Question:
What happens with the head hunger after surgery?

   — Kim N. (posted on December 14, 2002)

December 13, 2002
It's still there. But the head sees or hears the pouch say, "Uh UH!," and it starts to learn better. The head hunger may go into remission, may pop out now and then, and may rage at you sometimes, but after surgery, the head HAS to listen to the pouch, too. "Support Your Local Pouch" and fight head hunger!
   — Suzy C.

December 13, 2002
Everyone is different, but in my personal experience "head hunger" hasn't been an issue post-op until quite recently. And now it's mostly PMS-related. Stress-related eating isn't bad for me (used to be a major issue)...now I can't seem to eat AT ALL when I'm upset. Thank God for that! Just commit yourself to NEVER overeating (which is easy to commit to once you've tossed your cookies a time or two). As I told my DH last night when Chinese food filled me up real fast (chicken does that)...I wanted to eat more but knew I'd just be in misery, throwing up afterward. And I did not have this surgery to become Bulimic!!! Listen to your body, drink plenty of water throughout the day and you'll do fine with head hunger. Best of luck to you! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -96lbs.
   — Anna L.

December 14, 2002
Within the first two weeks out of surgery, I had raging head hunger. I knew sensibly and logically that I could not actually eat the flying Burger King Whopper that seemed to be in every commercial on TV or the cheese filled crust on the Pizzahut commercial or the cinnasticks from whatever pizza company it was...but my head remembered just a few short weeks ago when those commercials would have triggered a trip to Burger King. It eventually passed, and I got thru the girl scout cookies lining the walls (my niece was selling them and they were stacked in the living room ready for delivery). then head hunger went away for months, only to return at about the 6 month mark. Sometimes I give in to it, but in much smaller quantities than before. 1/2 a junior whopper every now and then will not kill me, and its certainly better than the cheese whoppers and fries I used to devour. and you know what? they don't taste as good as they used to...now if I could just say that about chocolate!It is a struggle, but you can find a balance.
   — Cindy R.

December 14, 2002
Some days it haunts you every waking minute. Others, it's not a problem. But when you see the weight loss, it gives you the courage to avoid those bad foods.
   — Belinda W.