I’m 6 and a half months out and I’ve been head hungry almost non-stop for two days. I’ve mostly been able to stick to dense proteins but the head hunger won’t stop! Any tips? This is the first time this has happened since a few weeks post-op and all I want to do is eat all the things. ALL. THE. THINGS.

Doesn’t sound like fun. I’d suggest keeping busy and active so you’re not thinking about it. My nutritionit also suggested brushing your teeth if there’s something you really want, which is surpriingly effective.

The struggle is real! Surgery is not the easy way out, it is still very difficult and you’ll still struggle from time to time. Keep the faith, and remember why we all took this journey! Stay strong and you will get through it.

That's tough. If you like jigsaw puzzles or if you haven't done one in awhile, you may want to consider it. My mind is occupied when I'm putting a puzzle together and its tired when I'm done working on it for the night.

Doesn’t sound like fun. I’d suggest keeping busy and active so you’re not thinking about it. My nutritionit also suggested brushing your teeth if there’s something you really want, which is surpriingly effective.

Thanks! I used the tooth brushing trick and it helped!

That's tough. If you like jigsaw puzzles or if you haven't done one in awhile, you may want to consider it. My mind is occupied when I'm putting a puzzle together and its tired when I'm done working on it for the night.

Good advice. I think the weekends tend to be a bit tougher as I’m out of the routine of the work week. A jigsaw puzzle is a great idea.

How do you know it's head hunger?

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That's tough. If you like jigsaw puzzles or if you haven't done one in awhile, you may want to consider it. My mind is occupied when I'm putting a puzzle together and its tired when I'm done working on it for the night.

Thanks for the idea I'm gonna get a puzzle today so I can keep busy. I have the head hunger also. It's hard to retrain my brain and I'm worried I'm going to stretch out my stomach, I had the sleeve on June 21st 2017, anyone know how long it takes to stretch out the stomach after wls?

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How do you know it's head hunger?

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I know it’s head hunger because I’m consuming all my macros on target and then adding above and beyond because of my perceived hunger. I’m also not getting my usual hunger cues, like a growling stomach. My cravings are also for foods I would normally avoid, like potato chips and chocolate.

5 hours ago, nomorefattypatty said:

Thanks for the idea I'm gonna get a puzzle today so I can keep busy. I have the head hunger also. It's hard to retrain my brain and I'm worried I'm going to stretch out my stomach, I had the sleeve on June 21st 2017, anyone know how long it takes to stretch out the stomach after wls?

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You're welcome. I agree that it's difficult to "retrain" brains. I started to go into autopilot one day. I thought, "oh, a sugar-free pudding sounds good," then I started to go in the kitchen. I stopped myself but head hunger and autopilot bring real temptation. Not sure how long it takes after was for stomach to stretch. That would be a good post.

You're welcome. I agree that it's difficult to "retrain" brains. I started to go into autopilot one day. I thought, "oh, a sugar-free pudding sounds good," then I started to go in the kitchen. I stopped myself but head hunger and autopilot bring real temptation. Not sure how long it takes after was for stomach to stretch. That would be a good post.

Ok I'll do just that. Let's find out together!! [emoji5]

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I know it’s head hunger because I’m consuming all my macros on target and then adding above and beyond because of my perceived hunger. I’m also not getting my usual hunger cues, like a growling stomach. My cravings are also for foods I would normally avoid, like potato chips and chocolate.

Sometimes even if my stomach is growling, first I try a glass of water and usually it simmers down. I don't particularly like water, but tea or broth would help and the broth is good for you.

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Carb cravings come from the gut bugs. Several tricks to try.

1. Try to change up the gut bug population to better ones by adding some good probiotics (I love Prescript Assist, Amazon has it), and fermented veggies like kimchi (one tablespoon at a time or a meal).

2. Give the bugs what they want, starchy carbs, by eating cooked and cooled potatoes, maybe potato salad, or old baked potatoes chopped and pan cooked in butter, whatever. Or roasted vegetables. Try carrots or onions or whatever.

3. Leafy greens, especially cooked and dense, can actually remove cravings for sweets. Don’t forget to add fat and sea salt.

the first two could help eliminate bad carb cravings. The last one is just a temporary trick.

How about giving the Gut Bugs sweet potatoes/yams ? More good vitamins and they taste more pleasant.

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Have you considered cocaine?

I want X to eat is typically head huger. I’m hungry and something on my plan will satisfy me is actual hunger.

Usually.