Question:
Do the cravings, constant eating or want to eat change?
I am a compulsive overeater. How will this change after the surgery? — JEAN N. (posted on January 28, 2003)
January 28, 2003
For me, the cravings are there, but they aren't as strong as they used to
be. I can eat one bite of something and stop. If I overeat, I KNOW I'll
either be in pain, feel really sick, or BOTH. I still WANT to eat, I just
know I have to stop, and I do. I don't wake up planning my day around food
anymore. I've started planning my day around exercise. How weird is THAT?
— Diana L.
January 28, 2003
Well, for me the first 6 months I didn't have much interest in food. I am
not complaining in the least. But let me warn you, your old cravings will
creep back on you. I still crave the Cheetos and sweets, that doesn't mean
I give in to them. So how I gained a little self control with the surgery.
Instead when I really need a snack, I grab something protein loaded. Just
like I have hear a billion times, they are only operating on our stomachs,
not our brains, so yes, those cravings do come back, they just may not be
so intense and you may have much more control of your eating habits when
they do.
— bevewy
January 28, 2003
Just like the previous poster said, the 1st 6 months I had no appetite, I
literally had to force myself to eat or I'd go into starvation mode. I am
now 8 months post-op and a little upset b/c I have an appetite again. But
it's not as strong as before. My huge problem was candy and sweets before
the surgery. I unfortunately realized I can eat up to 20 grams of sugar a
time w/o dumping and started eating candy again. I'm sure many people
would disagree with me or say I'm doing bad, but I do eat candy now again.
BUT, for instance, a individual sized package of candy can last me a week
now instead of having 2-3 everyday. I'm also dealing with 2 illnesses right
now and am out of school and no work, so I think alot of it is boredom for
me. Once I get back on track, I think I can do better and won't have time
for the candy. So, yes cravings can be there, but no where like it was
before, and we just have to use self-control. I have lost over 100 pounds
in 8 months, and am almost near goal.
— Lezlie Y.
January 29, 2003
I am just nearing my 6 month mark (DOWN 100! sorry for yelling, I'm so
excited!) But that alone, is what keeps me from making the wrong choices.
This tool is designed to help you start making the wise choice. First you
need to tell yourself that nothing is off limits - as soon as you totally
deny yourself, you want it even more. IF I do want something, I eat
something good for me first then, if I still want it, I save it for the
last bite or two that I take. I don't feel deprived that way. But in most
cases I choose not to have most sweets..... I also was a compulsive
overeater (whole bag of oreos gone and I was the only one in the room....
you name it), but I have went from a size 28 to a 14 in less than six
months, is it worth giving up a few things? YOU BET! Good luck!
— Dana B.
January 29, 2003
I don't know if I'm typical or not but I eat with less enthusiasm than I
did before. I will stand in front of the fridge looking for something but
not really craving anything. I more or less eat because I have to not
because I'm craving food. I know that sounds lousy but to be honest, this
is the situation I have always hoped for; to eat when I need to and not
because of habit. I just don't seem to get those hunger pangs much any
more. Food has definitely taken a back seat to the other things that go on
every day.
— Michael N.
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