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

Maybe I am atypical, but the sleeve didn't help with hunger



Recommended Posts

In the waiting room to get my surgery I had heard a whole group talking about being glad they won't have to deal with excessive hunger anymore, and how they know so and so that had it done and now have to remind themselves to eat. I did the research and it was interesting about the hunger hormone cells being removed with stomach and the chance of going away. For me, nope nope nope no and oh hell no. I am hungry all the freakin time, I am hungry 2 hrs after I eat anything. I've gotten into a snacking little rut I am trying to break, but dang- I myth busted that for myself. Maybe I need more Protein, but that would of helped the hunger before surgery as well, there is no change whatsoever. Only thing that changed is the size, good thing there are not enough hours in the day to eat that much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Some things you can do to get rid of hunger include drinking lots of Water, exercising, taking Vitamins every morning and understanding that weight loss surgery no matter what type is a tool and no magic wand. Also check to see if it's head hunger.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I actually had the same thing happen to me, I didn't want to eat, at least not really for the first week after surgery, but once I was healed it was pretty much the business as usual. I do find however that the things that I eat when "snacking" are better now than the things I ate before. I think this new tummy just happened to turn us into the people who need to eat a small meal every couple hours versus three normal meals and the occasional snack.< /p>

Protein does keep you full feeling longer (it didn't work when we were bigger because of our ginormous tummys), I also find that drinking flavored Water helps more than regular Water and I LOVE regular water. Something about the flavoring tends to soothe the hunger pains that are in my tummy/brain. I'm pretty sure a portion of this is head hunger as well. We are use to eating junk whenever we want and that is a hard habit to break. A few recommendations that I have read are to drink a lot of water and if you still want to eat in 30 minutes, eat some Jerky or a Protein Bar. That should tide you over until your next meal.

I agree though, thank goodness for the small stomach so that I can't overstuff myself because I think I'm hungry!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

when was your surgery?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery May 5th and started to get hungry at about day 4. I was so pissed! I cried for an entire day fighting it. Mostly in fear that I wouldn't be able to use this new tool in a productive way. I decided I'm still going to lose weight anyway. What's wrong with eating every 2-3hrs if it's only a tablespoon? Nothing! I'm still under 400 calories! There is no way that is a bad thing! Not to mention all the walking burns that off! Just eat right and you and I are both going to be okay!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hope someone has explained that the hunger reduction doesn't happen immediately and for many of us it wasn't permanent.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 4 months post op and I too am usually hungry most of the day even though I get in all my Protein and Water. The only way I can stop myself from snacking all day is staying under 1000 calories on MyFitness Pal app. I choose my food according to the calorie count but do snack more at night. My hunger is more intense after work so I save my calories for those times.

At least you get full really fast! I can eat up to 2 cups of food and can tolerate everything :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I stick to My Fitness Pal as well and if I'm so hungry that I want to snack, I either drink Water to try to fill me up or I'll eat a handful of almonds. The nuts do seem to hit the spot

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery May 5th and started to get hungry at about day 4. I was so pissed! I cried for an entire day fighting it. Mostly in fear that I wouldn't be able to use this new tool in a productive way. I decided I'm still going to lose weight anyway. What's wrong with eating every 2-3hrs if it's only a tablespoon? Nothing! I'm still under 400 calories! There is no way that is a bad thing! Not to mention all the walking burns that off! Just eat right and you and I are both going to be okay!

Are you taking a PPI or antacid? Are you getting in all your Water? Acid and thirst can both feel like hunger. Bad hunger.

That being said, I had no desire to eat for the first 3-4 months. I was thinking "this is gonna be easy!" But then my normal appetite returned and I was able to eat more. Since then I get hungry and eat every 2-3 hours. but since I've been below goal for over 9 months I don't see the problem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree, check to see if it's acid. It can feel very similar, especially early on. My hunger never went completely away but it's definitely dulled. At 8 months out, I get hungry but not nearly as much as I did before surgery.

Make sure you don't drink with your food, it stays in my stomach so much longer. I've also noticed a huge difference in how long Protein stays in my stomach compared to carbs. If I eat carbs, my tummy is empty and wants more food in about 2 hours.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sometimes it's so hard to tell the difference between head hunger and real hunger. I can honestly say that I rarely feel real hunger. Most of the time it's just me wanting to eat something, and me pausing and asking myself if it's REAL hunger or all in my head....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't really understand the concept of 'head hunger' when I'm hungry, I eat, it goes away. I don't see the idea of it. Except sometime I think I can eat a whole cow, and it only takes a few bites before I am good....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For me I drink a lot in between meals and keep busy doing stuff /exercise. I don't think I'm hunger but do battle with cravings. I just tell myself this is temporary till I get to goal. Head hunger is a b****h!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I thought I was hungry a lit until I started taking acid reducers...don't feel that way anymore unless I'm truly hungry.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i take enough acid reducers that could kill a small horse

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

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • 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

    ×