I have had my first of 3 visits. I'm contemplating and thinking about everything they said. I guess my main question is for those of you who have been through it and are just living your new normal life. Do you struggle with head hunger every minute or does it get easier? I have just been trying to be very observant of my hunger lately and trying to determine what's true hunger vs. head hunger. Honestly, lots of times I think it's in my head. I need tips on how to begin psyching myself up to overcome that. I'm also worried about meshing with my family. There is lots of focus on food and I worry about them treating me weird because I can't partake of their food fests. I can just hear my mother- in-law now.......

Im trying to think of this all very deeply and begin to confront the things that will soon be my reality.

Hi there.

Contemplation and research are you friends! :-)

I'm just over 5 weeks out - I can tell you with all honesty, I don't think about food like I did before surgery. If I crave something, it goes away very quickly - like a fleeting thought. The first few weeks, the drinking of Water, shakes and, if you're allowed, food will consume you. Because you're trying to figure out the balance - when you should have Breakfast, then incorporate a shake, and getting in the water. I have finally hit my stride and it's much easier now - it's just my new normal.

Cooking for a family up until this week has been a challenge and I relied a lot on my husband to figure out what he and my son were going to do for dinner. Now that I'm on a somewhat "regular" diet, I don't have to cook two meals. Last night I made roasted chicken and vegetables. We were able to eat the same things. We've even gone out to dinner a few times and I either ate off my husband's plate or had the inside of a taco. I'm also finding some great recipes that are healthy and sleeve friendly that my family enjoys!

I bet your family will adapt to the "new" you, whether you tell them about the surgery or not. You're taking your health in your own hands and that's commendable - whether they agree with the decision or not.

Just don't fret too much! Happy holidays!

I think about food every day, but only because I need to plan. That said, my evil fat brain "Skippy" still exists and wants a cookie all the time. BUT with time, planning and some self-control, it is Very managable!

I have had my first of 3 visits. I'm contemplating and thinking about everything they said. I guess my main question is for those of you who have been through it and are just living your new normal life. Do you struggle with head hunger every minute or does it get easier? I have just been trying to be very observant of my hunger lately and trying to determine what's true hunger vs. head hunger. Honestly, lots of times I think it's in my head. I need tips on how to begin psyching myself up to overcome that. I'm also worried about meshing with my family. There is lots of focus on food and I worry about them treating me weird because I can't partake of their food fests. I can just hear my mother- in-law now.......

Im trying to think of this all very deeply and begin to confront the things that will soon be my reality.

First things first! You talked about head hunger. Your body will truly let you know when you need to feed it. Sometimes though, you will have to force yourself to eat cause you will noticed that you have went so long during the day without eating. To prevent that, plan your meals and stick to a schedule. Eat slowly to prevent the dumping syndrome. Take your time and you will find a balance of when you are truly hungry or just needing something because you are feeling a certain way.

Next you talked about dealing with the food feasts & your family. This was one of the topics that was discussed at one of the support groups. Try to change the focus from food to activities like playing a game of charades or some type of activity to get people moving. One of the things I do is eat slowly, chew slowly, enjoy the conversations with everyone, get up and dance, help with cleaning tasks, anything to get me moving and out of the way and then take my plate to go. Hope this helps.