Question:
What is up with this hunger?

I am 3 months po and all of a sudden I am hungry. Not everyday but a lot more than I was a week ago. Is this normal?    — Kimberly H. (posted on January 13, 2003)

January 13, 2003
Can you eat more volume? Or is it that you are full for abit, but hungry again way too soon, as if your pouch is emptying too fast? And is there possibility of staple line disruption?
   — vitalady

January 13, 2003
Original poster here. I was transected so I am sure there is no disruption. I used to only eat 3 very small meals a day and now I want a snack in between, either peanut butter or nuts of some kind. I just don't stay full like I used to. I used to have to make myself eat. Thanks for your response.
   — Kimberly H.

January 13, 2003
I am exactly 3 months post op also and I am going thru the exact same thing! I hate it. I have always been so good at eating only three meals a day with no snacks. Now I find myself eating a couple cheese and crackers, or fruit, or beef jerky inbetween meals. I do choose healthy snacks, but I DON'T WANT TO START BAD HABITS! One thing that I think it might be is maybe I'm not eating enough protein in my meals. I can see a huge difference from when I eat say a piece of chicken (only), versus say, chicken w/a small amount of pasta. Also, I'm wondering if our pouches are just growing as they are suppose to, thus telling our heads they need more food??? I don't know. I do know that my calories are still pretty low though. Best of luck to you!
   — Stacy L.

January 14, 2003
The hunger does come back unfortunately. It has come back a little early for you as most experience this about 6-7 months post-op and a few lucky ones get to hold it off for a year. I do think it is normal as it is normal for us to eat more calories as time goes by and for our stomachs to stretch to where they should stretch to- from a few ounces to 6-8 or more. I'm a believer in eating when hungry, just as long as you eat healthy, good for you stuff for the most part. I do know that dense foods stay with you longer, like meats, apples and pears for example. The good part is that when you are hungry, it doesn't take much to fill you up.
   — Cindy R.

January 14, 2003
Cindy is right on target with all that she said! I am 6 months post-op and feeling much hungrier these days. But I also think it has to do with the colder weather some days. Also, what she said about the dense foods being more filling is right. I notice when I do great with solid protein choices I am less hungry for a snack. Fruit has become an excellent snack choice as well, however. I went to the store the other day and picked up a couple of pears, apples and kiwi fruits. I've noticed it has helped curb my craving for sweets (chocolate) and it has vastly improved my issues with constipation! Don't be scared of this newfound hunger...but feed it right! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -104lbs.
   — Anna L.