Explain head-hunger?

[need2bthin! 235]

I hear everyone talk about "head-hunger" will someone please elaborate in this for me thanks!

[No game 14,436]

It's a craving. And a craving may feel like real hunger but its just you wanting something. Usually something in particular. Think about how most of us ate (pre surgery) can you say that that we ate mostly out of pure "real" hunger?

I find it interesting that some will say "why yes I eat out of only hunger" but the thing is head hunger feels like real hunger and is sometimes a surprise hurdle to deal with after surgery because it remains and can be a strong desire.

[momofjal 12]

When you are sitting around and you think I want something to eat and go get it, but knowing that you were not really hungry (stomach wise)! Also, you have a few bites left in your plate and you are so full, but your brain says, oh it is only a few bites go ahead and eat it!

[clk 3,519]

That desire to eat that overwhelms you and feels very real - only there is absolutely no physical hunger to back it up.

It's caused by boredom, or stress, or hormones or just a lifetime of eating whatever you want, whenever you want. It's triggered by foods that evoke memories or feelings in you, or that are just chock full of things your body is addicted to having.

Head hunger is the real enemy here. In several years here I have only run across a small, very small, handful of people that don't lose the physical hunger or who don't ever experience a huge amount of restriction. For the rest of us, the problem is staying out of the kitchen when life isn't easy, because for many of us, food has been a coping mechanism or a friend or a way to hide from unpleasant feelings.

~Cheri

[Tink22-sleeve 528]

Have you ever had the munchies? thats what it feels like.

[NancyDec20 212]

just your head telling you a lie LOL. you arent really hungry.. but that will pass in time.. pretty soon.. you wont ever be hungry again.. ever... I dont.. I was glad that feeling passed.. was weird... so I dont get hungry.. I just know what I have to eat for that day.. 60 protein..and 64 in water... best of luck to you.

[need2bthin! 235]

Ok, I totally get it now!!! I am having head-hunger all the time (pre-op). It's as though I have a clock/timer in my head that say ok it's noon time to eat, but my stomach is not growling. How do you guys control this post op? Any suggestions

[ejsfanatic 98]

I am new here but need clarification as well. I was told that the part of the stomach that is removed is the part that releases the 'cravings' hormone. So if you are no longer producing the hormone you wont experience the cravings??

[Molly3 495]

WOW, awesome responses! Thanks, LADIES!

[Arts137 1,811]

I am new here but need clarification as well. I was told that the part of the stomach that is removed is the part that releases the 'cravings' hormone. So if you are no longer producing the hormone you wont experience the cravings??

The hormone (Ghrelin) plays some part in feeking hunger. Physical hunger. It's got NOTHING to do with the Taco Bell ad on TV that makes you crazy!!!

[playlikeworldchamps 595]

just your head telling you a lie LOL. you arent really hungry.. but that will pass in time.. pretty soon.. you wont ever be hungry again.. ever... I dont.. I was glad that feeling passed.. was weird... so I dont get hungry.. I just know what I have to eat for that day.. 60 Protein..and 64 in Water... best of luck to you.

actually some people do get real hunger again. about 6-8 weeks post surgery I got real hunger pains back. not quite as strong as before but they are real - my stomach will rumble, I'll feel empty and hungry. just wanted to let any newbie know that real hunger does come back for many people. if you are lucky it will take a year or more! It is less intense perhaps but its there. I also get head hunger too. that is the one to ignore or find a coping mechanism for! Real hunger is of course the right time to eat if you get it!

[No game 14,436]

I am new here but need clarification as well. I was told that the part of the stomach that is removed is the part that releases the 'cravings' hormone. So if you are no longer producing the hormone you wont experience the cravings??

I also must say that if a doctor tells a patient that hunger will be taken away totally I would question him or her about this statement.

The stomach produces roughly 70% of your ghrelin hormone after time other producers of that hormone will kick up their production a bit..

That being said though..I think to expect to never to be hungry again is a bit off...

Your body needs fuel! it will get true hunger when it needs to be fed. It may signal you in different ways afterwards like getting weak or dizzy.

Or you may retain feelings of hunger as you know it now.

I say that because not everyone loses hunger or as I see around here they lose it for a while (6 to 8 months) but it does naturally come back a bit.

I am further out and I can say at about the 6 month mark I felt hungry more along with the ability to eat more at a sitting.

Oh and to the question about how do we control head hunger? Just like the head hunger is in your head, the ability to control it is in there too.

That is part of the work that we have to put into this surgery too. Working on our love, need, want for food.

[ejsfanatic 98]

I also must say that if a doctor tells a patient that hunger will be taken away totally I would question him or her about this statement.

The doctor didn't say the hunger would be taken away totally. That was the assumption I made when she said the part of the stomach that Produces the hormone would be the part they removed.

[ejsfanatic 98]

The doctor didn't say the hunger would be taken away totally. That was the assumption I made when she said the part of the stomach that Produces the hormone would be the part they removed.

Of course that assumption is wishful thinking on my part. I am starting my diet tomorrow. I have to lose at least 12 lbs before surgery. I am still a long way off from scheduling a date as I still have to see the pulmo and gastro docs. I am super nervous that I will be turned away as unsuitable. My head is playing all kinds of tricks on me!

[No game 14,436]

Of course that assumption is wishful thinking on my part. I am starting my diet tomorrow. I have to lose at least 12 lbs before surgery. I am still a long way off from scheduling a date as I still have to see the pulmo and gastro docs. I am super nervous that I will be turned away as unsuitable. My head is playing all kinds of tricks on me!

Even though this surgery is far from a "miracle cure" it is, I think our best chance at being able lose and maintain the weight loss.

I wish you luck on your pre op diet, and getting all of your clearances!