I’m 2 days shy of being 5 weeks post op. I’m constantly hungry, I eat proteins all meals and I don’t feel restriction. I just mentally stop at 3-4 oz cause I’m not really sure how far I should take it?

Hi Fluffy

if you go hunting, one of the most common threads you will find here is “I am x weeks post op and I feel no restriction!” It is REALLY common so do t sweat. I almost convinced myself that my surgeon did no bypass and only cut me open and sewed me up again!

It settles. You learn to read it - but it takes learning! The restriction for me generally acts more like “meh, that’s enough eating cos I have better things to do” - more like a disappearing food drive than a physical full/squeeze feeling. If I DO eat too much it shows 10 minutes later - pain, hot sweats and sometimes I fall asleep! So I try and avoid that!!

Meanwhile, you are a learner driver for that tummy, so just take it easy, stick to your plan - that is why they gave you a plan!

x

Thanks! That was a good read? I appreciate the reassurance cause I was about to call my doctor and say “ Helllloooo” I paid cash. I expect nothing but the top shelf!! Lol

Edited September 25, 20187 yr by fluffy562

4 hours ago, Biddy zz said:

The restriction for me generally acts more like “meh, that’s enough eating cos I have better things to do” - more like a disappearing food drive than a physical full/squeeze feeling.

Many, many times this!

10 minutes ago, KimTriesRNY said:

Many, many times this!

Oh, that is good! I thought it was only me!! It SO isn’t what I was expecting!

I’m 2 days shy of being 5 weeks post op. I’m constantly hungry, I eat Proteins all meals and I don’t feel restriction. I just mentally stop at 3-4 oz cause I’m not really sure how far I should take it?

If you are on liquids still you likely won't feel restriction yet. I didn't feel it until I transitioned to pureed food

I’m on my own. No more liquid, purée or soft.

Surgeons hugely vary in the plans they give us. Most would still have you, 5 weeks post op, on a plan. The plans seemed designed to A let your new tummy settle in gently and B even more importantly, give your brain a chance to learn some new behaviours.

Because in the end, we have a new tool but unless we change how we eat, weight regain is a distinct possibility. We all (or most) start out wishing this wasn’t true, but we soon learn it is - BUT with the tool, it is easier than we imagined!

Go look on the forums dealing with food, eating plans. Look around - you’ll find a few that people helpfully post. They’re kinda similar but vary a bit - find one that feels right. Use it to guide your eating - meals a day, meal size, protein/fat/carbs. My surgeon gave me NO guide (I was eating solids before I left hospital. He didn’t even support protein powders! Just “stick to three meals a day”) but I adopted one to help my thinking,my meal planning, my shopping, my new habit formation. It made the world of difference!

Edited September 26, 20187 yr by Biddy zz

Also, it could be stomach acid making it feel like hunger. Are you taking omeprazole or something?

I’m on Prilosec. I can eat 3-4 oz of protein and then I stop and 20 mins later my stomach feels empty. Like I didn’t eat.

6 hours ago, fluffy562 said:

I’m on Prilosec. I can eat 3-4 oz of Protein and then I stop and 20 mins later my stomach feels empty. Like I didn’t eat.

You're making sure you aren't drinking 30 minutes before or after and overall drinking enough fluids throughout the rest of the day? Sometimes if you're not drinking enough it can feel like hunger and if you drink near eating it can flush the food out before it gets a chance to digest leaving you feeling hungry.

I went through the same thing!

The magic addition for me was fiber. Filling in with a few more vegetables really helped and some metamucil occasionally too.

You will find a new normal, everyone is different and you will find what works for you.

Thanks. I will try more fiber. And yes I stop drinking 30 mins before and 30 mins after.

I also have a larger pouch with quick movement. So I also focus on dry dense proteins, LOTs of al dente and leafy veggies, small amounts of healthy fats. And I don't drink for 2 hours after a meal and 15mins before. I stay super hydrated and then 20 mins before I water load and drink probably a whole 16oz bottle of water, finishing with sips at the 15 minute mark. Then nothing until after the meal for 2 hours. Then drink with sips until right before the next meal. It's really helped a lot. But they say you should not do this until at least 3-4 months out or even 6 months when your pouch is healed.

tara your explanation made some of the things my surgeon has said click thank you for writing that out!

Me too. I feel much less restriction than I expected, and I'm hungry all the time. I have definitely not had the no ghrelin=no hunger experience. You're not alone.