Hunger/Cravings After Surgery

[Embody 4]

Hi everyone! I went for my first appointment with the dietician and mental health provider today. I am wondering how you experience hunger after surgery. I have read some people don't experience it for quite some time. When it does come back, is the sensation different? Do cravings feel the same? And how does fullness feel?

[Recidivist 1,141]

When my cravings came back (and alas, they did), I found they were mostly psychological and not physical. Recognizing that, I was better able to control them than I was before surgery. (My pre-surgery eating was primarily emotional.)

Fullness after surgery, even a year later, feels REALLY full--like you truly could not eat another bite. It's hard to describe until you feel it, but you will definitely know. If you go one bite beyond full, you will feel unwell, and it seems like food is sticking in your esophagus. It's not pleasant.

[Lanie992 168]

I had a psychological upset today.. My brother has been sick with colon issues, so I've been down helping him. As well as my mom. We just found out that he has Covid, So we've both been exposed. I've got to stay here because my mom needs help and her caretakers can not come for two weeks because we've all been exposed to Covid. I am scared my mom got it (and me as well).

Anyway, I ended up eating WAY too much to cope... and I am so much pain right now. For some reason - I haven't been able to throw up post-surgery ... ( I used to throw up easily before because I get Migraines and puke from them). I wish I could make myself throw up so I'd feel better.

Anyway - I've only done this a couple of times and when it happens.. I just have to lay down for about TWO HOURS until it passes. It is miserable. Try not to ever test yourself and overeat.. it is misery.

[Lazy Hermit 22]

I remember eating so much during thanksgiving that my stomach hurt throughout the night, if it's that kind of full you're talking about I don't want it.

[Ravengirl 4]

Hi everyone,

Im 4 weeks post opp and getting hungry in the evenings! I eat the three meals a day but at night I think I need a snack!

[sdjohnson7 79]

I am in my 5th month and I still don’t get hungry. I have to make myself eat... I take in about 600 - 650 calories a day. I weigh out my food, as not to be full.

[Ravengirl 4]

What is wrong with me then?! 😢

[Lazy Hermit 22]

Might be head hunger; emotional hunger. But that's not a bridge I've crossed yet so maybe someone else has that's had the surgery already will know.

[Embody 4]

Thank you for your replies! I've worked a lot on my hunger/fullness cues with mindful eating.

Does anyone practice intuitive eating or it is more likely to be on a low-carb diet for the rest of our lives?