Not sure what is going on but I’m struggling with a terrible sensation of physical hunger today. I’m one week post op and I’m fighting a terrible common cold for the last 3-4 days. However I had all day this nagging uncomfortable sensation in my stomach and I keep thinking about food. I find it very difficult to keep my mind distracted from thought of food. I thought I was doing very well until today. I was not really hungry or thirsty but working on my requirements. I did not had to be removed from the kitchen when other people were eating. I was hoping that it would be a new tool that I gain to control cravings and appetite easier in my new journey.

I have reached my goal of 64 ounces of fluid for today and I am about 67 g of protein. I will be getting an additional 10+ grams of protein by bedtime. I’m starting to hate the taste of all my protein drinks and I’m feeling a bite down write now.

My main question is what to make of this ravenous hunger today?

I ended up taking a Ranitidine 150 mg tablet and unfortunately did not helped much. Could it be the fact that I am running a cold at the moment and feel pretty miserable overall? I hope for a better day tomorrow

I hope you get over your cold. Not sure what is causing your ravenous hunger? When on a liquid diet some people begin to miss their ability to chew foods. This process is ingrained into us and chewing causes our bodies to release digestive fluids in our body to help the process. Others just miss the act of eating, it is a type of phantom hunger. After my RNY surgery I completely lost my hunger for about a year but that loss of hunger did not start until I transitioned into the solid food phase. I am not sure if sleeve patients also have that condition. Anyways you are still very, very early in the process, so don't take hunger as any kind of sign for your future.

Many experience problems drinking protein shakes. I hated them. But in the beginning I drank them, three 16-ounce protein shakes a day, in order to meet my protein requirements. You do not have to like protein shakes only tolerate them. There are many varieties of protein shakes available today. Experiment until you can find one you can tolerate.

There are many different types of formulations on protein shakes. I used Muscle Milk Light (Vanilla Creme) powder blended with water and a half a banana. That worked for me. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, you might try premixed Isopure.

Without sufficient protein, your body will scavenge protein from other areas of your body, such as your muscles. Protein is extremely important after surgery as its job in the body is to build and maintain tissues including your body's major organs and skeletal muscles. Protein deficiency, when continued over a long period of time can cause a disease known as protein caloric malnutrition. Common symptoms are poor healing, fatigue, hair loss and muscle wasting. Immediate post op, protein promotes healing of the staple line and incisions.

I have strong hunger feelings as well. I'm about to hit 1 month post-op.

I have a hard time getting enough calories and enough protein. I'm getting close though. I couldn't handle the premier protein shakes any more. they just made me gag. I went to a powder mix peanut butter and mixed it thicker and the different texture makes it tolerable. next goal is getting enough water.