I'm on Day 7 post op Gastric bypass & I want a bagel. Not a whole bagel just a bite. I don't want any more protein shakes, no jello, no more cottage cheese, just a bite of a bagel. Is that normal ? Am I abnormal? Wasn't this surgery supposed to take away your hunger? Please share your experiences.

The surgery takes away your stomach hunger but not your head hunger which is what you are dealing with right now. It is normal but also a beast! Eventually, you will look back at this and laugh and wonder why it was such a big deal. But in the moment, it does feel like a big deal. I remember dreaming of biting into a chocolate frosted doughnut! I didn't have one and eventually, when I was able to start eating real food, that went away. Just hang in there and follow the plan--it is tough but you won;t regret it!! Best of luck

I had a lot of head hunger after surgery. I read early on that drinking Water helps (plus, we need to get our fluids in). However it was hard to drink that much In the beginning post op. About 2-3 weeks after surgery drinking water became much easier. Now, when I'm hungry I grab some water - and it helps with the hunger. Sleeved 1/12/17.

Chewing is part of eating. The process of chewing releases chemicals within you body that help you digest food. Therefore when you are restricted to liquids or pureed foods you are missing this process. So once you transition to solid foods, this problem should go away.

I think that's what I am missing the most. The chewing. Oh well this too shall pass.

we are starting a whole new lifestyle and like any change they are hard. just keep doing what you are told and it will get better. however if it continues get counselling for the head hunger or go to oa. that is what I had to do so I would not continue to eat the wrong things and trigger cravings. best of luck to you

I'm 3 days post-op so this question has been on my mind as well. All I can think about is food but mainly popcorn. I'm so thankful for this forum as I know less than a handful of people that have gone through the same/similar surgery.

I had my surgery on the 8th and I am CRAVING pizza. I won't eat it, and I'm not physically hungry but my head says that I want it. I have talked to my nutritionist and psychiatrist about it but they say it's normal because I am changing everything about the way and live and eat and my whole relationship with food. It's an addiction for me and that's what's been the hardest.

Try a sugar free popsicle. That has helped with my head hunger so far. Sleeved 2/9

Ahh great idea. Thanks

14 days post-op and I've had the same problem. I find chewing sugar free gum and sugar free fruit bars to help a lot. Yes, I know they say don't chew gum because of swallowing it and it getting stuck. Well I'm a grown adult and have never swallowed gum unless I wanted too. I'm very careful and don't drink with it in my mouth. I swear the sensation of chewing has helped me tremendously! Good luck! Gastric bypass 1/30/17

I'm eating SF jello and SF popcicles to help my cravings. For me I think it's a mental issue that I need to learn how to manage. I didn't receive any of the pre-op counseling or meet with a dietitian. In fact, my first meeting with a dietitian was one day after my surgery. I'm not sure why those appointments were not set up for me. My surgery was done more for health reasons rather than weight loss, but nevertheless I still have to go through the same graduated diet plan as everyone else who has the surgery. Gastric Diversion 2/9