Hi,

my name is Barbara and I had my gastric sleeve surgery 5 days ago. I was told that I wouldn’t be hungry. But I’ve been hungry every day now since the surgery. My stomach growls and is burning from all the pills I have to take. I’m drinking two shakes a day and three 2 ounce meals and I’m still hungry. I’m trying to drink as much as possible but I’m still trying to get the shakes and pills in any suggestions. Thank you

It may not be hunger you are feeling, but rather acid reflux. I assume you have something for that? If so you may need something stronger.

In addition to @Hop_Scotch’s suggestion of stomach acid being the cause, you could also be experiencing head hunger. The surgery and all the changes are very stressful on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Many of us always turned to food in these stressful times but of course food can’t be the answer now. However your brain hasn’t got the message and is telling you you’re hungry so you’ll eat to comfort yourself. And the more you don’t eat to comfort yourself, the more your brain says hungry so eat.

Ask your surgeon for some PPIs (Nexium, prilosec, etc.) to combat the excess stomach acid your body is still producing which is causing the burning & growling.

PS - What are the three meals you are eating each day? Usually the first two weeks are liquids only so shakes, bone broths, strained cream soups, strained consommés are your ‘meals.’.

In addition to that, it’s pretty uncommon but some people really do retain their hunger. Many on here who have experienced this said that warm liquids such as tea and broth help them to feel full.