I have constantly been getting little hunger attacks to eat over the last couple months in between planned meals (6x a day to total 1200 calories), when I am not supposed to be eating. Gets worse every day. So today I thought perhaps cottage cheese would make a good satiety food for these moments when I am being pulled *hard* by hunger. It worked!!

The reason why I wanted to try is because I was remembering about a cottage cheese test to determine size of stomach from a VST book I read pre op (yes, I read a lot of books about post op but nothing trumps post op experience). I thought if cottage cheese is being used to determine size, it cannot slide through. This is great! I just hope a random couple spoonfuls are not going to blow maintenance. High in Protein, low in fat and low in carbs. I never did eat cottage cheese more then once post op, so it is good to be eating again.

What are some *other satiety foods* you use to bury that nagging goal weight hunger?

Two rules:

1. It must be smaller serving size then a normal full meal of 1 cup of protein / veggies. In other words, eating a meal does noes not count as a solution to my question.

2. It must not be a slider food. I am looking to satisfy the hunger, not delay it for more battles in 20 minutes. Besides, I do not want to eat sliders during maintenance of weight. I want to eat as healthy as possible to support physical activity.

Here is where I got the idea for granola that incorporates Protein powder (I actually used Click...yum)

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2011/04/clickn-granola.html

Shelly's CLICK'n Granola

1/3 cup oatmeal, dry

1/3 cup Sliced Almonds

1/4 cup Pecans, chopped

1 scoop CLICK Espresso Protein Powder (your favorite flavor, I used vanilla Latte)

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

3 Tablespoons sugar free Torani Syrup (your favorite flavor, I used Sugar Free Vanilla)

2 Tablespoons Almond Butter

1 Tablespoon Butter

Mix together with a fork till clumps form. Sprinkle clumps of the topping onto a baking sheet (I lined it with foil for ease of clean-up) and bake for 20 minutes at 350. Allow to cool. When cool store in sealed container for several days.

For granola you would. The only time I leave almonds whole is when I'm planning to count them out and just eat them plain.

You can also add Protein powder to your homemade granola. But it is definitely something I can eat too much of and most granola is a high-calorie (good calories tho) food. So I have to watch it around granola.

Thanks M2G! Pre op I used to eat Greek yoghurt with a (large) handful of walnuts and honey. I'm thinking I might replace the walnuts with some granola and a SF syrup for the honey.

Here is where I got the idea for granola that incorporates Protein powder (I actually used Click...yum)

http://theworldaccor...kn-granola.html

Shelly's CLICK'n Granola

1/3 cup Oatmeal, dry

1/3 cup Sliced Almonds

1/4 cup Pecans, chopped

1 scoop CLICK Espresso Protein Powder (your favorite flavor, I used Vanilla Latte)

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

3 Tablespoons sugar free Torani Syrup (your favorite flavor, I used Sugar Free Vanilla)

2 Tablespoons Almond Butter

1 Tablespoon Butter

Mix together with a fork till clumps form. Sprinkle clumps of the topping onto a baking sheet (I lined it with foil for ease of clean-up) and bake for 20 minutes at 350. Allow to cool. When cool store in sealed container for several days.

THAT LOOKS AWESOME!

I love Shellys recipes! Thanks for posting.

Good idea. I'll be curious to hear what he has to say.

Just in case you're curious, my surgeon's office (Dr. Cirangle of San Francisco) said at my stage, celery is A-ok. Just chew thoroughly.

So, in summary - I think we all need to accept that this is the normal progression... a return to hunger. MANY real world, normal people live with this to keep a trim waistline.

I have decided that my new (ironic) motto is:

I remember what skinny feels like... HUNGRY!!!

Sigh. I have been really struggling with this for the last 2 months. Coincidently, I have been somewhat stalled for those past 2 months as well. Since early March I've lost a total of 7 lbs, mostly in a "jump" of 3-4 lbs in a week. Then stalled and up/down like a roller-coaster, even when keeping my intake is fairly steady. In March I was stalled 23 of 31 days, and in April I've been stalled 26 of 30 days.

I would be TOTALLY fine with this if I wasn't still 50 lbs from my goal weight (I've lost about 135 lbs in 11.5 months). Now I'm concerned that with increasing hunger, I may not be able to make it to goal weight!

I've really amped up my exercise (bought a road bike and now riding 3x per week, walk 5K daily, joined a softball team that plays 2x per week), so I was conscious of that contributing to my hunger and increased calorie requirements. But even though I "eat" my calories (as so many learned VST members advise), I am still stalled and concerned that I will not be able to drop the last "50".

And the HUNGER makes it hard for me to keep up the exercise without eating! I'm watching carbs and trying to choose wisely (with occasional slips, just like any human being). I aim for less than 70 g carbs a day, but lately I'm probably closer to 90. I'm 5"4" (185 lbs right now, with a goal of 135 lbs) and eating about 1350 calories a day (that's including my exercise calories, of about 300-400 per day, so my "net" intake is around 1000 calories daily).

Am I just being too impatient? Should I keep up the same routine and see if the stalls ease up in a month or two? Should I do a "boot camp" reset on carbs? Do I need to drop my calories? I am psychologically blocked regarding increasing calories! I hope no one suggests it! But if the science makes sense, I will do it. ;~

Or do I just "reset my thinking" and realize that as you said, CowgirlJane, I'm going to have to be hungry to get (and stay) skinny (or at least reach and stay at my goal weight, which is NOT skinny, but healthy).

Webchickadee,

How are you measuring your calories? I use a scale for accuracy for most foods. If you are eyeballing or packing in a measuring cup, your calorie count may be off. Also, if you eat out a lot and are using the restaurant guide, you may be getting more calories than you think.

For me, I find hunger increases when I eat any kind of non-nutrient dense foods. For example, last night I ate dinner and then had a muffin later. Before the muffin, I wasn't really hungry, but after I ate the one muffin, I really wanted another and my tummy was rumbling for it like a dump truck.

The only thing that got me out of a stall was reducing calories. I know that others have found success in increasing calories, but that has never worked for me.

I recommend dropping your calories to 1200 per day. To avoid hunger, make them really nutrient-dense. Low fat meats, fat free greek yogurt and milk, whole grains, and fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.

Lynda

Webchickadee,

How are you measuring your calories? I use a scale for accuracy for most foods. If you are eyeballing or packing in a measuring cup, your calorie count may be off. Also, if you eat out a lot and are using the restaurant guide, you may be getting more calories than you think.

For me, I find hunger increases when I eat any kind of non-nutrient dense foods. For example, last night I ate dinner and then had a muffin later. Before the muffin, I wasn't really hungry, but after I ate the one muffin, I really wanted another and my tummy was rumbling for it like a dump truck.

The only thing that got me out of a stall was reducing calories. I know that others have found success in increasing calories, but that has never worked for me.

I recommend dropping your calories to 1200 per day. To avoid hunger, make them really nutrient-dense. Low fat meats, fat free greek yogurt and milk, whole grains, and fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.

Lynda

Thanks for the tips Lynda!

Yes, I weigh my food at home (not easy to do when you're out of the house!"). In terms of restaurants, I do my best to look up nutrition information before I visit, so I make good informed choices and I can refer to the nutrition info when I log. I'm using MyFitnessPal for food logging and I log everything (the good, the bad and the ugly!). I probably have a pretty good handle on the calories and other actuals in terms of what's going into my mouth. But no one's perfect and there is always room for improvement!

I think you're right, I'm going to consider reducing my calories. I thought my extra exercise would offset and keep me at about the same intake level (~1000 calories "net") as I was eating during my earlier post-op days (around 6-8 months post-op) and still lose weight (at about 10-12 lbs/ month). No such luck!

I'll wait to see what other ideas my fellow VSTers have and I'll incorporate "the best of everything" into my plan going forward!

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Sigh. I have been really struggling with this for the last 2 months. Coincidently' date=' I have been somewhat stalled for those past 2 months as well. Since early March I've lost a total of 7 lbs, mostly in a "jump" of 3-4 lbs in a week. Then stalled and up/down like a roller-coaster, even when keeping my intake is fairly steady. In March I was stalled 23 of 31 days, and in April I've been stalled 26 of 30 days.

I would be TOTALLY fine with this if I wasn't still 50 lbs from my goal weight (I've lost about 135 lbs in 11.5 months). Now I'm concerned that with increasing hunger, I may not be able to make it to goal weight!

I've really amped up my exercise (bought a road bike and now riding 3x per week, walk 5K daily, joined a softball team that plays 2x per week), so I was conscious of that contributing to my hunger and increased calorie requirements. But even though I "eat" my calories (as so many learned VST members advise), I am still stalled and concerned that I will not be able to drop the last "50".

And the HUNGER makes it hard for me to keep up the exercise without eating! I'm watching carbs and trying to choose wisely (with occasional slips, just like any human being). I aim for less than 70 g carbs a day, but lately I'm probably closer to 90. I'm 5"4" (185 lbs right now, with a goal of 135 lbs) and eating about 1350 calories a day (that's including my exercise calories, of about 300-400 per day, so my "net" intake is around 1000 calories daily).

Am I just being too impatient? Should I keep up the same routine and see if the stalls ease up in a month or two? Should I do a "boot camp" reset on carbs? Do I need to drop my calories? I am psychologically blocked regarding increasing calories! I hope no one suggests it! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> But if the science makes sense, I will do it. ;~

Or do I just "reset my thinking" and realize that as you said, CowgirlJane, I'm going to have to be hungry to get (and stay) skinny (or at least reach and stay at my goal weight, which is NOT skinny, but healthy).[/quote']

I'm just tossing ideas out here, so please forgive me if I come off wrong, Webchickadee.

With increased exercise, you'll lose Fluid so you'll need more. Have you increased your Water intake? When I've hit a stall and I up my exercise routine, I know I'll have to drink more water (even though it seems impossible!) to help my body recover some of what it's losing.

The other thing that comes to mind is Protein. Again, when my body gets complacent (read:stalls) and I want the weight loss to start again, I know I'll have to increase my protein once more. I'm still only six months out and for me increasing my protein usually means drinking an extra Protein Drink or two a day. Not knowing your particular circumstances, I can't say what might work for your protein intake.

I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to hearing about your continued success!

I'm just tossing ideas out here, so please forgive me if I come off wrong, Webchickadee.

With increased exercise, you'll lose Fluid so you'll need more. Have you increased your Water intake? When I've hit a stall and I up my exercise routine, I know I'll have to drink more water (even though it seems impossible!) to help my body recover some of what it's losing.

The other thing that comes to mind is Protein. Again, when my body gets complacent (read:stalls) and I want the weight loss to start again, I know I'll have to increase my protein once more. I'm still only six months out and for me increasing my protein usually means drinking an extra Protein Drink or two a day. Not knowing your particular circumstances, I can't say what might work for your protein intake.

I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to hearing about your continued success!

Fantastic suggestions! There are no "wrong" answers, btw. Everyone has a technique and idea that works for them. I'm just trying to find new ideas!

More fluids is definitely something I have to do.......I never was that good at getting in the min. 64 oz daily. I dont' know why, because I used to LOVE drinking water. Now I find I don't like it plain, but both my husband and I are super-stocked with about 15 different varieties of Mio (and Mio-like products). So why don't I drink more? I guess I don't think about it enough during the day. Then I try to get it all in at night, which makes me get up multiple times during the night to pee.

Fail!

So I must resolve to drink more earlier in the day and make an active goal of getting AT LEAST 64 oz in (which is probably 40% more than I'm drinking now).

You are absolutely right about losing more water (especially since it's starting to warm up) with exercise. I will heed your wise words.

As to protein, I was really trying to get off the Protein drinks and get my protein in from source foods. But as you mention, that is probably upping my calories and I'm probably mixing in carbs with that technique, whereas with a protein drink (not Protein Bars, which I've been doing alot of lately (even though they are low carb)....), I'm getting protein and fluids in.

I think I'm going to finally try the Syntrax nectar. It's very costly and rare up here in Canada, but I found a place that sells the big containers ($55!), so I'll take the plunge and try one. Who knows, maybe it is exactly what I need right now!

Thanks OneWritersSoul! Every tip/technique I add to my arsenal is one step forward!

I'll be sure to check back in and let you know how I'm doing!

I just want to say, you have done fantastic with your weightloss! Everyones weight loss slows down around where you are. I'm not going to give any advice, because I am still figuring it out myself at 28 months... still have to lose around 18 to get to goal.... it does seem to be heading there..S-L-O-W-L-Y-----(I'm talking a pound every 2 months...) When I started using a fitbit I found I had a better idea of my energy use....easier to balance my calories in calories out....(OOPS! I just gave some advice after all!)

Yes - I LOVE this stuff.

3 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cottage cheese (I sometimes use more)

2/3 cup Splenda sugar substitute (granular)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

(I add a little All Spice)

Directions:

Whisk together all ingredients except cottage cheese until well blended.

Stir in cottage cheese.

Pour into a greased 1.5 quart casserole dish and bake at 350 for 75 min. or until top is lighly browned.

Around halfway through, I gently stir so the cottage cheese doesn't settle at the bottom.

Eat warm or cold.

Thanks for sharing! I wonder how it would be with soy milk instead of cream and maybe ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese....

Webchickadee, if you're wanting to add protein, I'm wondering if a protein drink is really your best option. I hit upon a favorite combination for a morning protein hot cocoa that I stuck with for about 18 months, but it just doesn't stick with me very long. I still have one occasionally if I have a hard workout in the morning, or if I wake up super-hungry after a lighter eating day, but I don't get that satiety bang for my buck like I would with a couple of hard boiled eggs.

I've read several places that whey protein isolate is the most easily absorbed, which makes it ideal for early post-ops, but that slower-digesting options like casein can be better for mature sleeves, so I've been trying that lately as well.

Webchickadee' date=' if you're wanting to add Protein, I'm wondering if a protein drink is really your best option. I hit upon a favorite combination for a morning protein hot cocoa that I stuck with for about 18 months, but it just doesn't stick with me very long. I still have one occasionally if I have a hard workout in the morning, or if I wake up super-hungry after a lighter eating day, but I don't get that satiety bang for my buck like I would with a couple of hard boiled eggs.

I've read several places that whey protein isolate is the most easily absorbed, which makes it ideal for early post-ops, but that slower-digesting options like casein can be better for mature sleeves, so I've been trying that lately as well.[/quote']

EscapePod, you speak the truth. I still consider myself early out, truly but my drinking a hot tea or hot cocoa laced with a scoop of Protein powder doesn't last as long as it did now that I'm more active. Personally, this troubles me greatly because I'm still 65lbs from goal. Rules are all around us, such as don't drink your calories; don't snack, etc. And I try every single second of every single day, but some days, especially with the second stricture, drinking that protein drink is my only saving grace at this point.

Okay, now. I'm trying to be really good (NOW) and drop the regain pounds (about 13). Low carb, low carb, low carb and protein protein protein but it doesn't seem to really want to go away again! lol If I deviate at all from low carb, I immediately put lbs back on. Also, I'd like to say that protein staves off my hunger but I don't think in reality it does. I can eat a boiled egg, cheese, etc and STILL want to eat. Doing much better, though, about WHAT I am allowing in my mouth.