Can u guys give me some advice? I'm 4 days out from a bypass and I'm hungry! Everybody says they r so full after 2oz of their mush food and can't finish their protein shakes. I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to and I'm still hungry!! I'm so scared that this is happening. Does it mean my bypass isn't going to work? Please share your experience with me! Ali

It's head hunger. It feels just like the real thing. It's hard but try to relax. It will get better just don't cheat!

It's head hunger. It feels just like the real thing. It's hard but try to relax. It will get better just don't cheat!

What is head hunger? And how do you avoid it.

Janel

I know how you feel. Be strong, don't cheat!

Head hunger is craving food but not because you're truly hungry but because your taste buds are craving...This is all a process, we are all getting used to a new lifestyle. We're learning not to eat from boredom and/or stress. I know I am thinking about food constantly these days...cravings all sorts of foods, even foods I've never tried before. The good news is that because we cannot hold large amounts of foods, our bodies will teach us just how much to eat. This will take time. You may not be drinking enough or getting enough protein also.

You can always drink every time you feel that head hunger just to keep yourself occupied almost like trickong your taste buds. Crystal Light fruit punch works for me because it's very flavorful tastes just like Hawaiin Punch.

Don't cheat because you don't want to get sick or stretch your pouch.

Good Luck!

Thanks everyone.

I'm drinking 6 8oz glasses of Water, I've always been addicted to water.

I had no idea what head hunger was. I'm so thankful for this forum. And I'm very glad to know it goes away.

When it does go away, do u feel a different kind of hunger?

O and I'm definitely not cheating. I'm too scared to! :-). I had two bites of a mushed banana and felt awful!!!

I have not gotten operation yet but I am on opti-fast and I am really hungry and craving salt.

Honestly at 8 months out I still get terrible cravings but now for red meat or veggies and fruit. No more sugar and bread cravings! But trust me I started in July at 286 and am 154 today for 132 lbs lost. The cravings are tough. Stick it out and you will get great results!

In the seminar and booklet that was given to us starting the WL program where I had surgery it talks about the three types of hunger.

Stomach hunger is experienced mainly as hunger pangs and emptiness in the stomach.

Is true, physical hunger

Some symptoms include: stomach growls, feeling lightheaded, shaky, or possible headache

Mouth Hunger is experienced mainly as an urge to put something in your mouth, to chew and swallow, ie, "the munchies".

Primarily based on habit and availability of food.

Heart Hunger is experienced mainly as an emptiness inside the "soul" and an urge to try to fill the emptiness with the food.

Primarily based on patterns of trying to meet emotional needs with food.

Eating in response to emotions such as loneliness, boredom, sadness, anger, etc.

Try drinking, eating some Protein, finding an activity you enjoy, going for walk, calling someone, jumping on the computer, cleaning. Something to take you mind off of food. I do know that the first two weeks post surgery for me I was only on full liquids and would dream about eating. Once I was upgraded to soft foods I did much better. Hope this helps.

Honestly at 8 months out I still get terrible cravings but now for red meat or veggies and fruit. No more sugar and bread cravings! But trust me I started in July at 286 and am 154 today for 132 lbs lost. The cravings are tough. Stick it out and you will get great results!

That's amazing! So great! I'm happy for you, sounds like you've been doing a great job following the new eating habits. You motivate and inspire me to continue being strong and not cheat.

This journey started in October for me I was at my highest weight ever 224 lbs (I'm only 5'1) and today I am at 157 lbs and still dropping and I haven't even started exercising yet. It's a tough process & lifestyle change but so worth it.

In the seminar and booklet that was given to us starting the WL program where I had surgery it talks about the three types of hunger.

Stomach hunger is experienced mainly as hunger pangs and emptiness in the stomach.

Is true' date=' physical hunger

Some symptoms include: stomach growls, feeling lightheaded, shaky, or possible headache

Mouth Hunger is experienced mainly as an urge to put something in your mouth, to chew and swallow, ie, "the munchies".

Primarily based on habit and availability of food.

Heart Hunger is experienced mainly as an emptiness inside the "soul" and an urge to try to fill the emptiness with the food.

Primarily based on patterns of trying to meet emotional needs with food.

Eating in response to emotions such as loneliness, boredom, sadness, anger, etc.

Try drinking, eating some Protein, finding an activity you enjoy, going for walk, calling someone, jumping on the computer, cleaning. Something to take you mind off of food. I do know that the first two weeks post surgery for me I was only on full liquids and would dream about eating. Once I was upgraded to soft foods I did much better. Hope this helps.[/quote']

Thank u! I didn't get that info and its so helpful!

I am just thrilled that I have chosen to quit smoking the same week I am going in for surgery with the help of the electronic cigarette. IT COMES IN FLAVORS and nicotine free right now my daughter made me york peppermint patty and I have watermelon and red bull and honey and green tea. So now if my tastebuds want something I just suck on empty flavors if I crave a cigarette. I suck on empty flavors.

Yea for me for being smart. Plus I made the rest of the family do it too.

Janel