Head hunger vs. Real hunger

[Jen35 283]

I know we will all have different opinions on this and I may get flamed for this, but I'm so tired of hearing that "it's just head hunger - you're not really hungry". I'm sorry but I'm a big girl and I know when I'm hungry. I'm 18 days post op and I've experienced both head hunger and real hunger. It's not true that hunger goes away for everyone after surgery. Is it reduced? Yes, but not gone. Head hunger for me is craving something, wanting a specific thing that I can't/shouldn't have. Real hunger is when my body is telling me I need fuel, nurishment. And when I'm not eating very much (300 calories a day), my body is telling me I need food. That is a natural reaction to such calorie restriction. But I am only able to fulfill a small portion of my caloric needs right now. Before the surgery, I knew the difference between head and real hunger - I just ignored it and ate whatevery I wanted. Now, it's a lot easier for me to tell the difference.

So please remember, some of us are actually hungry and it's not always in our heads. I'm so happy for those of you who don't get hungry - more power to you.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I agree! I just was in the hospital and couldn't eat for 3 days! My stomach was growling and I felt very weak! I know when I'm physically hungry and when I just want to eat. My hunger never went away, just not as ravenous as before.

[No game 14,437]

Not all of us lose hunger! It's an urban legend and when new people get the surgery and then think "what the hell I was promised no hunger"

I want to ask who promised you that?

We need fuel to survive your body will tell you when it's time. I think to expect that to disappear is a little odd... Yes your body for a time will produce less ghrelin but you will still have it. And over time it will increase again.

It's ok to get hungry

[Takingcontrol 467]

I get hungry! Just full faster! :-)

[Moxie 3]

Thank you for posting this. I totally agree. Those first few days were really rough, now it's not as bad. The pangs don't really kick in for me without a trigger like taking my meds and chewing my multi in the morning, things I can't avoid. Even when eating now, as the food goes down, I feel the pangs but I KNOW I'm eating so I have to be really careful not to overdo it and pause or just stop.

[dork 114]

My first few days my stomach was really noisy. My paperwork didn't say I wouldn't get hungry, just pay attention if its head or tummy. I'm not getting many calories in yet and feel very tired. I think I'm more tired at 10 days out then the first week. I have almost 2 weeks till I can start on soft foods...although I have read other doctors diets and they start them at 2 weeks. I'm a big girl too...I need a little more nourishment.