Struggling- brain hunger and cravings are back

[Matia]

Hello Everyone.
I am 11 months post op rny. Heighest weight 289lbs, day of surgery 255lbs. Current weight 125lbs. At goal x 1 month. I have been very compliant with all the recommendations of the bariatric team. I have been on maintenance for the last month. I exercise daily. I love running, yoga and do hiit 2-3 times/week (not my favourite though). The last couple of weeks I can’t stop thinking about food. I am craving sugary treats. I thought it was stress then hormones then a cold winter then a year of covid.... I understand that I have had a very smooth journey and I am not trying to complain. I just wonder if people have any tips to prevent a downward spiral? I’m scared now that I am getting all those old thoughts in my head again, they are so strong and visceral... I don’t want to make the same mistakes again.

 

[3momchaos]

Welcome! I am not as far out as you and certainly not to my goal weight yet. Congrats, sounds like you’re crushing it! I’ve had a couple time when I had strong sugar cravings. I placate myself with some honey roasted peanuts or sugar free hot chocolate. It’s what helps me. I’ve been craving ice cream lately, so I got some heavy whipping cream, whipped it, and added cinnamon. It’s definitely not the same, but it’s a good enough substitute. But I agree with you, I don’t want to make the same mistakes again either.

 

[JudyNY]

I think a lot of us have times that we crave things we use to love but are now refraining from eating. I know I do. But it comes and goes. Like 3momchaos said, I also find ways to placate myself. I like the sugar free hot cocoa and I let myself have a little whip cream on top because its one of the few treats I have. Try to come up with some alternatives. And let me say congratulations, you are doing wonderfully!!!

 

[Elidh]

I LOVE sugar free fudgesickles! taste very chocolate!

 

[missyinacage]

Hi, Matia. Congrats on your success. I'm sorry to hear that you are having a hard time now. I wonder if you are denying yourself sweets all together? Sometimes when we decide we cannot have something, it becomes a bit of an obsession and the only thing we can think of. If it is one food in particular, eat a bit of it. Not all of it, just a bite. Sometimes that will satisfy the craving and sometimes you realize that food is not so great after all. Anyone remember Twinkies? lol Or it could just be the negative mental crap that we all give ourselves that we cannot succeed. Remind yourself that a) you CAN have sweets and are choosing not to and b) your thoughts are your own; you may choose them as well. Sometimes just reminding myself that I don't have to continue a negative train of thought is enough to get me to a better mental place. You are doing an outstanding job and I'm sure you'll continue to do so. This is just another challenge to overcome.

 

[JudyNY]

Missy, that is such a good point! I made my husband brownies the other day. After I cut them all up (I froze half of them), there were a few crumbs in the pan. I took a taste and decided, okay I've had enough. Better to do that then to have it constantly in the back of one's mind that you can't have any.

 

[Matia]

Hello Everyone
I think you all hit the nail on the head. Sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees. Outside of 3 gingerbread men legs I have not had any sugar in the last year. I thought at first even a nip of sugar would result in the dreaded “dumping syndrome”. It didn’t happen so now I have gone back to my old pattern of obsessing about the forbidden foods- sugar and fat seeing as in small quantities I can tolerate sugar. So my strategy going forward- try sugar free hot chocolate , self talk- “I am choosing to make a healthy choices” and reach out to a counsellor to help me get my head around my new normal now that I am in maintenance and at goal. This sure is an interesting journey after weight loss surgery- so many different stages. Peaks and valleys. Always learning and growing. I appreciate everyone’s words of wisdom and support. Thank you!