My imagination or am I really hungry?

[RozzieJ 18]

Hi all

I'm currently 9 days post op and I have a couple of questions about the hunger aspect of this procedure.

I've heard rumour that stomach acids mimic the sensations of hunger pains and I was wondering if this was accurate as I seem to spend every minute of the day struggling with hunger pains. I can sense I don't need food, but it's very annoying to be badgered by this constantly.

I'm worried that with these sensations, I won't be able to clearly define when I am actually hungry and when I'm not and therefore, overeat.

I'd appreciate advice of the gurus out there that have gone through this.

Cheers

RozzieJ

[maggiemayuk 106]

Have you told your medical team? Have they prescribed a PPI drug for you like lansoprazole, to reduce stomach acid? PPIs are routinely prescribed at my hospital and I've had no issues with stomach acid or feelings of hunger.

[Comeflywithme 402]

I too would confuse it, I would have a string cheese to calm what I though was "hunger" but when my doctor prescribed me the anti acid med, it helped a lot.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

Oh trust me it is not hunger you feel. But most likely gas. You have had major surgery and your tummy is swollen and raw. liquids is all you can handle at this time. When you do change from liquids to mushy you will feel a difference. It will be difficult to get much in as you will feel full with a couple of bites. Then to solids. There is the part that you will really feel the difficulty to get in your 60 g of Protein at first. It will be a struggle it is for most of us.

Then you will get signs that you are full and learn how your own body reacts to foods and amounts of food. I know when my nose runs and I start to sneeze to push the plate away. If I eat one more bite I pay for it dearly. This is the honeymoon period I am talking about where you really learn to read your body.

Follow your teams guidelines and you will learn to recognize when you are hungry and when it is habits returning or something else. it takes time.....You got this!

[RozzieJ 18]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. It's certainly very helpful having this forum to go to and ask questions.

I do feel a little lost as I don't seem to be experiencing too many problems post op. My pain is minimal (twisting the wrong way hurts!), I have no problems consuming liquids, even the slightly more thicker variety. I am not tired in the least - the only time I am tired is after my walks. Today I did 3kms, so felt a bit weary after that but am fine now. Just needed to get Water back in the body. And I have experienced my very first bought tonight of taking that one gulp too far. Lesson learned.

But having the chance to ask questions of those who are old hands at this, is great.

I actually invested in some anti-acid tablets and they have helped a LOT. I can see how when everyone says they just don't feel hungry. I don't. Only thirst (it's coming into summer in the land of Aus, so I'm struggling not to guzzle fluids!).

I finally broke the 10kg mark yesterday and was over the moon. I'm still amazed that I can cope so well on so little amount of food! Incredible.

Thank you all again. I appreciate your feedback You all rock!

[susanpk 1]

So glad I'm not the only one feeling hungry. I am only 3 days post surgery but it is definitely my biggest challenge. I have been on an acid reducer since the beginning so I'm not sure if that is the problem. I am also thirsty (dry mouth). I have absolutely no problem getting in my necessary Water and Protein. I am so hoping this is a temporary problem that will improve when I move up to solid food. I am actually using the pain killers mainly for hunger pains!

[RozzieJ 18]

Good luck Susan!! Since taking these antacid tablets, I have found a big difference. That's in only two days of taking them!!! Perhaps since you're only post day 3, your tummy is still sorting itself out. If I don't have those grumblings, I don't even think about food or feel hungry.

I wish you all the best though!!

[pinkbunies 359]

I feel like I can' satisfy my hunger atm. I've had so much broth, the hungry sensation goes away then I get hungry again. I'm consuming sugar free pop sickles , sugar free Jello, sugar free pudding... no soda...water and Gatorade. grrr