I had VSG on Thursday, May 24th. I stayed one night in the hospital and have been home since then. While my body doesn’t really feel hungry my head hunger has not gone away. When I wake up I think what am I going to have for breakfast? And I’m immediately disappointed when i realize my options are only a few since I’m on the clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. While it is difficult, seeing that there is a difference between real hunger and head hunger is not something I really considered before. I’m definitely feeling the loss of food as a comfort mechanism. Anybody had a similar experience?

OMG I am sure this is going to be an issue for me. My surgery is in one week (June 4). I can't imagine how I'm going to survive 2 weeks of liquids. Hoping the sleeve itself takes away those hunger pangs. Observing all the before/after pictures of successful VSG folks makes me realize the weight doesn't come off easily. So I'm inspired by those who went before me and they made it, and so will you and I!!

Edited May 28, 20188 yr by Hope2018

Almost everyone experiences this. Food is a big part of our lives or we wouldn't be here in the first place. Surgery will not fix your head or change the relationship you have with food. In that sense, the surgery is the "easy" part of the journey. The hard part is developing new coping skills and healthier habits. Use the honeymoon period after your surgery to really focus on those issues so that when hunger returns, you have a system in place. Understand, some people don't get the honeymoon period. For whatever reason, they remain hungry after surgery. Even so, their new tool restricts the amount of food that they can eat and they still have to ensure that they're filling their tiny tummy with healthy options.

One rule of thumb that I learned from another poster: When you're hungry, figure out whether you're hungry for something specific, (especially if you've just seen a mouth-watering burger commercial on tv) or just generally hungry and a healthy choice will satisfy. If you're craving one specific food, it's probably head hunger and you need to try and distract yourself. If it's general, then you probably are hungry and need some nutrition in you.

Personally, I'm seeing a therapist for a while to help me work on my food issues. I've got too much invested in this process to fail and I want to give it my best shot.

Edited May 28, 20188 yr by Orchids&Dragons

Yes, I had the exact same experience. I had never realized that head hunger and physical hunger actually feel the same. I foresee managing head hunger to be a life long struggle. I just focus on my goal, and try to make good choices.

Good advice. I'm also engaging a therapist to help me through this life changing event. I have seen her once, but I will see her every two weeks after my surgery. I like the way you defined head hunger versus real hunger.

Head hunger is real. I start my day with 24oz of water. I make sure I drink first because it helps get all of my water in if I start with water also it helps me feel less hunger. Then I can make a better decision of what I am going to eat. Best of luck to you and remember one day at a time.

12 hours ago, SallyH said:

I had VSG on Thursday, May 24th. I stayed one night in the hospital and have been home since then. While my body doesn’t really feel hungry my head hunger has not gone away. When I wake up I think what am I going to have for Breakfast? And I’m immediately disappointed when i realize my options are only a few since I’m on the clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. While it is difficult, seeing that there is a difference between real hunger and head hunger is not something I really considered before. I’m definitely feeling the loss of food as a comfort mechanism. Anybody had a similar experience?

Oh my goodness yes. I had my on Wednesday, May 23rd. I do not feel hungry, but my "'head hunger" almost accidentally tried a pizza my daughter brought home for dinner tonight! Oh! The pain that would have caused! I hope you are doing well.