Hunger has returned

Good Afternoon, I need some advise please. For the first 7-8 months I was never hungry and I am so thankful for that. The hunger came back around 9 months and I could deal with it, but the last couple of weeks have been aweful. I know I can eat more now and I'm suppose to but it concerns me that I'll get back into my pre-op ways and yes I'm scared. I've made good choices so far today, I didn't get the full sensation after lunch which was 45 minutes ago...I have an empty feeling in my pouch and yes it's growling that's only happened a couple of times. Can someone please give me advise on how much you were eating at a year out, calories, carbs, fats and protein. This is what I've had: Pre-breakfast: 2 cups of decaf coffee w/splenda and non-dairy creamer Breakfast: 4 oz 2% cottage cheese w/splenda Snack: 2 oz soy nuts Lunch: 8 turkey pepperoni (nuked), 4 asparagus, 1 Mini Babybel Cheese Calories: 344 Fat: 16 Carbs: 17 Protein: 32 Regards, Dana

It is a fact, the hunger comes back. Mine has never been the same kind of hunger I experienced pre-op, but it came back just the same. I eat dense protein, little carbs, and make sure I am drinking my water at all times. (not with meals or 30 min prior or 2 hours after) Going to be hungry has not killed me yet and I have been doing it now for 2 years. LOL Do I ever give in? Sure, but I try to make good choices and if I haven't, I make up for it the next day. You're a "normal" person now, Dana. The next 70 years are all up to me. You'll do fine, have faith, Traci 303/131

Going to be * Going to BED!! Yep, it's Monday all over again. ps. Typing is optional on the internet, it's a rule I made up. Traci

At a year out I was told 8oz which would be a cup of food per meal.....sometimes it is scary.....like with salad.....I can eat a ton of it...but put 4oz chicken breast on my plate and I am stuffed. You have done great, and I am sure you will continue to do great If your getting hungry, add a little more. Take Care, and the new pics look great.....you look TINY in the little velour looking outfit Take Care jesi

Thanks Jesi, I guess I should try adding an extra bite or two and see if that helps. I know I'm scared to gain and I need to get over that....I've never vomited, my pouch isn't picky but I limit the amounts that go in and haven't pushed it to far. Only twice have I felt like I overdid it. Although I'm one year out, I still feel like I'm beginning and on a learning curve. Hugs, Dana

Wow, not alot of calories or protein there, is it, Pumpkin?! THAT COULD BE A CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, maybe you ARE hungry, plain and simple. I realize it doesn't count dinner or another snack, but............ I am 2 years out, have lost 208 pounds and try to get 1200-1500 calories a day with 80-120 grams of protein. If I went any lower than that I would stop losing and just felt blah. My sample day, just approximations: Pre Breakfast 8am - protein shake 20-25 grm pro 110-130 calories Breakfast 11am - oatmeal pancake with yogurt 15 grm pro 200-250 calories Lunch 2pm - veggie burger with ff cheese, edemame 20-25 grm pro 250 calories Snack 5pm - AchieveOne or other pro drink 20 grm pro 120 calories Dinner 7pm - chicken or meatless meat, vegies, cottage cheese, etc. 15 grm pro 200-250 calories Snack 8pm - Protein bar 20 grm pro 170-200 calories If you can't add more volume during one meal (and it should get easier the farther you are out) then maybe add more meals. Good luck Linda

Thanks Linda, my surgeon told me to eat 1000-1200 calories a day, some days I make it others I don't. As I said until recently I made myself eat because I had to. Now I'm experiencing hunger, I need to work on quantity per meal maybe I still want to do what I did 3-4 months ago. I haven't thrown up since surgery and I have a phobia of vomiting....so I'm holding back on eating alot...I need to get over that fear. I will have 2 possibly 3 protein drinks this afternoon which ups calories a little and probably a cheese stick for snack in a bit. I've been water loading and it helps me for a while. You look great, congratulations and thanks for the advise. Dana

Dana, I rarely have hunger. But looking at your list there, I'd be starving! I saw that you water load, which I do too. And it really does help. Those seem like tiny higher density foods to me. I'd say add a handful of crispy fresh veggies to All of that. Some lettuce, peppers, broccoli, cucumber, etc... I try to throw more fiber in with my fuel, Because it takes it longer to "burn." Really low glycemic foods keep me "full" longer. Peek at- http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_food_diet/glycemic_index.php or http://www.glycemicindex.com/ Hope it helps! Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks Dx, I just printed out the links you sent me, I'll be reading them tonight. I knew a degree of hunger would return and it's here , I just need to figure out that balance of what I need to eat to not starve but also not get back into bad habits. Dana

I'd say you are hungry because your body is giving you a message that you are starving. At one year out I was eating 1200-1400 cals a day. I continued to lose a little more after that, and now am stabilized and eat 1500-1600 cals a day. I generally get in 100 + grams of protein a day from food, and an occasional protein bar.