Question:
I AM 3 MONTHS OUT AND I HAVE BEEN SO.....

HUNGRY. ITS LIKE ALL I WANT TO DO IS EAT. AND I CAN'T SEEM TO GET FULL. I WAS DRINKING DIET SODA WITH DRS. PERMISSION, BUT I QUIT ON SUNDAY SO I CAN SEE IF THAT IS THE CULPRIT. ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE THIS PROBLEM, I AM SO AFRAID OF GAINING WEIGHT BACK. PLEASE HELP!!!!    — Gale G. (posted on December 3, 2002)

December 3, 2002
Hi Gail! I always heard you can really start eating more at six months out, but for me, I noticed the biggest difference (so far!) at three months out. At three months out, you're largely recovered from the early trauma of surgery, not so scared of the pouch, and not restricted to liquids, pureeds, or soft foods anymore. And if your pouch is healing up well, that's a good thing! It's okay to be able to eat more than we could in the very beginning. The pouch is designed for that!<P>Having said that, I'd recommend that you review exactly what you're eating, and in what proportions, and in what order. Back to the basics, in other words. Protein first. Then eat your veggies or fruits. And *then* your simple carbs (like potatos, pasta, breads, crackers, etc.). Now is also a good time to consider adding protein shakes to your day. For some people (me included), they actually help curb my appetite. Plus, if you haven't been able to exercise yet, now is a good time. It helps kick your metabolism up to allow for more food, and for some people (not me, unfortunately!), it also helps curbs your appetite.<P>Besides the diet colas, have carbs or sugars played a role in stimulating your appetite? If you've been snacking on cookies, crackers, etc., now is a good time to substitute protein for your snack foods. I use slices of lunch meat, cheese cubes, even turkey pepperoni.<P>Maybe it's also time to try eating bulkier protein items, to fill you up a bit more, *carefully*, to see how your pouch does with them. Instead of chili, or soup, maybe try a tofu burger (no bun) or a piece of grilled chicken or grilled turkey (well chewed). Also, how often are you eating? If you're just doing "three squares" a day, maybe it's time to break them up into smaller meals and add a snack or two.<P>You can also try really tracking what you eat, in terms of protein, carbs, fats, & calories. For that, you can try fitday.com or a similar web site. I started doing that as soon as I noticed I could eat more and was sometimes really hungry even if I had already eaten. Tracking my full day helped me realize I was doing okay, and to make minor changes, instead of feeling out of control.<P>Hang in there and Good Luck!
   — Suzy C.

December 3, 2002
Just wanted to add that the artifical sweetners and caffeine in diet colas act as appetite stimulants.
   — LLinderman

December 4, 2002
Hi Gale: I am also three months postop (15 weeks today). So far, my hunger has not return. I am not sure, but maybe the previous poster is correct. I drink a protein shake every morning. Maybe this truly does curb your appetite. I don't really understand why diet sodas would increase your appetite. I heard that it would do the opposite, filling your pouch up instead. I know all protein drinks stink, but if you like strawberry flavored, I find the Whey protein drink in strawberry to be the best of the worst. Perhaps that would be worth a try to you. Good luck. Love Grace
   — Grace H.