Hi everyone. I am exactly 1 week post op today and I feel like I didn't even have surgery because I'm still waking up with the same hunger pains I had before surgery. I'm hungry all day. Can anyone give me some advice as to what to do to calm this hunger? I'm still on the liquid diet so it's protein shakes, pudding, jello, yogurt, and water all day long... I'm so hungry all day that I'm tempted to eat real food, but I refuse to cheat. Any advice would help. Thanks.

First off, PLEASE DO NOT CHEAT. At this time it wouldn’t be just a few extra calories. Your tummy is still healing and you could seriously hurt yourself. That being said it is possible what you are experiencing is actual hunger (a few do) but more likey that it is just extra acid or head hunger. Are you on a PPI? Many doctors prescribe them automatically but some you have to ask for it. The way to know the difference between actual and head hunger is by what you are craving. If you are craving something specific (usually something you should not have) it is most likely head hunger. Actual hunger you will be craving anything. Even another protein shake sounds good. Some people say warm liquids such as tea and coffee help with the hunger whatever the cause. Not sure if you can have caffeine yet but I’m sure decaf works as well.

19 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

First off, PLEASE DO NOT CHEAT. At this time it wouldn’t be just a few extra calories. Your tummy is still healing and you could seriously hurt yourself. That being said it is possible what you are experiencing is actual hunger (a few do) but more likey that it is just extra acid or head hunger. Are you on a PPI? Many doctors prescribe them automatically but some you have to ask for it. The way to know the difference between actual and head hunger is by what you are craving. If you are craving something specific (usually something you should not have) it is most likely head hunger. Actual hunger you will be craving anything. Even another Protein Shake sounds good. Some people say warm liquids such as tea and coffee help with the hunger whatever the cause. Not sure if you can have caffeine yet but I’m sure Decaf works as well.

You know, I completely forgot about coffee. While on the pre op liquid diet, I would drink decaf coffee and it did keep me full for quite a while. Thank you so much for responding so quickly and thanks for the suggestion that helped me remember what helped. On my way to the store now to stock up on decaf coffee? You're a life saver!

I have started getting hunger pains, and when I do, I grab another shake. I made sure to have a variety so I could have different flavors depending what I was in the modd for. I also have different broths. My favorite food ever is wanton soup and pho. So I bought pho broth and also wonton soup (strained it so I had the broth and not the other stuff) and when I have that, I feel "normal" because it's broth I normally eat. I also have the usual veg broth, chicken broth, etc. And I don't stick to a strict schedule. I have something any time I feel hungry (I'm drinking protein water throughout the day).

When I get like that it’s because I’m not getting enough protein, so I drink my shake! Make sure you reread your meal plan and follow it to a tee. It helps! 1 week post op the mere thought of having to eat made me a little nauseous. First priority is protein. Make sure to ask your nutritionist contact if you’re not sure!!