The hunger feeling IS REAL...your tummy still thinks it needs food b/c there is a hormone in the stomach that is still at work. I felt the same after surgery and I know for sure it was NOT head hunger...so I called the nurse and she told me yes you can still feel hungry after surgery. I don't feel hungry anymore that only lasted about a week and now I'm totally fine.

I am eating pureed turnip and carrot (with added protein if you can tolerate the unflavored ones).
Also SF pudding, protein shakes, and cream of wheat with splenda and cinnimon.
The Cof W is great! I have eaten it every morning this week. The vegies and Cof W are both good heated in the microwave so they should be fine to pack in your lunch.
Melissa

I love this post because I am itching too.  I had rny on 8/28 and I feel great, but I keep laughing at myself because I am constantly scratching my tummy.  It sounds like this shall pass! 

gas/bloating when does it go away?

My name is Aimee, I had surgery a week ago. I am having trouble with my bowels. I am so bloated and swollen. Beyound uncomfortable. Is this normal? Any suggestions??

I have Aetna too, and my surgeon's office knew just what Aetna required, so I got it all done, and it got submitted.  The first submission was misplaced somewhere, so the pre-determination coordinater at the surgeons office made a call, and she was given a new reference number and was told they would put a rush on the approval.  I was approved on 08/06/08, surgery was on 08/21.  :-)  I didn't really care for Aetna due to problems they caused with paying bills about 14 yrs ago, but this time they came through for me.  Thank God.

Just do what Aetna requires and you should have no problems.  Your surgeon's office should know what each different insurance requires so you'll be good to go.