Hello, new to forum. 12 weeks post op sleeve

Hello gastric sleevers,

I am 12 weeks post op and need help. I am still having trouble with extreme hunger! I have to eat something almost every 2 hours some days. Other times I can go 3 or so. Before I got this surgery I was told that the section of stomach removed produced the hunger hormone. I feel so duped. When I say hungry I mean hungry....so bad if I don't get something I feel like I'll throw up.

Also, only lost about 22 pounds. I am so thankful for the loss but was told it would be so much greater. So over all I am so disappointed and hoping there is something I could do to help.

I don't have the surgery until July but reading what you wrote makes me scared! Do you eat the amount of protein you are supposed to? I talked to a friend who said that you have to eat protein so you don't get hungry.

I put myself on a schedule. I eat every two hours. That includes snacks, not full blown meals. I either have a snack, a protein shake, a smoothie or some meat. I know the thing about the hunger hormone being removed. That's what I was told also. I was eating every three hours it was still bearable. Now that I am on the every two hour schedule, I very seldom feel "hungry". It only takes a little bit to get over that feeling. I eat about 3 oz at a time. I measure my food and I try to make good food choices. Don't get discouraged, things will get better. Try a schedule, pre-pack some snacks and plan you days worth of "meals" ahead of time. I am so serious, I think it will help you. If your meals are planned you won't feel bad about eating! Keep a positive attitude, this helps!

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Originally Posted by susan30707

I don't have the surgery until July but reading what you wrote makes me scared! Do you eat the amount of protein you are supposed to? I talked to a friend who said that you have to eat protein so you don't get hungry.

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Susan, don't worry! You will do great!

Hi blsmom, I'm 9 days Post op and I'm STARViNG just like you so as much as I hate it, I'm relieved to read your post. Everyone keeps telling me that I can't be hungry...but i'm HUNGRY - feels like I'm starving, like my stomach is going to eat itself. I've lost 20lbs also but in the last few days have stayed the same so I'm unsure about the progress part. I don't have anything magic to say, I just wanted to say thanks for posting because at least I can relate to what you are going through...here's hoping it gets better...:confused:

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Originally Posted by blsmom

Hello gastric sleevers,

I am 12 weeks post op and need help. I am still having trouble with extreme hunger! I have to eat something almost every 2 hours some days. Other times I can go 3 or so. Before I got this surgery I was told that the section of stomach removed produced the hunger hormone. I feel so duped. When I say hungry I mean hungry....so bad if I don't get something I feel like I'll throw up.

Also, only lost about 22 pounds. I am so thankful for the loss but was told it would be so much greater. So over all I am so disappointed and hoping there is something I could do to help.

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You should perhaps talk to your doctor. My head tells me I'm hungry much more than my stomach does, and I've learned to tell the difference. I eat a little for breakfast, a salad (or grilled chicken sandwich) for lunch and a sensible dinner. When I get "head hunger" an apple, or a couple of carrot sticks or a nice cold glass of water fixes it.

Good luck to you.

You definitely need to consider setting an eating schedule. Maybe every 2 to 3 hours - like accordingtome suggested.

Setting a schedule may seem silly now, but I guarantee you it definitely does help. I currently have an eating and exercise schedule. it helps to keep me focused especially when my schedule gets hectic.

Also remember to get your liquids in. That's your water, your protein drinks, your shakes. Whatever the doctor told you to do - you need to make sure you're doing it. And most importantly doing it on a regular schedule because it will help curb your appetite.

Good luck

Hello everyone who answered to my problem. I've been checking my e mail and just found all these responses in my spam folder!! I am touched that everyone had so many good ideas to post. I am going to health food store tomorrow to try some liquid protein that someone suggested. I probably haven't been getting enough. I do eat protein with almost every meal and snack but may still not be enough. Also, it hasn't really been a head hunger as some have suggested but a definite feeling in my stomach! I do think they definitely need to stop telling people that the hunger hormone is removed! Because I do feel definite hunger, no doubt. I am going to try upping the protein but suspect it is something I am going to have to live with. I will let u all know if the extra protein helps. I have been getting at least 40 to 50 grams while keeping calories at 1200 to 1500, all though some days I think I drop much lower. Can't give up because stomach is gone. So I will hang in!

Dear Justg Sleeved, I am glad to hear from you too. My doctor (Dr. Irani in Bakersfield, CA) acted as if I was crazy! Ticks me off! My hunger has been so extreme that sometimes I just want to cry! Because it is worse than before surgery. Your 20 lb. loss is great though! Is that since before surgery or since surg.? My first few weeks I hardly lost any. I have cried many times. If there had been loss at least the hunger would feel like it wasn't in vain! I actually have some diet pills my regular dr. gave me to try because it helps boost metabolism. Awful to have surg. and still do diet pills. but that's what I've been doing the last few weeks, that and B12 shots. Let's keep in touch and see if we can help each other. Also, my surgeon did have me go get checked with an upper GI to make sure everything was ok and no ulcers. It was! They said everything looked fine. I have been taking zantac and/or prilosec to help with the burning/hunger sensation. Sometimes I think it helps a little. Thanks so much for posting cause we are not alone!

Dear Susan30707, I have been eating protein a lot. I don't know if I'm getting 70 grams as I prob should but I do eat protein with every meal and snack. Just be aware that the hunger completely leaving your body is probably a lie. My surgeon is aware of what is going on and had me do an upper GI but everything was fine. Just be aware. Everyone is sooo different it is hard to say how the surgery will exactly effect everyone. I have not lost great amounts of weight like they told me either. So the jury is still out on weather I would do this again or not. I am hoping long term things will work out. You will hear that this is a tool. I will tell you the complete truth in that it is just ONE TOOL!!! I still diet, I still watch things I buy and eat. It is one tool to every day living and eating the correct way. My regular doctor even gave me diet pills and thyroid, along with b12 injections every two weeks to help boost my metabolism. It is hard every day. The surgery hasn't really changed anything for me personally except that my stomach holds less at meal time, which is good, but only one part of the problem to being obese! Good luck to you in making your decision. I wish you well.

Hello!! i know this is kind of an old thread. But was wondering how you are doing!! i am almost 3 months out and seem to be hungry more than i should be. How much did you eat 3 months out?

I'm 9 weeks post op and have a lot of weird pain and cramping from my stomach. If I feel likes its hunger pains, i usually just take a drink of protein shake and i feel a lot better. I think my stomach is still healing and getting used to not being fed so much. Try to resist grazing, and drink more protein shakes - I found a great flavor - Fuzzy Naval - its Syntrax Nectar and you can order it or get it at the Vitamin Shoppe.

Hello,
I am almost 4 months now and am doing great. I still get HUNGRY EVERY 2 hours like a little baby! It drives me insane. I didn't get much support on these boards and everyone just told me it was me but it's not just me. It certainly is my surgery. I've learned to adjust and watch what I eat. I've lost 50lbs and feel great. I can say the hunger is NOT going away apparently, I've just learned to adapt. Once you figure out what satisfies you somewhat it helps. Sometimes I just ignore the hunger pains until I can't any longer...sometimes I lose that battle! :mad: I'm still learning and trying to piece it all together but I can tell you this...it's NOT head hunger, it's NOT something I'm doing right or wrong and the part where they say they removed the hunger hormone is fiction, at least in my case. Just keep on keeping on everyone who is hungry after the sleeve! It's NOT YOU...it's just something you have to learn to work around!!

I was totally starting to think I was the only one!!! I too get hungry every couple hours, as if I'm starving. Its gotten better but I'm so disappointed that I'm not one of those sleevers that have to set an alarm to remind them to eat! I have made bad choices but I usually do make healthy choices! Protein always first! My weight loss is slower than others but I'm juz thankful I'm still losing! We are not all the same, but we all are on the same journey! Each day is a new chance to do better :)

I also am happy that i am able to eat, with no problems, just a MUCH smaller portion. I can eat anything with no problems (except nuts and salad). I don't have to worry about malnutrition, not getting enough protein or vitamins or really anything. I expected not to be hungry and to lose 100 pounds...instead I'm hungry all the time and have lost 50! But I'll take 50 in 4 months any day of the week! I've decided that I'm happy I am not one of the sleevers who CAN'T eat and feels weak and tired all the time from lack of food...in the long run, I think it will be a healthier outcome!