I am 7 weeks post op and my appetite is back. Not as ravenous as I once was, so that is good, but I am hungry more often than every 3-4 hours and really, all I want to eat is cheese. I'm also craving peanut butter. Both are okay in small amounts but neither should be used for protein. Hit me up with your ideas for meals at this stage that satisfied those savory/fatty/creamy cravings.

8 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

Where do you find the 34 degree crackers?

I have gotten them at Wal-Mart & Walmart.com

https://www.walmart.com/ip/34-Degrees-Sesame-Crisp-Crackers-4-5oz/38446639

https://www.walmart.com/ip/34-Degrees-Toasted-Onion-Crisp-Crackers-4-5oz/52767844

https://www.walmart.com/ip/34-Degrees-Crisps-Rosemary-4-5-Oz/16940714

4 hours ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

Finding healthy alternatives is definitely the way to go, but you need to pay attention to the type of hunger you're feeding. When it's all focused on one food, it's really a craving (head hunger), not actual hunger. Actual hunger would be satisfied with scrambled eggs or some yogurt.

If all goes well, I'll be sleeved next month (fingers crossed). I REALLY like what you shared and the terminology used... "head hunger". It definitely made the cut to go on my closet door of quotes! Thanks!

Yeah, and I really like them, especially for a protein product!
The 34 degree crackers are really low cal, so I don't worry about them.

I need to try the 34 degree.

3 minutes ago, Psyched said:

If all goes well, I'll be sleeved next month (fingers crossed). I REALLY like what you shared and the terminology used... "head hunger". It definitely made the cut to go on my closet door of quotes! Thanks!

Thanks, but I didn't originate the term. You can find out a lot about it here in the forums. This is one of the things you can start to practice before surgery. Before you eat, really consider whether your body is really hungry or if it's craving something. For most of us, it is really difficult to tell. But think of a starving person on a desert island (true hunger). He'll eat worms if that's all that's available. He can't hold out forever waiting for a party barge to sail by and pick him up. So, for instance, if ice cream is the only thing that will satisfy you, that's a craving. Cravings aren't bad, but you need to learn how to manage them. (Some people can do moderation, some have to abstain from certain foods altogether. It's a personal issue.)

4 minutes ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

Thanks, but I didn't originate the term. You can find out a lot about it here in the forums. This is one of the things you can start to practice before surgery. Before you eat, really consider whether your body is really hungry or if it's craving something. For most of us, it is really difficult to tell. But think of a starving person on a desert island (true hunger). He'll eat worms if that's all that's available. He can't hold out forever waiting for a party barge to sail by and pick him up. So, for instance, if ice cream is the only thing that will satisfy you, that's a craving. Cravings aren't bad, but you need to learn how to manage them. (Some people can do moderation, some have to abstain from certain foods altogether. It's a personal issue.)

Thanks. You are absolutely right. I've been on here for 3 months and have learned so much. I don't crave too often, but when I do... it's unmistakable, because there is zero nutrition in almond m&ms ?. Yeah, it was just something about the term "head hunger" that grabbed me. I will tell you what has been SUPER hard, like EXTREMELY hard for me (during these months that I have been trying to prepare myself mentally and just do a complete overhaul with my habits and life pre-surgery) and that is not drinking while eating. OMG, it is like if I don't drink this water I am going to die! ?? that has been really hard for me. I am just hoping the switch will flip post surgery. Meanwhile, I am still working on it.

3 minutes ago, Psyched said:

Thanks. You are absolutely right. I've been on here for 3 months and have learned so much. I don't crave too often, but when I do... it's unmistakable, because there is zero nutrition in almond m&ms ?. Yeah, it was just something about the term "head hunger" that grabbed me. I will tell you what has been SUPER hard, like EXTREMELY hard for me (during these months that I have been trying to prepare myself mentally and just do a complete overhaul with my habits and life pre-surgery) and that is not drinking while eating. OMG, it is like if I don't drink this Water I am going to die! ?? that has been really hard for me. I am just hoping the switch will flip post surgery. Meanwhile, I am still working on it.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here, but while you become accustomed to not drinking during meals, I don't think you ever get to where that is a preference I still have to set timers.

Hm... my plan states that cheese can absolutely be counted towards protein goals. There is a limit, but I never get there anyway and I LOve Cheese and eat it daily. I try to stick to 2 light string cheese a day and stay away from topping my chicken or eggs or whatever protein I’m having. It also satisfies the craving more IMO.

I've tried the Aldi version, I like them.

Have you tried these (see pic) for cracker alternative?

I eat the Crap out of Kay's! I love the cruncheeze ones! I actually buy them in bulk lol

I eat the Crap out of Kay's! I love the cruncheeze ones! I actually buy them in bulk lol

Awesome! I will put on my list of must haves

hope someday my diet someday smoothness out, then I could go back to Edam. That would be such a GOUDA, day, of course.!

I absolutely LOVE peanut butter. So to get that craving, I do a Vanilla Premier protein shake and the PB2 (powder peanut butter) and half a banana and some ice cubes. blend it in the blender. YUMMY

I had this issue at your stage too, now I don't even eat cheese anymore, but all I ever really want to eat are nuts, sadly I can't (or rather shouldn't), your taste may also change over time...

4 hours ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here, but while you become accustomed to not drinking during meals, I don't think you ever get to where that is a preference I still have to set timers.

Glad to know that. Thanks for sharing!

41 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

I had this issue at your stage too, now I don't even eat cheese anymore

Not the case here

@MargoCL & @Matt Z

Since you love the Kay's have you tried these?

https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/all/products/bariatricpal-protein-double-bites-honey-mustard

Not quite as good macros as Kay's, but totally taste normal, not like a protein product. The Honey Mustard Flavor tastes like the Gardetto's pretzel flavoring to me.

Edited September 20, 20187 yr by sillykitty