Feeling Insatiably Hungry Almost All The Time

[Rockhound6165 2]

I had my surgery on 2/23/15 and since I've had very little problems. Very little pain and discomfort and I was able to return to work after only 4 weeks but the issues I've been having for about a week is an insatiable feeling of hunger and emptiness in my stomach as well as a slight headache. I will eat a meal(consisting of mostly protein) and maybe 15-30 minutes after eating I have this incredible feeling of hunger. I was under the impression that with this kind of surgery that the 'starving' feeling was going to be near nil and that it gets to the point that I need to remind myself to eat but what I'm feeling is the exact opposite. the feeling is like I haven't eaten in hours even though I might have eaten 15 minutes ago. I don't know if I'm not eating right(I'm not getting in many carbs) but this and the constant headaches are driving me crazy. The headache isn't Migraine grade but always there. I know I'm getting my Protein and Vitamins in so is there something I'm doing wrong?

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

It sounds like your head-hunger is having it way with you! Are you on an acid reducer? If not, call your surgical team and ask if it is something you should be on. It might really help you. Because you SHOULDN"T be that hungry, or have the intensity you are describing. Also, how are you at getting hydrated? A lot of times we mistake thirst for hunger (or did I inadvertently get that reversed?), and you may just be thirsty. That could also explain your headaches. Are you getting in the recommended 64 ounces a day? Drink sporadically throughout the day, hopefully this will help with the headaches. All the best to you....

[Blue Sky 89]

Make sure you are on the solid Proteins if your diet allows. Yogurts, ricotta and all that are slider foods. I was told by docs office to get solid proteins in with three meals and that has made all the difference. I think we are still figuring this thing out as I had my surgery 2,weeks before u... Learning what works and what doesn't. Drinking Water helps also and I had to up my carb intake ( complex) to curb hunger and do more exercise to speed metabolism and burn it off.

[Matida 5]

Your brain need carbs to function properly as well as your blood. However, you may be experiencing acid reflex, if you haven't been on a acid reducer this should help with the sensation.

Hope this helps and good luck

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

@@Rockhound6165

A few things to try

with your Protein add a good portion of vegetables if you are able to get them in at this point after surgery. The Fiber helps you to feel full

Keep healthy snack options available. If you have a craving of salty or sweet. don't be afraid to satisfy it. Its good to get the craving out of the way. Salty (Jerky etc ) Sweet (sugar free chocolate pudding etc)

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My guess would be acid. Especially since you get the sensation so soon after eating. The feeling can be similar to hunger. Are you on a PPI of any kind? You can ask your doctor to prescribe one or buy prilosec over the counter.

[Rockhound6165 2]

Thanks for the replies. I am on prescription Prilosec so that is't the problem and these pangs are certainly not in my head. I agree about the solid Protein and as for veggies, nothing raw(like salads) just yet. As for staying hydrated, I do believe I get the 64 ounces of liquids in a day. I have 1 cup of coffee in the morning and I drink at least 3 16.9oz bottles of Water per day so I'm getting that in. I may have to call my doctor's PA for advice on this because it's weird.

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

Head-hunger is a mystery, for sure, our bodies are so used to eating like we have for DECADES and it doesn't WANT to starve! It will tell your brain to feed it anyway it can, so the brain kicks in and will fight to the end for food. You will more than likely lose hair because the nutrients you ARE getting are being sent to the vital organs and essential areas, and unfortunately for us, the top of our head is the last to get it. As a result, the hair follicles stop production and goes into a kind of hibernation (if you will) mode. It will grow back once the body gets used to the new program. In the meantime, our brain continues to scream "FEED ME", and it will send all kinds of sensations through your body to get you to feed it. It's not something you can really control, but get used to. How I do it is the 2-3-2 program. Eat within 2 hours of waking up in the morning. Eat every 3 hours. Eat within 2 hours of going to bed. I don't get the chance to get hungry this way. I hope some of this helps, and good luck to you.....