Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Breastfeeding 2 years post op



Recommended Posts

I am out of control. 2 years post op. My baby is 8 months old and I breastfeed on demand. I am always hungry I never felt hungry after the sleeve and before his birth.. and now all the time I can't go 2 hours without eating. And I feel like it's getting worse. Is this in my head? Has anyone else gone through this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When my babies were being breastfed, I did notice that my appetite remained at pregnancy levels. (This was many years ago and long before my VSG. ) I think you do need a few extra calories while lactating. Do you have a lactation consultant or nurse at your ob/gyn's office? If so, ask her/him. They may not be familiar with our post op diets, but they can tell how many extra calories lactation takes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I completely understand. I was always hungry! Always! I got the sleeve when I was still breastfeeding. I was still hungry even right after the surgery. It is just something you have to endure. I knew breast feeding was the best I could give my baby, so I refuse to stop until he stopped on his own.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Breastfeeding hunger is no joke. The key is small portions, Protein. A breastfeeding mother needs about 500 more calories a day. That is a lot for us with small tummies. Try foods that are a bit higher in good fats, like avocado, coconut oil, and nuts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm nursing my 13 week old baby and I also get extremely hungry at times. I just try to focus on healthy Snacks. I eat half an avocado daily, cashews, coconut oil, etc. I also make sure to hit my Protein goals. As long as your choices are healthy, I don't think you will gain by eating more.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant and I would say my appetite is nearly pre-op capacity. :( It's frustrating, but I know I can focus on losing when I have the baby. Now isn't the time to restrict myself, my baby needs to grow.

My NUT and I are still in touch and she said that I should just increase to an extra shake and add in healthy fats like avocado and nuts while I'm breastfeeding. Of course, I have no idea if that will be enough at this point!

Another reason women are so hungry when breastfeeding is because we are dehydrated. Drink more water! It will help your milk supply as well.

Congrats on your babies, ladies!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I found about a month after delivery my sleeve was tightening again. The same pregnancy hormones responsible for your digestive tract slowing down (hence the complaint of Constipation and hemmeroids) also seems the loosen the capacity of the sleeve. Once my baby started to wean I got more restriction back. She will be 2 on Monday and my capacity is just about 3-4 oz again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too am experiencing no restriction while breastfeeding! Pre-pregnancy I weighed 178 and at delivery 200. Within one week or so post partum I weighed 181 and felt so excited that I might actually weigh less than before...weight was dropping fast and I was eating right. However, when my milk came in, I was drawn to carbs and started eating constantly. My baby is 3months now and breastfeeding well; however, I am now 198 and I feel every bit of it.

Super stressed about the weight gain, but know nursing is best for baby. Keep thinking about weaning, but I'd feel like a failure. If I see 200 again, I might flip! Clothes don't fit and I feel like a pudge!

Afraid if I limit calories my milk will diminish. I never anticipated the hunger while breastfeeding and this is baby #2.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 2 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Having gall bladder surgery in a few days and I so hope the recovery is easier than the one from the modified DS! I could use a bit of luck/pep talk for a change. I'm starting to be able to walk around without experiencing dizziness, but it would be great if the random pain in my chest and abdomen would go away!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Dawn 1974

      4/4/2024 - new patient orientation. Wt 313
      4/5/2024 - got all my lab work done.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×