Question:
Any other long term BPD/DS's hungry all the time?

Sounds crazy almost 3 years later but I seem to be hungry every 2 hours or so lately. I have eaten like a pig actually, not gained any weight at all but still wondering what is happening? Any ideas?    — Barbara H. (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 3, 2002
I don't have an answer for your question, but I read your profile and want to thank you for telling us about your difficulties, although I'm sorry you're having them at all!!
   — [Anonymous]

January 3, 2002
Hi Barbara: Funny, I was just thinking about this in another context. I just had reconstructive PS about 5 days ago (lower body lift) and I seem to have lost my appetite because of the Darvacet. My initial reaction to anesthesia is starvation -- I ate EVERYTHING out of the nurses station the first night and TWO breakfasts the next AM. But you are asking about usual, no extenuating circumstances long term Post OP DS eating. I'm 2 years 3+ months out now and have maintained w/i normal fluctuation of 3 lbs for the last 6 months (excepting the elimination of excess redundant skin!). I find that I've settled into a pretty normal patern that is no unlike how I ate pre-op (when I wasn't trying to diet). I always liked protein, so each meal centers around meat, cheese, eggs, etc. and since I'm always watching my blood work, don't feel the least guilty about eating anything else I want between meals -- so I'm still stocking up on Entenmann's, Hershy's, etc. I find that since I no longer consider myself a compulsive eater, and don't monitor myself in any way, I no longer have the compulsion to finish the box/gallon, etc., the stuff lasts around the house a LOT longer. But I knew that WLS would not change my natural food preferences (that's why I always gained the weight back) and I was right. As long as you are getting your nutrients in first, I take advantage of the malabsorptive part of our surgery and can truly enjoy what I eat w/o guilt or shame. I have truly become the person that everyone loves to hate as a lunch partner, but then most of them have a husband, mother or neighbor and are asking for my surgeon's info. Enjoy your life, you've certainly earned it!
   — Jill L.

January 3, 2002
I feel like I eat a lot, but when I add it up, it's not as much as I think. I do eat frequently though, in small amounts. When I find myself in a position to have to go more than a few hours without a meal or snack, I do get hungry. I'm a stay at home mom, so food is never far away. If I were working outside the home, I imagine that I would carry a stash of food with me to work so that I could snack throughout the day. I believe in listening to your body, and if you are craving a certain type of food, it's probably (my theory) that your body needs that food. If you're just generally hungry, and eating isn't hurting you, I don't see anything wrong with eating as you want. If you are distressed by needing/wanting/having to eat frequently, perhaps you can experiment with types of food that might give you longer satiety? Good luck to you!
   — mmagruder

January 5, 2002
I'm two+ years out and I find that I am hungry every 2-3 hours. Mind you, my meals are a lot smaller to begin with, so it only seems natural that I would get hungry earlier (than preop). When I get hungry, say in mid morning, it doesn't take much to curb my hunger. I'll grab a yogurt or some cheese, or a slice of lunch meat and a piece of fruit. I NEVER starve myself. If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm going to be out for a few hours during the day, I always take a bag of jerky and my water!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 29, 2003
On occasion there are issues of constant hunger. But many times it can be "head hunger"..not actual physical hunger. Stress can take it's toll in so many undetected ways. With the BPD D/S and our ability to eat normally and malabsorb and not gain ....well after a while we relax and realize we don't have to feel deprived and the head hunger will go away. Perhaps there are other issues you may want to look at or speak to your physician. :) My best to you. :)
   — Pamela C.