Does the hunger ever go away?

[veroa 9]

Had my surgery on 12/10. About to go into my second week of pureed foods. I’ve been really good about following the post-op instructions.

Does the hunger ever go away? A big reason I went ahead with the surgery was that I was told that with gastric sleeve, you don’t feel so hungry. Honestly, I was relying on that. For the past few weeks I crave everything I see on tv, my husband eats, etc. And I feel hungry enough that I could eat that entire burger and fries, or two slices of pizza (my usual pizza intake before surgery), or whatever. It’s not just bad foods. Good healthy food also makes me salivate. Obviously I don’t, because it’s not allowed. But I was hoping that I wouldn’t be so hungry, which makes the cravings worse.

Also, when I eat my pureed food, I can get in between 3-4 oz. And I eat tiny spoonfuls and very slowly (30-40 mins). When I stop, it’s not because my stomach feels full/satisfied. It’s because I feel pain in my stomach. Does that make sense? And an hour later I think I feel hungry again but by this point I’m trying to get fluids with GENEPRO in. I just basically feel hungry all day. Even though I eat 4 times a day and I’m getting my fluids in.

[Wickedwinner 140]

I’m basically the same. Yesterday was my 3 week mark. I can tolerate everything and I never feel full. Getting very frustrated.


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[Orchids&Dragons 9,046]

9 hours ago, veroa said:

Had my surgery on 12/10. About to go into my second week of pureed foods. I’ve been really good about following the post-op instructions.

Does the hunger ever go away? A big reason I went ahead with the surgery was that I was told that with gastric sleeve, you don’t feel so hungry. Honestly, I was relying on that. For the past few weeks I crave everything I see on tv, my husband eats, etc. And I feel hungry enough that I could eat that entire burger and fries, or two slices of pizza (my usual pizza intake before surgery), or whatever. It’s not just bad foods. Good healthy food also makes me salivate. Obviously I don’t, because it’s not allowed. But I was hoping that I wouldn’t be so hungry, which makes the cravings worse.

Also, when I eat my pureed food, I can get in between 3-4 oz. And I eat tiny spoonfuls and very slowly (30-40 mins). When I stop, it’s not because my stomach feels full/satisfied. It’s because I feel pain in my stomach. Does that make sense? And an hour later I think I feel hungry again but by this point I’m trying to get fluids with GENEPRO in. I just basically feel hungry all day. Even though I eat 4 times a day and I’m getting my fluids in.

The "full" feeling is different after surgery. You have to learn what it feels like to you. If you get to pain, you've gone too far. Right now, focus on the amounts your team said to eat. Don't try to hit "full".

I found cravings to be brutal until I got to real foods. I just wanted to frikkin' chew something! Some of this will die down, but cravings do continue. Head hunger is really tough.

If you're feeling hungry again an hour after you eat, try a Tums. Stomach acid can mimic hunger. If the Tums "cures" the hunger in a few minutes, check with your surgeon about medicine to reduce stomach acid. Hope this helps. It will all be worth it.

[veroa 9]

@Orchids&Dragons It helps. Got a prescription for antacid from dr before surgery, but I haven't felt heartburn or anything similar so I haven't taken it. I'll try it out and see if it makes a difference.

[Wickedwinner 140]

Good news! Tonight, for the first time I had grilled salmon. It was the first thing of real substance that isn’t too soft. I ate about 5oz and I was full! Like really full! I could’ve stopped at 4oz and been full. I tolerated it fine but really felt in my esophagus, which hasn’t happened before. It gives me hope that my sleeve will work as intended. Now to get out of the stall...


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[Walter.Sobchak 978]

I think the surgeons really oversell the “you won’t feel hunger” thing. Also, there will be plenty of people on here to tell you that you aren’t really hungry, it is all in your head aka head hunger.
Let me tell you, I was starving the morning after surgery and ravenous for days following surgery.
Does the hunger ever go away? No I do not believe it does. Your stomach can simply hold less than it used to and you have to make smart decisions as to what you are putting in your stomach.

[Julesluv4beauty 3]

I am 23 days post op. I felt exactly what you are feeling and it is absolutely normal. Let’s remember that a PORTION of the stomach was removed,not the entire thing. So feeling hunger is normal. When taking my antacid medicine twice a day everyday in a timely manner, I felt the “ hunger” pains diminish. Also making sure I get my fluids and Protein Shakes in is key. Be strong and remember it is mind over matter. #wecandoit.

[donnalee516 4]

I’m basically the same. Yesterday was my 3 week mark. I can tolerate everything and I never feel full. Getting very frustrated.


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I'm completely opposite. My surgery was 12-28-18 and I can barely get 4 of those 2oz liquids in right now (still liquids till the 11th). I've just gotten to the place I can drink 40oz of Water a day. I do get hungry but once I do my little shot glass, IM STUFFED and feel like I'm gonna explode. I've actually cooked for my hubby a couple times which I never thought I would be doing. We KNOW this is ONLY a small tool that we are to use. Psychological states 75% is MENTAL so we have to put all those bad eating/thinking habits of food away. I for one never want to be in this place again. Dont get me wrong I LOVE food but not more than I love my life and I've become way too unhealthy to keep living like this. Please take this as encouragement because that is what I'm trying to do here. We cant just expect a slice of our tummy to change our craving for food. That part is in our head. We will fight that demon the rest of our lives. I'm praying I never give it a change to rule over my life again. As soon as I'm healed, its workouts and Nutrition to keep me centered and on course. Best wishes to you all on your new beginnings. Dont allow your old habits to defeat you especially so early in the game.

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[Angel'sFaith 32]

I hear you all. I am finally getting it. When I'm full I hurt or feel bloated...

I'm learning to chew gum again in place of grazing. I'm also finding what makes me feel full even though I'm in full liquid to pureed foods. I started getting baby foods that are ready to eat. Some are great and others yuck. I also love Scandal less vanilla ice cream. It's a different kind with lots of Protein. 19g a container. Yippie... I just for the first time tried cottage cheese and one bite was plenty. I feel full...

I never get my so called Water in. I'm lucky to drink a glass of water a day.

[Angel'sFaith 32]

2 hours ago, donnalee516 said:

I'm completely opposite. My surgery was 12-28-18 and I can barely get 4 of those 2oz liquids in right now (still liquids till the 11th). I've just gotten to the place I can drink 40oz of Water a day. I do get hungry but once I do my little shot glass, IM STUFFED and feel like I'm gonna explode. I've actually cooked for my hubby a couple times which I never thought I would be doing. We KNOW this is ONLY a small tool that we are to use. Psychological states 75% is MENTAL so we have to put all those bad eating/thinking habits of food away. I for one never want to be in this place again. Dont get me wrong I LOVE food but not more than I love my life and I've become way too unhealthy to keep living like this. Please take this as encouragement because that is what I'm trying to do here. We cant just expect a slice of our tummy to change our craving for food. That part is in our head. We will fight that demon the rest of our lives. I'm praying I never give it a change to rule over my life again. As soon as I'm healed, its workouts and Nutrition to keep me centered and on course. Best wishes to you all on your new beginnings. Dont allow your old habits to defeat you especially so early in the game.

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Don't know what your doing to get 40oz down wow I'm only at 20 and that includes my Protein Drink.

[donnalee516 4]

I cant drink anything cold I can you that. It hurts to drink cold stuff. My shakes I heat my shot glass (sounds so funny to say that) for 20-30 seconds to make warm and they thin out a little bit. My Water is Protein water but watered down because those are way too sweet for me. My first 4-5 days I couldn't get even 1-16oz bottle water down so I've come a long way. I keep a water bottle in my hand. Prior to surgery I carried a 30oz stainless steel cup of ice water everywhere. Filled that up 5-8 times per day. Sometimes it would have to have mio or some other flavor in it but I was drinking nothing but water for few years now. Maybe 1 carbonated drink per week so that part wont bother me (I hope). Its so funny to me how I have to Seriously sip water tho. And room temp! I never saw that coming at all. But it hurts to drink cold stuff.

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[Starry*Night 148]

There's a difference between physical and head hunger. If you haven't already, I'd suggest googling up head hunger and seeing if you find something helpful there.

As far as real hunger, I've been feeling it since about 2 weeks post op. It doesn't help that I'm always instructed to under-eat my sleeve, so I never feel full - in my case, my surgeon specifically told me he never wants me to feel that full feeling. Say what? lol!

That said, the hunger is nowhere near as intense as it was before surgery and while I find eating doesn't fill me, if I wait half an hour and then drink, that Water fills me up the rest of the way. I don't feel like I'm suffering from being hungry at all, and I love the freedom I have to be able to go long periods of time without food if I need to.

To those struggling with liquid - I'm now 6 weeks out today and can finally get down my 64 oz of liquid a day fairly easily. By easily, I mean I can get it down without bad swelling pain or feeling extremely nauseous - I still have to force it. MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR LIQUIDS - you don't want to end up dehydrated like I have, which will make you feel even more nauseous and get you in a cycle where you can't keep your liquids down!

[veroa 9]

@Wickedwinner YAY!!! Something to look forward to. Hoping and crossing my fingers.

[sillykitty 10,704]

For me, I've had significantly reduced "real hunger" since surgery. And it went nearly completely away for months. But, I have struggled continuously with "head hunger". I don't know why people feel defensive that what they feel is "real hunger" not just "head hunger"

For me, real hunger is easier. I can eat a slice of lunch meat and be satisfied. Head hunger needs pizza, or Cookies, or Pasta. I can't usually satisfy head hunger and stay on plan. I have to avoid triggers, like The food Network.

I think it's a shame there isn't more respect for head hunger, that it is dismissed as not real, or valid. I think if people were to analyze what type of hunger they were feeling, it would be easier for them to deal with each type. I know figuring out the difference has been a huge factor in my weigh loss.

[nenes78 528]

11 hours ago, Angel'sFaith said:

I hear you all. I am finally getting it. When I'm full I hurt or feel bloated...

I'm learning to chew gum again in place of grazing. I'm also finding what makes me feel full even though I'm in full liquid to pureed foods. I started getting baby foods that are ready to eat. Some are great and others yuck. I also love Scandal less vanilla ice cream. It's a different kind with lots of Protein. 19g a container. Yippie... I just for the first time tried cottage cheese and one bite was plenty. I feel full...

I never get my so called Water in. I'm lucky to drink a glass of Water a day.

Be careful with gum. My team said its a no for life. Not only can it cause bloating because of swallowing air, but chewing is a trigger to the stomach to start producing acid. Also if it is accidentally ingested it could be an issue for your sleeve/pouch. I would check with your medical team with the gum chewing.