Question:
My pouch is < 8 oz. How do I stop grazing & gaining?

I'm 28 months postop and did the cottage cheese test only I used stiff oatmeal. I couldn't finish an 8 oz. styrofoam cupful. I think that means my pouch is probably ok. I can never eat a lot a one time unless I munch on it over an hour...that's stupid so I avoid that. However, I find myself craving all the time, but I don't know what I'm craving, I just want something. I'm assuming my problem is due to the extreme stress in my life right now. I'm working extra long hours, have a 90 minute commute while our home is being built...currently staying with my mom. Does anyone know how I can supplement with protein drinks to curb the cravings? I've heard that I should go back to liquids and re-intorduce food to reset everything. I need to get 12 lbs off to be back to my happy weight of 115. I started out at 252, lost down to 112-115 and felt great. In the last 4 months, I've gained to 127 and I'm devastated. I've moved to Florida away from my surgeon. I'm just lost. Please help.    — Teri D. (posted on September 19, 2003)

September 19, 2003
Terri, I hate that this is happening to you. You have always been a beacon for the rest of us with Dr. Waits. I think you need to follow you own advice on your profile and increase your shakes and carry your snacks with you so you won't graze on the bad stuff. I have found pork rinds, cheese sticks, and beef jerky useful. I also chew at least a pack of gum daily. Carefree has a new brand called "coolers" that has a lot of flavor. And even though you are working a lot just get out and walk during the day to take your mind off the food. I am only half way out at 4 months but I hope this helps. And find a support group down in Fl!
   — natjemison

September 19, 2003
8oz? thats kinda big isnt it? Di your doc. make it that big, or have you streached it? I could be wrong but I thought they made em about 2-4 oz.
   — Nicole S.

September 19, 2003
I've found an herbal suppliment that I heard about called Relora. It's a natural anti-anxiety suppliment that is supposed to reverse the effects of stress-induced obesity. It's not a diet med, it's simply to relieve stress related anxiety which causes us to munch, and graze. I completely understand! I am using it now as I'm under a lot of stress as well, and I do feel somewhat better, and feel like exercising more as well. I use to be so depressed and "under" my anxiety that I never felt like getting out to exercise because it saps your energy and motivation. I found it at Kroger. I hope this helps. God bless you!
   — Happy I.

September 19, 2003
You didn't say which surgery you had. If you had the DS, I can see your pouch being that big but RNY, i don't think so. Also cut your carbs out. They induce cravings.
   — Delores S.

September 19, 2003
I've seen some people on the Yahoo Grads board talking about going to nothing but protein shakes for three days, or alternatively, nothing but protein (shakes and food) for three days, to detox from carbs and sugars (if those are contributing to your cravings). I don't know that it's necessary to go "all liquids," so much as it is going "all protein" for a few days that's important.<P>I understand about the cravings. Sometimes they are really powerful and go on for days. I get awful sugar cravings that seem to come from nowhere, and I was not a huge sugar-eater before WLS (and since I don't dump, the sky's the limit if I don't get a handle on them). I don't know the definitive answer to the powerful cravings problem (I'm only 15 months post-op) -- which I find to be different than a "head hunger" problem -- but, I think taking in a lot more liquid (water, or other non-calorie beverage) is helpful, too.<P>As far as pouch size goes, according to the study that's discussed in the original "Pouch Rules" (which later became Pouch Rules for Dummies), most pouches wind up with a 6-10 oz. capacity. Remember that, even though most pouches are created out of the relatively less flexible part of the stomach, *all* parts are a flexible material that expands as we eat (and that kind of "pouch stretching" is normal). And a two-to-four oz. capacity (as opposed to unstretched size), in the long run, would be awfully small for nutritional purposes.
   — Suzy C.

September 19, 2003
I also had an Rny. according to my Dr. I should be able to eat up to 1 1/2 c at a meal. I am almost 1 year out & just saw the doc this week. If I feel Munchy, i get busy, get out of the house and away from the food. I go upstairs and read a book, work on my scrap books, do the laundry, take a walk, go clothes shopping :-0 ( don't tell my husband !) work in the garden, go to the library, visit a friend, go t am ovie. what ever it takes to get out of the house. I dont keep junk around, I have fresh veggies if I have to have a snack a few snow peas or baby carrots are filling.
   — **willow**

September 19, 2003
I'm totally guessing here based on what you used to test your pouch. I'm guessing you are eating way too many carbs. The oatmeal was just about total carbs. If I'm wrong please disregard. Take a hard look at things and track your foods on fitday.com. You may be a person that long term needs to eat 6 smaller meals a day. Many tiny people, of which you are one now, eat small meals many times a day. You would not want your total calories to go up though. Focus more on protein as much as possible. I'm not anywhere near you so I don't have much of value to offer but some basic advice. If you are not already part of the Yahoo WLS Graduate group you might want to join them and get some input. Good Luck
   — zoedogcbr