So I'm feeling pretty good....finishing up day 2 of my 2 week pre-op diet. I'm allowed up to 50 carbs a day, but yesterday rounded out the night with 28, and right now today I'm sitting at 21 with 1000 calories consumed. Don't get me wrong, physically I feel fine. Been a little bit hungry all day because I've been eating small amounts every 3-4 hours...I never really feel satisfied. I just want some carbs and starches so bad...mashed potatoes, bread, Pasta...you name it and I've got head hunger for it like mad.

I know this is so ridiculous. I'm mentally prepared to end my love affair with carbs, but parting with them really sucks, especially since I'm not a big fan of meat. I've never been a volume eater, but geez, right now I feel like I could take out a whole loaf of french bread along with some garlic mashed potatoes. Ugh...alas, I will sit down to my boneless, skinless chicken breast, and my 2/3 of a cup of broccoli for dinner. 12 more days; I can do this...it just may drive me mad in the process.

Any advice from the veterans on some good carb substitutes to help shut up the head hunger?

Ok, my take on carbs is pretty serious because I sincerely believe I'm addicted to them -- so that said, you can say that I'm a little extreme or maybe it might help --

I don't eat any carbs that are not from the ground or a tree -- no processed anything --

I don't eat:

• rice (yes, I know it's from the ground, but it's not in its original state)
• bread (or bread-like things -- tortillas, anything made from flour)
• potatoes (again from the ground, I know, but still)
• Pasta
• sugar
• any products with sugar in them
• any products with high fructose corn syrup

I do eat:

• vegetables
• fruit
• whole grain (really high in fiber) bread and crackers -- Wasa crackers is an example

When I have eaten any of the above it's taken me a week to 2 weeks to get over the head hunger for them.

But, again, this is me. I know what I want and what I crave. So I decided that I would cut my addiction off permanently. That's not to say I won't eat a piece of bread now and then -- but, I know what the consequences will be (head hunger for a week or so) and that I better be able to deal with it.

I've found that since I've done this, I don't really want any of the processed carbs. No head hunger. Nothing. It's pretty great.

So maybe this might help, maybe not . . . In any case, I know how you feel and hope that you find a solution

Goodluck with the rest of your diet, it is hard but you can do it!! I too love bread.. Its awfull I love breadbowls with dip and Pizza and grinders its going to be tough but we can do it and if we mess up we pick ourselves back up and begin again!!

I think it is easier after surgery. After you are off the carbs for a week the cravings lessen, kind of like quitting smoking. I felt addicted to carbs, now I don't crave them, but you need to remember if you start eating the bad carbs again the cravings return. Good luck.

I think we're in the exact same boat, just finished day 3 of low carb pre-op. I have a feeling it will get easier after the first week. I also have a countdown calendar to remind myself how soon my surgery is. I think if I can survive the two week pre op I will be able to do anything after surgery. I don't think there is any way to totally cut your carb cravings, but having a snack like cheese helps a little. If you find some low carb treat that actually feels like a treat then it helps you not miss the carbs. I'm getting ready to make a small hamburger with cheese and a side of broccoli. Good luck with the rest of your pre op.

I so relate. My 2 week preop was a full liquid diet so It was really tough but I took it one day at a time. Since surgery it has gotten much better. I still keep my carbs very low to maximize the weight loss. Hang in there, it will get better.