Question:
Why am I craving some unknown food?

I am almost 6 months post-op DS and have been having huge cravings for something, but I can't figure out what it is. No matter what I eat it doesn't satisfy the craving. It's like I can't figure out what it is I'm craving. I'm wondering if I have a vitamin or mineral deficiency of some sort. I'm eating more because I'm trying to satisfy the craving. As a result my weight loss has slowed down and I'm starting to worry that I'm going to sabotage the surgery. I don't think it's emotional like when I was a pre-op, I think it's truly a physical craving. Every day I take two chewable multiple vitamins, two Tums for calcium, an antioxidant gel-cap, an iron tablet, and a B Complex tablet. Any ideas? Heather    — Heather B. (posted on November 17, 2002)


November 16, 2002
try adding Iron and Zinc and see if that helps. Make sure that you get labs drawn.
   — Vicki L.

November 16, 2002
I would get your blood work done early if need be. Your likely deficent in something, call your surgeon.
   — bob-haller

November 16, 2002
It is good to listen to your body. Normally, the cravings we have tell us the deficiencies we have in our diets. Since you are unable to know the exact craving, I would agree with the previous post; have some blood work done.
   — twenc

November 16, 2002
I'm not 100% sure on this, but I thought I heard somewhere that Tums don't give the right <i>kind</i> of calcium. Post-ops need to take calcium citrate and Tums has calcium carbonate. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
   — Toni C.

November 17, 2002
I'm guessing there are several shortages. As a DS, you are malabsorbing your fat solubles hugely, A, D, E. If your anti-oxidant is oil-it's also malabsorbed. If the iron is ferrous sulfate, you may not absorb any, so might be iron deficient, too. Tums are not delivering calcium to your bones, but maybe a dab to your blood. Cravgins for green leafies, nuts, seeds, legumes...? Any of those would be calcium. If your calcium gets low enough, you'd be short in potassium & protein, too, I'm thinking. At 6 months, you should be about ready for your 2nd set of labs. Compare these to your 3 months & pre-ops and see which elements are slipping. Of course, the calcium may not show up until your dexascan, but you can check the other elements as you go along.
   — vitalady

November 17, 2002
hi there :) i too go through the same thing at times. when ever im having a craving and actually know what it is. lets say like carrots or meat or onions, i listen to my body because i take that as its something im really needing. the only thing i dont give into is the sugars. best of luck to you :)
   — carrie M.

November 18, 2002
I also strongly suggest you get your lab work done asap. Also, try taking Viactiv. It tastes so good, and if you're craving any sweets/chocolate it can satisfy that craving while improving your health.
   — photographer45

November 18, 2002
Viactiv and Tums are calcium carbonate; from what I understand we absorb VERY LITTLE calcium when it's bonded to carbonate. You need that Calcium that is bonded to Citrate in order to absorb the what we need. Ask the Vita Lady (look under Curran in Find Peers) she can tell you first hand. If your nutrionist is suggesting these products, please ask them to VERIFY their information- believe it or not; they are not always correct!
   — Karen R.

November 19, 2002
Heather, You're not alone, Girl I'm at 6 months and am having the same problems, of cravings. Though I really don't have a clue of what I'm craving. I'll get on my food kicks, and eat scrammbled eggs for breakfast ever night of the week. Or even worse burnt popcorn for dinner, I know a big no no. But I can't seem to pin point what I'm actually craving... I wish I knew too what we were craving. It's really weird and somewhat hard to explain the cravings to your spouse or friends when they don't have a clue and their cravings are normal.... Meaning they know what they wnat... me on the other hand I don't have a clue !!!, I read the other message on the subject... Guess I'll go get blood work done today... Off to the doctor's to get blood work done.. It's about that time..... Good luck to you... If you need anything email me. 6 months post op down 100 pounds
   — tannedtigress




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