Cravings post op and return of hunger- BIG concerns?

[mi75 1,235]

i am only three weeks from my surgery and getting really nervous. I was supposed to be RNY but doc and I decided that sleeve was a great option for me. the more i read about these two topics though, the more nervous i seem to be getting...

First off, are cravings a really big issue, and if so when do I need to start worrying? i'm concerned about cravings for my all-time faves like pizza, pop, Pasta, huge plates of enchiladas, etc....

Second, I was under the impression that because the stomach fundus was removed, most of the hunger hormone production was eliminated (except for the levels produced by the brain)...

worrying BIG time about these two things...any advice or shared experiences would be great!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

We had the sleeve in November and December and if we are sitting around bored it seems I gravitate to the kitchen. I still keep SF popsicles for those occasions. Keep busy. Head hunger is real but if you distract yourself with shopping, and projects around the home, you are less likely to want to stuff yourself. We also do not keep bread, Pasta and any sweets in our home. Not going to have pizza, that is for sure. It is still a choice after surgery to eat the things you mention, and when people here say they are gaining and not losing, I guarantee they are eating the wrong foods again. The sleeve works, we are seldom really hungry.

[par1959 470]

I can tell you that one day 3 post-op I am hungry but its a different kind of hungry. I cant wait to get back on a normal diet, but the foods you mentioned will be off the list. Protein first then veggies and fruit.< /p>

[Kindle 8,667]

I didn't want to eat at all for 3 months. I thought woohoo, this is easy! But at 5 1/2 months out I definitely get hungry and I do have cravings. I get hungry and eat every 3 hours or so, unless we get too slammed at work. I just make smart food choices and always eat Protein first. That pretty much leaves me satisfied and I don't have to eat crap to feel good. (After all, that's what cravings are) I've had pizza, tacos, wine, ice cream and other Desserts, but I don't live on these things.

So don't go into this thinking all that stuff will go away. The surgery isn't on your brain. Post op is a head game you will have to play with yourself for the rest of your life. I see it as an opportunity to be HEALTHY, not skinny. I only hope I can maintain for years to come.....

[beeteroo 166]

I'm 4 weeks out....if it's around me I will want it. The cravings didn't go away for me. I think it's my brain telling me to eat and not my stomach.

[mi75 1,235]

thanks to everyone. all great answers.

truly, i really plan to walk away from MOST of the terrible foods that got me where i am. In my pre-op head I really believe that i will never again look forward to pizza, pop, etc. BUT, i also have kids and a hubs who are all incredibly healthy and eat whatever they want for the most part. So I anticipate having to occasionally cook these things at their requests. And...well, honestly since everyone is so different i am quite hopeful that all of my hunger and cravings will be taken away and never return.

thanks again for the answers!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

I feel for you all with children at home. I envy that blessing but with my husband and I both sleeved we don't have the temptations around. If I were cooking I bet I would be tasting. I do make sure I eat before going to the grocery store!

[beeteroo 166]

Last night I licked the cheese off of a serving of Doritos. Yep....it was good. I couldn't eat very many so I licked the rest. Guess I know what I won't be buying at the store for the kids anymore.