Question:
How long until my mind thinks of food in a normal way?

I am 3 months out and have noticed that I still hoard food away. My fridge STAYS full with leftovers that I never get around to eating. But I still *insist* on saving leftovers. I think it is my mind wanting all of the food. Maybe I feel like I don't get my 'share' at a meal and want to save the rest for another meal. When do these mind games go away? Does anyone else deal with this? I don't feel like I'm obsessed with food anymore, but obviously there is a tad bit of obsession here.    — Cheri M. (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I can relate to your question in that for the first few months after surgery when I was eating out, I would order what I would usually order before surgery... alot of food. Or if we went to a buffet, I would fill my plate like I would have done pre-op. Did not make any sense at all! I dont' know when exactly this kind of thinking changed, but it has. I am 8 months post op now and can notice a difference in the way I think about food. ( I do have some bad days, where I still think about food alot, but not so much as it used to be).When we go out now, I find myself thinking, why are these portions so big? I want to have this, but I know they will bring me way to much of it. Can you imagine? I never thought that would be running through my mind! What a difference! I still get take home boxes but then find myself having to throw them out too. Keep a sense of humor about it... your thinking will change eventually. I think of it like this, my body changed first and now my mind is following.
   — susie K.

February 5, 2002
I agree with you. I think your mind still WANTS the food. I know if I wait too long to eat and get really hungry, I tend to pick up WAY too much food! When I go to pick up my lunch and I am really hungry I can be carrying a bag with enough food for 2-3 meals and still want to buy something else! Isn't that crazy???
   — ctyst

February 5, 2002
Good question! I'm seven weeks post op and just can't get it through my head that a spoon or two will do. Hence lots of leftovers. The problem may not just be a desire for the food, it may also be a habit of not being wasteful. You have this wonderful plate of food looking at you that you have only been able to eat one or two bites of and it feels shameful and wasteful to throw it out. So into the fridge it goes. Then when you actually have to throw it out you have to deal with those same feelings of shame and guilt for the waste. After all, what about all of those starving children in China? I don't have a good answer on this one, but know that you're not alone. Just be kind to yourself, and sneak the leftovers to the neighbor's dog (big grin).
   — RebeccaM