Question:
Does anyone else experience this discomfort, I thought it was hunger pain?

I am 3 weeks post-op rny and on soft diet. I have been miserable for the last week and have another week to go on this particular diet of cereal, eggs, mushy veggies, potatoes, plain pasta. There is very little protein built in here and I am getting so few calories that I don't have the energy to really exercise, I am even a little light-headed at times. My greatest discomfort is a pain that I originally recognized as a hunger pain - like I would have called "sick-hungry". Before surgery this pain would be alleviated within the first bite or two of some food, but that is not the case at all. I experience this all day it seems. I went back to having 1 or 2 carnation instant breakfasts (my "food" during the first 2 weeks) for protein and extra calories. I still have this discomfort but can't seem to eat more or drink more. Now I wonder if the pain is fullness and not hunger or gas. I noticed that when I burped it went away for a short period of time. I feel like I need to burp quite often but can't. Has anyone else experienced this and do you have any suggestions as to what will help get rid of it?    — Kim D. (posted on April 30, 2001)

April 30, 2001
I may not be able to help you because I am only 18 days post op and the pain I get is like a stabbing pain after I eat 2-3 bites. It is very uncomfortable. It seems I burp alot. I think I am hungry but when I eat it is only a few bites then this horrible pain that only goes away after I stop eating and sit for about 30 minutes. I am also extremely tired I feel like all my energy has drained from my body. I am hoping this will pass too. Good luck I hope you get the answer you need.
   — susan V.

April 30, 2001
Are you nauseated? Do things seem to go on through OK or are they hanging up at the stoma? For your eneregy, you might want to try a real protein supp with water. The CIB + milk is actually sugar + sugar and doesn't give you a lot of protein you can actually use, so it may be just makingn you more tired. If the pain continues, of course, see your doc. Your stoma can be tighteningn down or marginal ulcer forming and either one can be fixed fairly quickly once you get a scope in there to take a look. I had lots of marginal ulcers and they are VERY annoying. But not deadly or anything. With me, I could get my protein supps in, but water was just miserable. We were on clears for 4 weeks, so food was not an issue. Also, I assume you are limiting yourself to 1 oz per meal? Any more might hurt and will stretch your pouch prematurely, so it might be just your style?
   — vitalady

April 30, 2001
sould like either sugar intolerance or lactose intolerance that happens to me if i have any milk in anything bubbles and I burp and my stomach feels lousy better after burpping good luck look at what your eating
   — Kathleen M.

July 15, 2001
Hi. You aren't alone. I'm about 2 weeks post op. I always have a hungry feeling. Sometimes I'm so hungry I feel like I'm going to puke. I did have that problem before my surgery, I thought it would go away. I also feel light-headed alot and low on energy when I go for walks or exert any energy. I wonder if it is because I am only averaging about 550 calories a day. I'm hoping things get better when I am on the soft food diet. I am afraid to hit the "full" mark. I hate getting sick. I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. Hang in there, I bet in a few weeks or months we will feel like a million bucks.
   — Carla C.