FOUND IT!!!!Great Info

Okay, HERE IS MY ANSWER TO MY QUESTION OF HUNGER I found this article and here is the portion of the article that will be great for all of us at the 6-9 month post op phase. This is me!!! This will help you when you get to this phase, now I feel "normal" Hope it helps you! Deb PORTION OF ARTICLE The first year after gastric bypass is usually very rewarding, but this time can also be confusing, frustrating and frightening. The function of the stomach pouch "tool" changes almost continuously over the first six months, and continues to change periodically over the first year or so. Just when the patient feels they have begun to understand the stomach pouch/tool and how to use it, things change all over again. There is an especially frightening change that takes place around 6-9 months after the surgery. The stomach pouch softens and expands slightly so that a patient regains a regular appetite and can "suddenly" tolerate a significantly larger amount of food. Patients frequently worry that something has pulled apart or broken on the inside, though this is rarely the case. This increased interest in food and increased capacity for food is a very natural and appropriate part of the recovery process after gastric bypass surgery. The reason it frightens patients so much is that they had previously felt they had control of their weight for the first time in their lives, and the renewed appetite threatens that they are losing control once again. The first thing to realize is that for the first six months or so after gastric bypass you did NOT have control of your weight. The pounds were going to come off almost no matter what you did. The stomach pouch could not handle enough calories to maintain weight for the first few months - we call this the "honeymoon" period after gastric bypass. The return of appetite and the increase in food capacity signal an end to the honeymoon period and the transition to the rest of life.

Great information! I'm in this phase, too, and it's really scary! I'm glad to know this is normal, even though I'm not crazy about it! Thanks!! Rebecca

Terri, so glad that they eventually found the problem and that your now on the road to recovery. My thoughts will be with you. Take it easy and do as the Doc says. Keep us updated and best of luck. TraciL

Terri, You have certainly had a tough month. I am so glad that you are starting to feel better. It's scary to realize that we can still have serious problems so far from our surgery date. I hope that you continue to feel better each day. Becky

I am so glad that they found the problem and you are on the road to recovery. Had my gallbladder out lap also on March 7th. I haven't had any problems but that was my biggest fear. You will start to feel better very soon. Sandy 357/197/165

Awesome Information ...Thanks Deb!!! Tonya

This is exactly how I felt ... That I was finally in control of my eating ... That's OK ... As long as I continue to make good, healthy decisions, I expect the weight to continue to come off!

Great information! It helps to know that our panic is normal. But we ARE in control and we'll remain in control, especially because we have this great source of support. I was just thinking yesterday of how far we've all come and how happy I was for Becky and Pat to be having their surgery today. We had 2 new ladies come to LCBB last week. I was excited for them to be learning about their options and everybody was throwing information at them like a bunch of old pros. I love to just sit there and look at everybody. I am so proud of all of us - of all we've been through, and of all the dedication and stick -to-itiveness it has taken. Best of all is the caring and support and unconditional love that comes from living through the same life-long battles against weight and health . No one would ever know the price that has been paid for those beautiful smiles. I am just so contented with the health aspect of my life - for the first time I can even remember. I still have conditions to deal with, but I can't even imagine what I would be like now if I hadn't had this surgery. It is truly my first thought each morning that God has blessed me with a second chance at life. That is how I know that I will always be successful with this - I will never take it for granted or forget how lucky I am that I was able to have this happen to me. I'm so glad you feel better. You're doing great! Love, B

Thanks for the great reply Barb! You are such a sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!! Deb