Head Hunger - cravings

Hi All, I am probably going to become a pest here - but I am REALLY trying to get back on track with the program. I have never had cravings and head hunger like this before.  All I want to do is eat!  I made sure the only thing I have here at the office is low fat protein and fruit.  String cheese, hard boiled egg, low Sugar yogurt, orange and an apple.  (I have not eaten all that it is just what I brought with me today.)  I plan to have a salad w/protein for lunch (small salad).  I had a protein shake for my 5am pre-work get going.  I have had 1 1/2 cups of coffee and a piece of string cheese.  I am about to have the egg.  I am feeling so hungry - I have not felt really hungry since before surgery 7/2005.  This is so weird for me and I anm really freaked by it.  I finally am working to get back on track and now my own mind/body is trying to undercut me. Any suggestions on how to curb or deal with this? Thanks so much -  Leann

Ugh Im in the same boat, its like I cannot eat enough as of late. I have gaine 30 pounds back from WLS now. Help me too!

I  can  relate to the head  hunger ....   The  way  I  deal  with  it is  eat  more  protien  .  So  far  it  has  worked  for  me  I  am   18  months  out ... I  am   such  a  routine person  and  if  I  am out  of   routine  I  struggle with  head  hunger.   So  once  I  realize  that  the  head  hunger  is  there  then  I   take  a  step  back  .  Then  figure  out  where  I  should  be  with  my  routime and  start  from  that  moment ...   Your  not alone  Leann  ...  Hugs,  Tami

When I'm approaching that "time of the month" I feel like I can eat just as much as when I was pre-op.  Could that be part of your problem?  Also, lots of folks are VERY carb-sensitive, so I'm thinking maybe the fruit isn't good for that - too much sugar perhaps.  But also, it really doesn't seem like you're eating enough food, and maybe you're having actual hunger, not just head hunger.  Remember, we do get back to more normal body functions, including hunger pangs.  If I only had a shake in the AM and 1 piece of string cheese, and then nothing until lunch, I would be collapsing over in a dead faint.  I know it's kind of freaky when you start to feel hunger again, but you'll get used to it.  My feelings of hunger returned at about 6 months out from surgery, and it really bothered me for about a month or so, then I readjusted.  My suggestion would be to eat more dense protein - low sugar yogurt is good, but doesn't stay with you.  String cheese is better, eggs are good, but could you also add in some turkey or chicken, or maybe a little seafood salad, something with some bulk?  That might help you feel less hungry. Good luck, Carlita

Leann, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with cravings.  You didn't mention if you are doing your water -  try drinking water half an hour after you eat - I know that is not what you want to hear.  Sometimes "hunger " is really just being low on water.  At least it will delay eating for a while.  Try to change your focus with out of sight out of mind.  As with me I  have to put the food away, and just go on and do what I have to do.  Yes, there are days that I seem to eat all day but I try to eat the right things and pick up my exercise to balance it out, at least I hope it does.  So I guess what I am trying to say don't get to stressed out.  Take care and take it one day at a time...Deb k