Question:
real hunger vs. head hunger

How do I know the difference? I had RNY on 1/31/08 (almost a year out). I"m noticing that I get 'hungry' pretty quickly after I eat; even if I gtet really full...I'm 'hungry' soon after. I"ve tried to eat high protein. for instance, 1 hard boiled egg and 2 pork sausage for breakfast. My little poucn gets pretty tight. NOt uncomfortable; but definately don't wanna push it... I am so scared that i've stretched my pouch our something. AGain, how do I know the difference?    — hatda (posted on January 21, 2009)

January 21, 2009
My nutritionist told me to drink a lot of water before I eat and wait an hour after I eat and drink at least 8 oz of water. If I am still hungry, then I will eat some cottage cheese or a piece of ham. Let us know if this is helpful to you.
   — susangielda06

January 21, 2009
With head hunger, you want something and might even think about what it is you want...but your stomach is not growling or rumbling for food...and you have to stop and ask yourself...Am I hungry to eat or do I just need a glass of water or to find something to keep me busy so I am not bored...Boredom is a HUGE trigger for me...If I am sitting watching TV...I often get bored inbetween commercials or from just sitting there after an active day. I jump up every commercial for a tiny glass of water or some tea just to keep active and snacking during this time is near impossible to avoid. I have the WORST time after dinner... I try to pick up things that are tedious to eat...like a pomegranite...or a grapefruit that I have to peel off the skin and rinds from...Or sunflower seeds/pistachios that I have to open individually...I keep gum , and water....tea...sugar free candy that I have to suck on and try not to chew up or I get sick from the sugar alcohols! Head hunger is no easy thing to live with! But I have found that staying away from sugar and carbs helps with late snacking cravings and urges to eat something...My newest thing is brushing my teeth about an hour or more after dinner (when the first urge to eat hits me)...I use a really minty tothpaste because NOTHING except water tastes good after brushing your teeth and it calms my head and my belly down and shuts off the urges to eat immediately! It's weird! I still end up snacking on something later...but it's better than two or three things! It's been really helping a lot! I was drinking tea...but the tea was keeping me awake so I had to find a decaf and something that worked a little better on the head! Toothpaste! Good stuff! The mintier the better!
   — .Anita R.

January 21, 2009
Hi. Here's a link to one of my blog entries, which has a good chart about physical vs. emotional hunger. Hope it helps. http://www.obesityhelp.com/myoh/blog/action,controlPanelWrite/?pkid=198744&key=0b225fefa482edd476655724da974aff Let me know if it doesn't work, and I can try to get the info to you another way. Blessings, Mary
   — marylaw

January 21, 2009
I was also told that artificial sweeteners (e.g. Splenda, Sweet 'n Low, etc.) will give you feelings of hunger. Also, carbohydrates such as breads, crackers, pasta, etc. will produce hunger feelings more easily. That is why you should avoid those.
   — Wendy M.

January 21, 2009
for me , head hunger goes away. i usually drink something and its gone in a bit. With real hunger its more of a 'pain' I guess. Good luck ! hugs, kim
   — gpcmist