Hi. I'm almost 4 weeks post op. I posted a few weeks ago saying that I felt no restriction when I drank and was reassured that once I started real food, that would change. Well, I've just started chicken, eggs etc and still feel nothing. I don't know when to stop eating. I am always hungry. I've lost 12lbs in 4 weeks. What am I doing wrong?!? I feel like the sleeve just isn't working. Any advice please??

I'm not eating a chicken breast AND an omelet at the same sitting. The chicken is the size of the palm of my hand, which my NUT says is the correct portion size.

@@suemag66 - Are you actually eating a 3 egg omelet?

Are you on a PPI of any kind?

A chicken breast the size of your palm is fine. That's probably 3 ounces. It's the constant hunger that may be the issue. That could be acid which could be manage by a constant dosage of a PPI like omeprazole. How are you doing with your fluids? Are you able to drink 64 ounces each day?

I take Carafete which I think is for acid. Have been taking that since day 1. I drink at least 64oz of water. Every time the hunger gets to be too much and it's not time to eat, I drink.

@@suemag66 - What dosage are you on? You may need to increase it. When I took omeprazole I found I needed to increase the initial dosage in order for it to be effective.

Carafate is used to treat ulcers. It forms a protective barrier to help ulcers heal. It is not a PPI or antacid. It does nothing to reduce acid. Not sure why your surgeon has you on it unless you have ulcers or taking other Meds (like steroids or NSAIDS) that put you at risk for an ulcer.

You can try taking omeprazole (Prilosec), famotidine, ranitidine, or even just Rolaids or maalox to see if they help,with your hunger. Just don't take them at the same time as your carafate or they won't absorb well.

Edited November 24, 201510 yr by Kindle

I'm supposed to take 1 teaspoon every 6 hours but have only been taking it in the morning and at night. Thanks for the heads up about that. I'm going to increase my dosage.

I'm supposed to take 1 teaspoon every 6 hours but have only been taking it in the morning and at night. Thanks for the heads up about that. I'm going to increase my dosage.

See my post above. Carafate does nothing for acid.

I actually don't know why I take Carafete then. I was prescribed it after surgery. I had a hiatal hernia repaired. Guess I'll be calling my dr again.

And I'll try the Prilosec. Thanks for the advice.

My guess is that in theory, the carafate will coat the incision line as if it were an ulcer, thus protecting it from the stomach acid and helping it heal. I've just never heard of it used that way. But who knows, you may have a cutting edge surgeon.

@@suemag66 - Talk to your doctor. I would definitely try the prilosec or generic omeprazole. Start with 20 mgs and if there is no relief increase to 40. It may take up to a week before you can notice a difference. Also ask about discontinuing the carafete. It may have just been a precaution due to the hernia repair.

I am also disappointment in the lack of restriction I feel. I'm also disappointed in how hungry I am even after taking 40mg of omeprazole. I am doing great, feeling great, losing weight (slowly) but I can eat way more than I should be able to eat and from time to time I do. I'm always disappointed in myself but that part of me wasn't changed by surgery. At least I can't eat 3,500 calories a day like I used to - or more on a really bad day. A bad day now is 1,800 so that's an improvement. The surgery was still a big help but I wish I was like others I see on here who can't eat very much.

One more thought, are you eating/drinking artificial sweeteners? I'm always starving but when I took a break from caffeine and artificial sweeteners, I almost had no hunger.

You should have had an upper GI at the hospital for your LEAK test before they released you. I would contact the radiology department and get a copy of your findings or look for it on "my chart" or similar patient portal with your other test results. The radiologist is the second opinion. Mine said "findings of surgical defect consistent with sleeve gastrectomy", no leak, no obstruction. Do NOT tip off anyone from your surgeons office that you are looking for it or else it might "get lost". They may have even recorded your upper GI. Mine even saved mine to a dvd for me. Not because I was investigating my doctor though who was brilliant and wonderful and literally did everything right but just for fun. Good luck!