Question:
I have high appetite and even food cravings

I am 8 months post op and have lost 100lbs and i'm very happy with it. I'm down to a size 16 from a 24. However, i'm concern because i've been having cravings for food and keep getting hungry. I eat small amounts but i am worried about this. I cant eat pastas or noodles because its too heavy but i still have cravings for different food. Anyone having the same problem like me???    — priscilla_daniel (posted on March 17, 2009)

March 17, 2009
I think it is normal for your hunger to come back and to have cravings. I have struggled with the same issue. I am almost 8 months out and I have cravings and get hungry between meals. Not always. I started keeping a journal to see what I eat when I get hunger. I also found drinking milk that helps me feel full. I also eat suger free popiscle between meals. Then I feel like I'm eating and I can add it to the liquids count for the day. I have also found the more I give into snacking the more I snack. If I stay away from it the urge to snack goes away. But unfortunally after 6 months you have to depend self control.
   — amylbarron

March 17, 2009
Our heads do not get operated on...and head hunger is a very common problem for soooooo many of us! Simple carbs will make you hungry for more more more...They call that the carb monster....so if you are eating any sugar or white carbs, you want to stop that! I had to give up oatmeal for breakfast because if I start my day with a carby breakfast it's all I want all day long! Drives me nuts! So I do a protein drink instead with a fruit snack before lunch...Lunch I might eat a sndwich on whole grain bread for energy all day...but dinner no grains...just veggies so I don't want late snacks! It works out pretty good! I have to plan my snacks or I will go crazy looking for anything to satisfy me....I keep pickles for crunch, low fat individually wrapped cheese for creamy....yogurt for sweet...turkey pepperoni for salty (nuke in microwave for to make them crunchy chips!) I measure out 16 almonds for a great protein snack with good fats...They are satisfying and keep you fuller longer than carbs...Or peanut butter and apple/celery slices...You have to learn to make good choices...and do not bring junk food in your house knowing you are prone to cravings...I know if I have cookies in the house...I will NOT stop thinking of those derned thing til someone gets rid of them...I have to fight myself really hard to stay away! Sometimes I lose! LOL So I don't buy that stuff! I can't! If you crave things...have a variety of stuff and make a mental note to have one measured out snack and pick a time you want to have it...and look forward to it...When you do that...you leave no room for random scavenger hunts for something yummy! LOL And you have something to look forward to! And it's all planned and accounted for...NO GUILT! Hope that helps a little or gives you ideas how to try to manage it...Our eating disorders are never gone...we have to learn to live with them...And finding creative ways to get around them is what helps me...OH...and I also learned that sometimes I get a little hunger pang and it's thirst! So I try drinking 8 ounces of water first and see if that helps and often it does! If not...I might grab an ounce of almonds....and that holds me til my next meal!
   — .Anita R.

March 17, 2009
Generally cravings are not real hunger. They are head hunger. I crave salt so I have salted peanuts. I try to find a alternate that is helpful rather than hurtful. Try journaling what is going on when you feel these cravings. Are you worried, stressed, tired, or just bored. If you really are hungery, a glass of milk will take care fo the hunger. But keep safe choices on hand, you do not want to feel deprived, this can lead to depression and problems.
   — trible

March 17, 2009
Hi! I can relate. I am almost 9 months out and my hunger returned about 6-8 weeks ago. I have always journaled and kept track of my gram, ounce and caloric intake. Now I have to refer back to days when hunger wasn't a problem. See what I ate and see if that helps. I also drink alot, or have some fluid when I think I may give in to temptation. I usually have soup broth or v-8 heated and seasoned like soup, or I may have a big glass of milk or a sug free fudgie. I don't usually crave anything, I just get hungry if i go too long without putting anything solid in me. My meals are 3-4 ounces and I want to keep them small. My nut says I am in range of being able to stop losing or atleast bump up my caloric intake, so I guess its a fight from now on. I have altered my behavior, habits and thoughts about food and keep only "good things" in the house, so If I need to eat, its going to be protein rich. I hope this has helped..Good luck and Congrats on the loss thus far. Hugs, n God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

March 17, 2009
One of the reasons why I love this site is that it is such a support and I love the challenges presented to me by my fellow OH members. I have head hunger too and I become aware of what trigers that head hunger. It's good to jot down what just happened when you have these hunger pains when you know you are full. I know what my triggers are and it's a battle. Keep us posted on your success.
   — Muggs