The Hunger Games

[WoodenHearts 29]

hey guys

im almost 4 weeks post op and my hunger has not weaned what so ever, im constantly in a battle with myself to make better choices, i always start the day with the best intentions but they seem to be forgotten as quickly as i spot something yummy, although im not eating as much as i was pre op my head still seems to think that i can then i end up getting food stuck and im reminded that my old habits need to change.

i never knew what 'slider' foods were up until 2 weeks ago and i now consider them to be devils in disguise lol, its like a little voice in the back of m head tells me 'go ahead eat the chocolate mousse you know it'll go down easy' then before i know it i'm 3 mousses down and feel terrible, but i tell myself tomorrow is a new day to make better choices and the cycle just keeps going round and round like im literally playing a game with my head and my stomach, my stomach will say 'you're not that hungry maybe something small' where as my head is like ' you can definetly squeeze a double cheeseburger and fries in there' only problem is when i listen to my head i end up not being able to eat the cravings i want because they wont go down (bread and fries get stuck) which leaves my frustrations high, i have to laugh about it really because i feel like im going insane sometimes.

i didn't tell a lot of people about my surgery only a few close family members whom i speak to everyday, but every time i speak to them its always the same questions, have you lost any weight? how much are u eating? how are u still able to eat that much food?, i feel like they expected me to have the surgery and id drop 50lbs just like that, ive tried to explain but they just don't seem to get it so i find myself lying to them just to satisfy there questions, i know that i shouldn't but when they keep asking me i find that im also asking myself those questions, why aren't i losing weight? why can i still eat X amount of food? i haven't had my first fill yet and im hoping this will give me enough restriction to continue with a steady weight loss.

so far since surgery ive only lost about 5lbs, most of my weight loss comes from the pre op diet.

thanks for reading my rant lol, anyone else experiencing 'hunger games' let me know below

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there, you are in what is known as Bandster Hell. You've had the surgery but have not had any fills yet. The links below in my signature really helped me understand how the band works; maybe they will help you, too! Be sure to keep all of your appointments -- success with the band is all about the followup. When your appetite is dimmed you will be able to make good choices. Until then, it's just dieting -- toughing it out.

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@WoodenHearts love your title! Hunger games very appropriate and yes as @@Bandista said you are in the middle of bandster hell right now.

The way around this I found was to use this time to practice the band eating habits. Measuring out the portion sizes, making sure to get that Water in, eating slow and taking at least 20 minutes to eat a meal and most importantly at this time taking ONLY 20 minutes to eat and stopping after that. Anything you eat after 20 minutes is eating into your next meal for the day! Take the time to chew up the food and cut small pieces practice eating with a knife and fork and at this stage if you can't cut it...then you don't eat it. This way you are sure to avoid those devil slider foods.

It's not an easy time but if you use the time when you start getting those fills and the "hunger" dims a bit you will see how all those habits you develop over the next few weeks/months really come into play and help you.

Also start a low impact exercise program, when your feeling the cravings take a walk, read a book, make a cup of coffee or tea with some flavored sugar free Creamer to help reduce the craving.

I wish you all the best and may the odds be ever in your favor!!!