Hi all. I'm due to get my sleeve on the 28th August and I've spent the last week trawling these forums for inspiration. There is lots so thank you! I've heard a few if you mention 'head hunger' which struck a cord with me. I eat when I'm hungry (which is almost always!), but also when I fancy something tasty, or when I'm bored. I don't think I comfort eat so much, but I'm sure that the coping mechanism is similar.

What tactics do you used to deal with these?

i have two that work for me very well.

1. talk it out with my boyfriend, who is willing to listen to me for hours talk about how much i NEED to have some ice cream or a turkey club sandwich, but won't have one because i don't want to derail my journey, but i NEED it, but i won't, maybe i will, would you have some with me, will you share it, no i CAN'T have it, i WANT it.... you get the picture. he is a saint.

2. go to sleep early.

i'm not very good at transfering the comfort received from food to anything else yet except interacting with my boyfriend. i am hoping to pick up crafts again... that always helped me when i was dieting in the past, keeping my hands busy. i am also hoping to regain my gym rat status and transfer to working out, after i lose enough weight to allow me to walk more than 5 minutes.

I have the same problem, I eat when I think I want it.. And if I don't eat I think about it constantly. Its like trying to quit smoking

When I gave up smoking (12+ years ago) I used to go and wash my hands whenever I got the urge for a ciggie break. I had the cleanest hands ever!

Maybe that will work for food? I've tried cleaning my teeth when dieting in the past.... Not quite as successful.

I am fortunate that my bedroom is a full flight of stairs away from the kitchen..mostly I stay in my room. I also "listen" to my sleeve. I ask it what it's trying to tell me. My sleeve is wiser than my head.

I knit. I read. I come on here and read what other people are going through. Anything to keep my mind and my hands busy.