Help Needed!

[lovelylady 1]

I was sleeved in 12/2011. Not quite a year yet but I find myself already slipping into old habits. I crave things and Im not even hungry!. My highest weight was 280. I lost 15 pounds doing the pre-op diet so my weight the day of surgery was 265, I am currently at 186-188, depends on the day. I have been the same since July and I'm getting frustrated. Trying to figure out what to do. I dont measure my meals but I still cant eat much food, however I snack all day. On nuts, popcorn, carrots, whatever. But when I eat an actual meal Im full almost immediately! Also is it bad to chew gum? I am constantly chewing. It always amazes me how much popcorn I can eat but sit down for chicken and veggies and a small amount that is all. Any suggestions? Do you think I have stretched from constant snacking? Please let me know your thoughts

[sramos89 260]

Someone posted a few days a go the 10 mistakes we make and I remember snacking being on there. I think you already answered your question and you know what to do! It helps me to write everything down that I eat because I don't want to log down that I ate a herseys kiss, so sometimes that will deter me from eating it. Are you using my fitness pal or another log for food? You can do it!! Good Luck, you already made the first step!

[Getting There 198]

II just asked the PA at my surgeon's office about stretching my stomach. He said that they have done studies and out of 85 people, after 5 years, no one had stretched. He said that the stomach becomes very "leathery" from the staples/scarring. He said it would be almost impossible to stretch. Said that as you heal you can take in more and many interpret that as stretching.

I agree with Sramos - I would absolutely stop the grazing. Plan 3 meals and 2 Snacks (if you need them). Track everything you eat/drink. Increase your exercise. Be honest with yourself about why you had the surgery and ask yourself why you are letting yourself slide back into the bad habits. Maybe go to support group meetings in your area - if not at your surgeon's, check the local hospitals or even on this forum to see if there are local groups.

You CAN get back on track. And you'll be so proud of yourself when you do and start to see the results. We're all pulling for you!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Yep, this is totally my problem right now. I am finding myself grazing and it's driving me crazy. Today I've started getting back on track and eating 3 meals that are high in Protein. I'm also logging everything on myfitnesspal too. I actually gained 4 lbs today. Gonna get back on track.

No, you haven't stretched your stomach, you still have good restriction. It's just that the other stuff are slidin right on through.

[Jakat 25]

Yes the grazing is real bad. The gum thing is ok as long as it is sugarless. It you feel like to want to go grab a bag of popcorn or chips make yourself do something else. Go for a walk or some other hobby that will keep you busy. I have found myself being tempted for no other reason than being bored. If I am busy doing something I actually have to keep track of the time to eat every 3 hours or so. Good Luck and hopes this helps

[K33 87]

Nix the gum. If you accidentally swallow it, you'll find a need to go to the ER.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I'm 3 1/2 years post op, and I am really lucky that I still really don't get hungry. Head hunger is another story.

I've been drinking Protein shakes for awhile, to get rid of all my cravings and grazing. If I want a snack, I make myself have another Protein Drink. I am lucky that I love my Protein drinks. I have all sorts of recipes for them, and most of them are only 120 calories and 3 carbs.

It's really helped with the wanting to snack all day and evening long.

[akwitham72 72]

Oregondaisy- what kind of Protein Powder are you using?

[JonathanS 75]

Nix the gum. If you accidentally swallow it, you'll find a need to go to the ER.

You know, they told me the same thing before surgery. However, I was thinking it was just while we are recovering. Is it something long term?

[Spatters3 315]

swallowing gum is bad ? Sounds like an old wive's tale to me. Maybe lapbands can't handle it but there is no physical reason why my sleeve would have an issue with a little lump of totally digestable gum.

OP: if you feel the need to snack start using Protein as your go-to snack food (pepperoni even). You will eat less calories and stay full longer.

[carbgrl 119]

I accidently swallowed gum with a lapband & sleeve. I was ok. Of course I avoid it but it has happened.

[june13sleever 223]

Stop snacking right now. Seriously! You have to just stop. Throw the **** away and don't buy any more of it. Tell yourself NO! Unless you are 6'2" you are not down to your goal weight so it is time to put some big girl pants on, count your calories and start losing again. Today.

I keep telling people...the first year I thought I had it in the bag, and technically I did. But now at 1.5 years out, I am hungry, and I want some ice cream. BUT I HAVE TO SAY NO! (not all the time, but most of it). I want Peanut Butter cups! NO NO NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I want chips, yum! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I cried every day because I was fat. There is no way in hell I am going back.

NO NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONON!

[wanderlust_76 47]

I was reading a blog of a lady who has lost 300 lbs. She said when she finds herself going off track, she will do a 3 day liquid diet. She said it jump starts her weightloss and gets her head on straight. Maybe you should try that.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

There is a very special person on this site that has provided help as far as getting back on track. This has been a great tool to getting back on track and as soon as monday is here, I will also be cleaning my system out too......Her name is LilMissDiva and she has pinned "The Basic Bootcamp Plan" on this board. If you can't find it, please PM and I will paste and copy the plan to you. It truly does work and it's only for 5 days.