Post OP

I'm 17 days post op and I feel like my hunger is back with a vengeance!!! Anyone else experience this? I'm also dealing with insomnia.... this hasn't been a very good week. Tips on getting thru to next phase!!!

This is all pretty normal...

Head hunger can be very powerful. And it usually rears it’s head right about where you are in post op days.

You have to determine if that’s what you’re experiencing, as opposed to real hunger. Thirst can masquerade as hunger, too. There’s a test I use...drink something and then see if you’re still hungry.

I experienced insomnia after anesthesia and pain meds. I had to wait it out...maybe 3 days.

Right now your entire body is confused...time takes time. This all will pass soon.

I promise ;-)

Thank you for the advice. I feel my stomach grumbling like it's mad at me lol. I always drink first then wait about 15 minutes to see if it's thirsty vs hunger. Lately hunger has been winning. Heading I. Week 4 post op I'm aloud to start adding more solid foods so this should help control my appetite a little more.

Sometimes warm/hot broth satisfied the gnawing hunger. Have you tried it? I find that it fills me up at night when I “think “ I need a snack and I really don’t need one ;-)

Good idea, I do have some chicken broth. I will choose that tonight in the event hunger strikes ��

Might also be indigestion - do you have some medication for this?

The lack of sleep won't be helping sadly. Perhaps a herbal tea (chamomile) before bed? I found listening to some guided meditations helps me relax and get to sleep if I am struggling.

I feel your pain. I went through about a week or so of 'head hunger'. I was craving everything bad, especially when I watched TV and saw those awful food commercials, LOL. I always reach for a protein shake when I get an overwhelming crave and it goes away immediately. Not always what I wanted, but what I needed.

That was me exactly. I was so upset because I thought that I was going to be hungry so soon after surgery. In my case it was acid reflux. But my stomach was growling and everything. Mix that with head hunger and it makes for frustration. As for the insomnia, if you go to bed thinking about another sleepiness night your bound to have one but it could just be that your resting since surgery and your just not tired. I would suggest a walk or something light. I was told to take prilosec otc for the indigestion aka hunger pain ;-) it gets better but as a former sufferer of insomnia I would definitely ask the doc about it at your next post OP apt.

No, I was never hungry in the beginning. (Wish I wasn't now). I assume you're on the soft food stage, If you're hungry eat something on your list like an egg. Are you getting in your minimum protein and liquids? That's super important for you now, and may help with the hunger.

I've always suffered from insomnia, so I am no help there either. At my sleep study they found I didn't have sleep apnea but when I WAS sleeping I woke up 49 times. Seeing you're healing, I'd recommend naps if you can't sleep at night. Sleep helps with healing. (Not something they recommend for me years out). I would hope things get back to normal for you soon!

Are you still taking your anti-acid meds?
I had to take them for 3 months.
Acid can also mimic hunger.
Same with thirst, are you drinking enough?