Question:
How do you keep from wanting to eat and drink at least miniutes apart?

I;m starting to feel out of control I'm six months out and have lost 84 pounds but i feel like that isn't enough, also I keep getting hungry right after i eat so it feels like im stretching my pouch which my doctor sazid could happen if I continue to eat too much, but he refuses to x ray me..Im so scared to fail, and food is becoming hard for me to deal with i never want to eat but i cant help it cecause i feel hungry....HELP    — minkii68 (posted on March 7, 2008)

March 7, 2008
Sweetie, that's 14lbs per month, 3.5lbs per week, 1/2 per day. Ever lost that much on another diet??? You are doing fine. If you test your limits with your pouch, of course you will stretch it. Don't depend on the pouch though, use your self-discipline as your main source of help and guidance. Facing the food addiction is always the toughest part. Get books and guidance on the addiction rather than feeling like your pouch should be doing all the work. Call me if you need me (310)367-8404.
   — bariatricdivalatina

March 7, 2008
Maria's response is right, please follow her advice. Also, call the Hospital where you had your surgery and ask to speak wit the Hospital's Registered Dietician. Ask him /her to recommend a Psychotherapist who specializes in Compulsive Over-eating. Start getting counseling to deal with you mental food issues. Also, after you eat, rinse your mouth out with some water then spit it out, this will freshen your mouth after eating and will make it easier to wait the appropriate amount of time before drinking something.
   — Gina S.

March 7, 2008
You have done so goodup to now, so you had to be eating right for a long time. Just focus on your meal. Sit down away from the TV and eat at the dinning room table or in the break room. Use a smaller plate, and go back to counting your chews. Chew each small bit 50 times. Don't have liquid on the table and don't have snacks at your desk. When you are home and want to eat, go to the gym and drink water and work out, watching TV there. These all work. I keep only bottled water at my desk and I reach for water when I want to eat. I eat only at the set three meal times each day and it help a lot. Best of success to you! You are doing great!
   — William (Bill) wmil

March 7, 2008
Hi Melinda, thanks for writing. I just posted on the digest to a lady named Gina about this very same issue. Check out Gina's question and post, you can take the cottage cheese test (described how on her answer page) and see how big your pouch is. Also, honey, I hate to tell you this, but you are just not hungry, your head is playing games with you. Obese people have a lot of head hunger, and a lot of anxiety issues that cause us to run to food. It feels real, and you would swear you are gonna die if you don't eat, but you are not hungry. You brain knows how to win this game, and you need to find a way to win this battle. Your body is not hungry, but your brain is used to winning this battle, it has for years. I drink warm fluids, or walk or do something to cause a distraction, you need the same. A hot bath, something. Keep food from your work areas, and learn to keep food from being hour habit consumed by your day. It is a battle, this one in the brain. You can do it, but it will be a battle. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P