Thanks for replies to "I'm post-op and hungry!"

My heartfelt thanks to all my fellow Ohioans who wrote in support of my complaining about being hungry. Debbie, you were right on with everything you said and you were NOT rambling! Today was extremely hard for me because my family came over to watch the Brown's game and hubby bought lunchmeat, cheese and bread and God love them, they all ate in the Great Room where I was sitting! Most of the lunchmeat is still there but I know if I get into it, I will dump at the "least" and bust my staples at the worst. So I just shut up and had my yogurt smoothie. I'm not going to any Holiday parties because I won't be able to drink and/or eat. Why make myself miserable like I was today? My doctor, Philip Schauer, said I "wouldn't be hungry". Although I think he's a god, I'm not sure what he meant. What does he consider "hungry?" Chasing down pets and little kids and eating them? It's getting harder and harder not to binge. CCF insists on two weeks of full liquids and then move to pureed. This is after pre-op fast and bowel cleanse. I don't remember what a normal bowel movement is like! (sorry, TMI) Anyway, it's nice to know I'm not alone. We should all get together and let our stomach growl at each other!! Thanks again Joy

Joy, My daughter had a huge family Pot luck a thon for her graduation 3 weeks after my surgery in 2005. I had to sit there and sip my protein drink and felt ravenous. But in all actuality, It really was the " idea of being deprived" that drove that hunger for me. I felt cheated out of being able to graze and eat a bit of everyones goodies that they had brought. I mourned the loss of my social friend , FOOD. But my refried beans and protein shake filled my physical need, but that emotional and social need was not being met. Please understand that these mighty forces will align soon for you. I will not sugarcoat this. It will never be easy. But the hunger does decrease, and soon you will find that you will have to remind yourself to eat and drink. Trust me on this one. You are very early out post op ( just like our Maris) and your body is in total shock at whats happened to it. But your brain, and every bad habit you have aquired are right there in this battle. Just keep doing what your doc has told you to do and you are going to be fine sweetie. We are here for you. Laura

Joy, One more thing. I found if I prepared myself little flavorful healthy snacks to be nibbled on while they were all gorging themselves it helped me somewhat. Find ways to create similar snacks but low cal, low fat, low sugar and healthy.. Find fancy little bowls and little serving ware to make it seem more festive. Food does NOT have to be the enemy. Its learning how to survive it in the real world and keep the weight coming off. Take care Laura

HI, laura You are soooo right when you say that it's my body/brain reacting to the deprivation. I'm so used to using food as my friend when things don't go right, when I'm bored, etc. I had the surgery but not much else in my life has changed except that now I can't run to the pantry or frig. I believe the hunger pangs are real--I still have all the equipment that made me hungry, only less of it now. I'm learning to deal. As you said, I'm still very early post-op and my body is dealing with being rearranged on the inside. In all my research I never read anywhere that I'd be hungry after the RNY--quite the opposite. I've heard people can't even look at pictures of food without gagging! I'm secretly glad that I'm not that bad. It sure wouldn't fly around here with my family if mom was always nauseated. So, i guess this is a better trade. I know you guys are all there for me as I'm here for everyone else. Thank you, thank you! God bless, Joy

Joy, I really cannot give you advice because I have not had my surgery yet. But, after reading hundreds of past posts, it must be "head hunger" you are feeling. You really aren't hungry just think you are. Like Laura said, it's the idea of being deprived of the food. Everyone around you is eating and you can't. That's why I opted to have my surgery after the first of the year. I figured I have a whole year to deal with those major holidays. Hang in there Joy. You'll make it. Peggy