So yesterday, I was finally able to get down a cup of decaf coffee, cup of yogurt and a full protein shake (along with sipping my water). I wanted the coffee for sure, the yogurt was purposeful though I didn't really want it and finishing the shake in a day was surprising. However, today I can't help but wonder was that success the beginning of now having an "appetite"? Because did I just have some phantom hunger urge? I mean what is an appetite now? Am I doing too much? Today, coffee down, yogurt down about 2 hours later and I actually wanted it, and now I'm sipping my Butternut Squash soup that I truly did want ?. Curious what are my true appetite/hunger signals will now be? Anyone care to share their experiences in the early days of PostOp?

my hunger signals are the same. "Full" signals are often different than they are pre-surgery, though. Since you're only. few days out, it's best to follow your plan, though. Not sure I'd trust any signals this point.

Edited September 8, 20241 yr by catwoman7

Wow, hunger signals could be a whole forum by itself! I suspect most of us understand being full, or even over full (I know I do!), but I think most of us as obese or formerly obese people just don't have a good grip on what true hunger feels like. I also think it's not the same for everyone.

I'm almost 2 years post-op and I still struggle with this some. What I am learning is that hunger is not always the grumbling tummy sensation we tend to think of. Sometimes it's feeling weak or rundown, sometimes it may be a bit of a headache, other times shakiness or even an inability to concentrate. We all have to learn this for ourselves and it does take time.

I wouldn’t trust any signals now either. Simply because many nerves were cut during the surgery, so signals either aren’t getting through, aren’t the same or maybe off. You won’t start to get these signals again until you’re fully healed (about 6-8 weeks). This is why it’s so important to follow your plan in regards to portion sizes and frequency of meals.

Many do find their signals change. Well may be not change more you learn to identify and recognise what the signals really mean. Like a signal for being full (or had enough) might be sneezing, hiccups or a runny nose. We also learn to differentiate between head hunger (which usually used to drive us to eat ) and real hunger .Generally if you are craving a specific texture, flavour or food. Like many want to eat something crunchy during puree stage - that’s head hunger. Your desire for coffee is head hunger. Like @SpartanMaker said real hunger has different and unusual signals. I get restless and think something is wrong and then I realise I’m hungry. And yes, most times a grumbling tummy (hunger pangs) are just your digestive system working properly.

It takes time to learn what these things mean to you. Just tread slowly and stick to your plan.

10 hours ago, Arabesque said:

I wouldn’t trust any signals now either. Simply because many nerves were cut during the surgery, so signals either aren’t getting through, aren’t the same or maybe off. You won’t start to get these signals again until you’re fully healed (about 6-8 weeks). This is why it’s so important to follow your plan in regards to portion sizes and frequency of meals.

Many do find their signals change. Well may be not change more you learn to identify and recognise what the signals really mean. Like a signal for being full (or had enough) might be sneezing, hiccups or a runny nose. We also learn to differentiate between head hunger (which usually used to drive us to eat ) and real hunger .Generally if you are craving a specific texture, flavour or food. Like many want to eat something crunchy during puree stage - that’s head hunger. Your desire for coffee is head hunger. Like @SpartanMaker said real hunger has different and unusual signals. I get restless and think something is wrong and then I realise I’m hungry. And yes, most times a grumbling tummy (hunger pangs) are just your digestive system working properly.

It takes time to learn what these things mean to you. Just tread slowly and stick to your plan.

Most appreciated. I am having zero problems sticking to the plan and I don't know that I agree wanting coffee is head hunger or "hunger" at all. I suppose it's a routine/want no different than having tea in the evening (for me) Nevertheless, remembering that the signals are currently obscure is a very helpful. Thanks ?

With time you do get hungry and it gets the same

fullness can vary from heaviness to treating eyes or watery nose and hiccups