Hunger?

As I've said, I am one week post-op.  I didn't really know what to expect after surgery but I am starving.  I am on the liquid diet until Wednesday, I believe.  I'm okay with being hungry, but I'm wondering if it is "head" hunger or "real" hunger.  I'm beginning to realize that it's "head" hunger because if I visualize actually taking a bite of solid food, it doesn't appeal to me.  In fact, I'm a little nervous about the approaching phase of the bariatric diet where I begin to incorporate soft foods.  Does anyone remember how they felt about being hungry post-op?  Any tips on how to quiet my brain that is screaming to me about food (I've even dreamed that I forgot and took a bite of food). 

I too exprencied this and it surprised me because I had the VSG in 09 and had no hunger during the first 6mos. I spoke to my DS surgeon about it and he sad it is indeed physical hunger becaues not only are we eating less but out body is only able to absorb a small portion of that. He said the it is natural and once you are able to eat more calories it will get better.

I believe it is real hunger as well.  Your body is not being fed too much -- protein every hour is feeding your body right now.  Be prepared for when you do start eating soft and solid foods.  You'd think you would inhale it after basically starving for several weeks.  Not so.  I would sit with the food in front of me, take one bite of meat and not want any more.  Not that I was afraid to eat, but I just didn't have any desire to.  I made myself eat an ounce or two, but that was it.  Protein shakes helped during that time as well.  I was afraid I'd never have an appetite again, but it does come back.  I still don't want to eat a lot at a meal -- and I can't -- but it does come back.  It's just a process that our bodies have to go through; first of all for your stomach to heal, then for us to learn what we can eat.  Some of the foods I loved prior to surgery don't have any appeal to me now.  It took me about six months before I could tolerate drinking coffee again.  But for a while, you will be focusing on getting the protein and your vitamins.  You're gonna love the changes, though.  I don't often feel hungry anymore, unless it is a number of hours since I last ate.  The mini meals we eat keep that in balance.

for.  Me, head hunger revolves around "what sounds good " to eat or wanting something after seeing a commercial or smelling something baking,it is a craving for a not so healthy food. 

Real hunger,I will be satisfied with real,healthy,whole food that fuels my body, meat,chicken,eggs,yogurt,etc. 

GL most important thin at a week out is to stay hydrated. Drink all that you can /need to drink to not be hungry. I would drink cup after cup of broth and eat a whole entire bowl,the whole package of jello mixed up,at one sitting, if that is what it took to keep hunger at bay.

gl

Thanks for the input.  I'm not having any trouble getting enough water in but when I try to push the protein drink, I end up with reflux at the end of the day.

Today, I started being able to egg beaters, cottage cheese, fat-free refried beans, sugar-free pudding, adding protein powder. So far, I've had two ounces of cottage cheese.  It was great!

I don't think I was hungry for at least 6 months, but my body found new ways to remind me to eat.  I can't explain it - but I just know.