One week post-op — feeling hunger

[lizonaplane 1,613]

I am now one week out and I feel hunger often, too. I am taking omeprazole. i find that I need to eat every few hours, but I am fine with a yogurt or half a Protein Shake or some sugar free Jello (that's about all I'm allowed on my plan as I'm still only allowed liquids for another week). It also helps to drink a lot, in small sips (so it doesn't hurt). It's hard when you see other people eat "real" food too, but that' not what causes the hunger - to me, that's just wishing I could have what they're having. The hunger is just hunger, unrelated to cravings (i'm having cravings for cheese, but I'm also having true hunger).

[MusiGal 0]

I’m only 5 days out from my VSG and struggling with what I would call hunger “cramps” that cause discomfort during the day and wake me up at night. It’s very concerning for me considering I’m only 5 days out and should not be feeling this way. I’m only having broth and Protein Shakes and having one of those satisfies the hunger, but it does scare me a lot…

I’m not on any medication for stomach acid, and I heard mention of that a few times. Could that be the culprit? It’s too soon to be worrying if this is a mistake, but that is where my head is going.

I’m also a type 1 diabetic, therefore I will always require manmade insulin. I’m wondering if that could be influencing my grumbly tummy as well…

[imhenryxvi 3]

Hi, MusiGal. I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling hunger pangs, too. I do think the acid reducer helps matters. Now that I’m about three weeks out, I’m realizing that I wake up very hungry, but don’t experience hunger as dramatically throughout the day. So, if I eat sensibly in the morning (I’m on soft foods now), I can pretty much manage the rest of the day. I encourage you to ask your surgeon about an acid reducer. Good luck!

[lizonaplane 1,613]

2 hours ago, MusiGal said:

I’m only 5 days out from my VSG and struggling with what I would call hunger “cramps” that cause discomfort during the day and wake me up at night. It’s very concerning for me considering I’m only 5 days out and should not be feeling this way. I’m only having broth and Protein Shakes and having one of those satisfies the hunger, but it does scare me a lot…

I’m not on any medication for stomach acid, and I heard mention of that a few times. Could that be the culprit? It’s too soon to be worrying if this is a mistake, but that is where my head is going.

I’m also a type 1 diabetic, therefore I will always require manmade insulin. I’m wondering if that could be influencing my grumbly tummy as well…

Your doctor did not prescribe omeprazole or something similar? Can you check your discharge papers and make sure you have all the meds that were prescribed? I feel like I have a demon roaming around in my chest and gut sometimes but it's not hunger; usually it's from taking sips that are too big or after I have to take all my pills at night. I do feel hunger pangs if I don't eat every few hours, but this is to be expected since I don't eat much at once and I'm only eating a few hundred calories a day. Did the surgery team or your endocrinologist adjust your insulin to account for the lowered food intake?

Don't start thinking you made a mistake! You need to take in some food not to feel hungry you still have a stomach; albeit a smaller one. I found the first week really rough; now it's still rough at 7 days out but SOOOOO much better.

[vikingbeast 987]

I am six days out and have the same wrenching pains. I find that if I eat throughout the day I feel better. I'm on my surgeon's plan, but I do eat a bit more than they suggest—it seems to be working, I'm down 17.4 lbs. in six days (though I started a great deal heavier than some others). The hunger pangs are like someone is wringing my poor stomach like a wet washcloth and grinding it on myself.

I do have omeprazole (it's available over-the-counter, it's called Prilosec in the US) and it doesn't help any.

[MusiGal 0]

4 hours ago, lizonaplane said:

Your doctor did not prescribe omeprazole or something similar? Can you check your discharge papers and make sure you have all the meds that were prescribed? I feel like I have a demon roaming around in my chest and gut sometimes but it's not hunger; usually it's from taking sips that are too big or after I have to take all my pills at night. I do feel hunger pangs if I don't eat every few hours, but this is to be expected since I don't eat much at once and I'm only eating a few hundred calories a day. Did the surgery team or your endocrinologist adjust your insulin to account for the lowered food intake?

Don't start thinking you made a mistake! You need to take in some food not to feel hungry you still have a stomach; albeit a smaller one. I found the first week really rough; now it's still rough at 7 days out but SOOOOO much better.

Nope, they only prescribed zofran and pain meds. I’m starting to fight the “hunger” pains mentally and telling myself it’s all in my head. Once I’m able to have some small bites of soft Protein on Wednesday, I’m hoping it will get better!

[Lisa G 14]

I was STARVING the week following surgery. Then poof it went away. Once I thought of it as phantom hunger I was able to feel better (as in your brain hasn’t registered that most of your stomach is gone). Good luck.

[lizonaplane 1,613]

16 hours ago, MusiGal said:

Nope, they only prescribed zofran and pain meds. I’m starting to fight the “hunger” pains mentally and telling myself it’s all in my head. Once I’m able to have some small bites of soft Protein on Wednesday, I’m hoping it will get better!

But you will have some hunger because you do need calories to function. You are a human still! You still need to eat. I'm eating about 350 calories a day, and if I don't eat every 3 or so hours, I feel hungry!

[Starwarsandcupcakes 2,074]

I’m almost 2yrs out from my VSG and a little over 13 months out from a VSG to RNY (gerd) revision and the hunger pangs do get better after being on more solid foods. With VSG it doesn’t take away all the receptors for ghrelin because they’re all over the stomach but does remove most of them as the stomach is greatly reduced in size. Staying hydrated really helps as does trying to keep yourself distracted. I also found saving a meal or snack for about 30 minutes before bed really helped me stay asleep longer so I wasn’t waking up hungry.

[imhenryxvi 3]

Great advice! Thanks!

[stayklassie 54]

I was told that as well, but boy, I do feel hunger! I had VSG December of 2019