Question:
My appetite has increased

I had surgery 3/9/07 and just yesterday I have noticed that my appetite has really increased quite a bit. Is this normal?    — missyheffelfinger (posted on April 15, 2007)

April 14, 2007
What do you mean by increased? Are you able to eat more than 2-4 oz? Are you having cravings??? You shouldn't be able to eat more than 4 oz tops of soft or mushy foods yet and if you have cravings, that is just head hunger. Try not to give in, take a walk, go on the computer, take a drive, OR drink.
   — Sheri A.

April 15, 2007
Are you taking in the protein and water amount that you should be? Protein last longer in your tummy than other things so make sure what you are eating is protein food. Try drinking a glass of milk when you feel hungry.
   — Virginia M.

April 15, 2007
Everyone is different. I had surgery 2/15/07 and can only eat about 3-4 oz. of food at each meal. A friend of mine had surgery around the same time as you and she's been able to eat 6-8 oz. of food at each meal. She's cut down knowing now she shouldn't eat that much, but her appetite never went away as with many of us it does; again everyone is different. I do seem to have more of a "appetite" around my time of the month; but keep it in check - as I get sick if I eat too much or too fast.
   — jammerz

April 15, 2007
Sometime I wonder the same; however, I'm working out at least every other day and exercising does increase your metabolism. I drink or have a protein bar, fruit or peanuts in between those so-called meals. I'm probably eating up to 4 oz a meal but then again I don't know because before I get to my 3rd bite of consisted chewing I usually have to reheat my food. The only time I don't have to reheat my food is when I eat unspicy chilli w/beans. If I have chicken and it gets cold I'll keep eating it unless it's stir-fry with veggies. Usually I have to eat something every couple of hours and if you're just eating a few bites at one time and that's all then I don't think you're eating too much. Everyone is different.
   — the7thdean

April 15, 2007
Missy, I had an increased appetite, which I controlled with my protein drink and choosing healthy snacks. I'm assuming you have no restriction right now. I just had my first fill last week, now I'm eating 1 to 1 1/2 cup of food and I am staying full, well that is until a see chocolate!
   — R. biles

April 15, 2007
Are you sure it's your appetite that has increased or could it be "head hunger?" I felt like I was hungry for a couple of months after surgery, even though I really didn't feel like eating. My doctor said it may of felt like hunger but in reality it was my head freaking out from change in eating habits, as well as the healing from surgery. Once i hit about 2 months it was gone, which is about the same time I started to feel better. Now, I only get hungry when it's time for me to eat (for me it's at about every 4-5 hours). It may seem like you are hungry but the mind is pretty powerful and can make you think anything. On top of that, your body just went through major surgery and it is just trying to figure out how to survive! Just keep following your dr. rules and eventually your body will settle down. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 15, 2007
Hi Missy, you are struggling aren't you? Honey, I will be honest with you in that obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. You are only about 6 weeks out. Try sipping decalf tea, or something warm that you like. Also, find distractions that will move you along, read a book, walk around the block, window shop at wal mart or some other store, you have to fight the head issues. What you are feeling is real hunger, in your head, but real hunger. Your body is not hungry, your head is hungry to win the battle for obesity, you have to battle it, maybe every day for the rest of your life. So don't give in today, and expect it back regularly. Find ways to battle it. Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 16, 2007
Aloha Missy! Make sure that whatever your eating or drinking does not contain high fructose corn syrup. It will give you major munchies and tell your head you're not full. Good luck!
   — gtali1954