In reading through several of the posts here, it sounds like people are perpetually hungry

I agree 100% with Gwen. We feel full with way less food so we don't eat as much at a meal, especially if it is the right kind of food (dense protein particularly).

However, if we choose to eat simple carbs/sugar, we can eat a LOT and definitely exceed our calorie maximums. I choose not to do that. When I am hungry I try to eat something that I know will fill up my sleeve (something protein based). So I feel satisfied without a lot of excess calories.

I had Gastric Bypass in May 2008, almost 10 years ago. My primary doctor recommended I have the surgery. I was a female about 280 and 5 foot 7. I asked him your very question.... how will this make me any more successful then any other diet? I had lost 130 with optimist, 90 with Jenny Craig, 70 with nutri system?? His reply was that my stomach was the size of a football and will be the size of a golf ball. You can over eat but not as easy. In almost 10 years I am 167 lbs (15 lbs up from where I ideally would like to be to reach a normal BMI and where my body looks and feels it's healthiest). I did go through some regain about 7 years out but 40 lbs (50 if I say my low of 140 that I felt too thin for me) but a far cry from 130 or 140 lb gain that I had before. I still get hungry no doubt but it is definitely more manageable and I feel my restriction when I avoid carbs and sugar. I had RNY but I believe the same for VSG. One other wonderful thing was no high blood pressure med since my surgery. Even when I had some regain my BP did not raise at all. Are you considering VSG surgery??

I was really hungry the last few days but I just had surgery & am just learning how to get in all my protein. I'm in the heal ur tummy stage. This morning hungrr hasn't hit me yet. I should be mixing a protein shake but I'm making coffee. My new tool isnt ready yet, when I do get promoted to solids its only going to hold 4 oz. This will dramatically decrease my food intake. I'm *****in about hunger cuz as well read as I was on WLS I jus didnt realize I would have to exhibit any will power. Its NOT the easy way- NOT AT ALL. But its a powerful way.

Once I can eat I won't be hungry. But anyway when i have a few toddker dpoons of greek plain yogurt I'm stuffed. Stuffed means STOP cuz one more bite hurts like hell (restriction). It's a wonderful tool/gift. But yeah I get hungry af cuz Im a drive thru eater & its a way if life something to do, u knw "lets eat" it takes up more of our day than we realize.

Interestingly enough, I was never hungry before WLS and I do experience hunger now.

Why was I never hungry pre-op? As someone who has Binge Eating Disorder, I was always eating. I never went long enough without food to actually experience hunger.

Now I get hungry when I SHOULD get hungry. "Haven't eaten anything for 5 hours? Yeah, I'm hungry now." "Went for a run first thing in the morning, before I had breakfast? Yeah, I'm hungry now."

For me, I actually appreciate the feeling of hunger now, since it's something I never experienced before VSG. But it's also appropriate hunger. It's hunger at times I feel like people SHOULD be hungry.

And the best part about it? I can ignore the hunger. It doesn't rule my life.

Thank you for saying this Gwen! I also have BED and am so thankful for my newfound power over hunger. It's a long road, and I struggle from time-time, but for once I'm controlling what/when I eat not my compulsion.

Exactly. Hunger is a very healthy thing. Think back to not being hungry, whether ur fat or skinny- NOT feeling hunger means illness. It doesnt feel right to us, feels like we're coming down with something. It's an innate human reaction. My 28 yr old told me last week, " Something is wrong with me, I don't have an appetite." I responded with, " Are u coming down with the flu? Try clean eating & see if u feel better." Hunger is not our enemy, overeating & bad food choices are the enemy. U knw ur dog is sick if he/she stops eating, u knw ur babies ill if they stop feeding, cancer patients aren't hungry.

Lmao perpetually hungry... I like that tho

I am 9 years out this month and I am never hungry. Haven't been hungry since surgery. I eat by the clock or I woul have starved to death by now.

I think some of it has to do with the technique the surgeon uses.

Holly you are very lucky you do not feel hungry 9 years out ... I can feel hunger I don't think I did my first 3 or 4 years.

I agree, I haven't had surgery yet but I really hope I never feel hunger and have to eat by the clock when I do get the amazing opportunity to have my surgery. Either way I'm all in but, WOW, wouldn't it be great to not feel hunger. :-)