I Think I Am Going Crazy

[tkslexus 6]

First Post. I was sleeved on 05/25 and I did all the research, went to support groups, and I so thought I was ready for this. Then I had the surgery and now all I can think about is food. I dream about food. I look at food online. I have planned out meals. 23 out of the 24 hours I seem to be obsessing about food. This just CAN'T be normal. Also, I am still on liquids and I am starving. I asked my Dr. and he said I am not really hungry but I AM hungry. Did this happen to anyone? I'm worried that if I don't get this under control I will cheat.

PS. I live alone so I don't have a lot to occupy my time right now.

[Gastricsleeve4me 186]

Man, I hear that! I also live alone. I just did a blog post today of a list of 15 things I can do when I'm bored instead of doing something with food! Link's in my signature if interested!

[Lissa 2,631]

I live alone, too. I have tons to occupy my time if I'm bored. I sew, read, hit the gym, enjoy the community hot tub and pool, take a walk, play with my puppy, etc.

Ask your doctor for a prescription for an acid reducer. Especially early post-op, an acid reducer can eliminate the hungry feeling, which is really just excess acid produced by the stomach.

You might even consider talking to a therapist a few times to get past your food issues. We all have them and we all have to deal with them.

Good luck!

[AliveAgain 283]

You are not alone. I felt exactly the same way for the first few weeks after surgery, with the first week being the most intense. Personally, I think it's our mental detachment from old habits along with the departure of "normal" meals being replaced by liquid ones. You know, the experiment of "for the next five minutes, don't think about the pink elephant in the room" and then all you can think about is a little pink elephant that was not in your thoughts before that moment. Just like that, with time and learning the new ways of eating it will pass. Mine did, thankfully. Once my body realized it was getting what it needed from the shakes, Vitamins, etc. and I felt great -- those thoughts stopped dominating my thinking. Your mind is relearning the difference between real, true hunger and head hunger.

Hang in there, keep to your plan, look into the acid reducer (if you're not already on one), and have faith that it will pass.

[Izzy0525 14]

Sleeved 5/25 and live alone as well. First week wasn't bad, my mother flew in to stay with me. Once she left and I had all this free time alone I started watching my favorite channels (Food Network & Cooking channel). I love to cook and I'm obsessed with watching those darn shows. Well suffice to say they started awakening the little chubby girl in me and even though I didn't feel physically hungry I began to have mental hunger with emotional cravings. I ended up cheating on day 10 had a little piece of steak and some cottage cheese...felt like I was dying. Learned my lesson, never aging, follow the diet I know now why it is there. I've found ways to keep myself occupied and away from the cooking shows.

[Izzy0525 14]

Never again* darn smart phones

[tkslexus 6]

Thank you all for the kind words. I had my follow up Dr. visit today and he too reassured me the feelings were normal. He also advised that once I get my fluids up it would help with the feeling of hunger as some times thirst is confused with hunger. Feeling much better today and reminding myself to just take it one day at a time and some days will be harder than others, but in the end, the good will outweigh the bad! Have a great day everyone!

[JimmyGotSLEEVED 270]

You are prolly dehydrated. Most time we confuse thirst for hunger. Up your Water intake then tell me how u feel

[Newfoundlove 95]

I had this too, but as soon as I started drinking warm fluids, (chicken broth) that helped to give me the full feeling. I used to LOVE watching the food Network channel, but now I have no desire. It will pass.

[forever29 6]

I feel hungry, at the appropriate times... like when I wake up and when I haven't eaten in a while. My nut said it was completely normal. I was sleeved 5/15. I am on a RX acid reducer, drink enough, and get enough Protein. It isn't as bad & and goes away if I eat a few bites of a snack *high protein* or 1/2 of a Protein Shake.< /p>