Ghrelin and hunger

[Tink22-sleeve 528]

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about whether or not we can still be hungry after weight loss surgery.

I'm tired of being told that it is all in my head. Especially by people who have not yet had surgery.

those of us that still get hungry need some encouragement and understanding

I am 3 1/2 months post op and still get hungry. So I thought I would pass on a little info.

Although most of the ghrelin we have circulating in our bodies comes from the fundus of the stomach, it is also secreted from the pancreas, hypothalamus, kidneys, and the pituitary gland. (Wikipedia).

"Some studies have found an increase in ghrelin, some have found a decrease, and others have found no change in ghrelin following bariatric surgery". From Changes in Ghrelin Levels Following Bariatric Surgery: Review of the Literature. Tymitz, k., Et al. Obesity Surgery, 2011, January, 21(1), 125-130.

It is still possible to be hungry. Listen to my stomach.

But if you don't believe me-- please do a bit more research for yourself.

[Takingcontrol 467]

I still get hungry too!

[thinathart 197]

Me too. It's not head hunger, it's actually growling "feed me" hunger. Even a LF cheese wedge satisfies it.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

It is still possible to be hungry. Listen to my stomach.

Tink12/26

i have heard/seen many other people on the board who also comment on being hungry

i see many responses that its "just" head hunger

i agree - that might not be the case for all, nobody should automatically tell you that they know you have this or that!!!

were you always hungry since WLS?

or did it just start up now at 3 1/2 months????

my hunger did increase "slightly" at about 6 months

maybe try eating more often, small meals with a snack

I DID hear some noise the other day!!!!!

was that YOUR stomach???

OMG - put a lid on it

congrats on your weight loss

good luck

take care

keep up the good work

[12345 80]

I thought I was the only one who was hungry!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Tink12/26

i have heard/seen many other people on the board who also comment on being hungry

i see many responses that its "just" head hunger

i agree - that might not be the case for all' date=' nobody should automatically tell you that they know you have this or that!!!

were you always hungry since WLS?

or did it just start up now at 3 1/2 months????

my hunger did increase "slightly" at about 6 months

maybe try eating more often, small meals with a snack

I DID hear some noise the other day!!!!!

was that YOUR stomach??? :lol:

OMG - put a lid on it :lol:

congrats on your weight loss

good luck

take care

keep up the good work [/quote']

Grammy, my hunger exploded exponentially at month 6. That is also when I started my exercise routines. I am eating 6 x a day, small meals, and still feel like eating in between those. I burn about 1200 calories a day by either running of cross fitting for an hour. Still losing weight (2 lb last night), yet I feel like I am always eating all day long. Human trash compactor right here. I mourn the days of not being that hungry pre month 6.

[Tink22-sleeve 528]

Yes! I am not alone! Thanks for responding.

Grammy, yes, I was hungry when i was fresh post op and it is still the same.

What do I do about it? I eat very small meals or Snacks when I get too hungry (I stay on plan). I also try to stay busy and that really helps me to not think about it all the time. But I cant say that Im not disappointed.

I have lost 44 lbs tho!

[kimmiekay 31]

I do agree some people feel actual hunger. I was never trying to say that is not real. (Sorry if it came out that way). I was just trying to explain the reasons why this surgery may help many people more than diet alone.

Everyone of us are different and it will be a different journey somewhat for each of us. But at 2.5 weeks out - hunger is still a normal thing for many. Others are lucky and hunger goes away completely or greatly reduced. And because it does take time for the brain to catch up to the body, I was merely offering a possible cause for that particular time period. Head hunger is also a real thing, and takes some time to get used to, and some people don't know that it exists or how to tell the difference. I was merely trying to offer posibilities not make concrete statements saying that is the only thing possible.

All of us here are here because we are trying to do the best we can for ourselves, I in no way wish to dismiss or diminish any of your experiences. I commend all of you for your courage and your journey. This site is here to compare notes and experiences so we know we are not alone in this.

[Tink22-sleeve 528]

Thanks Kimmie!