Help, I can't kill my HUNGER

haven't been here in a while. Sorry, My life has really become a little hectic since I have lost weight and can get around a lot better. I need your help. Lately I have been hungry all the time. I mean I feel like I am hungrier more now than I have ever been. I have been trying to do good by eating fruits, veggies, and protein. But I just don't think my hunger is normal. I thank GOD that my pouch is smarter than I am because it surely recognizes when enough is enough. I still get full really fast but the problem is within the hour I am hungry again. Is it normal, especially considering that my metabolism is booming since I never sit down and rest until my body says it's too tired to continue and a lot of times I notice myself almost running everywhere, always taking the stairs instead of the elevators at work, and when on my way to my car I run especially if I have my tennis on. Tell me is this normal. I haven't noticed any weight gain but I haven't noticed any significant weight loss since December. About 4 pounds gone in a month. I remember there was a time not to long ago when I would have to make myself eat, but that is surely not the case right now

It sounds like your stoma (the opening from your stomach) may have gotten too big so the food leaves your stomach too fast. You might check with your surgeon to see what can be done about it. Roberta

Hi Toddra, I have noticed hunger returning too and I am able to eat more...although certainly not as much as pre-op! I have noticed that if I increase my protein and drink protein shakes it helps calm the hungries. Are you drinking with your meals or soon after...that can cause your pouch to empty sooner too. Have you tried writing down what you are eating or logging it on fitday.com to really see how many calories you are getting...just an idea to see a how much you are really eating. Lastly, remember, plateus do happen! I spent the last 2 months toying around with 3-4lbs, then last week, I lost 4 in one week. So, try to remember how far you have come, and hang in there girl! Shanna

I'm tickled pink that you are enjoying your accomplishment by being active. I feel so great myself that I can totally identify. My hunger has returned, as my surgeon predicted, but I'm not hungry all the time. Very rarely, in fact. My head hunger continues to rage out of control, but I'm used to hearing and ignoring it, like some sort of perverse Barney music playing in my head over and over. Definitely call your doctor with this one. I read a long time ago on the main board about H. Pylori getting out of balance in someone, and it made them hungry ALL THE TIME. It might also reflect some sort of vitamin/mineral deficiency, sparking a craving to eat all the time to get whatever it is you are missing. And then there's the stretched stoma. Worth calling the surgeon about, in any case. Also be sure to review the "pouch rules" so that you can be sure to be on track. Eating dense, hard to eat foods like meats, and eating them "dry" (without a beverage), usually stays with you much longer. The moister the food is, the quicker it will clear out of your stomach. My problem is that I've gotten WAY too good at chewing things to mush, so that they too pass on through really fast. I usually try to go "dry" for an hour at the minimum after a meal (I chew gum to get the salty taste out of my mouth and to quench some of my thirst). Then I do a lot of water loading for at least another hour, but I do find that I am eating every 2-3 hours, or at least wanting to. I've accepted that I'm going to have to exercise even more than my surgeon recommended to make up for the flaws in my eating style and habits. As long as I reach the magic balance, I know I will be able to continue to lose and to maintain once at goal. Keep on enjoying your newfound freedom and fitness! Hugs, Susan 262/157/135-149

Oh my gosh, I was just getting ready to post a message that said, HELP, I can't stop eating. How weird is that? I have read all the replies to your posting and it sounds like we should probably call our doctors. It seems like all I want to do is snack. The only plus is that the things I'm snacking on are not chocolate and chips or something like that. I'm trying to eat fruit and yogurt. I know I'm not being good by not getting enough water during the day also. I keep finding myself wanting something else. Maybe it's because I'm lacking in some kind of vitamin deficiency. I hope things get better for you (and me) soon. It's starting to get a little frustrating and I don't like the way I feel about myself after I have eaten when I know I shouldn't have. Good luck.

Well, I find that it always helps to read through these posts. Cause everyone else is having the same problems I am!! My head voice tells me I am hungry...I have not learned to ignore it!! And, I have just started back on my protein and I have noticed that I am not as hungry when I take my protein. Why do we not listen to the doctor??? Oooooo...I get really upset at myself. But, I have started over and am doing better now. Now, just to get rid of that head voice!! Jeannie