Question:
Did anybody have a large appetite after about 1 year post op?

I am 13 months post op and about 1-2 months ago, I started being hungry all the time and REALLY hungry. I was not hungry at all up to that point. Has anybody else experienced this and how do you stop this ravenous hunger?    — Mark H. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 13, 2003
I'm also 13 months out. My hunger returned just a few months after WLS, and it ebbs and flows -- some days/weeks are worse than others. For a long time, I tracked everything I ate, I was so afraid of not getting to goal (and then so afraid of regaining). Now, I realize I do "bounce back" to normal eating habits after a day of overeating (which is a lot less than it was for me as a pre-op). On any "morning after" when I realize I really pigged the day before, I try to keep protein high on my list, and to stick with my protein shakes. Sometimes I'm hungry because I've exercised a lot, sometimes there's no good reason, but I just don't let it happen day after day anymore. I'd suggest cutting out your "junk" carbs if you're hungry for no reason -- those are the foods that give me trouble. Try substituting a lot more protein to curb the cravings. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

July 13, 2003
It was more like 20 months for me, but the date doesn't matter. Are you transected? Any chance of staple line disruption or other mechanical flaw? I use protein supps to curb cravings, dull my appetite before meals & keep me from getting into Twinkies, basically. After awhile, even intact, we need help with the physical portion of our disease, I think. And I'm not too proud to use it.
   — vitalady

July 13, 2003
I am 10 months out and I have an appetite alot of the time. I work out alot more than most so I get really hungry at night after all the working out. I find Hot cocoa and hot tea in between meals gives me a satisfied feeling. Low calorie hot cocoa of course. I have lost 175 Lbs and am at my personal goal. Only about 10 Lbs to go till my technical weight chart goal. Sugar Free Fudgesicles or Popsicles are good too. Don't be to hard on yourself. You are still human and still are going to want to eat. That has been the big hurdle for me in this surgery. It's OK to want food.
   — Kicker

July 14, 2003
Mark, I'm about 15 months post op, am I'm the same way, right now at this point I'm learning on maintaining my current weight, I still how-ever would like to loose another 17-20 pounds, but am at a point where I know I could loose it, but it'll be hard, it's my last 17-20 pounds, I'm 5"10 and am currently weighing in at about 172-174 pounds, give or take a few, I woukd really like to see 160 pounds, but I'm not sure If I'll ever get down to that, I have a large frame for a woman. I like you have a big appitite, and the only way I seem to kill it off is to try to follow the pouch rules for dummies, It works trust me, I start my mornings off with 20 ounces of water, and them wait 30 minutes and have a protein shake for breakfast.... I wait 2 hours after that before I drink anything, I then drink 34 ounces of water, I do that and make sure I try to get it all in before I'm able to eat anything.... I wait or at least try to wait 15-30 minutes after I drink before I eat anything, I'm currently not following any diet, eating what-ever I'm hungry for with no limiations, (I don't dump at all) .. how-ever I do make sure I get all my water in, no matter what.. And I haven't drank soda pop, or any form of it since surgery... Depending on where you want to be, loosing more weight or just maintaining, ..... I'm due to get back on the "Wagon" and try to loose my remaining poundage.... I was thinking of doing like 4 protein shakes a day and then an average meal filled with lost of protein....... something to fill me up at night. P.s. I used lots of ice in my shakes, it works to fill me up, until next next snack/supper. Best of luck
   — tannedtigress

July 14, 2003
Mark, check out the question just above this one, with the topic "Help, I can't stop eating". Lots of good ideas/tips for curbing that ravenous hunger.
   — Cindy R.