DaniCan

I'd like to reach out to folks who have seriously fought to treat and cure their 'head hunger' and have been successful at overcoming constant snacking and thinking about food every minute of the day!
My goal right now is to take in 70 grams of Protein daily along with all of my required and preferred Vitamins and Water every day - waiting 45-60 minutes after my last bite of food before I drink water (or shake) and then I wait at least 15 minutes from my last sip to start eating again. I was becoming so sick of chewable vitamins I finally called my surgeon and begged to be approved to take pills. I now take them with my 2 Protein shakes each day (in between the real food). I use very little water in my Protein Shakes. Just enough to get my pills down (about 6 ounces). I make sure I buy powder that is at least 20-30 grams of protein per serving because otherwise I would never get the amount of protein through regular meals. Still, I'm finding that I keep a timer to let me know when I'm ok to chow down again because my next meal is all I think about right now.
Any advice, recommended books, websites, are greatly appreciated. (My insurance doesn't cover therapy or I'd be very open to that!)

I've baked thin strips with chicken broth poured over the top and sprinkled with Chef Paul Magic Seasoning Blend - Poultry Magic.



When I do eat fish I like to bake it with Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce which only has 2 grams of sugar (compared to other teriyaki brands that have much higher sugar content. I just buy the cheap frozen tilapia, cod or salmon in the frozen section. They come packaged in 3 oz portions. Yesterday I just got to eating 3 ozs of food at 1 sitting. My surgery was on 8/12/14. I eat my Protein first then some green Beans with garlic powder and a little garlic pepper. I just bought Molly McButter and the spray stuff but I hated it.



I've also bought caned cooked crab which comes without the shells! I sprinkled it with Chef Paul Magic Seasoning Blend - Seafood Magic.



Tonight my husband made fajitas with green, yellow and red pepper out of carne asada. I'm just really careful to look at the fat/sugar content on everything I add to my food. I'm also staying away from the low carb tortillas and fat free Beans for now but I'm really craving them!



I supplement with 2 Protein shakes a day. I've found that Optimum Nutrition brand has a really good Turbo chocolate flavor. There's another one I really like called Jay Robb whey Protein Powder strawberry. When I want to add ingredients I use a vanilla one (haven't found one I truly like yet) but I will add vanilla Protein Powder and a peach. After 1 month post-op I was told I can try blending in spinach leaves which I now do. You can't taste it and it helps get the vegies in your diet (if you have a good blender).



I've read that you shouldn't eat more than 6 oz of canned tuna per week to avoid mercury poisoning. Similarly some fish should be limited to 12 oz per week. Dr. Oz did a show on it and you can probably look up a video online or find other related articles.



I was eating a lot of tuna before I started reading about the symptoms of mercury poisoning and it was too scary to chance it.



I'm really trying to like cottage cheese and greek yogurt but the only way I'll eat that right now is sprinkled with sugar-free Jello (I love the strawberry, cherry and lemon). I'm looking for more recipes - this is a great topic so thank you for starting it!

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

Protein and the amino acids they provide are the building blocks for your body. Without it, you will feel tired and your body will start to use internal sources (your muscles) for fuel. Losing your muscles will result in a decrease in your metabolic rate (how many calories you're burning) and you will have to consume fewer calories to burn the same amount of fat you could have been burning with your muscles. Protein is also what helps your hair to grow. No protein equals lots of Hair loss.< /p>

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

I was sore for 3-4 days but after that I was at about a 2 for pain. I couldn't stand the liquid pain killer they prescribed so I went without and it wasn't bad. Now I'm sure everyone has different experiences. I went from a band to a sleeve and they did mention my band came out really easy. I had had it since 2005. The surgeon said that it was the easiest band he's had to remove so that could mean the difference in my pain level. Anxiety is a given going into this. I'm so proud of myself for staying the course and going through with it because I am so happy with the results! I've lost 25 lbs as of today and the hard part (like getting use to the completely different eating habits) is getting so much easier during my 2nd month. Try and spend less time worrying about how you'll feel and try and prepare for the big day. I know, easier said than done right? To get your mind off it, go out and buy your sugar free liquids, look up some tips and recipes, maybe buy a few books or new pair of exercise shoes and try focusing more on the vast upcoming changes to your life (positive changes by the way). I sincerely hope all goes well. Healthy regards!

I manage to eat 2 to 3 oz so I am pretty much mindset on Protein first. A few bites grilled chicken seasoned, grilled salmon, tuna seldom, eggs I do like 1 fried egg here an there for a breakfast at times, egg salad I like, avocado luv these, I use pinterest ideas. Tons of things to try. On my plan it has no celery or stringy veggies for 6 months out an I'm just 2 mon. I haven't tried baby carrots yet I'm afraid there to hard for tummy, I like hummus Iv ate a few of the organic lentil crackers with it had to back off the crackers their still carbs..so no no for me. I like refried Beans lowfat put some chedder on top an melt..I use organic ground turkey, yogurt kroger has their brand carb master. .all kinds of yummy flavors not fruit on bottom. An I just come across the Quest bars...I went into GNC today they carry them. An I still use my chike Protein Shake coffee flavor. .luv that stuff! Ordered another tub last night from vitacost. .cheese sticks, grab n go, my bars an quest has several Desserts like flavors. .keep on hand..have not eaten lettuce yet. I have had no cramping at all since day 1 from surgery I don't want cramping. .before certain lettuce an the preservatives they use gave me awful cramps so none for me yet. That's just wat I can think of wat I'm eating an keep. Chk out pinterest if u use it...

Wow... This must be what I have... I was sleeved 11-21-13 and have lost 80 pounds since then. But the past few months I've been stuck at 242. At work and at home at night I'm craving carbs, such as crackers or pretzels. I try to eat as much Protein as possible to fight the cravings at work. I'm surrounded by chocolate at work as a huge bowl of mini candy bars sits not too far from my spiteful eye. I've been good at staying away from that and my biggest vice- ice cream, but just can't stop wanting the crackers or pretzels after dinner. I do try to drink lots of Water during this time to help the brain realize I'm full, but I'm just wondering if I'll ever resume losing weight to get down to 200. Haven't gained any back, as it fluctuates between 242-245. For exercise I do a pretty intense 30 min stationary bike ride every other night. Still trying to find how to get in more protein. But in getting tired of cheese and beef Jerky, and chicken is just too dense sometimes. Canned chicken breast I can handle, but I'm on this thread trying to reach out to those with the same issues. I'll have my 1 year checkup in November, and the NUT will probably not be too pleased :-( The push to lose another 40 and keep it off forever is a goal I can't give up on. Darn you head hunger!!!

People with the overweight disease are predominately head hungry and not stomach hungry. My sleeve convinced me of that. I am one year post surgery and lost 150 lbs. I still put too much food on my plate and can't even eat even half of it. I eat every 2 hours but never eat carbs. My mainstay is Protein then veggies then fruit. I also speed walk 5 miles 5 days a week.
Every one has to find what works for them, but in order for the sleeve to work you have to keep trying until you find it.

Are you sure you're getting enough liquid? When I complained of hunger a couple of weeks after surgery, my doc said that it was probably thirst. I've embraced that idea ever since. If I think I'm hungry between meals, I drink more. fluids. I still get hungry about 3-4 hours after a meal, but that's normal. I have a healthy snack like Greek yogurt or V-8 to hold me until meal time. So pound those fluids all day long (except around meals), and see if it helps. Good luck!

I was sleeved January 22nd 2014. I didn't have trouble getting in 70 grams of Protein. I used the Protein Shakes with milk that I bought from the doctors office for the first month. Cornerstone brand. After that I used Syntrax Nectar with Water. I ate egg whites, refried Beans, tiny bit of grated mozzarella, Greek yogurt. Getting enough water and Fiber was more difficult. The head hunger is getting better. I can eat a tiny piece of pizza. I ate crackers with cheese for a while. I have favorite things that last for a while and then something else will come along. Right now it's oinkos yogurt. Watermelon apples. I can eat a few fries but they get yickier every time. Not worth it. Head hunger is getting better. It's interesting.

I've baked thin strips with chicken broth poured over the top and sprinkled with Chef Paul Magic Seasoning Blend - Poultry Magic.



When I do eat fish I like to bake it with Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce which only has 2 grams of sugar (compared to other teriyaki brands that have much higher sugar content. I just buy the cheap frozen tilapia, cod or salmon in the frozen section. They come packaged in 3 oz portions. Yesterday I just got to eating 3 ozs of food at 1 sitting. My surgery was on 8/12/14. I eat my Protein first then some green Beans with garlic powder and a little garlic pepper. I just bought Molly McButter and the spray stuff but I hated it.



I've also bought caned cooked crab which comes without the shells! I sprinkled it with Chef Paul Magic Seasoning Blend - Seafood Magic.



Tonight my husband made fajitas with green, yellow and red pepper out of carne asada. I'm just really careful to look at the fat/sugar content on everything I add to my food. I'm also staying away from the low carb tortillas and fat free Beans for now but I'm really craving them!



I supplement with 2 Protein shakes a day. I've found that Optimum Nutrition brand has a really good Turbo chocolate flavor. There's another one I really like called Jay Robb whey Protein Powder strawberry. When I want to add ingredients I use a vanilla one (haven't found one I truly like yet) but I will add vanilla Protein Powder and a peach. After 1 month post-op I was told I can try blending in spinach leaves which I now do. You can't taste it and it helps get the vegies in your diet (if you have a good blender).



I've read that you shouldn't eat more than 6 oz of canned tuna per week to avoid mercury poisoning. Similarly some fish should be limited to 12 oz per week. Dr. Oz did a show on it and you can probably look up a video online or find other related articles.



I was eating a lot of tuna before I started reading about the symptoms of mercury poisoning and it was too scary to chance it.



I'm really trying to like cottage cheese and greek yogurt but the only way I'll eat that right now is sprinkled with sugar-free Jello (I love the strawberry, cherry and lemon). I'm looking for more recipes - this is a great topic so thank you for starting it!

Try Boca Burgers black bean patties. I also love zucchini pizza bites. Preheat oven to 350. Slice zuchinini and heat up for 1 min in a skillet. Flip it over and repeat for one minute. Remove and place on a baking sheet, top with marinara, turkey pepperoni and a pinch of FF mozzarella and bake until cheese bubbles (usually less than 5 min). Sooooo good and easy. Even my picky kids love it!
Also I found some good sites for bariatric cooking:
http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/recipes/
http://twosleevers.com
Hope this helps!

I sprinkle a little sugar-free Jello over it. You can also add things like Splenda and there are stevia flavors you can buy. I've mainly seen them online (Amazon) but I haven't tried them yet.

My Protein has been hamburger pattie on George Forman ( 1/2) eggs ham thick sliced with hidden valley flavored greek cream cheese rolled in it , greek yogurt and almonds

I've been in this mindset since my lapband in 2009 and more recently, 13 mths post op sleeve revision. I'm now 11 lbs from goal. Losing extremely slowly - I know I could speed things up by "dieting" or eating low-carb, but I'm done dieting. I will get there someday. For now, I'm happy in my size 8's - eating potatoes, bread, and an occasional (READ OCCASIONAL) cookie. If I never lose another lb, I'm happy with my loss.
While I totally understand those that watch calories and carbs, some people can't eat 1 cookie or they'll eat the whole pkg (my husband is one of them) - I can eat just 1 cookie. My blood sugar is perfect, my bp and cholesterol r good, and I'm happy eating whatever I want. I just eat MUCH, MUCH less of it. IE: I can eat 1/3 of an in and out cheeseburger, 1 Del Taco soft taco, 1 pc of thin crust pizza, 1 cookie.
I have found tho that now that I'm 13 mths out, I can eat a little more. Have to start watching my portion sizes in the future. Otherwise I guess I'll hafta cave in and diet. Someday. Not anytime soon tho!

I eat everything I like in very small quantities. I don't look at it as a "diet". At. All. I manage my quantities, keep an accurate food\exercise diary, choose Protein first, getting at least 75g per day, exercise 5x per week and take my Vitamins. I eat carbs, but I make sure to work them into my day around the Protein and exercise in such a way that I am successful. I'm 11 months out and have been in maintenance for the last 6 weeks, holding at 3 pounds below goal so I've found a management strategy that works for me. Others eliminate "trigger foods" from their diet entirely. That works for them. For me, coming from a place of, "I can't have that", makes me crave it more. I'm thrilled that I've found a way to stay in control and eat like a thin person who gets to have it all in moderation. This has been the sweetest freedom and the best gift ever!

I am not on a diet. I am on a program that is to last me the rest of my life. I failed miserably at diets and so I don't do them anymore.
I eat everything. Just not so much. I eat the same food my husband does but eat it in this order. Protein first, veggies, fruit and then carbs.
If I am going to eat carbs I make sure the are a complex carb so that I get the best value. I have never counted calories. But have tried to make sure I drank my Water. Took my Vitamins and got 60-80 gm of Protein in a day.
I eat like a skinny person and plan to continue that way.
My nut said that we live in the real world and that we better learn how to eat in that world as well. I have taken her advice and run with it. If I want a cookie I eat one. Not the box. That is the difference.

I initiated the appointment in April and my surgery is finally scheduled for August 12th. Every insurance has a set of hoops to jump through. Every time I met the requirements, they changed them. 1st was the BMI. Then it was 3-months of nutrition counseling + a psychological eval. The last time, they finally said I needed a recommendation from my pcp - regardless that I qualified for all of their previous requests. It truly takes all the patience you can muster!

My surgeon is recommending 4 weeks and to wait and see if I need more time once we get closer to that date. 3 close friends who have all had the bypass surgery said that regardless that I had the sleeve, they recommend I take the full 6 weeks because the food stages are difficult to adjust to and it also can become very emotional being around friends at work who bring in the candy, potluck treats, fast foods, deli sandwiches, etc. Although I think I'm exposed more to food at home between family, books and tv!

I am 5 weeks post op revision from band to sleeve. I have had several emotional lows. I think it is a combination of everything. Medications, anesthesia, the pre-op and post op diet. I used to medicate these emotions with food. But I am so happy because a side effect of the diets is freedom from food addictions, IF you just never go back. I am only 5 weeks out but I have switched from sugar to stevia. No soda at all. No sweet tea at all (which is my favorite drink of all time). If I just force myself to have 0 calorie sweet tea (stevia sweetened) from now on and never go back, I can be free from it. So when I am low I try to focus on the weight I have lost and the weight I will lose. Also a walk or 10-15 min on the elliptical will release the same endorphins that Cookies and candy would have. I have been trying to use exercise (easy stuff since I am only 5 weeks out) to replace my food addictions. I hope it works. Imagine going for a run instead of eating that tub of ice cream. I hope I can be THAT person.

I'm very curious how folks are feeling after more than a 1 1/2 years out from getting the sleeve. Does your appetite change over time? Become more/less manageable? For those who have honestly followed all the rules, can you still feel full on the recommended portions? Or is hunger still a constant struggle? All feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance!