[disney..lover]

I am almost 9 months out and have lost 87 pounds. I weigh right now between 129 and 132...And it has been like that for the last 8 weeks......
I am 5'3 and I would like to get down to 120.
The thing is that lately I catch myself grazing. And I HATE IT.....I know it's in my hands to control it....I eat with out being hungry and I am so afraid of going back to old habits. I feel AMAZING!!!!! But somedays I jus eat. Never unhealthy stuff, but too much of the good stuff is not good either.
I haven't had any sugar, white carbs or junk since surgery and I am very proud of myself, but is that extra cheese stick, protein bar without being hungry, those extra things that are not letting me get to goal.
Any advice?

[pretty woman]

I talked about this in support group last week. We started a group for those 8 months and out..we have different issues. (WE still go to the regular support with the newbies.)
Anyway, one girl said she eats by grazing through out the day (no big meals.)
She had some regain and lost it all this way..she omits all white carbs, too.
The "vampire eating" scares me. I think I am hungry at night... and I end up eating. One man suggested I set a timer for 5 minutes and wait. (Hunger is an emotion and emotions pass- ) then he said sometimes he sets the timer for another 5 minutes. Generally he wasn't "feeling" hungry in 10 min and so he didn't eat. It was a great suggestion. I also heard that studies have proved those involved with weight loss maintain it better if they journal what they eat.
I was using Spark People for a while and figure I better get back on track with it.

[nursesrock]

I think that PW has it right- distracting yourself for a moment may help get your mind off of food. Mind you, I'm not saying that works for me. Sometimes (like last night) I grab a BAD snack before bed. I think in some way that's ok, if it's not every night and something reasonable, like a protein bar. You body might be telling you that you need that just then. I would also use something to track your food, spark people or fitnesspal can track food and excercise so you can actually see the calories and breakdown. You might realize that you're on track, or need to adjust a bit. I get concerned about focusing on one number for goal wt. If you feel good, can do all you want, and stablilize where you are, that might be great for YOU. Keep up the great work!!

[DocSanae]

Keep a water bottle with you always. When you want to graze, drink some water first, then wait a while, and see how it goes.

[tcgc0114]

I like the others suggestions. My problem is when I get bored at work. The good thing is that I refuse to buy things from the vending machine - the bad thing is, I can usually find something "bad" for me if I search it out (ie: you know who the person with the candy dish on their desk is).

So, I try to find something else to do to get my mind off of it. Read the news online, open a magazine on my desk (I'd rather "get caught" doing this by someone walking by than eat! LOL), etc.

Realizing what you are doing adn why is half the battle; stopping yourself from eating (when you know you're not actually hungry), is another. And the hardest of the two battles, I think!

Good luck - you are doing great!

[pretty woman]

Me again. Sorry...but I just remembered. My new friend from support group found "nutsonline.com"
She got a Yonana machine at Bed Bath and Beyond..you put a frozen banana in it and blend it and it comes out like icecream/custard. I haven' t tried it yet.
But, she got mini sugar free choc chips from "nutsonline" and she said it was great. She ALSO got some sugar free hard candy...rootbeer barrels, and some other neat things. At night,now, can suck on a root beer barrel and it really has
really helped me. Maybe it would work for you-at work?