Hi everyone: I'm a 50 year old male, had my sleeve in October 2012 and have lost 85 pounds since. Very pleased. However in the last two days I am ravenous. I have no idea where this is coming from. I find myself eating granola bars, chicken, fruit, more granola bars -- like I never feel full and my head tells me to eat to stop being hungry. Has anyone else had a similar experience at 6 months? Thanks.

Me too , always hungry and willing !

The 6 month mark for a lot of people seems to be

The point at which hunger starts to increase..

I would say cut out the granola bars and make it a more protein dense snack like lunch meat and cheese or even a protein bar.

Any suggestions for a good protein bar? I've tried several and cannot stand them. I love KIND bars but I realize now they are not protein-rich. Thanks.

I am six months out and am kinda feeling similar, I found these Pure Protien bars at Costco and Target. They have 20gs Protien and only 2 grams sugar but are about 200 calories. I think they are tasty and really fill me up. I would give them a try, I actually keep some in my car to prevent me from eating junk food when I'm out and get hungry.

The most popular around here seem to be the quest bars, I also buy the "pure" protein bars at Costco.

Fiber one has a new protein bar that is super delicious. I love the salty caramel nut variety. About 10 grams of protein I think.

Yes, this happened to me as well at month 6 and on. In last week, cutting out refined sugar from diet has helped a lot, even small amounts like 2 g. Also eating dense protein of 3-4 oz every 2-3 hours helps. Eat more good carbs and fats. Good fats in the GI tract sends a signal to the brain to stop sending the hunger signals. I have 3-6 g of omega 3 daily from company stronger, faster, healthier. Weight is starting to drop again at month 9. Stalled out between month 7-9, but lost 6 lb the week as of yesterday. Dropped another 1.2 lb over night. After making sure I do these things, hunger went way down.

I LOVE my Pure Protien bars, without them there is no way I could meet my Protien goal everyday, and now I actually crave them, I think because my body knows it needs it. I think they are tasty, my husbands likes them too, except for the double chocolate one. I like them all.

I will say the protein bars are VERY GOOD,

But we need to be aware of the fact that protein

From "real" food is optimal..

I say that because like Fiddleman, I have a tendency to start to crave more from eating something candy bar like

Been there man.....I hear ya. I try to get my fill on mostly lean protein when I'm feeling like that. And since mine usually comes after intense lifting sessions, I'll add in just a few complex carbs as well. But if you're getting in mostly protein when you're feeling really hungry, you should be fine. Also, the drinking water approach when hungry can work too, but if you know it's really hunger, I wouldn't sit there and just starve and be miserable. Eat good lean protein and veggies and you'll be fine. Gotta watch those granolas and/or protein bars, some of them have a good bit of sugar in them, which is really just a slightly more nutritious candy bar.

Having kind of the same issues. Wondering what type of things that you eat in between meals. Like deli meats and cheeses? Nuts, eggs, veggies, fruits, yogurts ???

I have been eating some of the Protein bars and while they do help the hunger, I feel like they are getting me back used to sweets again and I DO NOT WANT THAT! That was one of my problems to begin with.

Anyway, any help would be appreciated!

You guys are amazing. Truthfully I am having a tough time emotionally. I look great, but I keep looking to food to satisfy emotional issue -- when I'm stressed I used to eat; when I'm happy, I used to eat. The only good thing is that I have kicked my Diet Pepsi addiction. Not one drop since October 28. I was drinking up to 2 gallons a day before surgery.

I will also admit that I am not doing a good job with Protein or Water. Part of me thinks, "Well, that's the stuff that OTHER people need to do. I'm fine eating granola." Real arrogance. I'm working on it, and I'm going to go back to my shrink for a while to get a handle on this. Went from a size 46 pants to 38, hoping for 36. I don't want to go back -- I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. The advice is very very helpful.

I eat apples and peanut butter, the light laughing cow cheese, sugar free carnation instant breakfast has some good Protien and can be filling, also dannon makes a good light Greek yogurt, it's only 80 calories and 12g Protien. Also sometimes some pre sliced meat. I also make egg muffins with egg whites, cheese and veggis, you could also put ham in it, I just freeze them and toss one in the microwave for an easy on the go snack. They re about 80 calories and very low in sugar and about 6-8g Protien. I personally have to have healthy snack easily available or I will grab something that's not so good.

Fiber one has a new Protein bar that is super delicious. I love the salty caramel nut variety. About 10 grams of protein I think.

Yes I agree, they are really good. I also found " life's choice" at Walmart edible not too bad and they are almost $3.00 cheaper then other brands.

Granola and fruit would leave me hungry too. And honestly, a granola bar makes me want another and another too. Granola bars aren't that healthy. Usually loaded with sugar which just makes you crave more sugar.