Are you always hungry?

I was just thinking about how little we are going to be able to eat with a stomach the size of a golf ball; it is barely anything.  How do all of you go from eating normal/large portions to just eating tiny portions?  Doesn't it leave you feeling hungry?  I heard that in the beginning, you don't feel like eating, so it is not so difficult because you are not hungry and/or feeling nauseas.  I guess you must be satiated with that little amount of food or else there wouldn't be all those success stories.  Please share how you felt for the first year.

Hi,

Well, I am just 5 wks. out but here's a run-down of my hunger/fullness feelings:

Week 1- no interest in food or drink

Week 2-thirsty for really cold beverages or sf popsicles

Week 3- some hunger returns-full VERY easily

Week 4 and 5-finally on solids-I now get hungry every 2-3 hours but fill up very fast still.  Max capacity is still about 2 oz. of food Hope this helps, Jen

Hi There, Right after surgery you definately aren't thinking about eating.. although you might have alot of "head hunger" to deal with.. where you "want to eat" & have cravings but won't or can't... It's really important to focus on fluids & your protein shakes to stay hydrated & the protein will help speed up your recovery process and keep you feeling strong. For me personally I had to force myself to eat.. I didn't have a "hunger" mechanism kick in for about 6 months... for me it wasn't a feeling of "hunger" but my body feeling weak... I can't explain but I knew when I had to eat. Eat with a baby spoon when you first start out I measured in 1 oz cups to help with portion control.. trust me you may not finish & if you do you definately will feel "full"... chewing really well is important.  I'm over two years out and still throw up occasionally from not chewing or getting into something that my pouch does not like. Physical hunger pain**** me almost at 1 year.   Everyone is different in their WLS.. listen to your body it will definately tell you what it needs.  Best wishes    Mickey

Thanks so much for responding.  I like hearing from both recent post ops and those who are a year or more out.  Do you find after two years that you are keeping your weight off and that the pouch is still working for you? Can you eat any food you want without dumping or feeling ill?  I mean like sugary foods.  I keep hearing people say that after a year, you can pretty much eat anything.  That worries me.

Mousie

Hi Mousie, I am definately keeping the weight off.  I work out 5-6 times a week including cardio for 1/2 hr - 40 min.   The lowest I weighed was around 154lbs.  However I had to have hernia repair surgery and lost 12 pounds within a week (last year) and was feeling awful, couldn't eat etc... I did put on around 8 pounds and have been around 162 (give or take an additional pound or 2) for over the year.   No I can't eat what I want.  Pork, bread, rice, and pasta sit awful in my pouch.  I usually wind up throwing it up.  Unless it's whole grain/organic then I can stomach a bite or two but that's about it. Sugar is an absolute no no for me.  I get very ill from it.  (Dumping) also too much Sugar Alcohol in sugar free foods sends me over the edge with dumping also. I'm blessed and glad that my pouch keeps me in check.  Milk tends to bother me also so I drink it sparingly.  Makes me lethargic and I feel weighted down physically until it gets through my system. I haven't had diet soda in over 3 years.. I might take a little sip out of my husbands once in a blue moon if we're out at a restaurant.. but don't miss it.  (carbonation)   Coffee is my one "bad" thing I allow myself.. Dunkin Donuts.. gotta have it with low fat/no fat cream. and splenda or equal.  Their flavors that they offer such as coconut does not bother me.. however Starbucks regular coffee just sends me over the edge... I feel very sick from it with just cream & equal no flavors.. wierd isn't it? Each person and their pouch is different and reacts differently to foods and your tolerance will be different.  I know a gal who had the surgery over a year before me (she was my inspiration) and she can drink alcohol, eat sweets, breads..etc... without a problem.. just less of it. I don't push the envelope with seeing what I can tolerate.. I paid for my surgery out of pocket and have gone through too much physically & emotionally to even attempt that slippery slope.  I had the surgery in hopes I couldn't eat/have sugar or refined carbs and it definately worked.. I'm blessed and thank God every day for a new lease on my life with good health.   I pretty much eat organic foods and eat ALOT of veggie burgers etc... very high in protein & fiber so it's a win for me... wish I found it out a year ago due to struggling with protein intake.. no problems now.  :-)  I do eat meat but if I couldn't I really wouldn't miss it.  I've gotten creative with my cooking. This was a great question to ask Mousie on tolerances.. hopefully others a few years out or so will comment on their experience with foods. 

If I can answer any other questions for you please holler,

Hugs,

Mickey

 

Thanks for your informative response!  It sounds like you are doing an amazing job!  You should feel so proud of yourself.   When you say you ate a lot of veggie burgers, do you mean with or without a bun?  I'm not sure I could tolerate those without a bun, some lettuce and tomato to hide the taste a bit lol. I am just not crazy about the taste of them by themselves. Let me know how you cook em up! Mousie

I LOVE the Mexican Black Bean burgers they are my favorite.  I do not eat bread, bun, rolls, & such.. it doesn't sit well in my pouch..

I just throw the veggie burger in a pan with some flavored PAM spray (butter) and use some seasoning.  Let it cook through & throw my favorite lower fat cheese on it (cheddar or monteray jack) and let it melt.. I have 1-2 baby sugar free gerkins pickles with it...  YUM YUM YUM   You're right there are some pretty nasty ones out there.. the black bean is my favorite.. although there is a "buffalo chicken patty" that is very good and some "chicken" tenders that are made of veggies that are a little higher in calories/fat.. but are great in a salad.

I have to read the ingredients on the vegetarian stuff because I am very allergic to peanuts, peas, lentils etc... so I avoided veggie burgers for a long time assuming it had 1 or more of my allergens in it.   You may want to try to experiment & see what is out there for brands.  Morning Star has some good ones out on the market & there is another one that is in the Shaw's organic section/freezer "California Burger" that has walnuts in it which is pretty good.. but very dense. I did try some of the breakfast bites by morning star.. eggs w/spinich & cheese... those are VERY good.. I was nicely surprised & they kept me full.  You may not be able to tolerate this kind of stuff for awhile after surgery.  So definately take it slow once you get the all clear for truly solid food.. but each pouch/person is different with their tolerance. I'm over two years out & pork along with refined flour products just don't want to play nice... small price to pay for my health.  :-) Holler if you have any more questions Mousie,' Hugs, Mickey

I'm glad you asked this Jhadden.  I hadn't thought about this but I'm glad for the answers, very informative and I'll have to keep them in mind as my date approaches.

Hi Just wanted to add my two cents.  I had my surgery 05/21/2007,, and I am never hungry.  I have to remind myself to eat. After 3 to 4 bites of somthing,, I'm stuffed, if my "mind" says have another bite,, I can't get it down,, I tried once because it was

something that I really liked,, and I brought it right back up.  Never try to force anything down.  Once you have the surgery,, your surgeon will probably NOT want you to take the protein shakes anymore ,, I know mine won't.  He wants you to get all your protein from the foods that you eat,, and trust me,, that is NOT easy. So far I've lost 62 pounds. Mary Anne

I am 10 days post-surgery. The protocol my surgeon uses is 6 oz. of Boost per day and 32 fl. oz of water or other non-caloric beverages. Something must be wrong with me. I am hungry most of the time, especially during the time leading up to my 2 oz. of protein drink. I haven't had any vomiting or heartburn but the hunger is frightening me. I am hoping that once I am able to start a more solid diet the hunger will be dealt with. bonnie