Question:
How do I stop snacking at night?

I had Lap RNY January 2, 2006 and I have been having bad cravings at night for carbs and peanut butter. I have been giving into these cravings as it helps me fall a sleep faster. I need to eat a little when I take my night meds so that food I have to eat. I also get the munchies during the day, especially for chocolate. I try to only snack on fruits and veggies but that doesn't seem to help. Any tips and suggestion on how to stop the cravings or small healthy snack suggestions would be helpfull. I'm worried that I stretched my pouch and have gone back to emotional eating. Thanks!    — posprudence (posted on February 8, 2008)

February 7, 2008
For me, I get the most cravings when I'm hungry. So instead of reaching for the bad food, I'll have something with protein....like yougurt. Also, I really don't like protein shakes but they do fill me up and help greatly to achieve my protein goal....generally after a shake I don't feel like anything....even food I'd normally be craving.
   — cjjordan

February 7, 2008
Although you and I probably shouldn't be snacking at night, and I am not saying it is wrong or right. But I have been eating a snack for months and months now and I am either losing or maintaining my weight. I think as long as you eat something healthier for you, and my doc says peanut butter is fine. I think you won't have any problems. However, I am sure some doc's would disagree and others might disagree. If you do it for a while and don't seem to be losing weight, maybe you should try and change your habits, but I wouldn't worry to much about it if you are still losing or maintaining. Everyone is different....Good Luck!!
   — julsann

February 7, 2008
Carbs Chocolate and sugar are addictive. The more you have of them the more you want. Try to think...What can I have INSTEAD? Like sugarfree chocolate pudding. Sugarfree fudge cycles, 40 calories. Have a spoon of p'nut butter now and then, it is good protein. I used to have a low carb slimfast b-4 bed. Only 190 cal and 6 carbs. Don't start bad habits this early on, or you will blow your success later on. Good luck!
   — lesleigh07

February 7, 2008
Try the 5 day pouch diet to get back on track.I am on that right now.I also was snacking and I wanted to get out of the habit because I am not at goal yet.I was not gaining,but I was feeling out of control again.I had the lapband.So far this diet has helped and it restarts your weight loss.It is suppose to get your carb and sweet cravings under control.Look on web under 5 day pouch diet.I hope this helps.I lost 3 pounds and I am on day 3 now.
   — Sandy Hanson

February 7, 2008
I eat at night time but I try to eat protein like cheese, meat, cottage cheese. For your snacks during the day eat healthy little snacks. This is what I do. Have breakfast, then 1 hr later I drink fluids, then have small snack later on, then wait again 1 hr have more to drink, then lunch 30 mintues or more later then 1 hour later drinks, then 30 minutes or more later if hungry a snack then drinks if thirst 1 hour later then dinner. This constent routine makes you not hungry. I had the full gastric bypass. Fruits and veggies are good but no protein which still makes you hungry. If you crave chocolate have some s/f chocolate once in a while it won't hurt.
   — tl_morgan

February 8, 2008
Your pouch is probably fine....You sound like another one of many who who themselves (me included until recently) back into old habits and addicted to carbs and slider foods (Soft easy to pass the pouch without that full feeling foods)... I tried the 5 Day Pouch Test (5DPT) and :::Jumping up and down:::I didn't break my pouch...I'm back on track...YAY!!! Try it..You will love the results...Just read the testimonies on the forums(boards) It works. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html Good luck...there is hope sweetie!
   — .Anita R.

February 8, 2008
When you find the magic answer please let me know. That is my problem too. I am 4 1/2 years post Lap RNY.
   — Carlyn M.

February 8, 2008
try to eat something sugarfree, Russell Stover's makes great sugarfree candies!!! pick better choices. my doctor also says peanut butter is ok. try some low carb/low sugar choc. milk like HOOD- it is wonderful and satisfies the choc. craving for me. good luck...Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

February 8, 2008
CHEESE&CRACKERS,IF YOU GET REAL BAD SF CANDY&COOKIES.NOT THE WHOLE BAG!!!!!!!!I DRINK 2 EAS WHEY PROTIEN POWDER SHAKES ADAY/MIX WITH CRYSTAL LIGHT FLAVORED YORGURT.I MIX WITH WATER CAUSE I CAN'T DO MILK.GOOD LUCK LEHIGH
   — lehigh

February 8, 2008
Brush your teeth or use mouthwash. That makes me not want to eat anything because it taste icky!!
   — classite

February 8, 2008
I have the same problem. I too have found that I fall asleep better with a full pouch and sleep better. I'm 10 months out today and have always had a night-time snack of something protein. PB is a good source of protein and the fat it does have is okay. Your body will crave when it's hungry. During the day if you get the munchies as yourself when is the last time I had something to drink? Might be thirst and not hunger? Kay's Natural foods has some terrific protein rich snacks. I just got the sample pack of 12 for $12.50 ~ each one has at least 10g protein and less than 150 calories. If you think your pouch has stretched go back to measuring everything. Good luck.
   — Shatcher

February 8, 2008
There are some pretty tasty protein bars that are not too high in sugar. Sample some until you find one that will hit the sweet spot. People rarely overeat on protein bars. I happen to like a couple of flavors of the Atkins bars - there's one with caramel & peanut that's really tasty. And the Peppermint Stick Luna Bar is another favorite, but you have to find the ones you really like and keep them handy. It has helped me in the past to get through a craving. Betsy
   — Betsy C.

February 8, 2008
are you eating 6 small meals a day. if you get cravings for sweet, like myself get the sugar free protein bars. it helps . i knopw what your going threw
   — yvettetas

February 8, 2008
i am a very thirsty person, and i noticed that when i wake up hungry, it is out of habit. but i ALWAYS reach for peanutbutter. if i eat at nite, which i try my hardest not to anymore, because like i said, it is more out of habit for me, i eat a half a pb sandwich on nine grain bread. i also had got pregnant at 8 months out, and now have a six month old son, so i am up most of the nite anyways. so when i get up to feed him, i drink, drink, drink!! i try not to eat anything for about 15 minutes after i eat just to make sure im not just thirsty. good luck! steph
   — squeekypete

February 8, 2008
I would suggest looking into some therapy for WLS patients in your area. I see a therapist who specializes in WLS patients and helping them redesign themselves and successfully move beyond mourning the loss of food. See if you can find a similar program in your area.
   — eddyrider3

February 9, 2008
Hi Cassandra, thanks for writing. You are absolutely right! You are well on the way to giving in to emotional eating. What you put into your mouth is your choice, so be careful. Some things are just tough, so get tough with yourself. If you want something, you have been successful for a year right? Eat in moderation, but you control it, not your emotions. Obesity is a head issue, that never changes. You will battle head issues all the time, just take one at a time and one day at a time. Don't give in to emotional eating, you have come too far for that. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

February 11, 2008
We have a favorite snack at night time, i use two bags of trail mix (orchid) from wal-mart, it is wal-mart brand and i add i big can of mixed nuts and mix it all together in a tub, it has some chocolate chips, yogurt balls and dried fruit, we love it!!! Good luck, Pam
   — LaciLadi40

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