Stupid head hunger!!

[aeromech 202]

How do you stop this incessant snacking!?!?

I'm not hungry but I keep going for Snacks here and there. It's hurting my weight loss for sure. I can't get below 225lbs and have been stuck here for over a 2 months.

So, do any of you have some little tricks you used to get away from the snacking? I have great restriction right on and don't get hungry for 5 hours even without Snacks. When I'm busy, take that as not bored, I can do this. But boredom goes all too well with snacks for me.

Thanks,

John

[B-52 7,113]

I know people who do not have regular 3 ,meals a day, but have maybe 6 healthy Snacks a day...works for them. It all comes down to how many calories consumed in a 24 hr period, versus how many burned....

For me, the band took care of head hunger....I may think I want to eat something...like a dough-nut in the middle of the day for no good reason, but one bite and my band immedialtley slaps me back into reality and I throw the thing away....after doing this 100 of times those head hunger cravings no longer exisit...kicked the habit by behaviour modifiction thanks to the band........plus I am not hungry 24 hrs a day....never understood the "just between Meals" thing...my band is there 24 hrs...not just between meals.

[JenWis6 98]

I am in the same place. I work from home and have that head game of always needing to snack. I keep gum by me at all times because I find that I am not hungry, just needing to chew on or have something in my mouth. If I am absolutely going crazy I have Dum Dum suckers or SF hard candy that I can take and that seems to help. Good luck!! You aren't alone.

[dee257 1,516]

I went through a rough time with head hunger...and still do many nights...what works for me is keeping most cals for night time..and always having my water bottle full and handy..

[aeromech 202]

Well, I think I need to employ more gum! I drink lots and lots of Water, but the "feeling" of eating is what is missed I guess. Kind of like a smoker just quitting but needing that action of puffing on something like a habitual action.

There is so much psychology involved with this. I am hopeful that people realize this.

Thanks for the replies guys!!

[dohair2013 22]

I never realized just how much I have let my HEAD HUNGER contribute to my weight issues until exploring having the lap band surgery and now being on the 2wk pre-op diet. I crave the salty Snacks that have been kind of a comfort for me when I have been stressed out. You so are not alone! I have been a huge Water drinker and that does seem to help but you are right it is a habit just like smoking.... wanting to chew on something for the taste!! I use Altoid minis cinnamon flavor just for a little something different than gum. They are low in cal and no carbs....

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

i learned on my pre op that head hunger is real....i ate mainly because i was bored and it was easy/accessible....and alot of the time i ate when (other people ate).......now i eat when i am hungry.....focus on filling foods......and sure i snack but i choose fruit, Protein bars and drink alot......i would suggest drinking more perhaps and def hang in there.........eat if you are truly hungry....

hard to believe but there is a difference

[missybear 86]

I've taught myself to get a drink if first start to think I'm hungry outside typical meal times. Water and herbal teas are great. If I'm still hungry, it's obviously a sign I am hungry. I keep no junk food in the house, but if i do beed to snack, i keep fruit and vegies as a light snack or if I'm really hungry, try to get some Protein in as I find it fends off my hunger for longer.

[rmalikone 108]

I know people who do not have regular 3 ,meals a day, but have maybe 6 healthy Snacks a day...works for them. It all comes down to how many calories consumed in a 24 hr period, versus how many burned....

For me, the band took care of head hunger....I may think I want to eat something...like a dough-nut in the middle of the day for no good reason, but one bite and my band immedialtley slaps me back into reality and I throw the thing away....after doing this 100 of times those head hunger cravings no longer exisit...kicked the habit by behaviour modifiction thanks to the band........plus I am not hungry 24 hrs a day....never understood the "just between Meals" thing...my band is there 24 hrs...not just between meals.

How does the band tell you - what does it feel like? This way I know what to look for as I start getting fill #2 (9/17) thru as many as needed.

[Soxking 25]

I know what you're saying about the band "speaking" and what that feels/sounds like. I'm a few days post-second-fill and I have noticed that a physical fullness is much quicker and easier to achieve. I think it is that sense of fullness in the pouch that people refer to as the band "talking". I've had a couple of situations since the surgery where I've either not chewed enough or eaten too quickly resulting in a very unpleasant protest by my stomach. That's the band talking, too. For me, avoiding that feeling has become a real incentive to pay attention to how I feel while eating and that awareness is having benefits.

[rmalikone 108]

I know what you're saying about the band "speaking" and what that feels/sounds like. I'm a few days post-second-fill and I have noticed that a physical fullness is much quicker and easier to achieve. I think it is that sense of fullness in the pouch that people refer to as the band "talking". I've had a couple of situations since the surgery where I've either not chewed enough or eaten too quickly resulting in a very unpleasant protest by my stomach. That's the band talking, too. For me, avoiding that feeling has become a real incentive to pay attention to how I feel while eating and that awareness is having benefits.

I have eaten to quickly and have slimmed and/or stuck, but I have not noticed what a soft full is for me. So hence me asking what other feel.

[Soxking 25]

Yes, it wasn't obvious to me until the second fill. I've read that this may diminish if there was any post-fill swelling that goes away. Hope not...

[Amberley 97]

I suffer with head hunger as well. Before I allow myself a snack I make myself drink a glass of icy cold Water. The water makes me full and gives me time to decide if I really want/need food. Training myself to go for water instead of food has really helped. The other thing I do is keep healthy Snacks ready and available. A cup of mushrooms is 50 calories. I snack on these. Have some healthy snacks measured up and available in your fridge. If head hunger gets the better of you then your prepared. Best of luck!!

[ladyjordan 105]

wow this head hunger is no joke, I think this has truly been my greatest battle since I've had the surgery, but we can master it one step at a time....

[aeromech 202]

Well, I have gotten it down I believe. I am down to having one or two Snacks a day, not constant grazing on high fat/carb items is helping tremendously.

I have about 25-30 lbs to go to my goal weight and am having trouble getting the workouts in with my stupid nightshift schedule.

As far as what it feels like when you are at the satisfied state, I stop eating as soon as I lose interest in eating. I try to make sure I am doing something while eating, and as soon as I miss my bite timer because I am too busy... It's time to stop. Usually within the 20 minute meal length for me. Sometimes I am totally into what I am eating and end up finishing my portion easily.... Have to watch the portion sizing carefully on things like that or else I eating way too much.

I hope to tackle this better and get down to goal by the new year. But if it take longer, I'm OK with that.