How do you deal with head hunger??

[kacee 3]

Well, when you finally get to optimum restriction it gets kindof funny. It's like a war between the head and the gut. I still get "wild eyed" sometimes when I think of food. Looking at the menu of a seafood restaurant practically gave me the vapors...I wanted EVERYTHING, but when push comes to shove and I order, I realize I better just pick one thing because it's a GIVEN that I will be getting about half of that down. That's when I wish you could get "sampler" plates with one little dollop of everything.... I also find I don't really like leftovers much, so gettig a big meal and having to take 3/4 of it home doesn't thrill me...it NEVER tastes or looks as good after it's sat in the fridge for a day.

[SherryW 4]

Well folks I wish I had a miracle answer for you...I'm two years out with my band and I still fight the head hunger. I have noticed though that it's usually when I'm bored or really stressed...typically when people overate really. One of the things that really helps me is always having something to drink nearby. Our bodies will tell us we're hungry when in actuality we're thirsty so try drinking something. Another thing I do...when that thought eating hits I ask myself if I'm really hungry and I pretty much get the answer...no pains in your tummy so no..it's my head. I'll then get up from my desk at work and go for a quick walk around the office or go dow the stairs to the first floor and walk the perimeter of the building and go back up the stairs. It works...just needs decipline. Again not an easy training to go through...I still lose sometimes and eat something but, I try to make a smarter choice. On those days where only chocolate will do....I'll eat one of the hershey miniatures (54 cals in one of those little things people! zoiks!) as I go for my walk so that at least I've burned some of it off. I wish you all the best with that head battle. We're here to support each other.

[Randi 0]

There's a website which lists suggestions for dealing with head hunger. Here are the links:

Why am I hungry all the time? Coping with head hunger and overeating triggers

http://www.amihungry.com/pdf/101_things_to_do_besides_eat.pdf

[marieze 5]

I'm being banded this Wed. and while I understand the head hunger thing, I'm still conflicted about one thing;

If you are properly restricted and can only eat so much, why am I hearing things like, the one cookie I had to have etc. If you are full from a very small portion of food which therefore limits calories how can you not lose weight?

I still can't wrap my brain around it. And, going to WW; I was hoping for myself that those days would be over. Help me understand this please.

Marieze

[Randi 0]

Marieze,

This is probably a rhetorical question, but have you ever eaten something like chips or sweets when you weren't hungry, or eaten until you were just stuffed? Well, that's what we referring to as head hunger and the band does not solve those mental urges. You'll have to develop strategies for dealing with issues such as boredom, holidays, general celebrations, mindless eating, etc. just like in WW.

All the band does is restrict the amount you can eat in one sitting and helps keeps you from being "physically" hungry only IF you follow the band eating rules your doctor/surgeon prescribes -- usually eating Protein first, then vegetables, then fresh peeled fruit only after you've consumed your Protein and vegetables and you're still hungry. Choose not to follow the rules consistently and the weight creeps right back on.