What is Starvation Mode? Or just a stall? But wait, I not hungry either....arrggg

GeTnBackuP · November 16, 2017

I am 5'2" and had surgery on Halloween, Oct 31st.

Surgery Weight was 211 and am currently at 202 for the last four days. I'm two weeks out and thought I'd have at least the weight loss I experienced while on the pre-diet (13 pounds)

I have started a pureed stage and am kind of forcing myself to eat since I'm really just not hungry. Also, when I do eat I am having problems distinguishing when I am full- seems like I can't tell until I've taken that last spoonful that makes me hurt and feel full and bloated. And I stay that way for quite a long time- feel full overnight even and just dont want to eat, not even hungry when I wake up. I do wake up with energy, Im happy, ready to tackle the day, but feel tired as crap by the end of the day, Poops are either normal or the runs- I owe that to my gall bladder being taken out since that's when that started....I am guessing that the runs mean I'm not absorbing the nutrients I need to, which is not good..but then why do I still feel full? Oy Vey....

My son is worried Im not getting enough calories and may experience starvation mode- can someone explain what starvation mode is and what it means to a brand new VSG patient?

I don't know if there are a few things going on here (bloaty fullness, no hunger, not consuming enough calories, the dreaded stall) or nothing at all but I dont know what I don't know, so any advice is welcome!

mamamc32 · November 16, 2017

At two weeks out, your body is going through CRAZY adjustments. You just delivered a huge shock to your digestive system, so the poop issues are fairly normal. That gets better as you start eating more "real" food.

Eat the amounts and foods your doctor tells you to eat - even if you don't feel hungry. If you physically can't do it (it hurts, you get sick, etc.), call your doc.

You are definitely in starvation mode - we all are after surgery. You can't eat enough to sustain yourself. That's why it's really, really important that you eat what your doctor tells you and get your protein/fluids in. Short-term, if it's medically managed, starvation mode is not a huge concern. Your doctor will monitor you to make sure you are getting what you need. When it's time to start taking your bariatric Vitamins, make sure you take them.

I suspect you'll be feeling a lot better when you transition over to real food. That made a HUGE difference for me. I'm still wiped out at night, but I feel so much more happy and energetic during the day.

Oh, and the stall . . . because you're so close to surgery, I wouldn't really call it a stall yet. I bet your body is just a little "freaked out" still. Just really focus on getting your Protein and Fluid, and you'll continue to make progress.

GeTnBackuP · November 17, 2017

22 hours ago, mamamc32 said:

At two weeks out, your body is going through CRAZY adjustments. You just delivered a huge shock to your digestive system, so the poop issues are fairly normal. That gets better as you start eating more "real" food.

Eat the amounts and foods your doctor tells you to eat - even if you don't feel hungry. If you physically can't do it (it hurts, you get sick, etc.), call your doc.

You are definitely in starvation mode - we all are after surgery. You can't eat enough to sustain yourself. That's why it's really, really important that you eat what your doctor tells you and get your protein/fluids in. Short-term, if it's medically managed, starvation mode is not a huge concern. Your doctor will monitor you to make sure you are getting what you need. When it's time to start taking your bariatric Vitamins, make sure you take them.

I suspect you'll be feeling a lot better when you transition over to real food. That made a HUGE difference for me. I'm still wiped out at night, but I feel so much more happy and energetic during the day.

Oh, and the stall . . . because you're so close to surgery, I wouldn't really call it a stall yet. I bet your body is just a little "freaked out" still. Just really focus on getting your Protein and Fluid, and you'll continue to make progress.

Thanks for this mamamc32, i totally get the body being "freaked out" thing. My second doc appointment isnt until the end of the month but I think I will give him a call. My new stomach just feels bloated and even though its not painful, it is uncomfortable and I cant even really sip without getting that more bloated feeling. blech....