Hunger Hormone

[IdaliaMay 13]

I have to say that I am really happy I chose to do this surgery. I'm just a little over 2 weeks out now and have lost 18 pounds. I've healed really well and feel like I'm ahead of the game. But I'm frustrated by one thing... my hunger. And I can assume most people are frustrated by this, but it's not head hunger, it's true hunger. And the reason I'm frustrated most by this is that the sleeve, although not guaranteed, is typical of taking away the hunger hormone. I was most excited by this. I hate feeling hungry, the tightening of the stomach and the gurgling and the empty feeling. I was looking forward to that most. And to my dismay, it's still there. I've heard that maybe it's gas pains, or excess acid... but it feels like hunger, and it goes away when I eat. And it's annoying, and I'm disappointed, and I feel like throwing a tantrum. I'm now at the stage where i'm doing thicker foods, like thinned out mashed potatoes... I've even done a little mac and cheese, which is doing great, no adverse effects or anything. My doctor told me as I start to eat food that isn't so thin... that the hunger may subside, as the food will sit there longer. Which is obviously great. But God ****ing Damnit. I wanted the hunger hormone gone. I'm really upset about that.

So, after reading my long drawn out stupid story, I want to ask if anyone experienced this in the early stages. Did it go away? Does anyone still have this months after? Am I wrong in thinking it's hunger? Maybe it's something imitating it. Let's bond in frustration here. Lol

[jess9395 5,449]

Are you taking a PPI or antacid? Acid can completely mimic hunger (happened to me both post op and while pregnant) and it DOES go away after eating because the food absorbs the acid. If you aren't I would talk to your Dr about one. REALLY can help!

[brians34 31]

Are you taking a PPI or antacid? Acid can completely mimic hunger (happened to me both post op and while pregnant) and it DOES go away after eating because the food absorbs the acid. If you aren't I would talk to your Dr about one. REALLY can help!

I'm not there yet, but this is what I keep reading and I've seen people saying Maalox helped them

[IdaliaMay 13]

Yup, i'm on omperazole 30 mg daily. should've stated that before but i forgot. I've heard of other people being on more than that, or use something different.

[jess9395 5,449]

I would see if your Dr was willing to increase your dose or try another one. My Dr uses Pantaprozole instead. Maybe you need to work on the dosage or switch to another. Because honestly especially with the gurgling it sounds like acid to me.

[IdaliaMay 13]

I'll definitely ask them by my next visit in a couple of weeks, expecially if it doesn't subside on it's own.

Thanks for the advice. I really hope that's all it is.

[mrssusie 18]

I have the same feelings. It didn't feel like heartburn, it felt hungry! I admitted this at support group and got admonished by all for eating a few bites of soft when I was supposed to be on full liquids. I really didn't feel any different than before the surgery. About two days later, I woke up to more pain than pang! My nerve endings had awakened. NOW I feel what everyone else has been feeling! And also, now I can drink much less at one time and have to take my Pantaprozole every day to keep that "hunger" sensation at bay. Hope this has helped.: )

[Jersrose43 837]

Idalia- I am hungry you're not alone here

I have started eating soft foods last week and make sure to eat something every two hours like clockwork. A half hour too long and my tummy becomes a raving lunatic. Then I eat too fast and I get cramps really bad and overeat.

Trust me it is not acid. It's hunger.

I now carry things with me wherever I go. Like today was a banana. Had to be out this am and ate couple bites at 10:15. Then was out in pm and ate a few bites around 3.

[Jersrose43 837]

By the way when I eat every 2 -2.5 hours on schedule I do not get hungry ever.

I put the alarm on my phone

[Pamalamb 72]

Try drinking more Water more often. I am 3 1/2 months out and I felt the same thing. Water helps a bunch. In fact, I started using that feeling as a reminder to drink more. Are you getting all of your water in?

[Melodica 64]

I'm right there with you, IdaliaMay. I didn't feel hunger the first few days after surgery, so I was thinking it worked for me... Then it came back. I take my Omeprazole religiously, so I know that it isn't acid. It's hunger. Feels just like it did before surgery.

I'm on regular solid foods and I will say that eating Protein holds off the feeling longer, but it still comes back after a couple of hours. I've tried drinking more (though I can't drink straight Water because it makes me feel incredibly nauseous). I've also tried upping the dose of the Omeprazole - no dice. Still feel hungry.

I have no clue why it seems to work on some people, but not on others. Really frickin annoying!