I was just wondering if anybody else has struggled with the issues i've been dealing with so far (8 days post op.) I have lost 12 pounds so far! However, I still do not feel "full" even after drinking slightly more than I probably should (I'm embarassed to admit it!). I am struggling to sip slowly (I eat slowly but have always been a gulper and those little plastic cups aren't helping matters!) Does the slightly hungry feeling ever go away? Please help!!! thank you. - Marisa

Hey there, @@marisaxily I have two things for you to keep in mind at this point:

1 - your stomach's nerves were severed in the surgical process, and it's going to take some time for them to repair. Please be careful while drinking/eating as you may not feel it if you are actually stressing your sutures, but it certainly may be happening. Once your nerves heal up, you will definitely feel it when you're full. Some people have other odd sensations to accompany the full feeling, like hiccups, pressure in the sternum, burping, and some people even sneeze when they are full. Weird, right?! It must be a nerve thing.

2 - it may be tough right now, but it's important to use this time post op to teach yourself that being full and feeling full are two entirely separate things. We can't eat until we feel like our stomachs are stuffed anymore. Not only is it not healthy but it's not safe, especially in the beginning when everything is healing. That's why it's so important to take it slow, measure your food/drink, and try to be as aware of your internal feelings as possible. Your body has a whole new language, and so do you. Eventually it becomes much easier to communicate with it. In the meantime, take it easy! Focus on getting in your liquids and Protein, and sleep as much as possible.

Good luck to you! If I can ever help you at all, feel free to friend or message me anytime.

I had my surgery on the 22nd so am on the same schedule. I am not having any problems drinking - I wouldn't say I gulp but I'm not sure I'm sipping either. I wish I had practiced this more. I have at least 64 oz of Water and 32 oz shake for 108g Protein each day. The nurse tells me I can't stretch my pouch with liquids but I worry about it. I have only lost about four pounds since surgery and feel hungry all the time.

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