I've stared having bad food dreams about 5 days post-op. They're mostly about sneaking and eating food that I know I can't have yet. I've been following my diet fine and I'm not hungry during the day but during my dreams, I'm ravenous. Anyone else having dreams like this?

We have an ingrained need to chew. The process of chewing release enzymes that help to break down food.

The last time you had something to eat, did you give any thought to how long you chewed? Most likely not, as chewing is done, for most people, almost as a habit or unconscious reflex. As soon as a piece of food enters your mouth, you chew and swallow, probably far too quickly.

The chewing process, also known as mastication, is actually extremely important, however, and serves as the first step in your digestive process.

Saliva contains digestive enzymes, so the longer you chew, the more time these enzymes have to start breaking down your food, making digestion easier on your stomach and small intestine. One of these enzymes is lingual lipase, an enzyme that helps break down fats, for example. Saliva also helps to lubricate your food so it’s easier on your esophagus.

Long story short - You have a subconscious need to chew. It may not be the food that you really miss but the act of chewing that is driving you crazy. If that is the problem then it should alleviate once you transition into the solid food stage.

We have an ingrained need to chew. The process of chewing release enzymes that help to break down food.
The last time you had something to eat, did you give any thought to how long you chewed? Most likely not, as chewing is done, for most people, almost as a habit or unconscious reflex. As soon as a piece of food enters your mouth, you chew and swallow, probably far too quickly.
The chewing process, also known as mastication, is actually extremely important, however, and serves as the first step in your digestive process.
Saliva contains digestive enzymes, so the longer you chew, the more time these enzymes have to start breaking down your food, making digestion easier on your stomach and small intestine. One of these enzymes is lingual lipase, an enzyme that helps break down fats, for example. Saliva also helps to lubricate your food so it’s easier on your esophagus.
Long story short - You have a subconscious need to chew. It may not be the food that you really miss but the act of chewing that is driving you crazy. If that is the problem then it should alleviate once you transition into the solid food stage.

I don't have the desire when I'm awake. Only when I'm asleep and dreaming. I'm not even hungry during the day. I have to fight to get my protein and fluid in. But thank you for that. I do think my subconscious wants to chew.

Many patients after surgery describe hunger as "head hunger" or a false hunger.

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery and I did not experience this condition. But here is a link to a thread about this issue with sleeve patients. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/191057-false-hunger-from-acid/ Generally various individuals said that head hunger was caused by acid in your stomach. The solution they found was to take a proton-pump inhibitor such as omeprazole (also called over the counter Prilosec) to alleviate the condition. In my case even though I had gastric bypass, my surgeon had me on omeprazole for a year after surgery to allow my stomach to heal properly.

At this point since you are only 5 days post-op, I wouldn't worry too much at this point. It could be head hunger or it could be a strong desire to chew.

I'm not worried about it. Just wanted to see if anyone else was experiencing the same kind of dreams. Since I'm only seven days post-op, I figured someone experienced it as well. But thank you again.

Oh, It will happen. It is your subconscious coming to the surface and trying to make you give into your wants. Honestly, I had a dream about going into the Supermarket full of Edy's Ice Cream with a spoon and opening all the Ice Cream and taking a spoon full, eating it and then putting them back in their place .

I do not think it is something to truly worry about. As long as you are doing what is needed to succeed you should be fine.