Question:
Have you ever been so hungry post-op that it was completely overwhelming?

I had open RNY on October 26, 2000. Since that time I have lost 48 pounds. I agree that this surgery is a tool and not a magic pill. However, this surgery has made weight loss so tolerable and even easy. In the last few days, however, I have experienced such insatiable hunger that I can't hardly think about anything else. I even dream about food. It's pure misery. Could this be because I'm not getting enough protein (my doctor doesn't support protein drinks)? I'm consuming between 750 and 1000 calories a day but I've got to find a way to be satisfied or I'm going to go crazy. Has this happened to any of you? Any suggestions would be helpful.    — ronascott (posted on January 28, 2001)

January 28, 2001
I am 3 weeks post-op and dreamed of eating a steak this past week, I'm on liquids until Jan. 31 and it's hard. The guidelines I was given are: eat protein first, do not drink anything 30 min before or after eating. Have at least 60 grams of protein per day...that includes having some protein in the snacks you have. Drink 64 oz. water per day. I get plain protein and add it to soups, shakes, etc. (I thought it would taste bad, but it doesn't even have a taste, it's like tofu...takes on the flavor of whatever it's with. Good luck!
   — Betty Todd

January 28, 2001
OOPS, I forgot to add...for protein, get the soy protein. It usually has anywhere from 16 to 25 grams of protein per serving.
   — Betty Todd

January 28, 2001
I am only a liitle more than one month post-op but I have not experienced this yet. I am never truly hungry but I think it's because I follow my doc's eating plan hungry or not. I have had a few days where I had to have a Fat Free pringle for something salty and I figure one won't hurt me & I can stop at that.
   — Lisa B.

January 28, 2001
Maybe what you are experiencing is "head hunger" and not truly hunger from needing to eat. Many of us used food to satisy needs other than nutrition. I know I used food when I was angry or sad of depressed or just bored. Old habits die hard. Now when I think I feel hungry but I know that it is not mealtime or that I have had enough, I try to find some activity to substitute - either going for a walk, talking to a friend on the phone or doing some sort of craft project. If I think it really is because I'm just plain hungry, I make sure I eat something that is going to satisfy a nutritional need (protein, in particular).
   — Katie F.

January 28, 2001
I had my surgery on October 18th, so we're just about the same. What kind of food are you dreaming about?? For the longest time I dreamt about carbohydrates. I know it sounds funny, but I would dream about rolls, pasta, anything. Until, I started to put a little bit of those things in my diet....then the dreams went away. You should be far enough along that you really needn't deprive yourself of a bit of anything. If you're dreaming about "more" food, I would imagine that is probably head hunger. Have you checked with your dr's office re how much you should be eating? At 1 month post-op I was at about 700 calories a day...my nutritionist told me that I should be working my way to about 1000-1200 a day, or the body would slow down on loss.....I fall right between those numbers now and am doing pretty well....down 61 lbs. Good Luck!!
   — tlg6056

January 28, 2001
I agree with Tammy. My surgeon told me to eat from 1000 to 1500 calories per day. The closer to 1500 the better. I calculated how many calories on a diet website and for my weight, I should be eating close to 4000 calories to maintain my weight. So to eat up to 1500 calories is not going to make me hold on to my present weight. Are you eating at a consistant time everyday with at least 3 square mealss per day? If you're hungry between your meals, you may want to carry something like a piece of fruit, diet yogurt, a baggie of cereal or a protein bar to help to get you through until your next meal. If you are craving something salty, sweet, crunchy or creamy, have it so you won't go overboard on your next meal or binge and be miserable.
   — Jan M.

January 29, 2001
I like the advice that was given; moderate the amount of food you crave, not eliminate it.
   — blank first name B.

January 29, 2001
I will be 10 months post op RNY on Feb. 4. Sometimes, I've experienced this "seemingly" insatiable hunger -- when that happens, I eat (I make good choices, but I eat) I may graze a lot that particular evening -- cause I'm HUNGRY. But, when I add up what I'm eating, it isn't much, really, it just seems that way to me. Alternatively, there are days when I'm not hungry at all and don't eat much and feel like I'm overdieting. I think that if you listen to your body, you'll be just fine.
   — Cindy H.

January 29, 2001
6+ yrs here. The answer is in the nutrition, as far as I'm concerned. If all the bases are not covered supplementally, the cravings will toss you about like a ship on a stormy sea. I use a LOT of whey protein suppoement and more if I'm craving anything. I know my other 7 elements are covered, so when I am craving something that will hurt me, I look to see what I've shorted myself on that day. If in doubt, I add another protein dirnk and presto, I'm free from food again!
   — vitalady

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