Question:
Hunger is Back.

I am 9 months post op and have lost 80 lbs:-). The "honeymoon stage" is definetly over. I used to be able to eat a bite of a hamburger, then it was 1/2 the hamburger, then it was the whole hamburger. I am so afraid of gaining the weight back because at 9 months post op I feel I am eating like a "normal" person so what happens if I ever get back to eating like I once did. Does anyone have any words of encouragement or perhaps what they did to get over this. Where I once didn't crave sweets I now do. I am back to "dieting". It is very true that this surgery is only a tool. I would love to hear what anyone has to say. Perhaps I missed my opportunity to "learn" while I was in the honeymoon stage. I sure hope not because I love being a size 10 oppposed to size 22. Thanks all!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 28, 2001)

February 28, 2001
I am only about 4 1/2 months post op, but I find it more difficult every day to stay away from the sweets (And, I was NEVER a sweets person before...go figure) Anyway, I think it is going to be hard. Try to keep a food log of what you eat, and then actually look up what that means calorie and content wise. I just posted some info on the post above yours (take a look at that). So long as you keep eating less then what your body needs to maintain itself, or exercising the excess away, you should be ok. I have decided to "allow" myself treats 1x per week. I was having a real problem (in my opinion) with popcorn. Now I allow myself to have it one time per week. Like I said, I guess I kind of expect it to keep being hard....these are 30 years of eating habbits that I'm trying to break...hopefully 30 years from now this will seem like the norm. I also try to remind myself of exactly how much I should be eating....back to measuring out foods etc. Sometimes that helps me get back on track. Anyway, Good Luck!
   — tlg6056

February 28, 2001
I am ten months post op and down 143 lbs, 37 to goal. Everyone will be able to eat more at some point, and that is where portion sizes and food choices become very important for continued weight loss and/or maintenance. I hardly ever have hunger, which is a great asset for me, but I can eat sweets without dumping. I do dump on high fat, however. I keep my portions to 1/2 cup for lunch and dinner - 2 oz protein, 1 oz starch, 1 oz green veggie. I know I could eat more - probably 1 or 1 1/4 cups of food. I use Mrs. Dash seasonings and butter spray. Nothing fried. I have a protein bar or shake for breakfast and try my best not to snack at all. I get my water in and limit myself to one diet soda per day. I'm human, and I slip sometimes, and that's normal and I will not beat myself up over it anymore. Regular exercise is helping me tremendously to stay focused. I work out 3-5 times a week. I started slow by just walking at the park. Now I do 3.5 miles on a stationary bike and 1 mile on the treadmill. I want to try weight machines next, and perhaps add some aerobics. Many say not to be a slave to the scale, but I think weighing weekly and monitoring one's weight is the key to maintenance. If I see myself go up 5 lbs, I need to do something IMMEDIATELY. I wish that surgery would make all the other issues go away and the surgeon could be a fairy waving a magic wand, but we have to commit to lifetime changes for success. You're on the right track, because you do realize surgery is only a tool. Keep the faith, and best wishes. Feel free to write for support.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 28, 2001
There is a yahoogroups email list for people experiencing the same issue. The name of the list is "ossg-hungry". Consider signing up for the list; you will be able to post to and receive replies for lots of us in the same boat as you! Go to yahoogroups.com to sign up.
   — BethVBG