Pre-op appointment was today...

[dsmith_rn 186]

I am 34 and have 2 kids. Based on how you feel right now, how do you think it will be for me recovering this summer when I have surgery? I'm a teacher. One will be at day camp and one at the sitter each day. We live and the beach too and I wonder if I'll be able to go sit on the beach a week or two after surgery? It's awesome to hear you're doing well and I hope things continue to go smoothly for you!

I would think a week or 2 out you will really enjoy a walk on the beach! I get better each day. Today I only took 2 pain pills all day (I'm on day 5). My main complaint is being so hungry, still on liquids and food seems to be everywhere. Hopefully tomorrow will be my last day on clear liquids; they should advance me to full liquids on Thursday. Right now a Protein shake sounds divine! Clears leaves you feeling weak (and HUNGRY) so I'm looking forward to having this part behind me.

Overall I feel pretty good, just a little sore after walking and need a lot of rest because I feel weak/malnourished. The pain has never been bad but I take pain meds anyway so I can walk more.

Sounds like you have a good plan in place, I think you will do great! Wishing I could go walk on the beach. .... It's only a few hours drive, I may have to give this some serious thought.

[meg22407 4]

I was told we would not be hungry after surgery cause they cut out the portion that has the hormone that makes you hungry. Is it true hunger or is it mental hunger? I have surgery on Tuesday and want to know what I'm in for.

[dsmith_rn 186]

I was told we would not be hungry after surgery cause they cut out the portion that has the hormone that makes you hungry. Is it true hunger or is it mental hunger? I have surgery on Tuesday and want to know what I'm in for.

I can only tell you my own experience, although I know many others have related a similar experience.

I had head hunger the first few days after surgery, but by day 4 post-op I was starting to feel some REAL hunger. That empty, growling, gnawing feeling that demands attention! I wasnt expecting it because I thought the same thing you did, that I wouldn't get hungry, or at least not for a long time.

I get hungry every few hours because I'm still on full liquids. I'm hoping I will stay full longer when I'm eating solid food, I'm told by others that I will.

I was disappointed about the hunger at first, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's difficult to eat when you're not hungry, it's hard to explain why, but you will understand when you reach the other side. If not for the hunger i wouldn't eat at all. I'm still learning about the strange signals my sleeve is sending me. I can still feel everything, every swallow as it goes all the way down and into my sleeve. Instead of my left abdomen, I feel my little stomach way up now just under my diaphragm, still getting used to that. I burp a lot which is common. And after I eat, "full" feels differently. I feel a tightness just under my diaphragm.... Not the same full sensation as a full stomach before.

The nice part is, just a few tablespoons of Soup is enough to make me feel full for a few hours.

[meg22407 4]

I can only tell you my own experience, although I know many others have related a similar experience.

I had head hunger the first few days after surgery, but by day 4 post-op I was starting to feel some REAL hunger. That empty, growling, gnawing feeling that demands attention! I wasnt expecting it because I thought the same thing you did, that I wouldn't get hungry, or at least not for a long time.

I get hungry every few hours because I'm still on full liquids. I'm hoping I will stay full longer when I'm eating solid food, I'm told by others that I will.

I was disappointed about the hunger at first, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's difficult to eat when you're not hungry, it's hard to explain why, but you will understand when you reach the other side. If not for the hunger i wouldn't eat at all. I'm still learning about the strange signals my sleeve is sending me. I can still feel everything, every swallow as it goes all the way down and into my sleeve. Instead of my left abdomen, I feel my little stomach way up now just under my diaphragm, still getting used to that. I burp a lot which is common. And after I eat, "full" feels differently. I feel a tightness just under my diaphragm.... Not the same full sensation as a full stomach before.

The nice part is, just a few tablespoons of Soup is enough to make me feel full for a few hours.

Thanks. I feel like that was truly honest. I guess now I know what to be looking for in the future.

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Do not be fooled. You will still feel hunger. I am not sure if it is real hunger or head hunger. I eat more than my husband and we were both sleeved. He has greater willpower than I do. I have learned that if I keep busy and do not sit around bored and snacking; I keep all bread, Pasta, chips, etc. out of my house; I do not go to the grocery store with eating something first; I don't go shopping without eating first; that I manage quite well.