Am I supposed to feel hunger? 3 months post op

my physical hunger came back at about five months out

Just letting you know, I'll be all over the place with my reply. Food or head hunger? Some RNYer (post op) do get real hunger...Many do not. I never felt hunger during my 11 years post op. There was a few days when I felt it a few months ago. I was having problems sleeping. I tried CBD/THC to get to sleep. I felt "the munchies"...Like when I smoked pot as a teenager!! That was the only time in over 11 years. I believe most surgeons cut the vagus nerve (by the stomach) that will trigger the hunger feeling in your brain. Also with the hormone ghrelin, it is produced in the section of the stomach (the lower part), that is thrown away after surgery. When ghrelin gets triggered (pre op), the stomach wants and feels like it needs food (AND NOW)!! It was (and is) the biggest enemy to diets. As you diet, the ghrelin gets released more and more till you find food. It is one of the main reasons people regain after they go on a diet...It fights against diets like a pit bull!! When it's taken away it should aid with the hunger feeling.

Another thing is your blood sugar level dropping. When your blood sugar drops (like after eating candy or fruit), you can tell that your energy level is dropping. You use to reach for something to regain that blood sugar level quickly (usually sugar laced of some type)...But that was in your past. You need to keep that blood sugar level steady (others can talk about that). As you get further out, you will have more choices with fruits and vegetables. But for this period of your journey, you need to have a mindset of getting in your protein and water. You need to think protein first since you don't want to loose muscle mass.

Another issue is getting "that not full feeling". That is where I struggle. I don't feel hunger, but my pouch is not full. I have learned to fill it with good things to aid in retaining a fairly normal weight. I use things like; water, tea, fruits, raw vegetables, rye crackers, nuts, plain Cheerios to keep my stomach filled and to keep my blood sugar level up. Just me, I keep plain nuts, rye crackers, the Cheerios, beef jerky, raisins in my pockets. I pop them in my mouth throughout the day. But again, you being so new post op, you need your water and protein first. These ideas are more for when you get to a near normal weight. Just my two cents. Brian

I started to feel hunger around the 3 month mark also.

It is normal to regain the sensation, some people it takes longer than others.

I started feeling hunger at about 3 months post op and had the same question. For me, the answer became "It doesn't matter". Hunger is no big deal, it just is what it is. Start now to develop strategies to not eat when it's off plan even if you are hungry because it's a lifelong struggle.

Don't panic. But be aware of your feelings. When I was just pre-op one of the vets said to drink something before I eat.

That did and still does help. I make sure drinking enough fluids so I don't get dehydrated.

Coming here in the beginning and asking for help is important. It was for me.

I also know now coming here makes me realize what can happen if I don't keep in touch.

Life can be busy. Just come here and ask questions. Don't ever think a question is dumb. I understand it can be scary the changes we have done to our bodies.

It gets easier. But even though I am four years out almost and still need help.