Question:
Why is my post-op appetite so large!

I'm more than 3 months post-op and my appetite is huge. Unless I'm very busy, I could just eat all day -- every time my stomach empties. My nutritionist suggested waiting 3 hours between "feedings" and not having carbo's until late in the day. I'm also negligent in getting water into me. TIPS...HELP!    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 23, 2000)

May 23, 2000
Hello there. When I first read this question the first thing that came into my head was a question. Are you really hungry? Perhaps what you are trying to feed is not your body but your boredom, frustration, loneliness ... etc. Just a thought!
   — Carletta H.

May 23, 2000
When I had my gall bladder out, my surgeon warned me that in a couple months I would get a huge appetite. He said, they don't know why it happens after major surgery, but it does. Although my wls surgeon didn't warn me, it did happen then too. In both cases, it only lasted about 2 weeks. Just keep yourself busy for a couple weeks! Good luck to you! take care...
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 23, 2000
First let me say the surgery was a tool.. We all have to do our part.. You <b>"MUST"</b> drink water between meals no less than 64 oz a day, it hydrates our bodies and carries fat away.. ALSO it will keep you from wanting to eat between meals and throughout the day.. Well at least it does me.. <p> Please visit my profile page for more information, links and recipes
   — Victoria B.

May 23, 2000
Boy am I glad you asked this!!! I had surgery last Thursday, have been home for two days and, despite eating my appropriate 6 oz of food at three meals, two 8 oz sipped juices, and my one sipped protein shake, by 8 pm I was STARVED!!! I had been sipping warm to lukewarm Lemon Zinger tea in between to keep hydrated. My stomach was in excruciating pain from the hunger! Finally, I took about 2 oz of soy milk and 2 oz of cottage cheese and that seemed to help. I am worried about eating too much and not giving my stomach a chance to rest in between. I am thinking maybe the juices are spiking my insulin and causing the hunger...I am going to try no juices tomorrow. Whew...this is sometimes trial and error.... Meanwhile, I don't feel nausea unless I eat too fast, in bites too big, which I tend to do if I am distracted while I eat. Ah, the relearning. Meanwhile, I went for a nice long walk today, further than I could before surgery. And, my new walking shoes arrived!!! Did I mention what a true mensch Dr. Lutrzykowski is? What a good man and good doctor! Fondly,
   — merri B.

May 24, 2000
First, let me tell you your hunger will fluctuate on a daily basis. There are days when I feel that I have eaten ALOT, and then the next day, I don't feel hungry at all and back off. Exercising will affect hunger also. As far as getting water in, I suggest getting bottled water (I use 25 oz. size) and reuse the bottles. What I do is get my water bottles lined up in the fridge for the day and ALWAYS keep one with me (If your bottle is so large that is it hard to keep with you easily, get a smaller bottle size and fill up more of them!) If your hunger is "head hunger" not true hunger, having a water bottle in your mouth all the time will help!!!! Good Luck!
   — M B.