Hi all! I've been banded since Aug. 5 and have lost 30 pounds throughout the process, including 10 pounds before the surgery. I'm up to 5.5 ccs in a 10-cc band and while I don't have the kind of restriction I'd like, I know I'm getting there.

However, I've been obsessive about food, and it's gotten worse since the surgery. I punish myself for everything I eat, no matter what it is. I spend hours thinking about Why Did I Eat This? and What's Wrong With Me For Eating That? Of course, it doesn't stop me from eating, but it just makes me punish myself for it.

Anyone else experience this?

I think there is a fine line between carefull planning of mealsand snacks thoughout the day and obbsession. I plan in the morning what I will eat for the day, and even the approximate times, depending on what I have going on in that day. I find snacks really help me from getting too hungry and then making bad choices. I would seek out a counselor that focuses on food issues. A counselor should be able to get to the root of why you overeat and help change your relationship with food. All this blaming your doing is not helpfull. You are being way to hard on yourself. Spending hours beating yourself up about something that's already done is not productive, It will only make you anxious and deppressed and you will want to eat more. Good luck and keep us posted on how your doing.

Merry,

Been there, done that. I found that certain carbs cause cravings...and the obsessions...for food. After I cut sugar and wheat products out of my diet, the craving lessened. Yeah, I still think about food but not 'obsessively'...and with the band removing the hunger component, that's enough to let my self-control take over.

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I have to admit I do not food journal. I also believe in the 80/20 or 90/10 rule; if you eat correctly most of the time you can occationally have special foods. I'm not going to call them cheats because thin people don't think that way. Cheating makes me feel like I've broken some law and that someelse makes the rules. I am 41 years old and need to make my own rules. I realize if you live with other people this will be difficut; but I would plan and buy foods you should eat and don't buy those you should'nt. Lack of planning is a downfall. I buy chicken cutlets/tenders and package them in 3 oz servings and freeze them. You can also find individual 3 oz fronzen fish. Those can be coated in breadcrumbs baked and served with a sweet potato.

I really believe in tracking calories or journaling. If I don't, I find I sneak in too much food. I also have identified foods I just can't stop eating and I never have them near me. I am happy that I have lost cravings for fast foods and most sweets. Now for a sweet tooth I enjoy applesauce loaded(I do mean loaded!) with cinnamon or a dessert flavor yogurt, a skinny cow treat or 100 cal cookie pack.

I know what you mean about obsessing with food. I just try to put that to good use by meal planning healthy dinners and reading and understanding food labels/ingredients. I have a good snack with me at all times and I have learned to eat when I am hungry not wait for official meal time. This way I kick the obsessive food thoughts and keep from getting ravenous.

One more trick I do, if it's evening and I have eaten all my calories for the day I will let myself have a glass of 1% milk. I figure it kicks my hunger and I have gone over calories with a healthy glass of milk. I really believe dairy is crucial to a healthy diet.

Thanks, everyone, for your insight. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, and to use the band as a tool and not as a punishment. Happy new year!