I'm currently going through this thing where I feel like I want to constantly chew on something! I'm full & I know I can't eat anything because it will come right back up & I'm not hungry. Have not had this feeling in months! I'm completely full & hydrated. Is this just an old habit wanting to rear its ugly head? You know the one I speak of--mindless eating!! Is this self sabotage? It's driving me nuts & I refuse to cater to this by eating a sugar free Popsicle or something similar because I don't need anything! Fellow banders, is this just me??? If not, what are your best practices?

Head hunger!

Very real and very persistent.

Try to "trick" yourself out of the immediate need to eat, and if you can, try to journal what's going on with you that's giving you head hunger (anxiety).

Tricking can be drinking an iced coffee or a warm drink, or a big bottle of flavored Water. Then take a walk or do something with your hands. Don't laugh. I use coloring books. I'm seriously sitting here with my Mandala coloring book and my Sharpies right now. It's relaxing and keeps my hands busy.

Head hunger is something we have to learn to deal with. It is worse with a band that's not properly filled, but still happens even in the green zone at times.

Exercising the new muscle of "don't eat, no matter what" in these instances strengthens you for next time. Giving in does the opposite.

Don't get me wrong. If you're having stomach hunger, eat something healthy.

How do I tell the difference? I ask myself a question : If an apple will do the trick, it's stomach hunger. I then eat the apple (or a similar boring healthy food) and I'm done. But if I'm fantasizing about the perfect snack or meal, and an apple is a ridiculous choice that I reject immediately, look out. That's head hunger. I try not to give in to that and look deeper as to what's really going on.

Hope this helps. I'm not always successful at it, but for me it's getting easier to identify and deal with, without giving in to food.

Uggghh I'm going through this

Yes this happens a lot especially when you've lost some weight the body is wanting it's fat back. Make sure you take a multi vitamin first thing in the morning exercise a lot even if it's just walking around the house and drink a lot of tea.

From Tigerlady. Don't let this do you in. Drink. get those demons out of your head. You've come to far to give in now.

v

Thank you for the wonderful advice @@JustWatchMe! So clever--and I often times just doodle in a large sketch pad I have (side note--I'm all about my Sharpies!!). Coloring books are a wonderful idea!

Appreciate everyone sharing! I won't give in--I've come too far to just give in so easily! Lol!

Is sugar free gum an option? Or no? I haven't had my surgery yet but I am reading as much as possible.

Edited May 27, 201511 yr by carebear42