Hungry 1 day postop...is this supposed to happen?

[purpleandgold 28]

My surgery was yesterday at 5pm. I Thought I wasn't supposed to be hungry for weeks after surgery, but I am. After I passed my leak test 2 hours ago I've been slowly sipping on Apple juice and a few ice chips, but now my body is acting hungry. This isn't normal...is it?

[Tauruslady5 154]

Afternoon.

Sorry you are feeling hungry.

My sister had her surgery 8/2014 and I had mine on 11/2014.

To this day, she is always hungry. I, on the other hand, am not. She was hungry after surgery, and I still can only get in 3 oz of food if that at one sitting. My sister has a healthy appetite. (So. everyone is different)

I think it depends upon how you train your brain. You actually just may be thirsty instead of hungry.

Your body cannot distinguish between hunger and thirst. Try drinking your Water or Protein drinks to help with the hunger feeling.

Your body is adjusting to this new stomach. You will be fine. Just remember to drink and walk when possible.

Hope this helps.

[purpleandgold 28]

Oh yea, hopefully I am just thirsty! Thanks for the info!!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

Could also be acid. Did your surgeon put you on a PPI?

I had a lot of "head hunger" in my early days post-op. I would see a commercial for pizza or something and think "man, I want that so bad!" even though I wasn't actually hungry and there is NO WAY I could have actually eaten it.

[purpleandgold 28]

No he didn't put me on a PPI. I do, however, take Protonix on a regular basis but haven't been told to take it while in the hospital.

And that's exactly how I feel...food looks so good but I think I could never eat it!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

Definitely ask your surgeon about a PPI long term. Most surgeons prescribe the for at least the first couple of months post-op.

Edit: As someone else on these forums often points out, you had surgery on your stomach, not your brain. So the head hunger will be a real struggle for the first little while as you adapt to your new relationship with food. It's a tough one for sure!

[Tanya Gif 23]

I was also always hungry after surgery. I agree that Water helps a lot. Once you are able to eat regular food you can have a healthy snack between meals. I usually have to have a piece of fruit between lunch and dinner otherwise I get very hungry. Hang in there for now

[LisaDomalewski 79]

My nut says 5-6 small meals a day, that will also help curb hunger. I am doing that and still only eating 500-600 calories 4 weeks post op. Granted a meal could be a piece of string cheese.