Hello! This was such an anxiety-inducing thing for me during my first few weeks. I felt hungry all the time and could drink more than I thought I would be able to. My stomach was also constantly gurgling. The surgeon said it could be acid, and it turns out it was a huge part of it. However, there definitely was some hunger too. It was strange, specially since I was not too used to hunger before surgery (I could eat once per day, sometimes late in the evening). I felt a little scammed, to be honest. I was also afraid it would doom me to failure, but my appetite has regulated itself since then. I am still hungry a couple times per day, but it goes away as soon as I eat.
If I am lazing around, hunger appears sometimes, but, to be honest, it’s probably just boredom. Cravings are another matter altogether.
What I am trying to say is, it seems hunger is quite unique to the patient, and while some people will definitely be freed from it, some of us have to learn to manage it. It doesn’t mean we are failing or were duped. Hunger is not an enemy, and we need to eat. Constant hunger will mean you need to be very careful and deliberate with your food choices, as cravings are easy to indulge and a terrible habit to groom. I think surgery is a lifelong commitment to your body and its needs. Eating every few hours is inconvenient, but a need you will have to learn to fulfill. As inconvenient as it is, it is also self-care. Looking after yourself will sometimes mean you will have to take little breaks. Of that is the price to pay to stay healthy, I think it’s worth it.
