Question:
why do I feel hunger pangs in my stomach still?

At less than 2 weeks post-op my surgeon has me on solids (have been since being in hospital) I am having a horrible time distinguishing between the sensations I'm feeling below. I was able to eat the toppings off of two medium slices of pizza including peppers, black olives, mushrooms and cheese this evening. My stomach was still rumbling like it was hungry. The old sensation I would have felt before surgery. Now I feel I ate a lot to begin with...it seems too much, however I feel physically that I could have handled more. Why am I not getting a true full feeling on such a large amount. I honestly didn't feel hungry when finished...but I still have the old grumbling. I'm so scared this is not working. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Kim    — KimBo36 (posted on July 26, 2001)

July 26, 2001
My goodness. I was still on clear liquids at two weeks post op! Ok...do you "water load" prior to eating? Drink your water, wait 10-15 min...then eat your food? Then no more water for 1-1 1/2hrs. If you are drinking fluids with your meals, your food will wash right through your pouch and you will not feel "satisified." Otherwise, it could be "head hunger." Unfortunately, this is only a tool and does not take away our head hunger or trigger food eating...ya just can't eat as much!I only wish it took it all away, LOL...Barb B.
   — Barbara B.

July 26, 2001
Are you chewing your food to a pulp -- then when it is a pulp, chewing it some more??? If you're liquifying your food then that might be the reason why. It is draining right out like you're drinking water. How are you doing on your drinking? I find that if I drink water/Crys Lite in between meals, it takes away my appetite. I also find that when I eat carbs I get head hunger. Why not try a day of liquids to see how you feel? Everything changes after this thing and you do need to relearn how to "read" your body. Since you are already on regular foods, you haven't really had a chance to see what you can do. Does your surgeon have a support group? (Mine didn't so I started one) It would be nice to talk to others who have the same rules at you so you can compare notes. Why not ask your surgeon to contact someone who had surgery around the same time as you and see whether or not they would be willing to contact you to talk. Support is a great thing! Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.