Question:
How can I get control of my eating when I am supposed to be eating protein?

I am supposed to be eating protein only and can't seem to stick to it because it's NOT what I want. Also, when I am really anxious (like waiting for a surgery date) I want CARBS! I tend to be an emotional eater.    — PVail (posted on October 16, 2003)

October 16, 2003
hi, well i can absolutely say the same thing...i love carbs. But i can tell you that its pretty tough eating carbs, like bread, pasta...it litterally can make u ill, and its a really aweful feeling feeling too full, its like a rock in your tummy. for someone who is new post op me that is. i have great difficulty eating at all...but still miss my carbs and other things i love. But the good thing is u will not have to eat this way for ever once at goal u can have abit more carbs. during the first 6 months is when u lose the most, so u will find if u tell your self its not for ever it will help u get u through. one thing that i focus on is the things we can have...like taco salad,quish, grilled chicken with any spices u like even hamburgers with cheese with out the bun....eventually if u can tolerate it you can have raps...there very thin so do no expand like bread...look up wls reciepes u will realize there is many creative ways to get in your protein the yummy way...hardest time is the first 6 to 8 weeks. GOOD LUCK Dawn
   — sweetdarling_ab

October 16, 2003
Phyllis, hon I was such a nervous wreck before surgery I didn't lose, I gained! However, the atkins products were my salvation prior to that. I love their new chips (100 calories, crunchy, and 13 grams protien, only 5 net carbs.) I find that the low carb treats really help through that emotional eating phase. I'm not sure it will help you lose but it might keep you from gaining like I did. Much love! Lisa
   — Happy I.

October 16, 2003
Your note does not state are you pre or post so I'm going to give you advice as a post-op. The surgery is just a tool and it is not going to take away the emotional eating that is still in place. When I decided to have this surgery 6 months ago I said I wanted to eat to live not live to eat. I was a BIG CARB eater. My surgeon said to stay away from carbs, you will get them from vegetables, etc. You may not want protein but that is what your body needs to heal and be heathy and isn't that why we had the surgery! You will find that most of us before the surgery spend a great deal of time eating and that once we had the surgery we can't. Food is only something to keep us alive not to live for. I would also recommend Dr. Phil's book. It is helping me discover my emotional eating habits. Find a support group. I also found an Akins project that may help you. It is the Breadfast bars. They are great!
   — Linda R.

October 16, 2003
I too am an emotional eater and a carb addict. My advice to you is get help now. I struggle and fight my demons everyday and its not fun or easy. If I could turn the clock back, I'd get professional help before WLS and when I was a fresh postie. I'm almost a year out and its no easier today than it was when I was pre-op. If you dont want to get professional help, there are several good self help books out about eating disorders. Wish I'd found them sooner. Good luck to you. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 120+ and counting
   — Siddy I.

October 17, 2003
This surgery will NOT change your emotional eating and you need to know that up front. While the surgery does its work the first 6 months or so, taking away your appetite for most,and limited amounts,the appetite does come back and amounts increase, and carbs go down oh so nicely, so if you are not prepared to handle stress or emotions any other way, you will sabotage your weight loss and yes, can regain. There are many, many longer term post-ops that are finding that out the hard way. I, too, would not be able to stick to a protein only diet-wouldn't happen for me. I need a more balanced approach to dieting, heavy on protein, low on carbs and varied-its easier for me to stick to a good eating plan that way (I'm 20 mo post-op and maintaining). Not advising you to sabotage the docs program but if my surgeon had an after care program of protein only (like some do), I'd be looking for another surgeon. I'm realistic in knowing my limitations. I agree with the suggestion to seek counseling while a pre-op, as it will only benefit and help you cope as a post-op when you need to do so, and trust me, you will.
   — Cindy R.