Help question about hunger

[Meintraining 104]

Hello, my surgery is this Tuesday. Someone on here just had her surgery and she said she is still starving. This scares me. I feel bad for her. How many of you who are post-op felt hunger? Not head hunger but physical hunger?

[Beach Lover 1,084]

I am 7 months post op and still don't have hunger. I wouldn't worry about this I think it is really unusual for this to happen. Talk to your surgeon about acid reducers because acid reflux will mimic hunger and most of us to do an acid reducer. Best of luck with your surgery!

[ajustice 484]

Hi! Well the only way I know how to truly answer this is in my experience and it is we all have different experiences. I didn't feel hunger..or honestly sometimes fullness at 1st. There were times at the very start I didn't know I was full until it was too late. I learned quickly to measure things as I had been instructed to do. I went through periods of head hunger where I thought I would lose my mind or just die if I didn't eat more or have things. I've had what I thought was hunger when truly I really needed more fluids. It's a learning curve. We have different sensations and signals we have to learn after surgery. Good luck!!

[LilBoo007 491]

I'm 11 months post op and just recently started to experience hunger for the first time and that's only if I accidentally skip a meal! I wouldn't be concerned about that, it's very rare that it happens. Usually it's head hunger or someone not knowing the difference between head hunger, thirst, and actual hunger.

[Meintraining 104]

Thank Goodness. Thank you for responding. What has everyone done to deal with those moments when you feel like your going crazy because you can't turn to food.

[LilBoo007 491]

Oh those moments!!! Those times when you want to stuff your face with a big bowl of ice cream or devour a huge plate of Pasta and garlic bread because you had a bad day at work or a fight with your hubby... Those are the times you will have to learn how to cope with the real problem and not cover it up with food!!! It's a real eye opener and when it happens a few iMessage your going to be like OMG I've been using food so I didn't have to feel these feelings but after you realize it you will feel soo much better and you will be on the road to a healhier and happier you!

[LilBoo007 491]

It's not easy but you can and will do it!!! Day by day! Just make sure you have lots of support through the process! People to talk to! Trust me I had plenty of days that I cried even over food... But now its like a crazy ex boyfriend I thought I couldn't live without... That I finally learned I was better off without!!!

[Meintraining 104]

Omg, I love you for those words, lol!!!!!!!!!!! I may have to print it and hang it on my fridge!!!!! I can't wait until I get over the breakup!!!!!!!! Thank you so much :-)

[CrazyJaney 775]

It's not easy but you can and will do it!!! Day by day! Just make sure you have lots of support through the process! People to talk to! Trust me I had plenty of days that I cried even over food... But now its like a crazy ex boyfriend I thought I couldn't live without... That I finally learned I was better off without!!!

I love this comparison and hope someday I look back and think about my EX hunger! Love it!

[SnowDaisy 73]

I was going to say that even thirst can mimic or feel like hunger but Lilboo already said. She makes some very good points.

Xx

[McButterpants 2,846]

I've read a lot about acid creating a feeling confused with hunger.

I had this the other day (10 weeks out today), I took a Pepcid and the feeling went away.

If your friend is experiencing hunger, she may want to try a proton pump inhibitor or acid reducer (approved by her doc, of course).

Best of luck you on your surgery!

[Beach Lover 1,084]

The funny thing is you have to constantly check yourself before you wreck yourself. Last night I wanted to just eat for the sake of boredom and realized it. Frowned and moved on. Still wanted to eat but I didn't. In the beginning there were tears, anger, etc. but now i literally say something like dang I want something and can't have it. That always helps me to shrug off the I wants and can't have it aggravation.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Beach Lover

[DLCoggin 1,788]

When the time comes, you might find some helpful ideas in this post I did about a year and a half ago - http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/268243-managing-hunger/ .

You are going to be amazed at how the surgery will change every aspect of your relationship with food!!

[Meintraining 104]

Thank you that was great info. I'm having a freak out moment. I just realized I will never be able to eat girl scout Cookies or homemade chocolate chip cookies again. I can't believe I'm actually having these thoughts but I am. It's so weird. I'm starting to second guess myself and I've been so sure all along. I could care less about food as in meals but I love sweets. I can't imagine never having them again.

[CBT 450]

Thank you that was great info. I'm having a freak out moment. I just realized I will never be able to eat girl scout Cookies or homemade chocolate chip cookies again. I can't believe I'm actually having these thoughts but I am. It's so weird. I'm starting to second guess myself and I've been so sure all along. I could care less about food as in meals but I love sweets. I can't imagine never having them again.

Totally normal to second guess surgery. It's scary stepping into the unknown.

Don't dwell on what you won't have. Think about what you will have

Hunger is often confused with acid for up to 6 months post op. I totally agree with previous poster^^^. You won't be starving. You'll be learning.

Hope you find some peace and calm before your surgery