I have a cat that wakes us up too, but not to be fed but for ATTENTION. We have to lock him in the computer room at night and he still cries for us.

Have you switched to a low calorie food for over weight cats? There is a lot more fiber in them to help them feel more full w/ less calories. Also, did your vet check your cats stool to make sure he doesn't have worms. Worms can make a cat hungry and cause them to look bloated or fat.