Question:
Need help! Can't stop eating...

I need help! I have fallen soooo hard back into habits I had preop. I had surgery 3/13/02, down from 286.5 to 169... now up to 172...(went on vacation last week and actually gained 6lbs!.. so I have lost 3 of it) but I am struggling with being hungry ALL the time! I have also been dumping more frequently the last 2 months on odd stuff (i.e. salad). I know I need to up my protein, down my carbs, exercise and just do it! I guess I just had to vent! I would still like to loose down to 140. Is this a possibility for me. (I'm 41 and 5'4"). My whole family is on the large side, but I would really like to loose more, I guess the "honeymoon" is over. I will have to really work hard to loose the rest. Has anyone else had this problem and successfully lost the remaining weight this far along after their surgery? Thanks for listening!    — Kay W. (posted on September 26, 2003)

September 26, 2003
What do your meals consist of? Can you Dr things up so you can enjoy the bulk and volume, but keep the taste and lose the higher calorie/carb content?? My favorite salad is: 1/2 head brocolli, 1/2 head cauliflower (cut up in bite size pieces) 1/4 head of read cabbage shredded, 1/4 red onion diced, Bacon (I use bacos) and shredded cheese for the dressing, mix 1/2 mayo and 1/2 cup miracle whip add 1/4 c splenda, mix well and pour over the veggies. at this point I add 2 packages of Louis Rich grilled chicken and mix well. It tastes better if you wait 1-2 hours before serving. This has ALOT of volume, takes alot of time to chew (I still chew everything to applesauce consistancy) and it very satisfying - AND my 13 year old son loves it, he requests it at least 2X per month. The other thing that you need to deal with, is that even though YOU want to lose more, maybe is it possible that this is where your body is comfortable? I've noticed lateley in the support groups that I go to, this seems to come up alot, (never reaching the perfect goal weight), a suggestion there is to sit down and figure out your ideal goal, is it a feeling or a number, health benefits or self esteem isssues.... you know the drill. We have beat ourselves up for so many years, that I think if the scale goes up at all, the fear comes back. Don't panic, but realistically consider what your goal weight is and then the maintainance and stress will be easier to manage. Good luck!!!
   — Dana B.

September 26, 2003
Just wanted to give you some support and let you know you're not alone-- I'm going throught the same thing. Try to remain calm-- it sounds like you know exactly what to do to get in control again. You can do it!
   — lizinPA

September 26, 2003
Kay, even your last entry on your profile had the solution to getting to a lower weight- eating less carbs, upping the protein and exercise. I'm a month further out than you and I, too, know how difficult it is just to maintain the loss, nevermind continue to lose. It does take work on our end as we can eat more volume, have the same appetite we had pre-op, and our brains and tastebuds still want to eat the junk food! In my case, sugar! As to whether you can lose more, the answer is definitely yes, but the question is, are you willing to do what it takes to get there?? I think the only advantage we have this time is that we have the tool to help us, but bottom line, you have to eat less calories, and up the exercise (to burn what calories you are taking in) to continue the loss. As for being hungry all the time, those who de-tox from carbs and up their proteins (kinda like an Atkins diet) say it works to curb hunger. A great motto that works: JUST DO IT. No excuses. When you don't feel like exercising, pull out the motto. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

September 26, 2003
If you can stick to protein only for just 3 days, you'll see a HUGE difference in your appetite and be much more in control. Don't worry about the amount you're eating for those couple of days.. the goal here is get off the carbs which are making you hungry. Eat all the chicken, tuna, eggs, shakes, etc you want. By day three, you'll feel much better, but the first two days are not easy.. but it's worth it!
   — mom2jtx3

September 27, 2003
Stop eating the carbs now! The beauty of this surgery for me is the ease with which I can hop back on the wagon if I falter. If you stop now, in 2-3 days you will feel so much better and back in control. If you are not eating the carbs you will also not feel so hungry. It is a vicious cycle with the carbs. Good luck.
   — Carol S.