Hunger Pang

Hey guys I need so much help. From about my third or fourth day post op VSG I have had a battle everyday.

#1 Before my surgery I have never truly experienced hunger pangs except for when I was younger. After I got older and even eaten less I did not deal with hunger pang. Since my surgery and I was able to eat purée, the first day I went to eat my food the pang/pain became so great my esophagus went into a spasm. I researched and asked my Dr’s office about this. They ask me if I’m drinking enough water, am I eating slow, am I drinking enough protein? To all their questions was ‘Yes’ I think so.

Why am I’m dealing with hunger pain and it’s not head hunger because when I do eat my 4oz of food, it seem that I’m even more hungry. I drank more broth, but would be awaken at 3 or 4 AM starving. Once I was so wore out because of this I ate a little too much and I was in so discomfort I ended up falling asleep sitting to let the food digest.

Has anyone experienced this? If so, what did you do?

Are you on a PPI (like esomeprazole)? Stomach acid can make you think you’re hungry with hunger pangs. Stomach acid is often greater at night because of the fasting period when there isn’t any food in your tummy so the acid isn’t being used to breakdown it down. Also a growling tummy in most instances don’t indicate you are hungry (like we were always told) - it’s just our digestive system working.

The hunger could actually still be head hunger. Our heads are a very powerful organ & can really mess with us. Your hunger could be caused by your emotions. The surgery & change of diet is stressful & the hormonal flush can make you emotional. For many of us we used to turn to food in stressful/emotional situations to sooth & comfort us. At the moment you can’t do that but your head is still telling you to eat. Also you can be simply wanting/craving what you can’t have. Subconsciously, you can also be questioning how such a little serving of food can actually be enough to satisfy you. All your head messing with you.

I discovered my real hunger feels very different than the ‘hunger’ I used to know. I get restless, think something is wrong but aren’t sure what at first. There is always a reason I am hungry (missed a meal, delayed eating, didn’t eat enough for the day, etc.). I never crave or want to eat a specific food, flavour or texture… except I find I only want something high in protein.

Distraction can be helpful. Read, go for a walk, undertake a hobby like gardening, drawing or crafting, play some games board or online, ring a friend or family member, clean out a drawer or cupboard, check social media, etc. Sometimes a warm drink can help.

yes - I"ve also heard stomach acid can be the culprit.