Yes, got my period on day 2 of post op. So I don't know if I'm cramping because of my period or it's hunger pains. I've never had cramps during my period in the past but I've always had heavy periods. Can someone help me figure this out. I'm in pain, seriously [emoji52]

Well... if you've never experienced cramping... it's usually in a different area than the stomach. If you're familiar with female anatomy, the stomach is higher than the ovaries and uterus. So typically the cramping is lower down in the abdoment and sometimes your lower back can cramp as well... it feels different than hunger pangs.

If you're taking pain meds that your surgeon prescribed, that should eliminate the cramping. So that would indicate if it's hunger or not...

If you're not taking pain meds still, try some liquid tylenol, if you can take that. It should at least take the edge off of the pain if it's due to your period.

I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes!

If you're two days post-op, it's unlikely to be hunger pains. I was hungry a few days after surgery, which is very unusual, but I definitely did not have hunger pains that would be mistaken for cramps.

many women complain that their cycles and moods get wonky for a few weeks or months after surgery. It's due to estrogen being released during the rapid weight loss (estrogen is stored in fat cells). It'll eventually stabilize.

Well... if you've never experienced cramping... it's usually in a different area than the stomach. If you're familiar with female anatomy, the stomach is higher than the ovaries and uterus. So typically the cramping is lower down in the abdoment and sometimes your lower back can cramp as well... it feels different than hunger pangs.
If you're taking pain meds that your surgeon prescribed, that should eliminate the cramping. So that would indicate if it's hunger or not...
If you're not taking pain meds still, try some liquid tylenol, if you can take that. It should at least take the edge off of the pain if it's due to your period.
I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes!

It's like at the top of my stomach. I just kind of brace and moan right through it. I forgot to fill my meds but then again I'm not one to take pain meds like that. I just try to tolerate it the best I can.

35 minutes ago, DawnaD said:

It's like at the top of my stomach. I just kind of brace and moan right through it. I forgot to fill my meds but then again I'm not one to take pain meds like that. I just try to tolerate it the best I can.

Now that you mention that you forgot to get your meds filled... did your surgeon prescribe an acid reducer? Most surgeons prescribe a PPI (acid reducer) for the first several months post op... the stomach is upset from the surgery, and that causes it to produce extra acid, the PPI reduces acid, which calms the stomach. If you aren't taking an acid reducer, that may be the issue. Over production of acid can often feel like a gnawing feeling or hunger. If you didn't get a PPI from your surgeon, I'd reach out to their office and let them know what your symptoms are and inquire if a PPI would help you.

Best wishes!

Edited June 10, 20224 yr by BypassingMyPhatAss♡

Now that you mention that you forgot to get your meds filled... did your surgeon prescribe an acid reducer? Most surgeons prescribe a PPI (acid reducer) for the first several months post op... the stomach is angry from the surgery, so the PPI reduces acid, which calms the stomach. If you aren't taking an acid reducer, that may be the issues. Over production of acid can often feel like a gnawing feeling or hunger. If you didn't get a PPI from your surgeon, I'd reach out to their office and let them know what your symptoms are and inquire if a PPI would help you.
Best wishes!

That makes sense. Thank you.

1 minute ago, DawnaD said:

That makes sense. Thank you.

You're welcome. Hope you get to feeling better!

If you are only a few days out from surgery, it might be pain from the surgery itself. I had a lot of surgical pain for the first week.

I think it could be stomach acid too. Or spasming from the surgery. Menstrual cramps occur low in the abdomen. If you haven’t got a script for a PPI, try some over the counter antacids (liquid would be easiest this soon out from surgery) until you speak to your surgeon. If it’s surgical spasming, try a warm drink like herbal tea or broth or warm your water or protein shake.