3 months out and hungry?!

When I was going through my pre op stage the NUT at my surgeon's office said that I won't feel hunger for about 6 months post op.  She was wrong.  For the last week or so I've been kind of miserable.  It seems that 2 ounces of protein isn't lasting as long as it used to and I'm starting to feel hunger again.  Today at work food was all I could think about.  It reminded me of how I felt pre op and that scares me.  I take prilosec every day and I never have heartburn or anything so I don't think it's an acid issue.  I'm diligent on my vitamins and I've increased my liquid intake dramatically.  I haven't been doing anything different in my diet except for a couple of minor things.  As the weather gets colder I crave a hot beverage so I've been drinking decaf coffee 3-4 times a day while at the office.  I add SF hazlenut creamer and 1 packet of splenda per cup.  Sometimes I'll have the diet hot chocolate by swiss miss which is low in calories and sugar.  I've tried adding flavorless protein powder but it was disgusting because I could still taste it.

Another thing I've changed is that I've stopped drinking a protein shake in the morning because I'm trying to get in my protein from food and I'm just too cold now for a shake.   A typical daily menu for me will include lite greek yogurt for breakfast, 2-2.5 ounces of chicken or beef for lunch, 3-4 ounces of beef chilli for dinner (heavy on the beef and light on the beans), another 2-2.5 ounces of dense protein in the evening, and as snacks between meals I'll have a string cheese.  So I'm basically eating 6 times a day every 2-3 hours and the time between meals feels like an eternity.  I would never survive if my plan called for only 3 meals a day.

Is it possible that I've stretched my sleeve? I didn't think this to be possible because I measure everything and I've never overstuffed myself (from what I could tell) but how can my appetite increase so dramatically? My calories have increased from 500-600 cals per day to 700-800.  I'm still getting between 70-80 grams of protein but I feel like I'm eating too many calories.

Is this abnormal or am I overreacting?

Hm.  You might consider switching to a stronger PPI, just to see if that helps.  Maybe Nexium?  

Coffee can increase stomach acidity and decaf even more so than regular coffee.  So you might be increasing your stomach acid with your coffee more than the prilosec can cope with.  

Thank you for your response, Gwen.  I'll ask my surgeon about Nexium.  I have an appointment on Thursday.  Is that OTC or prescription?

Nexium is OTC now.  There's also Protonix, which is even stronger, but I believe it's prescription only.  

I think Gwen is right on track about the acidity of coffee making you think you're hungry.  Also, I find that ANY sugar-free products - be it popsicles, creamer or hot cocoa - ALWAYS increase my hunger.  My body detects the "sweet" flavor and it automatically sets me up for cravings of more..and more...and more.  

I think you food plan sounds really good and no, I don't think you've stretched your sleeve at all.  I think you may be sabotaging your great efforts with the coffee and sugar-free beverages.  Maybe try green tea instead and lay off the sugar-free stuff for a week to see if the cravings subside.  If they do, well you've found the culprit.