Question:
I made it, but I'm hungry

I had my surgery on Monday, I have to be on sraight liquids until I see the doctor on Thursday. I find myself very hungry which everyone says that's a good sign of recovery, but is it? I hear so many people say they never have an appetite. Does this mean the surgery won't work or is it because of being on all liquids? And it's real hunger where my stomach feels hungry not head hunger.    — Kelly* P. (posted on January 26, 2003)

January 26, 2003
Kelly, First of all congrats on your surgery! I had surgery on the 7th of January and felt so hungry immediately after surgery and when I was on clear liquids the first 2 days. Then I was on soft liquids until I saw my dr. at 10 days and couldn't WAIT for something to chew on. I thought I was the world's biggest failure since I felt so focused on food! Well, I'm at 19 days and my appetite has started to subside this week. It has gotten to be less every day and at least one day this week I wasn't hungry at all. Hang in there!
   — susanje

January 26, 2003
I have always had the hungar too, but it is quickly satisfied with the numberous small meals. Cream of chicken soup is more satisfying and is classified as a clear liquid -- I don"t know why but it is
   — Darlene P.

January 26, 2003
I had HEAD hunger like you wouldn't believe. I even went through WITHDRAWAL!!!! All they played over and over again on television was that STUPID pizza commercial with the giant tongue. I wanted all those foods SO BAD!! All that does subside, though I STRONGLY doubted it for about three weeks. I don't think I was physically hungry at first...or just didn't recognize the symptoms. I know the three ounces of CLEAR liquids I was on the first two weeks were PLENTY to eat. I am 2 1/2 months post op and down 75 lbs. I get hungry now and THINK I could eat like I used to. I am ALWAYS pleasantly surprised when I can't. My head and my stomach are working good together now. I eat protein first and verrrrrrrry little else after that. I do eat salad...I must leave room for my salad. Meats still don't taste right to me. I am having trouble getting enough protein with the small portions I am able to I eat. I am NOT a snacker, so I only eat three meals a day. Drink water (that's another hard one to do...and I USED to be a big time water drinker from my Weight Watcher days)and take your vitamins. PHEW! By the time you do all that there is NO time for snacks (protein drinks). Good luck to you.
   — Ginger M.

January 26, 2003
I was on clear liquids too for about 3 days then went to full liquids. My savior was "cup of soup", tomato soup, pea soup and sugar free jello brand chocolate pudding. Sugar Free Popsicles were cool for awhile too. Then I graduated to soft foods and was told, "if you can tolerate it you can eat it.". Be careful... dont eat fast.. because it's gonna get you mighty sick. Good luck to you.
   — Steve B.

January 26, 2003
Kelly!!!!! It truly is HEAD HUNGER and nothing more. If you do eat you will, without a doubt, get sick. That is the worst feeling in the world. Is that what you want to do to get it proven that it really is head hunger? You will be ok. It takes time. Good Luck to you!
   — Regina C.

January 26, 2003
Kelly, I had REAL hear my stomach growl all the way across the room and feel like fainting hunger post op. It was NOT head hunger. I found that continously drinking sips of fluid (especially warm fluids lke decaff tea) really helped to settle the stomach. Also, lots of jello. This gets MUCH better as your diet bradens. Good Luck to you!
   — Vicki L.