Question:
I am 10 weeks out and I feel like I am eating more than I should. Please help

I feel like I am always hungry. I am not sure why. In the beginning I was barely eating anything. I have lost 40 so far, but right now I feel like I am at a plateau. I wonder if it is because I am eating to much. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks    — Teresa W. (posted on March 26, 2007)

March 27, 2007
Hi Teresa, and thanks for your comments here. It is not at all unusual for you to always feel hungry or be concerned about weight, food or pleateau's at 10 weeks out. We are set up to measure food and eat so much, and walk away. Your small stomach is not hungry, but you head says, "you better eat, you are starving girl". You have to teach your mind that your body is just fine. Weight is a funny thing, and for the first time in your life (probably), you are able to lose weight and keep it off. Take areally big breath and evaluate what you are going through. Is it hunger pain, or is it hunger thought? Try sipping decalf tea or some warm decalf beverage. I also sometimes drink milk. It is amazing how full I feel with 4 oz of milk, and the protein is very good for me. I am almost 3 years out, and my mind still plays tricks on me, and I have to remember that I don't need too much food, it is just food, it is not life. I think this will be a battle for me for life, so I just take it one day at a time. I try to not be concerned about what foods I eat, or which ones I don't eat anymore, and I have to actively reject feelings regarding foods, like being sad that I can or won't eat this or that. Keep on track with your doctors advice, water, protein and exercise. These three things are your basic goals right now. Don't let anything come in the way. Doesn't mean you can't have a little fruit here or there, or that you can't have this or that in very small quantities, but the basic overall goal is protein, water, exercise. All 3 are very important, do have plenty of all three. Hope this helps. The weight will come off as you keep up the program, and the longer you deny other stuff, the better. Don't be down hearted, it took a long time to put it on, it will take time to take it off, even with surgery. Sincerely, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

March 27, 2007
Hey, congrats on the 40lb weight loss. AWSOME... you will find that you will start and stop with the weight loss, rarely is it a steady fall on the scale. This can be caused by many things... your body wanting to take a minute and recoop before the next drop, fat to muscle weight ratio changing, lack of water consumption, lack of protein consumption, lack of exercise. All of these will have an impact on your weight loss. As for the "I am always hungry" is it truly that you are hungry or are you "head hungry" upset, bored, etc? If you are truly having hunger pains, be sure that you are taking your ulcer medication as prescribed (pepcid, prevacid, whatever) as an ulcer can mimic these pains as well. If you are taking the med, then examine how much as well as what you are eating. Check in with your dietician that you saw in your preop phase, go to the support groups offered by the hospital, etc. These are all good sources of information. good luck to you and, once again, congrats on the 40lbs off. Bet you feel alot better, don't you. You know to put it all in perspective, the next time you are in the grocery store or the department store, pick up a 40lb, or 2-20lb bags of dogfood. This is what you were carrying around 24/7. It is really an eye opener... bye for now... Kari
   — Kari_K

March 27, 2007
Thank you both for the great information. I can't tell you how much it means to know. Thanks so much for everything. I will definately take your advice.
   — Teresa W.