I am worried that being hungry so soon after surgery is not normal! I dont have trouble getting my fluids and protein shakes down, and every couple of hours I get hungry. I've been eating sugar free pudding, jello, and popsicles and chicken broth when I feel hungry. It doesn't take but a regular sized jello cup, sometimes half, to feel full, but I just dont know if I should even be hungry!

Head hunger and habit is what you are dealing with. Its the mental part of the post surgery process that you will need time to adjust to.

There are also studies that show people feel hungry at scheduled times because thats when they always ate.

We are creatures of habit and it can cause you plenty of problems post op.

Try to stay busy and keep your mind occupied and it will pass with time.

I sure hope it gets easier. I've been overweight my whole life, so I have zero experience with what "normal" eating looks like.

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lol don’t be affraid to eat when hungry, popsicles jello water go ahead and feed yourself. I was hungry the day after surgery just stick to the diet and listen to your body. It will get better the further out you get things will become more regular plus you’ll have more substance to keep you full longer.

I am 1 week post op too and I am right there with you. It's more than head hunger for me. I get that hunger feeling in my stomach every hour or so, but I find that drinking water helps satiate it.

Like the previous poster said, we just have to keep ourselves occupied

I agree with previous posts, but have you considered trying to reduce your use of artificial sweeteners? I would never discourage the use of artificial sweeteners if that’s what works for a person but some research indicates that artificial sweeteners may cause hunger and other changes in the body.
I chose to try to avoid anything sweetened, naturally or artificially. As a result, puréed carrots tasted sweet enough to be dessert. Nature’s candy [emoji846]

I had hunger too and it was not head hunger. You’re hardly eating anything...of course, some of us feel legitimately hungry. I found if I kept busying myself the hunger would pass after around 20 minutes. If you’re not already, make your best efforts to get your protein bc that may help. [emoji258]

You're not alone. It's common. It's "head" hunger and it isn't. I'm 2 weeks post op and I know exactly how you feel. I came home and I felt hungry, but I still would get full quickly. Do you feel hungry at all just after you've eaten? It's a weird thing that happens to me that it will feel like a hunger pang but my dietician said my body is out of sync and I'm eating too fast. Eat slow! My hunger feeling is SLOWLY going away, but it's all your brain and everything not understanding what the heck is going on. My roommate from the hospital (we found each other on Facebook) has the same issue so I'm glad it's not me.

I agree with previous posts, but have you considered trying to reduce your use of artificial sweeteners? I would never discourage the use of artificial sweeteners if that’s what works for a person but some research indicates that artificial sweeteners may cause hunger and other changes in the body.
I chose to try to avoid anything sweetened, naturally or artificially. As a result, puréed carrots tasted sweet enough to be dessert. Nature’s candy [emoji846]

The only artificial sweeteners I'm taking in are in the sugar free jello and such. I'm drinking just water.

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You're not alone. It's common. It's "head" hunger and it isn't. I'm 2 weeks post op and I know exactly how you feel. I came home and I felt hungry, but I still would get full quickly. Do you feel hungry at all just after you've eaten? It's a weird thing that happens to me that it will feel like a hunger pang but my dietician said my body is out of sync and I'm eating too fast. Eat slow! My hunger feeling is SLOWLY going away, but it's all your brain and everything not understanding what the heck is going on. My roommate from the hospital (we found each other on Facebook) has the same issue so I'm glad it's not me.

I don't feel hunger after I've just eaten. I feel it like every couple hours. And a few bites of jello or sips of water take care of it, it just worried me because I didnt know if it was normal to be feeling hunger so soon! I am so very glad I stumbled upon this forum and know that it isnt just me!

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On 5/2/2018 at 1:18 AM, Darin'Sharon said:

I am worried that being hungry so soon after surgery is not normal! I dont have trouble getting my fluids and Protein Shakes down, and every couple of hours I get hungry. I've been eating sugar free pudding, Jello, and popsicles and chicken broth when I feel hungry. It doesn't take but a regular sized jello cup, sometimes half, to feel full, but I just dont know if I should even be hungry!

I too get hungry at regular intervals and have since a few days out from surgery. I have talked to many others that get hungry as well. Not everyone is lucky enough to lose their appetite after surgery. I know that I was not.

Try drinking something if you feel hungry and it is not yet time to eat. Also, try taking a Tums or other antacid. Too much acid in the stomach does create what feels like hunger.

Hang in there and stick to the plan. You are not alone.