I’m 5 days out today and this evening I am sooo hungry. I have eaten a sugar free popsicle and have been sipping water but nothing is helping. Anyone else feel hungry this early on in post op and if so any suggestions?

I'm only 3 days out and not at all hungry. When did your hunger begin? Are you taking a PPI?

Hi Surgery Sibling!

I'm also five days out. Today has been crazy for me. Lots of tummy rumbling, growly, and cramping. Also quite emotional. Whew! That'll wear ya out!

I have had moments that I thought I was hungry then realized I had forgotten to take my PPI. I hope that helps you!

Wishes for continued good healing!

I'm 7 weeks out, unfortunately I wasn't one of those that lost their hunger. It was a very dramatic hunger the first 2 weeks, like my stomach was physically turning inside out, uncomfortable really. I just made sure I had something with me so I could eat every 2-3 hrs. I still get hungry every 2-3 hrs but its much more manageable now and I can ignore it if I chose.

I have never been on a PPI, it's not part of my surgeon's protocol and I have had no issue with reflux.

Acid can cause empty gnawing sensations that mimic hunger and that's the only symptom, no other "reflux" feelings. You might ask your doctor about a proton pump inhibitor on get some over the counter omeprazole. I needed it for a solid three months. With it the "hunger" was gone.

I am not on a PPI but I was prescribed heartburn medicine but I haven’t taken any because I didn’t feel I needed it. Are you all saying I should take it and see if it helps the hunger?

I'm 7 weeks out, unfortunately I wasn't one of those that lost their hunger. It was a very dramatic hunger the first 2 weeks, like my stomach was physically turning inside out, uncomfortable really. I just made sure I had something with me so I could eat every 2-3 hrs. I still get hungry every 2-3 hrs but its much more manageable now and I can ignore it if I chose.
I have never been on a PPI, it's not part of my surgeon's protocol and I have had no issue with reflux.

Oh wow sorry to hear that. I have the same growling feeling. I’m not on a PPI either. I will continue to follow the all liquid diet I was just hoping I wasn’t the only one hungry 5 days out.

I don't have firsthand experience, but I've seen others on here recommend taking a PPI if you have hunger/rumbling because it can mimic hunger. It's worth a try.

I am not on a PPI but I was prescribed heartburn medicine but I haven’t taken any because I didn’t feel I needed it. Are you all saying I should take it and see if it helps the hunger?

YES!

Oh wow sorry to hear that. I have the same growling feeling. I’m not on a PPI either. I will continue to follow the all liquid diet I was just hoping I wasn’t the only one hungry 5 days out.

Try one! Talk to your doctor or omeprazole is available over the counter.

Perhaps I spoke too soon because I feel like I'm getting hungry also and I'm taking a PPI. I'm having a very difficult time drinking shakes but bone broth is filling for me.

Perhaps I spoke too soon because I feel like I'm getting hungry also and I'm taking a PPI. I'm having a very difficult time drinking shakes but bone broth is filling for me.

You might need an increased dose. I needed double my initial dose.

Just a note on omeprazole (prilosec). Unlike other PPIs, omeprazole does not work immediately, it can take up to 4 days to kick in.

I thought that was true of all PPI's, it's not? I took protonix/pantaproxole.

I think you are right Jess, I was thinking of famotidine and ranitidine, but those are not PPI's.

I agree that a PPI might be helpful. I was put on one in the early stages and I had very little hunger and when I did it was mild. My doctor took me off it at 9 months post op.