Why am I hungry all the time?

cherrysofa · July 23, 2011

Hi all! I'm new to this forum, so bare with me! I had my surgery on 6/20/11 and ever since I woke up from the anesthesia, I've been dealing with a constant grumbly seemingly hungry stomach! I understand that my stomach has changed and it's probably normal to be more aware of it's movement but, I feel like I need to eat all the time!!! Has anyone else noticed this? And what happened to the "not feeling hungry due to the lack of stomach hormone" situation? Help!

TijuanaPlication · July 23, 2011

Are you getting in much Protein? I know that upping that helps.

cherrysofa · July 23, 2011

Are you getting in much Protein? I know that upping that helps.

I have been eating solid Protein and less the shakes. Maybe I need to up the Protein shake intake?

Tiffykins · July 23, 2011

Ghrelin(hunger hormone) is also produced in other areas of the body besides the stomach, and it can take some time for it to flush out of your system. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you'll lose all of your physical hunger. There are several members here that report they are still hungry post-op, but that small meals give them satiety.

If you are not on a PPI (Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid), you might want to discuss getting on one with your doctor. Acid overproduction can cause false hunger pangs. I had it happen around 6-7 weeks post-op, and went on prilosec with 100% resolution of hunger.

Also, if you aren't eating more dense foods yet, then the thinned out, liquidy foods are going to go right through your stomach. So, you will experience hunger or that empty feeling.

Increase your clear fluids, avoid carbs, and talk to your surgeon about getting on a PPI.