Hunger pangs

[LFK797 4]

This is my first post so please forgive me if my topic has already been run through.

I am 66 and jumping through the pre-op hoops and am wondering what it is going to be like afterwards as far as getting hungry goes.

[Catherine707 253]

The gastric sleeve helped me realize that I experienced two types of hunger pangs. One was the real hunger of and empty stomach and the other was "head" hunger where my brain told me I need to eat and often something unhealthy or in large quantity. The restriction of the sleeve helped me learn the difference between the to, and now a year post surgery I only have hunger pangs when I am truly hungry. I still have to be smart and make good choices, but before the surgery I was constantly hungry and would never feel full. This surgery was a miracle in helping me control the quantities of food and to be much better at making healthy choices. Good luck on your journey to health!

[LivingFree! 478]

Hi and welcome to Sixties Forum. Good to see a new thread. I wish we could get more of us Boomers talking currently on here again. Looks like a lot must just be out enjoying life . . .

Your question is kinda general so hard to target on the exact answer you're looking for, but I'll give it shot. As I am sure you know, your hunger does not magically go away "forever after" after you have been sleeved. If only---but NO. And--this experience is so different for everyone, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The immediate post-op period of the first few months and up to 6-8 months, generally for many, is referred to as the honeymoon period where your weight is coming off somewhat effortlessly and you aren't experiencing extreme hunger or cravings like you did before surgery (assuming you are adhering to your program's recommendations, of course).

From there, (again very different for everybody), the mental/emotional part of your relationship with food comes more into play. This is where your commitment to have permanently changed your eating habits and lifestyle for the rest of your life make the determination on how easy or how hard your path to long-term success will be.

For that first year (for me anyhow), there was a lot of adjusting my head into telling my brain that I wasn't hungry when it thought I was. You've heard the term "head hunger?" -- our automatic reaction to our life stressors (or for just about any reason) is to go to food to satisfy/comfort/fix us.

You will feel the restriction that the sleeve causes after you are well healed and back to eating regular full solids. The key is to eat slowly and chew each bit well. This is a big adjustment in itself, but it really helps keep you fuller longer.

I'm 62 and 3 years out. Was obese all my life. Ate fast food for every meal for most of my life. Was very unhealthy--Type 2 diabetes, high BP (4 meds), hi Chol (2 meds). All resolved. I now use food as fuel for my body, and love eating healthfully. I don't miss the junk food, and I never, ever expected life could be so good.

Do you have a surgery date yet? Good luck with your pre-op hoops. It's all worth it in the end. You'll see.

[losingsoon 30]

I can't comment on the outcome because I am also in the beginning stages of this journey. I am constantly second guessing myself wondering if I can mentally do this. Physically, I definitely need to do it but, mentally I'm so afraid I will fail. LivingFree!, I really appreciate your candor and information, especially since my story is close to yours. I have tried to meet with others in my area but no luck. I really need to sit down and have a conversation with someone. The board is VERY helpful but, nothing takes the place of a face to face meeting. I'm hoping I will be able to make that happen soon.

LFK797, good luck with your journey. Keep posting here. I have found a great deal of support and information here.

[LivingFree! 478]

losingsoon, Fear is sooo normal. You wouldn't be normal if you weren't feeling the fear! And that self-doubt is seeded in the many years we "tried and failed" at diet after diet, meanwhile losing more and more of our self-confidence/self-esteem/self-worth. At the same time, going into it with a positive attitude is really important too. The sleeve is a wonderful tool, but it is just that--a tool. It doesn't work on its own just because we had the operation. The tool's owner is the one who determines how well it works. And, each of us has the great power to make it work. I was exactly where you are right now. There's nothing different or special about me.

Please feel free to send me a private message and I'll be glad to help answer and/or help you work through any questions/doubts you may have. or we can use email (I'll give you my address).

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Hubby and I were both sleeved. There is definitely the honeymoon stage after surgery where you will not be hungry and need to really pay attention to what you eat since that is when you will get the greatest weight loss IMO. It is harder to lose without some real work after that. We are 7 months post op and can eat anything in moderation now, but we are filling up on salads most nights, and healthy foods. I do not keep bread or Snacks in the house, I do not cook Pasta or such. dinner for both of us might be sharing a small filet mignon and a small salad. Your tastes will change, and you will be satisfied quickly by eating a lowfat tuna salad, maybe 1/2 cup. Always remember to eat before you go to the grocery store to keep from buying junk food! I can honestly say we are hardly hungry. We try to limit going out to eat, and if we do, we share a salad. Please follow your surgeon's plan and keep up with the posts here for lots of guidance! Best of luck!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I recommend two books that have helped me separate eating from emotions:

1) Emotional First + Aid: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia Alexander

2) From the First Bite (and other books) by Kay Sheppard

[LFK797 4]

Gosh!!

I did not expect such a quick response. Thanx everyone. I found a lot of useful info in your replies. Today I took my cardiology exam and they found my heart was beating. All I have left is the pulmonary test then I will have completed all the hoops they have given me so far.

Thanks again.

[Samuelst 0]

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