Hunger, pain, problems with shakes...

[jodieg8er 3]

I am reposting this on it's own topic string because I really need advice.

I am 6 days out and I feel like I am starving. It is not head hunger, my stomach is actually hurting me. I went to the doctor for my post-op today and I couldn't get him to listen to me about it - he said it is probably head hunger. I think it is stomach acid - at night it hurts really bad. During the day it bothers me, but doesn't hurt as much. I feel if I could just eat something, it would make my stomach feel better. Needless to say, it seems this is how I used to feel and how I gained so much weight in the first place, so it is very frustrating to me. The last thing I want to do is have gone through this only to find myself in the same place.

Two nights ago I tried getting up at night and putting something in my stomach when the pain started, so it had something to do - I don't know how to describe the feeling except to say that it feels like my stomach is eating itself. It goes in waves...it will be somewhat quiet and then suddenly a large, almost like a cramp, comes on. It is very painful. Whatever it is, it is what I have associated with hunger pains my entire life. After I eat, it seems to feel better for a couple of hours. I realize if I want to lose weight, I cannot get up and feed it every time it does this. So last night, I ended up having to take pain killers to get through the night.

I have noticed the pain in my stomach is similar to something I have had since I can remember. I remember getting up when I was in 3rd grade and throwing up bile every morning - my stomach hurt so bad. I almost failed school because I missed so many days. I learned to control it as I got older, but I never felt good in the mornings. I eventually learned that if I kept feeding myself, the pain stayed gone (with the exception of some bad mornings). I continuously grazed all day, every day. About 8 years ago I started experiencing really bad GERD - the back of my throat and tongue would burn. If I tried to drink Water, which everyone said was so good for me, it was like pouring gasoline on fire - I could feel the eruption. No anti-acids worked. My doctor sent me for an upper GI, but besides finding an irritated stomach, they did not find anything. They determined it was probably happening due to my weight. The GERD eventually calmed down and then it would only happen occasionally, but it made me miserable.

I can't tell you how upset it makes me to be right back where I was after having this surgery, and I am determined not to get dragged into this pattern again. There must be a reason for all the acid in my stomach and a way to stop it. I am currently on Pepcid 2x a day, and I have not tried to introduce anything else. In the past, nothing worked - especially not things like Tums and Malanta.

On top of that, is if I consume anything that has an artificial sweetener, my stomach reacts badly, but if I go to all natural products, like shakes with vegan Proteins, I get GERD so bad I want to die. I tried a Protein drink a couple of hours ago that I got in the mail today called Syntrex Nectars Naturals, which has no artificial products in it, and now my esophagus and mouth is on fire! I feel so hopeless right now - I have only found one Protein mix I can tolerate and even that is bothering me somewhat. I want to eat real, whole, food - not chemically produced Protein Shakes - yet I am not allowed to. Are there others out there who can't seem to drink the Protein Shakes - if so, what do you do?

I am curious if what you are experiencing is in any way similar to what I am describing... you know what they say, misery loves company!

Edited June 22, 2016 by jodieg8er

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Have you tried a PPI such as taking 20 mg omeprazole in the morning and another 20 mg at night? That was what I took the first several weeks after surgery. I know you are taking Pepcid, but that is an H2 blocker rather than a PPI and post-sleeve, many people find a PPI more effective.

[KristenLe 5,979]

It sounds like an ulcer. I'm assuming your Dr did an Endoscopy or Upper GI prior to surgery. Did they identify any issues? There's no way what you describe is head hunger and it's unfortunate your Dr didn't look for the cause. You may need something in addition to Pepcid. Have you tried broth? You could also make your own Protein shakes so they don't have that nasty chemical taste. I'm somewhat surprised your surgeon did the sleeve with your history of GERD. Hope you feel better soon. If the pain is really bad - I wouldn't hesitate to go to the ER.

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[niceLisa70 8]

Sorry you are not doing well. I am a pharmacist and I would recommend a PPI- omeprazole, nexium, Prevacid all over the counter to be taken during the day and a prescription of AXID to be taken at bedtime it may better coat your sleeve.

All things are possible when you BELIEVE!!!

[jodieg8er 3]

I don't have an ulcer - I am sure of that. I have had two upper GIs. GERD is fairly common in people who are overweight - I am sure many had it before their sleeve.

I appreciate the suggestions for the PPI - I am going to get one immediately and start taking it. I am also going to research AXID.

Thank you for your posts!

[KristenLe 5,979]

I don't have an ulcer - I am sure of that. I have had two upper GIs. GERD is fairly common in people who are overweight - I am sure many had it before their sleeve.

I appreciate the suggestions for the PPI - I am going to get one immediately and start taking it. I am also going to research AXID.

Thank you for your posts!

Sleeve surgery is not usually recommended for people with GERD because it can make it worse. When deciding which surgery to have this was something my Dr spoke to me about.

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[russm 18]

I am 5 days out an have similar symptoms. I cant say it feels like hunger though. It feels like a spasm moving throughout my abdomen and ending in a rumble in my stomach. It hurts to eat or drink. It passes and comes back. Going to email physicians assistant tomorrow.

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[jodieg8er 3]

I am feeling better today. Russm might be right - last night the pains were back, but I took a painkiller and slept through the night. Today I went to the store and got the PPI and started that. I have not attempted to consume any food or drink with artificial sweeteners in them or any type of herbal ingredients and I have not had an acid problem or GERD. I think the sleeve just brought some of my sensitive stomach issues to the forefront for me. I tried OIKOS Triple Zero today which uses Stevia as a sweetner and although it tasted a little strange, it didn't bother my stomach, and I also looked up how to make my own Protein shakes, which I will attempt later today. Maybe this is just one more sign that all those chemicals are not good for us!

Edited June 23, 2016 by jodieg8er