Hungry a lot post op

[T 33]

I’m 4 wks post op n I’m always hungry now. I’m craving hot dogs, burgers n fries. I feel ashamed when I indulge even if it’s a few bites. Any suggestions on how to stop these cravings or on how I can stay full. I have 60 g Protein daily n shakes n protein w Breakfast lunch n dinner n I’m still hungry. I also can eat more than 1/4 cup of food. I can eat almost a 1/2 cup. That doesn’t seem normal. I’m ashamed.

[Matt Z 4,140]

4 minutes ago, T said:

I’m 4 wks post op n I’m always hungry now. I’m craving hot dogs, burgers n fries. I feel ashamed when I indulge even if it’s a few bites. Any suggestions on how to stop these cravings or on how I can stay full. I have 60 g Protein daily n shakes n Protein w Breakfast lunch n dinner n I’m still hungry. I also can eat more than 1/4 cup of food. I can eat almost a 1/2 cup. That doesn’t seem normal. I’m ashamed.

Ok, first off, there is no such thing as "normal" with the bypass, everyone's surgery is different in some aspects. Even surgeries done by the same team, are going to have variations. AND everyone heals differently.

So, don't stress about "normal", worry about your requirements. I could down a full cup of food before 2 months was out, just make sure you are making good choices, do not drink for 30 mins after eating, I don't follow the before typically, but the after part is important to making sure you stay full and don't just flush everything through. And DO NOT eat and drink at the same time for the same reason.

Those cravings sound mental... find something that tastes good that's a good alternative to those foods. I love ice cream, couldn't live without it sort of like. I found Halo Top, low cal, low sugar, good taste. So it's a good "swap" for standard ice cream and it fits into my diet and restrictions with no issues. The trick isn't to deny, it's to defer. Don't deny yourself something, defer those cravings to something else that's close, but healthy.

Not sure why you are ashamed about how much you can eat... unless you did the surgery yourself... or are somehow willing yourself to want to eat more... you can't blame yourself for what's instinctual.

[T 33]

Love the feedback. Smile on my face. Just what I needed to here. Thks.

[SueSaBelle 57]

1 hour ago, Matt Z said:

Ok, first off, there is no such thing as "normal" with the bypass, everyone's surgery is different in some aspects. Even surgeries done by the same team, are going to have variations. AND everyone heals differently.

So, don't stress about "normal", worry about your requirements. I could down a full cup of food before 2 months was out, just make sure you are making good choices, do not drink for 30 mins after eating, I don't follow the before typically, but the after part is important to making sure you stay full and don't just flush everything through. And DO NOT eat and drink at the same time for the same reason.

Those cravings sound mental... find something that tastes good that's a good alternative to those foods. I love ice cream, couldn't live without it sort of like. I found Halo Top, low cal, low sugar, good taste. So it's a good "swap" for standard ice cream and it fits into my diet and restrictions with no issues. The trick isn't to deny, it's to defer. Don't deny yourself something, defer those cravings to something else that's close, but healthy.

Not sure why you are ashamed about how much you can eat... unless you did the surgery yourself... or are somehow willing yourself to want to eat more... you can't blame yourself for what's instinctual.

Matt as I get closer to my surgical date (9/5/2018) I am getting more anxious. I have done lots of reading and research so I know this is the right thing for me to do. As I scour these forums for last minute information, I have to tell you that your posts are very reassuring. It is funny because my husband is really supportive and reminds me that I will handle this like I handle everything, with grace and strength. However, it isn't the same as someone who as already traveled a similar road. I really do appreciate your advice and Thank you!

[MissLindseyR 110]

I'm two months out and I can eat about 1/2 a cup as well. When I was on the puree stage, I could honestly eat more. The foods slid down easily. One you eat real foods, you eat less, you also feel the restriction more. It took me some time though. I'm still learning how this new stomach works. Good luck to you!!!

[T 33]

Thks for input.

[BostonWLKC 807]

You’re doing just fine. As Matt said— I too could eat more than others. Main point is make sure the food counts- ie lean Proteins. I’m about 8 months post and eat about a cup - have been since very early on . Doesn’t seem to be slowing my progress- everyone is different.

You’re doing great :)

[FluffyChix 17,418]

On 8/30/2018 at 2:21 PM, Matt Z said:

Ok, first off, there is no such thing as "normal" with the bypass, everyone's surgery is different in some aspects. Even surgeries done by the same team, are going to have variations. AND everyone heals differently.

So, don't stress about "normal", worry about your requirements. I could down a full cup of food before 2 months was out, just make sure you are making good choices, do not drink for 30 mins after eating, I don't follow the before typically, but the after part is important to making sure you stay full and don't just flush everything through. And DO NOT eat and drink at the same time for the same reason.

Those cravings sound mental... find something that tastes good that's a good alternative to those foods. I love ice cream, couldn't live without it sort of like. I found Halo Top, low cal, low sugar, good taste. So it's a good "swap" for standard ice cream and it fits into my diet and restrictions with no issues. The trick isn't to deny, it's to defer. Don't deny yourself something, defer those cravings to something else that's close, but healthy.

Not sure why you are ashamed about how much you can eat... unless you did the surgery yourself... or are somehow willing yourself to want to eat more... you can't blame yourself for what's instinctual.

Hey @Matt Z just wondering, how much by volume and weight or just volume do you eat now at a meal? I could also eat 1 cup by about 2-3weeks out. I'm about a month before you. TIA!

[FluffyChix 17,418]

To the OP...eat those things. Just take the bread out of it. Use a low carb wrap for the hot dog, make it a turkey burger or lean beef. Make roasted butternut squash or sweet potato wedges and eat them dead last after Protein and a low glycemic veg. Or make subs.

I have Revolutionary Rolls on my website that sub for hot dog and hamburger Buns, as well as low carb tortillas and lots of stuff. But honestly, as much as I wanted those things, I just had no room for them, and trying a hotdog made me so nauseated at your stage.

Now, just wrapping them in lettuce does me. I get to pick them up in my hands and don't have to use a fork and knife. Also, we go to a lot of minor league baseball games. So I use the bun as a "delivery system" and push the hotdog or chili dog out the end of it. I take a bite, the push more out. Like a push pop. I end up with an empty shell of a bun. LOL. I still can't handle the big meaty dogs, but the crap-filled, "wonder dogs" where you wonder what's in em, go down ok now. I still have issues with real burgers, but can handle turkey or chicken burgers and homemade veggie burgers.

Edited September 2, 2018 by FluffyChix

[MarinaGirl 609]

Reminder: Just because you can eat a lot doesn’t mean you should. During surgery, many nerves are cut, which makes it possible to overeat in the early stages as you may not feel much restriction. As well, many foods/purées are slider foods so you won’t feel restriction the way you will with dense Protein. Don’t try to test your limits or seek fullness; instead, measure your food with a scale and only eat appropriate amounts per the stage you’re in. Eye balling portion sizes is a poor strategy as we weren’t very good at it pre-WLS. Therefore, until we’re in maintenance mode and have months/years of practice weighing our food we can’t just guess.

Edited September 2, 2018 by MarinaGirl

[BostonWLKC 807]

On 09/02/2018 at 12:33, MarinaGirl said:

Just because you can eat a lot doesn’t mean you should. During surgery, many nerves are cut, which makes it possible to overeat in the early stages as you may not feel much restriction. Don’t try to test your limits or seek fullness; instead, measure your food with a scale and only eat appropriate amounts per the stage you’re in. Eye balling portion sizes is a poor strategy as we weren’t very good at it pre-WLS. Therefore, until we’re in maintenance mode and have months/years of practice weighing our food we can’t just guess.

Exactly. Always weigh . For me it’s 3-4 oz but that may mean different volume of up to a cup so just be wary

[Matt Z 4,140]

On 9/2/2018 at 11:28 AM, FluffyChix said:

Hey @Matt Z just wondering, how much by volume and weight or just volume do you eat now at a meal? I could also eat 1 cup by about 2-3weeks out. I'm about a month before you. TIA!

I don't actually pay attention to sizes, weights or volumes. To be honest, I don't even count calories. I just make or take small portions and eat slowly being sure to stop early if I feel "full".