Hungry

[jessroto 8]

They said I wouldn't be hungry? I feel like I'm starving I'm 2 weeks post op and my doctor only wants me to have liquids... When will I feel normal again? I want fish and Beans, healthy things...

[Judyr 57]

It takes time for your pouch to heal. Drink your Protein and get plenty of fluids. I was not that hungry at first, but almost 4 months later, I get hungry and my tummy growls.

[sophiastuffin 19]

I'm a week post-op and occasionally I feel the same! I'm still on all liquids and do want to eat, but know I'm not fully ready. I can't wait until my doc clears me for stage 2 at the very least where I may at least have purée/soft foods. Hang in there! Think skinnier, healthier thoughts!

[jessroto 8]

Yea me too... I go for my 1 month post op next week maybe I can at least get some puréed food

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Very good chance that what you're experiencing is head hunger. Most RnY patients have little or no appetite following surgery and it can last anywhere from weeks to months. Keep in mind too that the trauma from the surgery temporarily numbs the nerves in your pouch that function as stretch sensors. As a result your brain does not receive "full" signals from the pouch. The nerves heal relatively quickly and you'll be amazed at how little you can eat and be full. Hang in there and follow your doctors' recommendation as closely to the letter as you possibly can. The challenges you're facing right now will almost certainly pass before you know it.

You're gonna love the new you!!

[McLosin 14]

I'm just 4 days post op and it's so hard watching my husband and kids eat like "normal". I cannot wait to get to chew. When can we have salad?

[Judyr 57]

I finally got salads at 11 weeks.

[Nellarifixmom 5]

Hi, DL. I'm waiting for my case to be submitted to my insurance company for approval. I'm afraid that, if I'm approved and have the surgery, I will experience what Jessroto is experiencing.

How can you tell the difference between "head" hunger and "real" hunger?'

Very good chance that what you're experiencing is head hunger. Most RnY patients have little or no appetite following surgery and it can last anywhere from weeks to months. Keep in mind too that the trauma from the surgery temporarily numbs the nerves in your pouch that function as stretch sensors. As a result your brain does not receive "full" signals from the pouch. The nerves heal relatively quickly and you'll be amazed at how little you can eat and be full. Hang in there and follow your doctors' recommendation as closely to the letter as you possibly can. The challenges you're facing right now will almost certainly pass before you know it.

You're gonna love the new you!!

[jessroto 8]

I don't know the difference obviously, I'm not allowed food until Monday I can try egg whites... Pretty much I can only eat 1-2 ounces slowly and need to pay attention to satisfaction not til I'm full...

So I will ask myself the every bite am I still hungry? Which is

What I do with my veggy Soup now

[Tgarden 76]

I think it is great that you have shared that you ARE hungry, so that those of us waiting for surgery know that it is a possibility! By reading this board, I have heard so many differing feelings/opinions/outcomes, and it is so important to know as much as possible.

I remember reading about "head hunger", and it is essentially your brain thinking you "should" be eating because you used to do this activity (eating) quite a bit more than you are now. It is not a signal from your stomach, but rather all in your head. But hey, hungry is hungry, right? See if you can find something to distract yourself, or just keep drinking as much Water as you can. I haven't had the surgery yet, so I don't speak from experience. Just trying to pass along some things I have read and heard as I prepare. I hope you get some relief soon!!

Jessroto, have you had any weight loss yet?

[jessroto 8]

Yes I'm down almost 30 pounds it will be week 3 on Monday...

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Hi, DL. I'm waiting for my case to be submitted to my insurance company for approval. I'm afraid that, if I'm approved and have the surgery, I will experience what Jessroto is experiencing.

How can you tell the difference between "head" hunger and "real" hunger?'

Very good chance that what you're experiencing is head hunger. Most RnY patients have little or no appetite following surgery and it can last anywhere from weeks to months. Keep in mind too that the trauma from the surgery temporarily numbs the nerves in your pouch that function as stretch sensors. As a result your brain does not receive "full" signals from the pouch. The nerves heal relatively quickly and you'll be amazed at how little you can eat and be full. Hang in there and follow your doctors' recommendation as closely to the letter as you possibly can. The challenges you're facing right now will almost certainly pass before you know it.

You're gonna love the new you!!

Great question. I've used a simple formula right from the beginning to this day. I never eat less than two hours apart or more than four hours apart. Less than two hours is head hunger. More than four hours and you run the risk of being overly hungry which in turn increases the likelihood you might overeat. I should note that when I say "eat" that does not necessarily mean a full blown "meal". I always eat three meals a day but supplement with one or two healthy Snacks if I'm hungry.

Fluids are very filling and the perfect bridge for those times when you're "hungry" but it's been less than two hours since you ate. To say nothing of helping you meet your 64oz daily goal of fluids. My Fluid of choice is Decaf coffee but there are lots of other options including tea, Crystal Light, flavored waters or just plain Water to name a few. I recently discovered Nestle Pure Life Splash. Zero calories, fat, carbs and Protein and 25g of sodium. They come in several different flavors. I like the Acai Grape and the berry. My wife likes the Lemon.

Works like a charm!!

[Molly2180 8]

That was very valuable information. Thanks for sharing!

[Judyr 57]

There is so much we need to learn and re-train ourselves. I try to put small portions on my plate, but sometimes even when I am full that old habit of clean your plate happens. I think if you experience the pain of overheating a couple of times, you learn that is not a good option. Head hunger is hard, but DL gives some very good suggestions.

[huskerrn 7]

I don't know the difference obviously, I'm not allowed food until Monday I can try egg whites... Pretty much I can only eat 1-2 ounces slowly and need to pay attention to satisfaction not til I'm full...

So I will ask myself the every bite am I still hungry? Which is

What I do with my veggy Soup now

Jessroto,

Just a head's up, but my practitioner told me that two things that usually don't sit well are scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes. I tried and they were right. It just sits in your stomach and hurts--until you throw up. They said, as with any food that we don't tolerate, try it again a couple of weeks down the road.

Kim