HUNGER - is it really reduced?

[bhopeful 33]

Does sleeve surgery really reduce hunger levels?

I had the band for about 10 years, which was recently taken out. It didn't stop or reduce my hunger. I have spent my whole adult life trying to eat less and being hungry a lot.

Wondering how many people who have the sleeve truly feel less hunger (not only restricted with amount that can be eaten)?

Thanks for any help .... so good getting info from people who have been through this. I am scared after the band not working!!!! But now want the sleeve but worried about whether it will work for me?

[jgriff63 3]

I had surgery on May 20...I never get hungry. I see commercials, and WANT to eat, but I really never feel hunger.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

It varies -- there are no guarantees. Some people do continue to experience true hunger. Others have extra stomach acid after surgery that makes them feel hungry (this can usually be controlled with a PPI). Others continue to struggle with head hunger -- craving that special food, or sweets, whatever, often triggered by ads for food or seeing other people eat something you like, Others do lose all hunger, but that's usually temporary. I lost all hunger for about 6-8 months, but then it came back with a vengeance, and I've had to learn appropriate strategies ("eat something" is not a good way to deal with hunger when you are trying to lose weight) to cope with it. There is a good chance you won't be hungry for a few to several months after surgery -- but you can't count on it, and you certainly can't count on it lasting. Learning cognitive behavioral techniques for dealing with hunger in advance is a good idea IMO.

[IcanMakeit 1,319]

My hunger returned fairly quickly after healing from surgery, but now (one year out) it's less irksome than it was presurgery. If I distract myself, I can wait for the next planned meal rather than feel compelled to snack. I don't know how long this will last, though.

[judyoz 240]

Yes I feel hunger but, it is easily gone by eating a 1/4 cup of food. Big difference in my opinion. I am one who eats about every 3 hours. And plan to continue to eat this way. Not that I cannot go longer, I just get hungry after 2-3 hours. It is amazing my diet now compared to 3 months ago. I love it.

[jeanniereenie 177]

I am almost 5 weeks out and I don't really experience hunger and if I do I am probably mistaking it for gas pain and so I just drink some Water and move on...I do have to remind myself that I should be eating so I try to every few hours..

so to answer the question I think its different for everyone, but yes I did lose my "hunger feeling"

[hishonor 3]

I had the sleeve back in March. I am hungry ALL THE TIME! I just try to be cognizant of what I am eating.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

It truly is different for each person. That is the one thing you can count on with this journey, each one is different. For me the hunger is gone but for some the hunger is therefrom day one.

The part of the stomach removed is where grehlin is produced, that is the enzyme that causes hunger but sometimes it is not ALL gone. The good news is even if you are hungry, you can drink or eat a small portion when appropriate and take care of it. Find something to do to distract you. Pay attention to see if you are "hungry" to old patterns like watching tv.

For me I love not being able to eat much at a time, I am only 5 weeks out at this point but it is working and I am grateful for that! Good luck!

[*Lexie* 1,486]

I'm almost 9 months out. I do get hungry but the feeling is more dull than it was pre-op, if that makes sense. It still takes a lot less food to fill me up and I stay full longer than before. I think there's a band to sleeve forum, some people that have had both may be a good resource for this question.

[missheidi47 127]

I'm almost 3 months out and I get hungry, but it's usually when it's probably time to eat. It's really hot in Charlotte right now, and my appetite is reduced because of the heat. I've been eating Greek yogurt for dinner, and I'm full after 5 ounces. I agree that the hunger is not as bothersome as it was before surgery. Also, because Water fills me up, I can drink Water to stave off the hunger for a bit.

[Deborah1960 22]

My sleeve was March 9th. I have no hunger. I eat on a schedule so I don't forget to eat sometimes. Just got home from a cruise and lost two pounds. I love my sleeve!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I am over two years out. I am often hungry. I make sure to eat a Protein heavy "snack" (about 3-4 bites) and I am satisfied for an hour or two. I eat 5-6 mini "meals" so it feels like I am eating all day, but in reality, I am eating very little. It works well for me.

[LisaPunkinHead 187]

I am four months out and I do feel hunger, and if I have gone 5 or 6 hours without eating I can feel that desperate hunger. But 3 ounces later I'm full. My challenge when I am that hungry is to still eat slowly so I don't make myself sick.

[Soapandcandlequeen 124]

I am never hungry.

[Riz2006 242]

For me yes. I'm rarely hungry. When I am I think it's more mental then physical.