The war against head hunger

I am 4 days post op and until yesterday had no feeling of "hunger".  I dont know how I could possibly be hungry.  I get in all my liquids, vitamins, my 2 ounces 3 times a day of protein shake, which should be more than enough to satiusfy my pouch, but I feel like I am hungry!  I have hunger pangs and everything.  I am trying to distract myself.  Today I went to the gym when the pangs were at their worst, but it's daunting to think that I have 11 more days of dealing with this feeling.  My stomach growls, my sides hurt and I have the hole in your stomach feeling.  Is this truly hunger, or really my head?

I don't know whether it can be real hunger, but I have a suggestion on head hunger.  Stop watching TV, especially in the evening! I started counting and discovered there are 20+ food commercials EACH HOUR in prime time. No wonder obesity is rampant in our country.  It was making me crazy even though I have no physical hunger!  

Now I only watch a couple of favorite shows a week plus some PBS things without commercials--and I turn the TV off immediately after. Doing lots of projects and hobby stuff instead. I'm a lot happier and staying on program.

Could be real hunger but most likely it is head hunger.  I've been able to tackle mine mostly by determining if any food will work or a specific food.  I don't remember who initially posted that but for me it works perfectly.  If I want a specific food I'm looking to fill a need that isn't true hunger. 

Drink some water or a shake and quiet the noise.

2 ounces 3x a day of protein drink?  Is this all the protein you're getting?? If so then you would be hungry.. you're body needs at least 60 grams of protein a day.   During the first 2 weeks after surgery I had to drink 60 ounces of water, get 60 grams of protein (shakes since I was on liquids) and 60 minutes of exercise. 

 

If you arent getting 60 ounces of protein, try to increase that, and I bet it will help

Amen to that! I was hoping it was a typo. 6 oz a day is NOT enough!

The TV thing is insane! I noticed how any commercials there were when I was at the hospital, and at that time they made me sick to my stomach! Good thing I cancelled cable over a month ago, and only stream, so we are food commercial free here!

I feel like any food will do at the moment, but I am dreaming of cottage cheese and soft boiled eggs and shrimp.

I know exactly how you feel. I'm a week out from surgery and dear lord, I have been starving at times! I too have been confused about when is it head hunger and when is it not? Do you have a weird "empty" gross feeling when you wake up in the morning? I think that's how our new hunger will feel and the hunger feeling we knew is the "head hunger". It's a weird thing. When it gets bad, have a popsicle maybe or have a shake? I've said a few times, "I just need to eat something...I'll chew it really well, I swear!" lol. I had no idea I'd feel so hungry so soon. Hang in there!!!

My surgeons diet is just 2 ounces of a protein shake three times a day for the first two weeks. It's Draconian, but those are his requirements. I know most people have to get in 60 grams of protein right away, so I'm surprised that my surgeon is so strict.

My surgeon told me "clear liquid diet for a week" when he discharged me on Weds...by Friday I seriously thought I was going to die. I was very weak. Now that I put myself onto full liquids, I am much better. Protein is a very, very important thing. I never really understood until then. 

I liked this answer:  head hunger can go away, real hunger most likely will only intensify.