Hey everybody I've switched over from pre forum to post. I had my surgery on Monday. I have some personal questions I can't find the answers to.

First off, I am extremely mentally hungry. Like I could eat a whole pizza hungry. The food craving haven't gone away. I thought cutting out the stomach took away some of the hunger hormone?

Next question: (TMI) I am very constipated. Merilax is not doing anything. What can I do?

Are you taking a PPI? If not, what you may perceive as hunger may in fact be acid. And/or, you may be experiencing "head" hunger. It is common to crave food when we are used to using food to regulate out moods and it is no longer an option after surgery.

As to the constipation, in addition to the Miralax, make sure you are getting in all of your fluids. Miralax only works with enough Water in your system, plus the hydration will also help relieve your constipation. Some diluted prune juice may help, too.

You may also want to talk to your doctor if either the cravings/hunger and/or the constipation persists.

If you're really constipated, Miralax is not going to help what is right there and needs to come out. It will help down the road with what you're eating and drinking. Go and get a fleets enema.

Make sure you're drinking a lot of Water every single day.

I also think if you're not on a PPI that would help with the "hunger". I'm three weeks post op and still haven't felt hunger (everyone is different).

Also, I wasn't able to go to the bathroom till I was 2 weeks post op. I would call your doctor to see if they have any suggestions.

What is PPI?

Make sure you're drinking a lot of Water every single day.

I'll second that - water content of stool is what the difference *is* between diarrhea at one extreme and constipation at the other extreme. If you are dehydrated, I imagine your intestine is inhibited from secreting water into the waste. With a small stomach you can't chug water, but the idea is just to keep sipping water or unsweetened tea all day long.

I had some similar issues a week post op and my doctor gave me a perception and it did wonders.

What is PPI?

PPI is Protein Pump Inhibitor. Most people need to be on one after surgery to avoid acid reflux. Nexium, Prilosec are both PPIs

The head hunger doesn't go away for everyone. There are days I want to eat non stop and other days very little. The PPIs helped me in the beginning but not so much now. It's a struggle.... As for your constipation, I'd try an enema. You don't want to get too backed up!

I had surgery 10 days ago. I was thinking The same thing the first week I was home because I was having cravings and I felt hungry. I think it was all in my head because it went away as soon as I took a sip of my Protein shake or some Water. I was thinking, why didn't my hunger hormone leave. But after trying soft foods I now know I get full fast and am not hungry most of the time.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What is PPI?

A PPI Is a proton Pump Inhibitor, like Nexium or prilosec

I am 2 weeks post-op tomorrow and I can not wait to start pureed foods. I too am having head hunger. Driving to the hardware store, I was amazed at how many restaurants I passed. I drive this route all of the time and do not usually see any of the restaurants. I am hoping that I am just thinking about food all the time because it is prohibited. I am hoping that once I do get to eat and realize that food has not been taken away from me forever, I will stop thinking about food.