Question:
Struggling with my self control
I am having trouble with eating when I am already full. I have come so far and hate to have to fight myself to stay on track. It has only been seven months and I am already struggling. I had trouble with solid food and only recently could eat them. I now find I want to eat everything. I ahve trouble telling when I am full but even when I know I am full I want to eat. I put everything out of sight and concentrate on other things. It is working ok. I am still losing weight but I am shocked how hard it is all of the sudden. Any ideas how to quiet this crazy craving to eat all the time? — trible (posted on February 18, 2009)
February 18, 2009
I used to be the same way. I'm 1 1/2 yrs out now. What I did was decide
how many calories I could eat in one day (1000 is what I chose). Then I
divided that by three meals and stuck to it. I made the decision to eat
fruit when I have the urge to eat. I've even started eating new fruits
that I've never tried before.
— angelalynn1968
February 18, 2009
I went back to Overeaters Anonymous. They understand the compulsion to
overeat! Good luck,
Rena (RNY 4/30/08)
112# (lost 115#)
— RenaMansi
February 18, 2009
HI, THANK YOU FOR POSTING
Not everyone would when facing diffacult times as this.I too had my surgery
on July 16,08, so I hear ya I struggled a little at 6 months and I had to
stand back and think what was going on in my life that I was turning to old
habits and I saw boredom and had to think about where I was 6 months prior
and what I wanted in the years to come. First, think about what is going on
in your life that has changed stress, work, family? What is going on? Why
are you wanting to eat especially when you are full. If u need to seek
counseling do so, u have come to far to turn back, we need to be incontrol
all the time, If u had a eating disorder prior to surgery seek counseling
do not be ashamed hold your head high THIS IS YOUR LIFE, TAKE CONTROL DO
NOT LET THE FOOD WIN AS ANY ADDICTION IT IS OUR CHOICE.(I of all people
know it is hard) I try to stay busy and am involved with Church and
fundraisers anything to keep busy do not buy garbage if someone else wants
it let them buy and store it away from you, You have come to far in this
journey to let food control you, I applaud u for seeing a problem and
asking for help by this you have helped someone else that was too scared to
post. Please go to your doc tell him your issues share your fears, talk
talk talk, I want to live as I am sure you do I am not going to let food
take away my life and become that sad fat person I was a few short months
ago , email me any time we can talk here or personially [email protected]
— Tammi Sandoval
February 18, 2009
Yep, this surgery is great because you physically change, yet your brain,
as a heavier person, has stayed the same. I think we all have to deal with
this at some time or another. There are great programs for your body, i.e.
exercise or weight watchers, but where are the programs for your mind? It
is tough. I can only suggest what someone else has suggested. Choose your
caloric intake, keep a food journal and be strict about it until you get
back in the habit. I had to seek assistance from a therapist. I have
learned a lot about what made me fat to begin with. My thoughts are with
you though - being aware of it is the first step. Peace.
— JaimeK
February 18, 2009
It is always a brain issue with all of us. I always say I will be a fat
women inside no matter what size my pants are! We have to learn what works
for us to over come the want to keep eating. I still have trouble and I am
3 years out. Right now I am prego and want everything in site. Yes, it is
good for me to gain weight, but I still need to be careful not to over
indulge. Just remember, you did this for a reason. Get that reason back in
your mind and concentrate on your happier moments. You are stronger then
your brain!
— stephaniejackson
February 18, 2009
Thank you all for your support and help. I have been given some great
ideas.
— trible
February 18, 2009
Just remember that this is a tool, not a cure all. You have to remember
how many years you were used to using food as a crutch. That doesn't go
away with the surgery. I know when I am full, but the feeling in my
stomach is what I always thought of as hunger, so that is hard, but I am
learning. I talked to one of the counselors at the weight loss center and
he said it is a form of grieving because we can't use food like we are used
to using it. We just need to find something to take our mind off of it -
develop a hobby, or just get out to take your mind off of it.
— Dawn A.
February 19, 2009
I agree with everyone and just wanted to add...I also have this trouble
with night snacking. I have found that I can have my snacks as long as
they are planned and good choices. I account for my night snacking and keep
healthy choices stocked! If I don't...I'm looking to pull out the baking
stuff! EEK! That's not always a good idea! So...I keep yogurt and fruit,
nuts salad stuff with those 1 calorie salad sprays! Carrot sticks...humus,
cottage cheese...low fat cheeses! I take pepperoni that I nuke and make
crispy chips from ...Can do with grated cheese too and pat off the fats! SF
pudding and jello...etc! I allow myself these things at planned
times...KNOWING that I will get my snack keeps it more controlled! Having
good choices around also helps! Brush your teeth right after a meal with
really minty toothpaste...This tells your mouth, head and belly that you
are done eating. NOTHING but water tastes good after brushing your teeth
with mint! It helps... And your dental hygienist will be bored to death on
your visits! Also...ask yourself "WHY" do I want to eat more when
I am not hungry?
Sometimes, you might just need a hug...Go grab someone and hug them! If I
can't find someone...I pull out the green tea bags from the freezer and put
them under my eyes and the face masks and nail protein treatments and stuff
to pamper my skin and nails along with a cup of hot tea! Or a hot bubble
bath by candlelight and a cup of hot SF "something or other"...
It's almost like a self-hug...Or I pull out my yoga tapes and breath and
meditate...It's nice for melting stress or boredom, which are my two
BIGGEST triggers to want to eat! If it's not too late...I run out to the
store and "window" shop...or go to the Book store and sit and
read magazines/cook books...getting new gardening ideas...or just skim thru
books I am too cheap to buy! LOL You have to find what works for you
because we all have eating disorders that brought us to these drastic
measures...Knowing that you are not alone, I hope it helps somehow!
— .Anita R.
February 19, 2009
I don't know what surgery you had but I had the VSG which means the glands
that created craving where gone. I did learn about head hunger which is
craving things we see. I put those things out of site. Was very strict
with my husband about not seeing him eat those things. I know what my
triggers are to start eating, so if I'm expecting those triggers. I throw
out food that I think will get me into trouble. I also bought a special
bowl and plate that is small to remind me how much to eat. Right now, I
don't eat much because of some other issues but I felt like the small bowl
and small plate would help my eyes get on a right portion size for me.
Best wishes
— Corina C
March 5, 2009
I can completely relate. I feel like the "grazing" is coming back
to me. My plan to get back on track is to start going to all the sporting
events at the HS in town or attend my grandsons baseball games to get me
out of the house and moving. Esp. with spring and summer right around the
corner. Hang in there. Spring/Summer are always months when I start to
liven up again. Hoping to kick start the WL again and get in my exercise.
— Laurie H.
Click Here to Return