One week post-op — feeling hunger

[imhenryxvi 3]

I had VSG 8/31/21. So far so good, except I started feeling hunger yesterday. The surgeons said that VSG surgery removes the portion of the stomach that triggers hunger, so I’m very disappointed/worried. I’m hoping this “hunger” is actually just recovery pain that my brain is misreading as hunger. Anyone else feeling hungry one week post-VSG?

[Hop_Scotch 1,627]

Are you taking stomach acid reducers? You aren't eating a lot of food right now and unless you are taking acid reducers there is a lot of excess acid, this can sometimes feel like being hungry.

Sometimes too when we are thirty we feel hungry, try sipping some fluids.

[ShoppGirl 3,397]

Supposedly you can tell the difference between real hunger and head hunger by what you crave. Real hunger you are hungry for anything But head hunger (or misinterpreted hunger) you will crave something specific. Usually something you shouldn’t have.

Edited September 8, 2021 by ShoppGirl

[imhenryxvi 3]

Great advice. Thanks, friends. The hunger I’m feeling is that kind of achey hollowness. I’m taking a scrip for the acid, but the fluids is a good idea. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’ll report back.

[lizonaplane 1,605]

Also, not everyone has their hunger go away. Some people just find their hunger changes. At least from what I've read/heard. You still have a stomach and it still needs SOME food.

[imhenryxvi 3]

That’s distressing. I’m prepared emotionally/physically to limit my intake to 500 Kcal/day, but I won’t be able to achieve that if my body is crying out to be fed. The lack of hunger benefit is just as important to me as the smaller stomach.

[ShoppGirl 3,397]

29 minutes ago, imhenryxvi said:

That’s distressing. I’m prepared emotionally/physically to limit my intake to 500 Kcal/day, but I won’t be able to achieve that if my body is crying out to be fed. The lack of hunger benefit is just as important to me as the smaller stomach.

I don’t think it’s very many people that still experience hunger immediately after the surgery I think it’s pretty rare. Almost everyone gets it back eventually but some say it’s a milder gentler version post surgery.

[Tony B - NJ 641]

3 hours ago, imhenryxvi said:

That’s distressing. I’m prepared emotionally/physically to limit my intake to 500 Kcal/day, but I won’t be able to achieve that if my body is crying out to be fed. The lack of hunger benefit is just as important to me as the smaller stomach.

I am also a week out, 8/31/21 surgery. Relax for a bit! You will be fine. It is too early to feel restriction or decrease in hunger etc. your stomach is beat up right now with being pulled, cut, stapled and abused. What you are feeling is probably just the recovery process. Focus on drinking fluids and walking. There is a mental part of this journey which you may need to discuss with someone on what may be triggering the feelings you are having. Maybe it is something else that is making you think you are hungry? Also what helps me is hot Bone Broth which satisfies my “hunger’ and fills my sleeve. I started puréed foods today and cannot even eat a can of tuna, so it is not “hunger” in my view. Hang in there.

[ColieCallwell 128]

I also feel what seems to be hunger, but I've attributed it to stomach acid. If I drink warm tea or a Protein Shake, it goes away.

Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

[imhenryxvi 3]

Thanks for your input. My first follow-up appointment is tomorrow. I’ll report back what the docs say.

[Jaye W 218]

You have to learn to fill up on fluids, distract yourself and don’t eat every time you are “hungry”. Your previous statement about not being able to achieve what you plan if your body is crying out to be fed is already setting yourself up for failure. Take it one meal at a time, one day at a time. You can do this!

[imhenryxvi 3]

Thanks, Jaye. I’m just disappointed because the surgeon said that a primary benefit of VSG is removal of the portion of the stomach where the hunger hormone ghrelin is active— thus no hunger even with ultra-low calorie intake. The good news is that my hunger is quickly quelled with just a little food.

[ShoppGirl 3,397]

What did your dr say? Did they think you were explaining actual hunger or something else. I have felt what I think is head hunger since this all started. I just assume it’s head hunger since my hunger hormones are supposed to be all gone. That combined with the fact that I can eat much more than I am supposed to at every given point means this has still been quite a struggle for me. (I still WANT to eat all the time and I WANT to eat more than I am) but I am still losing and hoping that the thermostat lowering component (I think that’s what Dr Weiner called it) will still make it easier to keep it off this time. I am still losing slowly but surely.

[Jaye W 218]

I think I remember some on here saying that what they thought was hunger was acid production in the stomach. . Did your surgeon prescribe omaprazole? . I think I recall people saying that helped them. Also I agree with others that you may feel more restriction/ less hunger after you are further along. It could also be what people call head hunger- get your fluids in and continue with the plan. You will get used to it.

[imhenryxvi 3]

Thank you, Jaye. I am taking the acid reducer. I’m hoping that my appetite will sort itself out soon. Two-week post-op check up today. Fingers crossed.