Is it normal to feel hungry so soon after surgery?

I'm not sure hungry is the right word for what I'm experiencing. I'm feeling sensations that I would have called hunger pangs in the past. Stomach growling, rumblings going up to my throat, etc. Sometimes it's physically painful, sometimes it's just irritating.

But at the end of the day, I know I don't physically want food. I can usually settle it with a Protein shake, but it's happening far more often than I would like.

Is this hunger? Is this gas? Is it something else?

it's very normal for your stomach to be making all kinds of sounds....this is not hunger....it's your stomach healing and gas. I am a little over 5 weeks out and mine still makes crazy sounds and it's exactly like you described.....just drink some Water and don't mix it up with being hungry. My stomach actually makes more sounds when I've eaten or drank something.............going for a walk sometimes settles mine down as well. Good luck!

Same thing happened to me. At my 2 week follow up I mentioned this to the nutritionist wondering if the surgeon truly removed the ghrelin. (stupid, i know)

This has since gone away. Perhaps it was a results of having only liquids because I don't feel that hunger since progressing to pureed foods.

I have also needed to learn the difference between hunger and having an empty stomach. My stomach was never empty before surgery. If my stomach felt empty, I put more food in it.

Hang in there....each week gets exponentially better!

Is it normal to feel hungry so soon after surgery?

I'm not sure hungry is the right word for what I'm experiencing. I'm feeling sensations that I would have called hunger pangs in the past. Stomach growling, rumblings going up to my throat, etc. Sometimes it's physically painful, sometimes it's just irritating.

But at the end of the day, I know I don't physically want food. I can usually settle it with a Protein shake, but it's happening far more often than I would like.

Is this hunger? Is this gas? Is it something else?

You may want to check with your surgeon. We are not allowed any Water or ice. Just straight G2 and its good. We have to have no less than 60 oz of fluids a day. Its been 2 weeks since my MGB and I can sure tell the difference. Good luck and always ask your Dr before asking on here. Your Dr knows best.

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It may be stomach acid. Are you on a PPI?

I am 10 days post op and I crave (at times) chewing. So I will grab some Jello and make sure that I chew it. I know I am not hungry for food, I think I am starting to miss the idea of food (if that makes sense). When I am busy, walking, working around the house (small projects), I totally forget this "craving" and sometimes I also forget to drink my fluids as well. Not sure if my insight on myself helps.

Good Luck and Congrats on making the change!

It may be stomach acid. Are you on a PPI?

Yes, I take a pill every night.

It sounds like gas to me. I have had it since the first few ice chips I had in the hospital on day 2. Almost sounds like your stomach is growling and I also get what I call the "dry burps" that I used to associate with having an empty stomach and being hungry but it's actually just gas. I personally also get that way (bubbling and gassy) during and/or after I'm eating anything. For me, most of the pain I've had post op is also from gas. I got pains just below my ribs which is worse in the morning after laying in bed all night. I'm now on day 8 (including surgery day) and the gas has calmed down quite a bit as well as the below-rib pains so it DOES get better. Maybe try some GasX thin strips. They do help some.

@@Lizardlady Was your surgery on the 15th? Me too!

@@Lizardlady Was your surgery on the 15th? Me too!

Yes it was! Very early morning.