Question:
Is this normal to be able to eat so much?

I am 5'8, started out at 396 pounds, I had my surgery at the end of october. I am now 320 and the scale hasnt moved in about 2 weeks. In the last week I feel like I have been eating WAY too much. today I had for lunch and turkey cheese and what cracker lunchable, I ate the whole thing! I didnt feel any pain from over eating. Then at the movies I ate, i'd say about 2 1/2 cups of popcorn and a peice of beef jerky. when I got home for dinner I ate about an ounce of baked chicken and about half a cup of mac and cheese. its now 11:30, about an hour ago I had another lunchable. I think this is getting out of control and I feel like crying. last night I puked up what I ate because I was so scared of gaining the weight back. I dont want to go through this again. I havent been getting chest pains from over eating like I usually do and I feel hungry all the time. Please someone help? Tell me what to do?! I couldnt have strectched my pouch that much could I?.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 15, 2001)

February 14, 2001
I don't think you are eating too much , but the lunchables got to go! Why don't you drink a protein drink when you are head hungry and if that dosen't work a piece of low fat cheese or a hard boiled egg , or all of that if you must. I thought lunchables were expensive and high in fat?maybe i'm wrong? Are you getting in your water? I love popcorn I use the low fat kind and butter spray when I get the munchies. And I can eat the ****out of it! I hope this helps you. I don't usually respond to a posting unless the questioner identifies themselves , got burned a couple times. I hope you were sincere.
   — Rose A.

February 14, 2001
Please don't cry?!? I know exactly how you feel! I went through the same situation and remember having all the same feelings you are experiencing now. First look at how far you have come! You have done a wonderful job with your weightloss and should be PROUD of it! What your experiencing is pretty normal far what I have been hearing from many others. When I went through it myself I thought I was the only one! That can be very frightening! The more I chatted with others I found that this sometimes happens with some of us. Some people SLOWLY increase the amount we eat and some of us JUMP up that step. It is very scary but please don't beat yourself up over it and know that you are not alone. Try to find better low fat meals to eat like low fat cottage cheese, string cheese, low fat yograt or maybe some lean lunch meat if you like the meat. Supplement with a protein drink or two and increase your water intake. I remember when the amount of food I could eat at one time increased so did my ability to drink more water at one time. You can even try to drink as much water as you can at one time (chug, I guess you would say) about 15 minutes before you eat and this will send a signal to your brain of full. This kinda forces you to eat less because you are fooling the brain. And last but not least if you are not exercises as of yet start now! Walk during your lunch break or as sson as you get home from work. You could also look into finding a water aerobics class in your area. If you increase your activity and increase your water intake the scale WILL move. Don't ever feel alone and like a failure. Remember this is a tool and we are all trying to relearn our healthy lifestyles. We are in this together and always here for each other. I wish you the best of luck and let us know how you are doing. I know you are going to make it just fine!
   — jennmak72

February 14, 2001
I agree that the lunchables have to go! Crackers can be very high in fat--substitute some lean meat with saltines or other low fat cracker. I would suggest eating protein at every meal with veggies & fruit--try to forego the pasta (mac & cheese), as the small amount of protein isn't worth it for all the fat and carbs you are getting. Also, try to stay away from eating between meals. A protein drink is a great alternative. As for eating at 11:30 pm---don't! Either go to bed, or try doing some gentle yoga-type stretches before bed with a big glass of water to quiet the hunger until you fall asleep. I am battling head hunger in the evenings, and I fully understand how difficult it can be. I go for long walks in the evenings which really helps me sleep. Sometimes I do go to bed a little hungry, but I never wake up ravenous which is what always used to happen when I'd eat in the late evenings. Be kind to yourself right now and remember that this is a learning process. I have a great article for you to read that I will email separately--it talks about making the successful transition to eating more food. Good luck!
   — Susan S.

February 15, 2001
Oops! I can't email you the article, as you didn't leave your name. It is: http://www.sabariatric.com/keys_to_success1.htm I printed this out and read it often. Hope you find it helpful.
   — Susan S.

February 15, 2001
Thank you all for your help! I post anonomosly because this is embaressing. I will take all of your advice and thanks so much for the encouragment! it means alot to me. I see my surgeon today for a check up, I will speak to him also and tell him what has been going on.
   — [Anonymous]