Question:
I am 9 weeks post-op today and feel that I am overeating a lot!

At 9 wks. post-op, I've only lost 34 lbs. I've been eating the wrong kinds of foods lately and don't know why! The sweets didn't used to tempt me so much but tonight I ate 4 oreos w/milk! Plus I ate some fast food today! Is there a chance I've stretched my pouch or stoma by now? The dietiticians associated w/my surgeon don't believe in protein shakes, but does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to combat hunger & cravings? I know I have to do my part, but I was hoping this surgery would help with the load! Also, haven't started the B12 yet, does that affect anything? Thanks in advance for your help!!! Lynn    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on April 23, 2002)

April 23, 2002
You definately should have started B-12 by now. I know some dieticians and surgeons are against protien shake suplementation. But they have never been there and had this surgery. It is pratically impossible to get enough protien without some kind of protien shake suppliment. I find that the days that I have the biggest problem with cravings, is the days I didn't get my protien shake. It is your body and you ultimately are the one who will decide what is best for you, and protien shakes are far better than junk food. Look for one that is for low carb diets, as most others are very high in sugar. I like Carb Solutions, it sells at Walmart and several pharmacy chains.
   — Dell H.

April 23, 2002
Get more protein now!! Get your water and vitamins in , now!! Do not watch food commercials or read food adds. Lynn this first year is so important and it is only one year out of your entire life use it wisely. Your rewards will be greater than you can ever imagine. Go today and get a good protein pupplement and use it at LEAST 2x a day. I liked designer protein mixed with diet rite sodas (splenda sweetened). Put your past mistakes behind you. Today is a brand new day in your brand new life. If you need to chew , cheese is high protein also a good protein bar will satisfy that urge , carb solutions bars and designer make tasty ones. Good luck , you CAN do this!
   — Rose A.

April 23, 2002
Hi Lynn, they are right when they say that it would be better to do a protein drink instead of reaching for the oreos and fast food. It DOES curb cravings!! My docs also don't recommend them, they say to get your protein from your food. My protein level was dropping so my nutritionist told me to start supplementing and it has been so FREEING. I am no longer hungry all the time. I also don't have to think, 'ok, what protein am I going to eat next?'. I felt like protein was running my life. Now I feel free and can eat salads and veggies and fruits without having to worry so much about *protein first*. Finding a tasty protein sup. has been wonderful. Also I don't do the B-12, but all of my levels have been within norm. range. I think it effects your energy, I'm not sure about cravings and hunger. And when you get to be a year out and your weight loss slows to a crawl, you are going to wish that you took advantage of the early weeks where you lose a big chunk of weight. Some peoples windows close earlier than the usual 18 months. Try to stay the course. Enjoy your journey!!
   — Cheri M.

April 24, 2002
Hi, I just want to tell you something that I didnt realize until it was too late. Most people lose the majority of their weight in the first 6 months and after that it slows down a lot. So do everything you can to optimize the weight loss while it is easy. I didnt know this, and I cheated a little here and there. Didn't go overboard, but I could have eaten better. Now I am struggling to make it to goal by eating the way I should have from the beginning. Once you make it closer to goal, you can eat some of the other things in moderation. Eating more protein and drinking more water does help. Good luck.
   — Cory F.

April 24, 2002
Hi Lynn, I've been through what you have with the cravings. It is so hard! Especially with a family that eats whatever they want whenever they want! The smells alone get to me! But, I suggest you try some good, healthy foods to "cheat" with rather than the bad stuff. My suggestions on that is sugar free fudgsicles (sp?), sugar free, fat free chocolate pudding made with skim milk, rice cakes - I buy the caramel corn flavored mini cakes, and 7 are just right! They satisfy the "crunch" craving. They also have a chocolate flavor which is good. Then the last food suggestion is trying the protein bars, EAS Advantage are good, low sugar content, good flavors (cookies and cream is my favorite!) and plenty of protein. If you try to fill your house with these type of snacks, it might not be so hard with the hunger and cravings. I do take vitamin B-12, it helps my energy level. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]