Question:
I am 6.5 months out from open RNY...

All I want to do is eat. I wake up hungry and go to bed hungry. I know that there is a difference between mind hunger and tummy hunger but my TUMMY is hungry. I have cut way back on my carbs (limit myself to 30 or less a day) I get in at least 80 grams of protein and I am still famished. Today while grocery shopping I almost passed out from hunger. I immediately ate 1/2 of a detour bar and felt a little better but get so frustrated because I could eat two of those at a time if I let myself. I have also been stuck at 210 for what seems like forever. I walk 3 miles 4-5 days a week and also do tons of house and yard work to keep myself busy. Can anyone give me some insight here. What types of things can I eat to keep me full more then an hour? Trying to avoid that "hunger shake" is causing me to consume too many calories and I need help. I am sorry for rambling but I have no support system at home and everyone is always trying to feed me so I have quit goin anywhere anytime near a meal time. I am know this is a 20 part question but my main concern is FOOD WITH SUBSTANCE and not so many stinkin calories. Thanks a lot guys...    — Laureace A. (posted on July 28, 2003)

July 28, 2003
You are not alone--- it was around that same time that I started to feel hunger again. I started experimenting with the different shakes to try to find the one that I could whip up that would be thickest. I found that the TwinLabs products tended to be very high in protein with only marginal carbs (about 25 grams of protein to 3 grams of carbs); when I got hungry, I would consume a shake. Also, to help with the desire to munch, I would nibble on pork rinds (these have almost no carbs in them) and the Atkins chips. Lastly, I tried to spice up the foods that I ate as I found that the spicier foods tended to make me feel more full. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

July 28, 2003
Are you transected? When was the last time you had lab work done? Have you collected the copies for your own records? I'm asking cuz frequently with the issues you mention, it can be a mechanical issue, not that you're crazy. HUGE differnce.
   — vitalady

July 28, 2003
I'm pre-op but wonder if you are taking large amounts of iron ... iron can really increase your appetite. Just a thought.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 28, 2003
The hunger shakes could be mechanical like Michelle Curran said -- she is the one who clued me in to the fact that my hunger shakes that came on after I described my symptoms were hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Anyway...80 grams of protein in what form? I swear by protein shakes. Find one you can tolerate (don't search for one you like...just one you can get down) and stick with it. I took the attitude that I'd drink them like medicine then lucked up and found a few I actually like. Make a thick one (using ice) and that should do it for a few hours for you. You have to play around with your shake recipes though. So many folks on here give up after one sip then write in a month later asking how to get in their protein because they "can't" do the protein shakes cause they've "tried them all" and they make them gag. Don't be one of those folks. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

July 28, 2003
I have two suggestions: Call your doctor and let them know what is going on because it might be something that needs fixing. From my standpoint your eating is great but try choosing really dense proteins as they should stick with you longer. I know if I eat a cheeseburger or something heavier like that, I do not eat as much and it does seem to stick around and keep me satisfied longer. Like the others said, have you had labs done? I had them at 3 months and am going this morning for my 6 month labs. It's important the surgeon is watching them. I hope something can be resolved soon. We are close to the same place and I do not experience what you talk about. I would be very discouraging to always be hungry. Get some help and good luck! Chris D.
   — zoedogcbr

July 29, 2003
How often do you eat? I eat whenever I am hungry, which works out to at least 6 or more times a day. Maybe you are not eating often enough-doesn't have to be alot at each meal, just eat to feel comfortable. And if you concentrate on protein, it fills you for a longer period of time. Cheese and crackers, grilled chicken chunks, 1/2 a turkey sandwich on multigrain with mustard, are some examples that fill me for a while. I'm not a believer in limiting the carbs so low, and have found, some carbs fill me for longer periods of time, so for instance if I mix ground beef with a little rice or pasta (just a tablespoon or two), I seem to stay full longer than if I just had the ground beef. Michelle is right, though, check out the mechanics. A scope may be in order to determine if you have an enlarged stoma. Do you ever feel full, and does it last at all? If so, that may not be the problem, but those with enlarged stomas say that they are always hungry and never feel full-small wonder since food passes directly from esophagus to the intestines.
   — Cindy R.