Question:
Can a iron deficiency cause hunger?

I have been hungry since the day after my surgery.Before my surgery I wasn't even this hungry. I eat until I know it is time to stop and about 3 hrs later I'm hungry again. Not bored, hungry. My doctor is super strict with the absolutely no snacking but I'm going kind of crazy(a bite or two or sugar free yogurt usually helps). I read a posting of another member who was also very hungry and she also was low in iron like I am, could this be the problem? What is the best kind of way to get your iron in, is it in tablet form(will it get stuck. How much will we actually absorb)or do they offer a subligual one? I've always tested low in iron but I've never taken anything because of fear of constipation.Thank you.    — Jennifer T. (posted on February 3, 2003)

February 3, 2003
I am not low on iron and I get hungry about 2 hours after I eat. I am 3 months post op and have lost 60 pounds. I ask my doc why i fell hungry and she said she belives it is because I am not taking in enough fluids. she said hungry pains is the only way your body can tell you it needs something. I am going to try and drink more and see if it does help. I hope this helps you too. also if you are still on soft or full liguid diet that diet runs through you much faster , when your on a regular diet , your satisfied feeling will last longer.
   — terri R.

February 3, 2003
I know this is against your dr's advice so please feel free to ignore me, BUT my dr always recommended that I eat small amounts every 2-3 hours to keep my metabolism steady. Could you just really be hungry? I know one lady (bless her heart) whose nutritionist told her to eat only one meal a day! Especially at the beginning you can't eat much anyway. It would seem to make sense to spread it out over several small meals so that you get in some protein.<p>When I am low on iron, I usually get a headache. The gnawing hunger for me comes with low blood sugar. (Which for me the frequent meals help prevent, but again please ignore me! :)
   — ctyst