Lap-Band to "Sleeve" 5 Days Down

Peony · July 6, 2011

For the last five days now I am the happy "owner" of a gastric sleeve! My surgeon said that my revision was one of the most complicated surgeries that he has ever completed. My abdomen was full of scar tissue from my Lap-Band surgery (which he also completed) nearly five years ago and my stomach "pouch" that was created by my band was totally distended/dilated.

My surgery was supposed to be about 2 hours and it ended up being just over 5 hours! Considering how terrible I have been feeling for the last two years or so, I'm not surprised that I had so many issues, but I never believed it would be anything quite like what the doctor found. It just goes to show you that no matter your age of health (I'm 25, 5'10" and 160lbs.!!!) there can be complications.

Despite all of the difficulties in surgery, I'm grateful that I'm now feeling well. I only spent one night in the hospital and I have virtually no pain. I haven't taken any Vicodin the last two days! Right now I'm focusing on staying hydrated, reaching my Protein goals, and staying active.

The only thing that I'm a bit worried about is that I do still "feel" hungry. Not "head hunger" per say, but the actual sensation of being empty and needing to eat. I keep to a schedule so I know that I get all of my Protein, and I drink zero calories fluids throughout the day. I'm just wondering if anyone else has the physical sensation of hunger? Maybe I'm just misinterpreting my body's signals?

Any guidance, advice, or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

KellyL · July 6, 2011

Usually acid is the culprit when you feel hungry, especially if you've just eaten. Are you on a PPI? I take Prilosec OTC generic and I get it at Walmart, but there are many available. Trust me when I say it makes a world of difference!! I hope you get it figured out, I would hate to be hungry all the time after getting sleeved.

I am glad you are doing so well, especially after you having to be in surgery for that long, and all the scarring and such. Who was your surgeon? I hope you feel better soon, I hear it is sometimes harder and the recovery takes a little longer with a revision. Congrats on being sleeved!!

Rev Me Up! · July 11, 2011

Hi--

I think different people have different feelings, but I have no traditional hunger. If my belly is rumbling, its acid. I take 20 mg omeprazole every day. Doctor said to take it for several months after surgery, and it is a lifesaver. It will keep your tummy very happy.

I started out eating 6 times a day because I could only eat a couple of bites in one sitting. I eat a little more now and I have moved to 5 times a day. If I don't eat, I get an "empty" feeling. I get a little shaky, my mind doesn't feel very sharp, and sometimes I'll get a headache. I carry string cheese or a snack baggie of Peanut Butter filled pretzels with me at all times just in case I start to feel funny and I need a bite to eat. Since you are only one week out, you may consider bringing a Protein drink with you everywhere you go - just in case.

I do still get cravings (which have nothing to do with real hunger) usually related to hormones. That's when I have to talk myself into eating a bite of Protein first, but I find it really easy. Sweets still make me feel weird.

Congrats on your surgery!

Peony · July 11, 2011

Thanks, KellyL and Rev Me Up, I think you're right about the "hunger" being acid. I started taking it right after surgery, but I think it took a few days to "kick in." Feeling much less hungry now, both physiologically and psychologically. I'm ten days out from my surgery and I'm feeling much better.

KellyL, to answer your question, my surgeon was Dr. Cirangle, out of San Francisco, CA.

Thank you for the suggestions and the positive feedback.