Question:
HELP --- I AM NOT HUNGRY

I am 12 weeks post op, and for the first 11 weeks I was doing well with getting in my water and my protein. Now I am finding that stress is working the opposite on me pre op. I am not eating. The last three days I have carefully paid attention to what I have been eating. Needless to say its MIMIMAL. My weight loss is slowing down and I know its because my body thinks I am starving myself. But I am not hungry. Example of what I ate today. A Bannana for breakfast, 3 bites of a Wendy's Taco Salad, and for dinner about 4 oz of cottage cheese. Anyone else have this problem? I am NOT hungry, its not like I am just not eating, but the day goes by and I realize its over. HELP    — Diane Rhoads (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 22, 2002
Diane, you're not alone.. but unfortunately I don't know what to do about it either. :/ Thanks for asking... Good luck on your journey :) This too will pass... (I hope)
   — Elizabeth D.

May 23, 2002
Diane I can sympathize. I did not have an appetite for 4 months. While it was wonderful to finally not be hungry ALL the time, it was difficult to make myself eat. One thing we all have to adjust to is the concept of food as FUEL. You eat because your body needs nutrition--not because you are bored, upset, etc. Food is not purely to be consumed for enjoyment! (Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying food!=)Every 2-3 hours eat SOMETHING with protein in it. Even just a bite or two. A spoon of peanut butter, a slice of cheese, something--ANYTHING--to keep your metabolism steady throughout the day. When you do that the combination of increased protein and frequent meals will let your body know that you are not starving and allow that extra weight to come off. As long as you are not eating, your body will hold onto every ounce of fat because it thinks that you may need it for fuel later. Set a timer if you have to: I did! Repeat after me: "Food is fuel. I will provide my body the fuel it needs." LOL Did I get corny enough for you? It is just tough to make the switch to "eating to live" instead of "living to eat." Good luck and happy losing!
   — ctyst