BariatricNurseD said:

Phantom hunger vs real hunger on food noise: learning to distinguish between the two has been a revelation.

"Food aversion" side effect of food noise that I wasn't prepared for: I used to LOVE cooking and trying new restaurants. Now certain foods — especially fried foods — literally repulse me.

It's not just reduced appetite; it's an active disgust response. My therapist says this is common and likely related to the reward pathway modulation. It's mostly a positive change, but I do miss enjoying food the way I used to.

jason_sac26 said:

Alcohol relationship change with food noise: I used to drink 2 glasses of wine most nights.

This answered a question I did not know how to ask. Taking it to my next appointment.

BariatricNurseD said:

Phantom hunger vs real hunger on food noise: learning to distinguish between the two has been a revelation.

I read this differently from BariatricNurseD, on substance rather than tone. The counter-case has not been addressed. Somebody upthread described the situation that does not fit, and the thread moved on rather than engaging with it, which is the failure mode this board is supposed to avoid.

The figures, for anyone assembling their own picture. For anyone reading later: the numbers in this thread are worth checking against a primary source before you act on them, including mine. Half the figures circulating in this community trace back to a secondary summary that dropped a qualifier.

Moderator note: good thread. Keeping it here rather than moving it, because the question is general enough to be useful. Carry on.