I'm HUNGRY!

Hey guys, Looking for words of advice from the experts. I'm on my first week of any type of solid food, and I don't seem to feel full. My Dr., Dr. Barba recommends a very light diet of eggs, potatoes, light cottage cheese, thin hot cereals, apple sauce, etc. plus my protein shakes, jello, etc. He recommends that I only eat 1 oz. of the first foods 3 times a day, (at each meal time). I'm continuing to push the fluids, too. The problem is I'm still feeling hungry. Have any of you experienced this? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any of your advice! Dee

Hi Dee, I'm almost 7 weeks out after lap gastric bypass and I remember my first week of any type of solids too. I still have not experienced any "actual" hunger, but have "head hunger" all the time. It's sometimes hard to stick to the program the doctor and nutritionist have provided, but this time will actually pass and you'll be on to more foods. I understand that eating protein "first" at mealtime will keep you physically full. I wish you the very best of luck. Hang in there. Linda.

Hi Dee, I've been wondering how you are doing. I am still on liquids!! Oh to eat eggs, potatoes, cheese. mmmmmmmm... I have my 3 week appointment on Wednesday where I will progress to pureed foods finally, but no eggs for 2 more weeks. It's funny how all doctor's are different. Up until a couple days ago, I hadn't felt hungry at all, but now I am dreaming of a hot dog! (don't ask me why.) I have even been thinking of pureeing one in my blender when I can, but I don't know how that will taste... I find that drinking protein shakes makes me feel fuller. Good luck. Nice to see you here. Anne

Dee, Are you sure your hungry? Really try to check this, because as someone else said, the first few weeks we get a lot of head hunger. Even now, after 14 months, I rarely get actual hunger pains, it's more my head telling me it's time to eat or that I am full. It's very different. I thought at the beginning I was hungry too, and I thought oh great, I am the only person this surgery didn't work for. I was so mad. But the pounds kept falling off as long as I did what I was told by others that lost before me. You have to find your own hunger triggers and your full ones too. I hiccup when I am full. It's so embarassing but I know to stop then. Now my friends and family know too and tease me when I start. One day at a time Dee, I promise, it does get better. Cheryl

Hey Cheryl How are YOU doing? You've been in my thoughts. Thank you so much for your info. It was very helpful and I'm doing much better now. (1 oz. of tuna for lunch, I'm full and in hog heaven!!) Just wanted to say thanks again, and let me know how you're doing. Dee

One more thing I remembered. Are you waiting to drink 30-45 minutes after your meal? If not, I was told the fluids will wash the food right out of your pouch and you will feel hungry sooner. Anne

Thanks for all the support everyone. I seem to be doing better today. It was my first day back at work, so I did have plenty to keep my mind off food. I agree whole heartedly that most of this comes from head hunger. I really have been dreaming at night of nachos and beer and pizza, etc. I love to go to sleep and eat my night away! Seriously, I spoke to Dr. Barba's surgerical coordinator this afternoon and she assured me it was okay to eat over 1 oz each time as long as I stop even when I just think I'm full. "When in doubt, wait it out." I also got creative tonight with steaming some thinly sliced potatoes with chicken broth. Kinda like a mushy soup. Not bad! I've been doing the water thing waiting for at least an hour after I eat, etc. I know this will pass, but it's so much easier to look forward with all of your encouragement. Thanks again! xo, Dee