So here is my question. I eat very healthy during the day, perfect portions and good choices. I exercise almost every day. I am losing weight, about 2 lbs a week (banded 3.27.13 and 23 lbs down) but I know I could do more if I didn't go crazy every night. I drink wine, make a pretty indulgent dinner (my new thing is to sauté a lean cuisine with olive oil and add maybe a lil meat) and literally I can eat like 5 Rice Krispie treats or fiber 1 bars. How do I make myself stop if I am still losing weight slowly? Any advice? Thank you:)

I'm a night snacker as well. I've always said that if there wasn't life after dinner, I'd be thin

Since being banded (on 3/25/13), I still allow myself (if I really want it) ONE snack after dinner. It could be some Greek yogurt, or an Atkins bar. But the key is, I eat only one......and I count the calories. If I start obsessing on eating more (as we all can), I'll go take a hot bath & soak for awhile. Usually, when I'm done, the feeling has passed, and it's closer to bedtime. sleep is a great escape!

Loprah - I don't think that eating 5 Rice Krispie treats falls under the band rules. Can you allow yourself one and be done? Is the Lean Cuisine not satisfying enough without the extra olive oil and meat? If not, maybe try something different, so you don't feel the need to add fat & calories. Are you tracking your calories and staying in the range recommended by your doctor? Just because you are losing, doesn't mean that you are incorporating new lifestyle changes. Along with the band, goes learning new behaviors and eating habits. Easier said than done, I know! But you took a huge step in having this surgery. The time will come when the weight will slow to near nothing, if you continue to exercise old habits. Honestly, I struggle with this as well. As they say, old habits die hard!

My concern for you is that you are pushing the envelope with what you are eating. I think it would be a good idea to make an appointment with the nutritionist at your doctor's office. They can help guide you on better choices going forward. Remember, you (we) are working to build a better way of eating, to achieve life long success. It is difficult, but many things worth having in life don't necessarily come easy.

Good luck - and CONGRATS on the 23 pounds

Thank you! Great advice! I am going to try the hot bath. I am definitely pushing it I'm still going in often and will go in next week. I know I need to get it together to stay on track w weight loss! (Writing from the elliptical)

My downfall is soda crackers with peanut butter around 11 pm...IF I avoid those, I lose weight. If not...well, I was at a plateau for 4 months! I am having to find things to do to keep from thinking of late night snacks. One thing that has helped since my last fill is that I am finally in the sweet spot and don't get hungry at night anymore. I eat a healthy dinner and if I can keep my head occupied, I do ok.

Been there, done that. You need to plan ahead what you will have for a snack and stick to the plan.

Night time is also hard for me. Days are great. On track. Not very hungry in am. Yogurt or banana around 11. But at 9-10 at night I have to plan something good. Frozen yogurt once in a while. Is it my head? I feel hungry. Usually try to go to bed. Or take a hot tub. But feel like I need something. Do others have this problem? I am 6 1/2 years out and very happy with my choice to change my life for good. Not just for 3 months like before

Night time is also hard for me. Days are great. On track. Not very hungry in am. Yogurt or banana around 11. But at 9-10 at night I have to plan something good. Frozen yogurt once in a while. Is it my head? I feel hungry. Usually try to go to bed. Or take a hot tub. But feel like I need something. Do others have this problem? I am 6 1/2 years out and very happy with my choice to change my life for good. Not just for 3 months like before

I usually ALWAYS need something at night; hungry or not. My doctor discourages it, but it's something I'm not willing to give up. I told him that I'm like a baby who needs a bottle in order to sleep

When I'm craving something I brush my teeth and gargle with a strong mouthwash. After doing that, it ruins my taste for a snack. My teeth are getting ridiculously white! Lol!

QUIT THAT!

I go in my room with a cup of herbal tea and pout sometimes... But I don't give it!

If I can do it so can you!

If you're going to snack, make it something healthy......also you will find eating close to bedtime will result in some unwanted side effects.....

For myself, and some other people I know, it all comes down to the fact that since being banded, we lost weight because we eat less than we used to....

I do not diet, count calories, etc.....been there done that......

In my case, because of the band, I eat about 1/3 of what I used to eat. (sometime less) ..and it is not something I have to struggle with or work at..it's just how the band works........so it is not so much what times of the day I eat, it is the fact that on a given 24hr period, I eat only 1/3 of what I used to....

then I exercise to work a lot of that off also.....

I am unable to eat anything solid early in the morning, and because of adverse side effects I am cautious not to eat close to bedtime time....

So yes, I can snack at anytime...IF I was hungry.........but add it all up and it does not make much difference....

I don't keep junk food in the house, so on the occasions I've wanted something naughty I'm forced to go out and get it from the shops.

I usually have a large jug of Water on the coffee table, I try to always have a drink before I go in the hunt for a snack. Sometimes thirst feels like hunger.

A hot chocolate based on powdered choc, hot water and a splash of milk can also help satisfy the sweet/choc craving of a night, without adding a big calorie load to the day .

Also keeping busy helps. This past week I've been helping a friend prepare decorations for her party, keeping my hands busy killed my appetite, similar to being in Skype, figure I don't want to have people watch me eat

These are all awesome perspectives to hear. I started using my fitness pal today so I will have to write down everything I eat. No point lying to myself! It's interesting to hear how the band effects people though. I can literally eat anything I want after 3 fills!!! My doctor is taking me up slowly (I think I'm at 6 or 6.5 ccs about 2 months post surgery). As long as I chew slowly, I get full but if I want to indulge I can. You are all convincing me to be more vigilant and not listen to the devil on my shoulder that says "you had such a good day and worked out, a few Snacks won't kill you!)

Will keep updated with my progress. Can't wait to try the teeth brushing trick today

Can you eat your last meal of the day a bit later? And make it a high protein content meal? That should help with the hunger pangs before bedtime. I don't keep any snack food in the house... my cheat foods are now pears or apples. If I have to snack, I'll slice up a fruit and pick away at it slowly.

I am anticipating a band in September. I also have issues with snacks. The best way for me to control the snacks is to avoid completely. If I have one treat I want another and then I'm still not satisfied. I ask myself before taking a bite, really? You want ONE cupcake? Why not a half? How much is it really going to take for me to feel like I've had enough? I lije the brushing teeth idea. Gum helps too. I also rwad somewhere that when u are craving sweets, a lot of times your Body really is trying to ask for water. The BOOK I read says NO SNACKS, NOT EveN A PIECE OF FRUIT. Further it says if you are hungry, see about a fill. Let me kmow what works for you. you can do this!

When I'm craving something I brush my teeth and gargle with a strong mouthwash. After doing that' date=' it ruins my taste for a snack. My teeth are getting ridiculously white! Lol![/quote']

I like this idea. Kills two birds with one stone.

I am also finding that if I have a protein-heavy supper, an hour or so later than usual, I don't snack close to midnight. If I do snack, it is always a protein: cheese or peanut butter, but I would rather not do it at all.