Am I supposed to feel hunger? 3 months post op

or is it in my head?

im panicking a little bit because in the last week or so I am feeling hungry. I thought for the first year or so you rarely feel the hunger? I'm not starving but in between meals my stomach makes me known it wants food. Admitted, my breakfast is a protein shake (liquid, it all goes down), but my lunch is dense protein and veggies and in the afternoon if I'm hungry I'll go for the dense Greek yogurt. I also track everything on MFP, hitting around 65-80 gr of protein (depending on the day), staying under 600 cals (per NUT) and under 30 for carbs.

So what gives? Am I hungry or are these my bad habits coming back?

We all seem to be different. I have felt "hunger" since day 1. Is it real hunger or head hunger? I'm not sure for me, but it doesn't really matter- to me it feels the same. I am 9 years out and have a BMI of 22, so for me, I have learned how to deal with the hunger and not eat just because I feel hungry. To be successful, you will need to figure out what works for you, too.

I definitely felt hunger 3 months out. Couldn't eat that much but I think the hunger is normal.

As long as you're following the plan....

Noticed your new avatar!! Congrats!

Thank you !

I, as well, felt hunger from about 3 weeks post-op. I have tried many different "tricks" to stop that feeling. Sometimes it was the dreaded head hunger and sometimes not. I relied on warm chicken protein broth for several months; it did the trick. Now, just over a year out, I will drink something with bigger sips, not the little ones you still need now. This keeps those hungry feelings away for an hour or more. This will bring me closer to a snack time. Like Laura said everybody is different and you will find what works for you, it'**** or miss at first.

Follow the rules, try out some distractions or protein forward snacks and you'll be OK!

If I don't drink enough water in between eating, my stomach thinks it's hungry, then the brain jumps on the bandwagon... but if I continually drink water from 30-45 minutes after a meal, until a few minutes before the next meal, it really does keep me more satiated.

How much water are you drinking?

I drink at least 100oz of liquids, that includes decaf coffee. Often times, more than that.

You might be right. I have a hard time with liquids. I do get the 64 oz in (I don?t drink coffee) but it?s sooooo hard. I have to do a better job at drinking. Thanks!

I am 10 month out and for me, I don't believe I have experienced true physical hunger -at least the way I remembered it pre-op but the desire to eat is just as strong. For me, it's getting harder as now I am able eat more and more often. I think you could have a point about it being bad habits coming back - the usual triggers are what I see happening for me- anxiety mostly - food was my coping mechanism. There is also boredom, and life -happy or sad... I have to consciously detract myself, keep very busy, drink, drink, drink... It's not easy.

are you getting 64+ oz of liquid every day. Dehydration mimics hunger.

Also, those 30 carbs you are eating can cause hunger.