Hi David,

What surgery did you have? I would definately be speaking to my surgeon, but I would also ask if you are drinking with your meals or not?

Yep, what Leslie said.

remember when we were kids and the grown ups used to chastise us for eating junk and tell us to eat something that "sticks to our bones"!

This kinda works here too. 3 meals a day and 3 snacks. and Keep the calories between 800 and 1500.

When you really have to have a snack make it a dense food. something like meat, jerky is a good choice and it's lean, if you can tolerate it. Just make sure you chew it to death

Be careful of soft calories! These are the easy to eat stuff like Carbs! Chips, potatoes, pretzels, etc.

God Bless!

Janelle

Janelle...thanks for the advice...jerky is good, just a little tough on my teeth...and krystal, I do sometimes try and drink while I eat, although not always a good decision...I guess old habits die hard...the calories you speak of...are they for snacks or all day meals? ...as you can see, I'm really getting a little nuts over this weight thing...I exercise more now then I have for years...I just have this food addiction and it really is making me a little crazy...do I need to attend overeaters ananymous...or see a shrink?...thanks for the help...

I was told that turkey jerky is easier to chew because it melts in your mouth more than beef jerkey.

Many people believe that when we have this surgery, we will never have to think about dieting again. This is simply not true.

For me and I believe most of us, all this surgery does is give us another chance to get 'on top' of dieting. To get ahead a little.

In my case I was overweight when I was too young (even by todays standards) to understand how to eat right. I've always been 'big'

When I was old enough to understand dieting I was 'too far gone' to catch up. I have spent my life trying though and have learned alot.

My surgeon recommends a calorie intake after surgery for women of 800 to 1000 calories a day, depending on exercise. For Men he recommends 1200 to 1500 calories a day.

This would include everything you ingest. Protein shakes, food, drinks, and snacks.

If you haven't done so already get your self a "calorie counter" it is a book, You can find these anywhere books are sold. There are many different ones but they all have essentially the same info in them.

If you can get together with your surgeons Dietitian, or Nutritionist, they can help you learn to use this new tool! That isn't absolutely a must, I learned to use mine on my own, you can too it's not that hard really.

Besides, we're here to help!! Just let us know what you need!
God Bless!

Janelle

Are you drinking enough water in between your meals? This is the key to feeling full so that you are not hungry in an hour. And remember dont drink water or liquids with your meal. Hope this helps.

Hey,
Janelle is right on the money, calorie counting is the only way to know what you have consumed. I would add this.. What no one seems to consider is that we are not all created equal. No one can say to you eat X number of calories and you will lose weight. We are big for a reason. I found (through trial and error) that I can maintain my weight on 1500 calories a day, and I have to eat 1200 or less to lose. But... if you eat more than you burn you gain weight, and if you eat less than you burn you lose. Its just that simple. You will have to find where you can safely lose weight. This is trial and error. Along with that calorie book Janelle suggested, but a pocket size note book and keep track daily of every bite. Check your calories and watch whether you gain, lose, or stay the same. Adjust to fit you. Last... all calories are not created equal either, some are more easily stored than others so watch the sugars and fats. You will get it and it WILL WORK. Just keep accurate records so you can analyze and make adjustments.

David -- I have the same exact problem -- hungry all day, but I can't tolerate most protein, vegetables or fruit. That does not leave much except crunchy carbs -- crackers, chips. I am about 6 months out and have lost about 65 pounds. I try to stay at under 900 calories a day and eat a lot of cheese and crackers. I tried mashed cauliflower and threw up. It's very frustrating -- when I can eat salad, chicken, turkey, eggs fruit, I know I will be OK. For now, I just try to get through the day without too much pain. Good luck. Lorraine

Have you stopped losing weight? Maybe your stomach has stretched a little. I would try eating slower. Maybe your not getting enough food at each meal so you are getting hungry sooner. That happens to me sometimes.