Replacement of food

[Vanessa7]

Im ready for the surgery in March so I'm preparing mentally. I kind of feel like I've been in dysfunctional relationship with food but it's time to walk away. I'm curious what you guys have done to replace overeating after the sleeve surgery?

[Pam G]

Weeeellllll, I still tend to overeat, but it's still not nearly as much as I used to eat. I also eat 3 ozs of turkey jerky every day, so that keeps my mouth and jaws busy so that I don't snack on other not so healthy things.

I always have cheese sticks around, too, so I can grab one when I'm feeling snacky.

[Vanessa7]

Honesty at its finest lol. Thank you! I will keep that in mind. You've done great so far so keep up it up!

[Sandra3]

For many years I was overeating because I was starving. Since our stomach can be full very quickly after the surgery I'm not overeating any more. Eating protein also keep the full filling longer and that's helpful. It takes time to adjust to the right quantity, but I did measure my food for several months just to make sure I was not going to eat too much, and most of the time I can't even finish my portion.

[Shirl]

Ha! Replace?!?

Like PamG has said... Weeellll...

I self imposed a preop diet early and began by replacing one meal, cutting off caffeine and alcohol, processed flours and sugars, and fried foods. I incorporated organic fresh vegetables and fruits and meats and seafood. Mentally it was easier than doing a two week crash diet, and easier because I needed to lose 20lbs pre op. Doing it slowly and steadily helped because the Sleeve Gastrectomy was the end game. Once I had surgery it was somewhat easier to stay on track because I didn't want to injure my new Sleeved tummy.

Nonetheless, I suffered from hunger pangs immediately, i suffered a few weeks before I found out I was missing fiber in my diet. Adding complex carbs like quinoa, seeds and some whole sprouted grains in my diet has helped keep my cravings and hunger at bay.

Work and home commitments, and a regular exercise program I joined for twelve weeks kept me busy the first six months poat op. Now that I'm not working and not as busy as before the holidays, I am starting to deal with boredom and compulsive eating. I am starting a project next week which is going to keep busy, in the meantime, I have set up a schedule to eat, and I am forcing myself to not eat anything for three hours. I'm drinking coffee and water in between meals, but I it's a trial!!!

I had been extremely good about not eating sweets, but salty foods are also a downfall for me.

Late afternoon to evening are the worse for me, and its been so cold the last few days I don't feel like going anywhere. Tomorrow Im forcing myself to go to an evening yoga class. I don't know why I didn't do that from the start!

Ann2 and Sandra replied to a post I made regarding Idling and Boredom eating. They both reminded me that compulsive overeating is something we will constantly battle, it's the skills and habits we will develop that will help us recover faster from those food binges we may allow to creep back in our lives. I feel like this last week I really dropped the ball, but I reached out and got some great advice here so I'm back "on the wagon."

Don't be afraid to be honest and stay accountable to yourself most of all.

Best wishes!

[Vanessa7]

The struggle is real! Overeating is what got us there to begin with so I really want try my best to avoid it from happening so I will keep in mind these methods you have mentioned to keep me on track. I appreciate you ladies opening up and sharing the truth! I know I will be facing some of these issues later on but I want to be ready to face it head on rather then having a mental breakdown.

I'm so happy to hear you are back on the wagon. It's difficult and like you said it will always be a constant battle but as long as you have the tools, you will have a better success rate! You beautiful ladies keep it up! I will be on the other side soon lol.!

[Pam G]

"Idle eating", that's a good term. Not really bored, just 'not busy'. That's what I do. I rarely get 'bored' because I know there's plenty for me to do, but I don't want to do it, so I can't really say bored! lol

[Romandona]

Overeating is still possible with the sleeve - as many have indicated. It's about planning and having the right mindset. I plan all my meals for the day on the day before. I track all my food in My Fitness Pal and keep to my macros. I was just told at my last dr. visit (9 months out) that I need to increase my calories to 1200 daily. It's kind of scary, but I made a commitment to do it. I've added 75 calories a day for the past two weeks and will increase again shortly to bring me close to 1200. I do try to remember Protein first and drink plenty of liquids - mostly water and tea. I've given up coffee and alcohol and I feel quite successful. I've lost 104 pounds in 9 months. I don't want to regain my weight and I still have more weight to lose.

[Shirl]

"Idle eating", that's a good term. Not really bored, just 'not busy'. That's what I do. I rarely get 'bored' because I know there's plenty for me to do, but I don't want to do it, so I can't really say bored! lol

Ha! totally me too! For example Christmas decorations, I need to put away, and I still haven't done diddly! Though tradition in my family is that wait until after January 6th - The Three Wise Men Day, in which we received a money gift in our shoe or stocking - which is today, and I won't have any more excuses :-/