Madam Reverie

I think 'head hunger' for me, is not about being hungry, per se.. It's more about wanting the sensation and flavour of cake/crumpets/toast and cheese in my mouth... Consequently, I felt emotional pain always denying myself those things.. So i tried them. Invariably, they didn't sit well, so now I'd rather not have the pain/discomfort and avoid them! I know this is something I'll have to watch when the restriction slackens a bit.. But for now, not being able to eat them, is my saving grace

Deep breath. Head down. You got this. (we were all the same, honey )

I would say... Listen to your body. If you start burping and gurgling and feeling sick? Stop. if you can get more in without pain/discomfort/nausea? Have at it. Better to be hydrated than not.

But a mere walk up a hill to the nirvana of Protein laden craziness on the other side. The best of luck - we'll all be thinking of you

I hate to say it, GG, but 'potentially'? I know people can be anatomically different, but as you know, the likelihood of a stomach being 'born' huge, is quite remote. A stomach won't get to gargantuan proportions unless it is 'encouraged' to... and if it were to happen along the genetic line through continuous repetition, there would surely be a long family history of obesity... To have two people 'naturally' 'gifted' with big stomachs in the one house? I'm thinking the odds on that are preeeetty long... Back to the nature (over centuries/medical anomalies) /nurture argument...

NOT AT ALL! Without your invaluable, articulate and compassionate contributions to the debate - there is no debate. We'd all be drowning in a sea of banal statements, observations and platitudes about Protein counts and Water consumption (although before anyone jumps on me, I know these have their place, too) I'm sorry this thread provoked an emotional response in you last night. It was not my intention - but it shows a deeper level of self-analysis that I have reached and for that, I am in total admiration and very grateful. You are a whole person; with the victories, failures, vulnerabilities, strengths and honesty to know who you are and share it, too. That takes courage. Don't for one second feel 'bad' about your contributions. I welcome them with open arms, because they're real, without agenda and will undoubtedly help those who may be viewing, but do not have the courage to (at this juncture), contribute. THAT is a very good thing x

It is interesting as to what this thread has gone to show... That no matter whether it was your parents, your childhood, your peers, your siblings, your location, your marriage/relationship, an event(s), because your pet died or you just detested the way your nose looks... We are all the same. SOMETHING triggered our desire to eat... and none of us are impervious to that fact. I started the thread because I wondered whether people on here had actually given it that much thought outside of the calorie counting and Protein measurements. Because I was realising there was this 'other side' appearing in me and it definitely needed dealing with. Clearly some of you have, too - and I am warmed and encouraged by that. Its a very good thing. Evolving inside as well as outside is a very good thing. I was not expecting people to be so explicit in their posts, but I truly appreciate your candor and your inclusivity. Although undoubtedly very painful, it sets an example and encourages deeper debate and healthy analysis as to our evolution as whole people - not just focussing on the cursory effects and remedial behaviour modifications that wls engenders. It is the ultimate 'ground truth'. You are all fabulous x

Firstly I would discuss it with your Mum. If she paid for the surgery - or at least assisted in it - then she might be more receptive to assisting you with the post operative issues you may be having. Secondly, I would go and talk to the health professionals based at your college. They might be able to provide you with some direct assistance, or at least put you in contact with people who can help you for free. As RJ has advised - depression is no joke and should be addressed and treated as quickly as possible. Thirdly, you had surgery on 15th November. You are still so freshly out of it and are rightly struggling with trying to hold activities down when you're eating so little. If you can rest as much as you can when you're not at college and be mindful of the nutrients you're putting inside you - maximising the protein/vitamins/ minerals and most importantly, H20 - it should help matters. If you feel your energy dropping, take a little food/protein on board. Despite all this, your mental wellbeing is the most important issue and as such, should be treated immediately and only by qualified professionals. Your college absolutely have a duty of care to help you with this. I wish you the best.

Did you have any psyche counseling before having your surgery? I noticed you were self pay and wondered whether as part of the package, they supply this for you?

You'll be tired for a few weeks and might need some assistance in getting through schoolruns/mealtimes/bedtimes - but this is totally do-able. Go get 'em, tiger

One, singular two year old? Uhuh.. Well, when she has 5 to look after 24/7, she can then comment with authority about what 'feeling overwhelmed' is like?! I can appreciate she's probably trying to give you an opportunity to 'open up' and 'explore' that aspect - but unless you have maids and a nanny and an army of helpers - of course you're going to feel up against it. Statements of the bloody obvious! Sorry, stupid statements like that make me feel militant

This, is a tough one. I had/have the same problem. I, too, am on omeprazole.... I stopped drinking anything other than Water three hours before sleep (same with eating). Drank vinegar, spoonfuls of honey, elevated my pillow by 8 inches at night. Never let myself get too empty, never ate chocolate (it is a trigger for me)... You name it, I've tried it. I hate to say it, but you might have to consider the true elimination diet... and keep things exceptionally plain... I'm sorry you're suffering so badly. It truly is an awful thing to have x

You're right. Do tell me, has this psych got kids herself?!!

Not noticeable?! Your loss is VERY noticeable! Well done you!

That, is a great nsv. Well done, you

I eat... out of boredom... If I'm 'engaged' in something, I eat less. Evenings.... bad.. very bad....

Take a big deep breath. They are instructed to touch raw nerves. You're not alone in finding the interrogation uncomfortable - particularly given the fact you had little or no sleep the night before. This is not a bad thing, you know. It means you're human. Chin up, honey. We're all the same and whether or not you believe it right now - you were probably very cogent and articulate. Hang in there

You're a remarkable woman and you will find your nirvana. Never forget that... Thank you for sharing x

I'd go with the 'I dunno, been feeling off of late.. Plus, I had a milky coffee/tea not long ago... Sorry, I'm fine, just not got much of an appetite...' I share your pain. Its not easy to be scrutinised like that. Tried over the top humour? You could jump up and down like you'd drunk 20 red bull and say 'wooo hooo, I'm flyin' people'.. Although, in hindsight, that might end up with you facing an 'intervention'. Try not to let it get you down and get your dancing shoes ready to side-step your way out of it

You're all wonderful. Truly. Your honesty, vulnerability, resilience, pragmatism and optimism leaves me speechless. What a comfort to know we are all the same. Who'da thunk it, hey? Big love to you all x

I think I do write books.. Every time I get 'on one' when on this website Glad it makes sense to you though x

You are most certainly not alone. We're all here, whenever you need us. Our specific issues may all vary in their nature and presentation - but we most certainly all have them. Sometimes it is a Pandora''s box, but we're all trying to find our way to deal with that. It is excellent you're in counseling for it. As for the feeling 'divorced' from food. I can totally relate to that. It will feel like that for a few weeks, but by week 6, you'll be all good and making happy, healthy and smaller choices. You'll be in charge of your own destiny from this point and we'll all be here to help you along.

It's honest, Butter. I appreciate that greatly.

Ha! Aint that the truth, sista! x

Beautifully put, Lady. Every day is a school day... I don't want to be on a 'diet'. I want everything I used to eat. Just much smaller portions of it. I need to learn that the mountain of food, does not necessarily correspond with the amount of love around the table. I also no longer need to eat it all - for them, or me. Tough nut to crack - that one.