Blue Door

I would be interested. I had surgery a month ago.

I had the same thing at a week or so after surgery. It would wake me up from a sound sleep, and was very much physiological hunger. It would be eased by drinking a protein shake, but would be back again in a couple of hours. That feeling of hunger stayed with me until I started on solid food. Now at almost 4 weeks out I only feel hunger if I haven't eaten in several hours. It does get better, but it is hard to deal with while you are experiencing it. I felt very discouraged by the hunger feelings because I thought the surgery would curb that feeling. It did, it just took a while.

For me the hunger was the worst in the two weeks post op. It was very difficult to deal with as the hunger would wake me up and make it difficult to get back to sleep. Premier protein shakes were my best friend during that phase. When you are in it it feels like it will last forever. It is tough, but you can make it through until you are cleared for soft foods. It was amazing to me how full I could feel on a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. It gets better quickly. Hang in there and let your stomach heal before you try any new foods. You will be glad you did.

I had a grade 3 para-esophageal hiatal hernia repaired at the time of my sleeve. At first my surgeon suggested RNY, but when I said I didn't want that he was fine with doing the sleeve. The surgery was quite a bit longer than is typical for the sleeve, but to me it felt like a bonus to get both at once. The first surgeon I saw for my hiatal hernia wanted to do an open incision surgery with a week in the hospital and 6 weeks home recovery. My bariatric surgeon did both and I was home in 2 days and back to work in 2 weeks!

Thank you for your kind thoughts. It has been an I terestu g journey so far. I did great the first week after surgery, but had a mild flare the second week. Seems to be starting to subside now, thankfully.

My surgery was 2 and a half weeks ago. I was very careful about meds, and at first it didn't seem to cause any flare, but now I'm experiencing increased weakness in my legs. Hoping it will pass as I continue to heal. Anyone else with MG on the forum? I would love to connect and hear your experiences.

That stinks! I feel like they should be the most supportive people. Sorry you are experiencing that. Im frustrated because my follow up appointments are with my surgeon's PA. She's very nice, but she's about 12... ok maybe that's an exaggeration, but most questions I have she has to step out and call him in the OR while he is operating on someone else! it seems reasonable that if you aren't happy you should have the option of following g up with someone else.

I am 2 and a half weeks out from my surgery and on soft foods. My nutritionist says to aim for about 800 calories a day. I am not able to get anywhere near that. Today I'm at about 550 and can't imagine eating any more. I don't want to tank my metabolism, but I just can't eat another bite. I'm aiming for 60-80 grams of Protein and less than 35 grams of carbs. Any menu ideas would be most welcome. Thanks!

I was the exact same way. I felt hungrier after surgery than I had during the preop liquid diet. It got a little bit better with each day that passed. Now that I am on soft foods it has completely shifted, and I am having trouble taking in enough food. Hang in there. I know it's hard when you feel so hungry. For me, it felt so discouraging because I anticipated that there wouldn't be hunger after the surgery. I hope you can hang in there for the time remaining until you move to soft foods, and know that it really will begin to lessen soon.

Wanted to update on getting RMR testing. I had my 2 week follow up visit with the surgeon and nutritionist today. I mentioned to the NUT that I wanted to get RMR testing done. She said they do it right there in the office, and I could do it right then. I went ahead and found out my RMR is 1615, which is in the middle of the average range for women my size. I am pretty pleased with that. The best part is that she said we can do it at every visit to watch for changes. Also, it was free as it's included in the follow up services. She had never mentioned it, and I don't think she would have if I hadn't brought it up. I don't know if the testing is something a lot of bariatric surgery offices offer, but it can't hurt to ask!

Yes! I thought it was just me. I walked by the dog food aisle in Target yesterday and it made me wretch. It reminds me of the heightened sense of smell that comes with pregnancy. I had my surgery 9 days ago. I'm hoping this passes soon!

Oh, one more question...with the RMR is it better to do right away after surgery (I'm only a week out) or after a while of losing? Thanks!

Outsidematchinginside. Thanks so much. I just Googled and found that University of Illinois does it for only $75. I didn't know a Dexa scan would also tell me lean muscle mass. I just got a referral for one from my primary to get a baseline bone density to watch for osteoporosis Insurance is covering that. I feel like I won lotto!

How do you all know your RMR? Have you had testing done? I am interested in doing the testing, but want to be sure it is worthwhile. Thanks.

Christina.rose. Your post is so helpful. I have been waking up in the morning with my stomach rumbling with hunger. I feel somewhat light headed until I get my first protein drink in. I am sure that isn't head hunger. I've been worried that it would always feel this way with my new sleeve, but your post is very reassuring. Thank you!

I had my surgery the same day, and have now realized that when I feel the pain and hear the gurguling it means I am drinking too fast. I drank my protein shake too fast this morning, and really paid for it afterward!

I had surgery on 3/28 also. I had a rough night last night, and tonight I am starting to turn a corner and feel better. I hope it happens for you right away!

I had surgery the same day as you, and am feeling the same thing. I found some Flavor Infused Broth from Swanson's on Amazon. It was expensive, but having more flavor really helped to conquer the craving. I got the Mexican tortilla and the Thai ginger. I haven't tried the Thai flavor yet, but the tortilla flavor was great. It was a bit spicy, so I started with just an ounce, but it sat fine, and I had 3 more ounces. Today I got some unflavored protein powder to add to it, so it ups the protein content of the broth as well. I keep telling myself "I can do this for one more week", but I find I'm fantasizing about cottage cheese ;).

I had my surgery on Tuesday the 28th. Ever since I started the pre-op liquid diet I have been getting acne on my chin. I ended up on 3 weeks of pre-op because I got a cold and my surgery had to be rescheduled. Since the surgery the acne seems to be even worse. I'm 55! I haven't had acne for decades. I was thinking maybe the liver shrinking was releasing toxins, but I'm not really sure what is causing it. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks for the info. It's a little disheartening to think this could go on for a while, but good to know it's normal.

Hi Kafinator, sounds like today is your day. Best wishes that everything goes very smoothly. I am two days out and can't believe how much better I feel already. Each day it got so much better. Hoping for the same for you!

I am scheduled for the 28th also. My original date was 3/16, but I caught a bad cold and the doctor's office wasn't comfortable doing the surgery while I was sick. It was so discouraging as I had already done the two weeks of liquid diet, and it was cancelled the day before. Now I'm back on liquids and anticipating surgery on Tuesday. I would love to be connected with others who are having their surgery around the same time.

Do you think it makes a difference to take biotin? I lost a LOT of hair after a bad pneumonia that resulted in lung surgery, and I took biotin after it started falling out. It seemed to help it grow back, but it has never gotten as thick as it was. I'm very nervous about losing it again and having it permanently thinner.

I'm not telling people either. The only people who know are my husband, kids, and closest friend. My co-workers know I'm having surgery, but not what type. I just really don't want any one else's opinions. My plan is to lose slowly and if people ask just tell them I'm eating high protein and low carb with smaller portions. All of that is true!

I am right there with you. My surgery date is 3/16. I am on day 6 on the liquid diet. My surgeon only allows liquids for the full two weeks before surgery and for two weeks after. I am so hungry now! Today I tried some broth, and that helped a lot with the cravings for savory foods since all of the protein drinks I have tried are sweet. It's going to be a long 10 days until the surgery date. I wish you well as you prepare.