Almost 2 months post surgery and having trouble with eating the right foods

[Tribecca26 4]

I just got my first fill last week. While I notice my portion sizes have decreased a lot from before the surgery, my head is just not in it yet when it comes to eating the right foods. I was def a binge eater because of depression for the last few years, always resorting to the wrong foods and a lot of them. Now Im not finding myself feeling satisfied with the small portions, and having trouble sticking to a low carb, low fat diet. Does anyone have advice for working through these changes, more so mentally? My heart is in making these changes, and making my life better and healthier otherwise I wouldn't have done this, but finding myself not committing 100% and I want to. Any advice on how to stay excited and motivated for changes in a good direction?

Thanks

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Hey there, don't know if this will help, but before you eat the high carb / fat item, try eating your Protein and fruit/veggie portion FIRST. I find that if I eat those things first my stomach is fuller and I dont crave the junk as bad. I still fight and lose that battle alot, but I eat LESS of them , which makes my body and mind (and my pants) alot happier. I used to be a big bread /carb person, but I cut it down a little at a time. Now , I have potatoes or brown rice 1-2x a week, bread maybe once a month. Good luck !!

[Karina150 34]

I agree with Pink Dahlia...eat the good stuff first (protein) and then if you still have the craving have a little of the "fun foods". It will take time for your thought process to catch up to your physical changes. One thing for me is that once I started having my previous foods give me a hard time (getting stuck, feeling uncomfortable, or not making my scale move in the right direction), I slowly changed eating those goodies. Don't get me wrong, I still love Peanut M&Ms and have NO problem getting them down but I can definitely tell when I get on the scale that they don't help me. One motivator for me is when I see no weight loss at the doctor's visit and I can hear another patient with "5 lbs loss" or something similar. But I also realize that I have my own path and I will lose what I have gained in my own time. As long as I don't gain, I am pleased with myself and I know that I am learning what is working for my body. This is a slow process and everyone is on their own speed.

I found that Pinterest helps to keep new ideas in my head for eating low carb items like cauliflower mashed "potatoes". Great ideas to be found on there so check that out if you haven't yet. I also try to use MyFitnessPal to keep track of food intake and get motivated by others posts.

[Bob the builder 32]

I agree with everyone else. Protein first. We all have trouble making the right food choices. Get yourself a food journal and fill it out honestly. Also, read the nutrition labels of everything you eat. Most restaurants post nutrition data on their websites. Tracking what you eat and especially seeing how many calories/carbs you're eating will be an eye opener. Look for alternatives to the bad foods. It's almost like people who quit smoking. We have to break our food habits. Difference is, we can't quit "cold turkey" as our addiction is necessary to keep us alive. But we can eat healthier foods and exercise to prolong our stay on the planet. If you can stay away from sugar and high carb foods for a couple weeks, you'll find your craving for them eases up quite a bit. You will have broken your physical addiction. Your mental addiction is a whole other issue. Occupy your mind with a hobby or something to keep your mind busy. I find the more bored I am the more I want to head for the kitchen. Good luck in your journey.

[gowalking 10,790]

I just got my first fill last week. While I notice my portion sizes have decreased a lot from before the surgery, my head is just not in it yet when it comes to eating the right foods. I was def a binge eater because of depression for the last few years, always resorting to the wrong foods and a lot of them. Now Im not finding myself feeling satisfied with the small portions, and having trouble sticking to a low carb, low fat diet. Does anyone have advice for working through these changes, more so mentally? My heart is in making these changes, and making my life better and healthier otherwise I wouldn't have done this, but finding myself not committing 100% and I want to. Any advice on how to stay excited and motivated for changes in a good direction?

Thanks

@@Tribecca26, I see you are in the NYC area and used Dr. Ren as I did. I can give you the name of my therapist. She's on the UWS and had WLS as well so she has a good working knowledge of folks with eating issues besides just being 'book trained'. I've been seeing her for a year and we're working on root causes to fix the inside as the outside changes. Feel free to PM me and I can give you her info if you are interested.

[Tribecca26 4]

Thank you guys, i appreciate all the advice! I will def try out the protein/fruit/veggies first. And i agree, I feel like when i start feeling and seeing a difference physically it may give me that extra nudge to make the right choices and do it with more conviction. I am seeing a therapist so Im going to work on this with her a little more but since she isn't specialized or that experienced in this kind of thing i may take you up your offer @gowalking.

[Thias38 8]

I was banded Aug. 6, 2015 I have only lost about 30lbs and I am having trouble w making wise food choices. I feel down and I am scared I'm stretching my pouch out or damagingbit. I don't know how to fix my mentality about food.