I'm still pre-op so you might want to take what I say with a grain of salt. Personally, I've already set up counseling for after I have surgery. I don't think one or two sessions to see a psych helps us to deal with our food addictions that we've all carried for our whole lives.

I've seen so many work so hard and then slide backwards.

I hope that you can get a hold of the reason that you're sliding into old habits.

Are you stressed out? Has something happened? Maybe write some journal entries to find out why you're eating when you're eating.

Good luck!!

Laurie

Have you been getting enough protein lately? Sometimes those cravings and eating is an attempt to get more protein. If you think that might be part of it, try an old trick they tell vegetarians to use. Take a small spoonful of peanut butter and lick on it like a lollipop or popsicle. Even though peanut butter has some fat and calories, it has protein that is easily absorbed sublingually. (under your tongue)

So lick on it slowly and hold it in your mouth for a moment. The protein is absorbed quickly under the tongue and may help eliminate the cravings. Many vegetarians use this when they first give up meat. Even though it's a different reason for you, if lacking the right amount of protein is a factor with your binging, it might help you fill the protein cravings.

Good luck and don't let go.

I was a snacker and I catch me trying from time to time. either I let me have sf icebreakers mints or I tell myself I can't have a little treat till I finish a big shake. Needless to say not only does the shake suck and I often decide it not worth the fight but if I do finish I'm full on p shake and don't want my treat lol... lately the thought of eating by day just turns me off so I'm brainstorming to. Post op lately I just don't like meat... grrr! Let us know how you resolve this it could help many. Btw great idea on the peanut butter imma try it.

Many years ago, when I still had my "monthly visitor", I would experience an insatiable "grazing" need, much like you are describing. You might want to note, if that is a recurring issue for you. Maybe, if you increase your protein intake about that time of the month, it might help balance the "loss".
~QB

Yes, protein, counseling, journaling, emotions. Weight memories. Are you still tracking EVERYTHING? Protein, water, calories, vitamins?

Write down everything your eating (if your not already). I find that if I write it down It forces me to "admit" that I'm doing it. Just a thought but I'm only 2 weeks out and that is the trick I used when I was pre-op and lost 50lbs before the surgery. Also I found that cottage cheese has alot of protein for only a half cup. Its like 14 grams of protein!

Ohhh and good luck. I hope you get it figured out soon.

The first time that happened to me, I looked at what had changed in my diet and realized Id just added artificial sweetener. When I took it back out, my munchies decreased. I did a little poking around online and found that research indicates artificial sweeteners trigger our appetite. Apparently, when our body tastes something sweet, they prepare to metabolize the anticipated corresponding energy. When that energy doesnt come, because the sweetness is from a 0 calorie (meaning no energy) artificial sweetener, our bodies demand we feed them more for the next 24 hours.

JJ

Thanks everyone for each of your replies. They all gave me something to consider.

The need to increase protein may in fact be the key. I used to count my protein grams religiously, but since I always made my target or more I stopped doing that a couple months back. I've been working on protein more today (and thanks Jenny--cottage cheese is one of my favorite foods!).

I really don't track everything else (reminds me too much of the Weight Watchers days I was sick of!), but I know that's a good idea. How do all of you track calories?

Time of month--also a possibility since I'm still not completely regular with the shifting of hormones due to the weight loss. I will keep an eye out for that.

And I'm not sure about artificial sweeteners, but I have let more sugar into my diet, and I bet you're right JJ about sweet things increasing sweet cravings.

Thanks again!

I track my calories, protein etc with Food Scanner iPhone app. I LOVE IT!

there are several online free trackers, I'm looking in to then now! Good luck and we are here whenever you need us!!!!!

I am a compulsive overeater and food addict. I knew that my addiction would outlive my weight loss, so I am seriously trying to deal with issues as they arise. I have been in AA since 1995, and food is even stronger and more available than alcohol. The cravings and compulsions can be brutal.

I go to www.therecoverygroup.org for online OA meetings, 24/7 every three hours, and WLS-OA meetings on Thurs and Sun. Hang in there, it's just one day...

Imcshe, I am with ya girl!! I, too, am out 9 months and have been eating 24/7.... so it feels like anyway. I believe it was the lack of protein too. If I don't drink my morning protein shake, I will eat like a pig all day long. I like the shakes though, so at least that part is OK. Then when PMS is thrown in there too, Lordy, the eating is doubled!

I don't blame you with the whole not wanting to track thing. I, too, don't like it because it reminds me of my Weight Watchers days too. My boyfriend is doing Weight Watchers right now. He seems to be tracking all the time!! Just make sure you get in ALL your protein and ALL your water. When I do that, I don't have to track anything because I don't eat anything (to speak of).

Geez, now that I say all of that..... I have to go get me my shake now =)

Good luck!

Yesterday was much better. I tried for more protein, told myself I didn't need anything with sugar, and kept busy. Probably very simplistic, but it's working for now.

Thanks for all the support and being there when I needed to whine! I've put my positive attitude back on, which I always think is half the battle :)

What have you been thinking about? What have your dreams been about? Often those are clues to our emotions, and our emotions are driving the eating habits. Take some time to reflect, perhaps you'll figure out what your current trigger is....