Four days out of surgery and scared about hunger

[EvRev 1]

Hi Everyone-

I am four days post op after being sleeved. I am still on full liquids at this point, and today I am realizing I am actually quite hungry. I've only had probably 500 calories today (a Protein Shake, a little cream of wheat, and various broths) but I am so worried that I am feeling quite hungry this evening. I feel like everything I have read and everyone who I have talked to told me they weren't hungry for months after the surgery. I am so scared this is not going to work for me, and that I shouldn't be feeling hunger. I have gotten all my fluids in, and I have had almost 60 grams of Protein, so I know I am not feeling hungry as a result of lack of fluids or protein. I am also not having any problems with acid, so I don't think it is reflux masquerading as hunger. Can you tell me what it was like for you post-op and if anyone experienced hunger this soon after surgery? I am totally freaked out!

[ohmmm 0]

I did and still do at 4 weeks out. I get frustrated too wondering if it will always be like this. I feel I can eat more often and that is not good. I think I need to get more fluids in though and that might help. Instead of eating when hungry, I should drink. I was like you only a couple of days out, thinking why am I hungry. I read about people on here that are never hungry and the last thing they want to do is eat. Well, I find that I do have an appetite and want to eat. I don't think I have cravings, but when others are eating around me, I do wish that I could have some, but I think because I am not cleared for all foods yet and still eating pretty simple. I hope when I can have all foods that I will stay fuller longer, or I will be kind of upset. I don't want to be eating every 2-3 hours like I do now. But, will do what I have to do. Hang in there!

[tntransplant06 20]

It's fine. I had the hunger at about that time and I still do. The best remedy for this, is eat a bite or two (you're on liquids now, so Protein Shake or soup) to "take care of the hunger". I'll eat Breakfast at about 8a and my stomach growls around 10a. So, I'll take slice of deli thin turkey and eat it. That will hold me until about 12p when I should be eating lunch. I'll eat my lunch and sure enough at 2p I'm hungry again. I'll eat 2 cubes of cheese and it goes away. I've been doing this for 5 weeks now and have lost 31lbs so I think it's acceptable. I've also adopted the thinking that "It's only a hunger pain...you won't die from it, it's just a 'feeling' and you aren't going to be hurt from it". Try drinking something, too, that may help. I'd rather have this hunger pain (which is NOTHING like it used to be pre-surgery) than be 349lbs again. NEVER.GOING.BACK.

[hopeandfaith 6]

Yes my NUT didn't want me to eat between meals but I get hungry too. I do a cheese stick in the morning and yogurt in the afternoon. Just a little bit makes you feel better. I'm 6 weeks out now.