquid Phase at 2 weeks out And I ate __(insert very solid, sugary, greasy food name here)_ But I chewed it to mush, And still I got Sick!! What's Up With This??!" A few more of lately, but they always seem to have been there. I also was/am VERY Lucky not to be hungry. Particularly early on. Could have just been the complications, But, I'd like to believe it is from eating 5 small meals a day And keeping my blood-sugar more constant, But it may be genetic, or even psychological, And have nothing to do with my routine. So I just Thank heavens for the good fortune and press on..... Those Hormones can Scream out for "More Bad Choice Food!!!" As long as you adjust the following week, No harm. Have a Great Week-end! Best Wishes- Dx

Dx, Guess I too am Lucky. I am always baffled by those post. I am over it now. I started out with 3 meals only a day per my surgeon. When I neared my two year mark and became frustrated with no more weight loss I enlisted the help of a nutritionst and now have five small meals a day. Lost an additional 50 lbs. I think that is the best road to follow especially when it comes to the blood sugar level. You too have a great weekend and happy healing. MaryLyn

So, do you have a set time that you eat ? Give me a typical Dx eating schedule. Really need some examples of what to do...D.

MaryLyn, I so don't understand what some people do, the new post-ops seem to "try" foods that aren't allowed for quiet some time, earlier and earlier. I was also never hungry early out, still don't get really hungry but deal with lots of head hunger lately and since I don't dump I've been struggling with sugar. I felt very fortunate early out to never want to eat but knew I had to, I am grateful for those early days during which the weight came off so quickly but I DID follow my post-op plan and I contribute my success to date for listening to my surgeon. Dana

Dana, I kind of feel guilty like i should have more sympathy but I don't. I too struggle with sugar that is my main demon. Don't dump much on it either. As for head hunger if we could only turn it off. Too bad we cannot hold onto those early days of weight loss. Have a good weekend MaryLyn

MaryLyn, Definitely understand your thoughts. I still remember those "I'm two weeks and I ate a brownie and I don't dump" posts. I could never understand pushing the envelope like that. I'm 14+ months post-op and I still have not tried any sugar. I believe I dump based on incidental amounts of sugar in some things (i.e. a marinade my sister used on some fish) so why test the waters. I still have not tried alcohol. It was never a biggie for me to begin with so I don't miss that. I also remember the early post-op... "I dumped while snacking on pretzels and cream cheese." I think I posted "Does your surgeon say it is okay to eat pretzels? Cream cheese? And are you allowed to snack?" I never got a reply. I was instructed from early on... protein first, then vegies and then fruit and only then carbohdyrates. I was instructed 3 meals a day and two protein shakes. I was instructed to eat every 3-4 hours. I've stuck to that. I actually found my protein levels to be better with 3 shakes a day so that is what I still do. I do 3 meals, 3 shakes and if I worked out hard maybe an extra snack of cheese or something. I'm far from perfect. I've had the salsa and tortilla chips on occassion. I do eat sugar free ice cream. I've had some fried foods. But my basic every day diet is healthy and the way my surgeon would approve of. Kathy

They sure do test the waters too early. I just won't read those anymore. If I was to answwer them I would have to be honest. Why are you eating this or that, why sabotage yourself etc. I know I would be called a bi**h. I am no where near perfect, but I have seniority. take care MaryLyn

Kathy - do the 3 shakes a day help curb your appetite? I have been thinking about adding them back in because I have been dealing with hunger lately. THanks, Laura

Hey ya, Laura! Yes, I think the shakes help stave off hunger by keeping blood sugars level throughout the day. I'm never starving by my next feeding time. Here is my sched: Pre-gym (5:00): Protein shake After-gym (7:00): Protein bar (this is after a long workout - this is a new addition and I might change to make my pre-gym shake 1 scoop instead of 1.5 and then have a 1 scoop shake after working out - it'll save calories that way but yield the same results I would think) Breakfast (9-9:30): Cup o' joe (long before I eat), eggs (2) or deli meat or tuna salad or something Lunch (12-12:30): Leftovers of some sort (protein) Snac****3:30): Protein shake Snack2(5-5:30): Piece of cheese usually Dinner(7:30): Protein/vegies Before bed (10-10:30): Protein shake Kathy