5 Reasons for Persistent Hunger Following Bariatric Surgery

Serious overweight people often benefit from life-changing bariatric treatment. These treatments change the digestive system. Therefore, it helps patients shed weight and get healthier. Some individuals feel hungry following the procedure. Even though it’s designed to reduce appetite and weight, it is difficult and frustrating. So, it can impair surgery results. However, bariatric surgery patients may feel hungry for many reasons. Thus, this blog post will discuss 5 Reasons for Persistent Hunger Following Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric Surgery:

Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric bands help people lose weight by restricting food intake and affecting nutrient absorption. Some patients feel famished after surgery, even though these therapies can improve their lives.

5 Reasons for Persistent Hunger Following Bariatric Surgery:

The following are the 5 Reasons for Persistent Hunger Following Bariatric Surgery. Understanding these factors can help one manage them.

1. Hormonal imbalances:

Production of Ghrelin: The “hunger hormone” is crucial for hunger management. Ghrelin is primarily generated in the stomach and drops significantly following bariatric surgery, reducing hunger. However, some people’s ghrelin levels may not decline or grow, rendering them always hungry.

Some other Hormones: Leptin and insulin aid hunger regulation. Fat cells produce leptin, which alerts the brain to stop eating when energy is sufficient. The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar and hunger. If your hormones are out of balance or resistant, you may still feel hungry after bariatric surgery.

2. Not Adjusting to New Eating Habits:

Dietary Changes and Adjustment Time: After surgery, patients must eat nutrient-dense foods in lesser portions. Things can get tricky during this change. Patients may always be hungry if they don’t adjust to food changes. If you eat hastily, poorly chew, or eat the incorrect things, you may still be hungry.

Mental Health and Behavior Difficulties: After surgery, emotional eating and food addiction can persist. Some people seek food and feel hungry even when they’re not hungry due to stress, worry, and other emotions. After surgery, managing these emotional difficulties through therapy or support groups can assist with hunger.

3. Lack of Nutrition:

Important Minerals and Vitamins: Some people have trouble absorbing minerals and vitamins after bariatric surgery, which can lead to shortages. This lack of nutrients may make you hungry because your body is trying to find food. Many patients have issues with B12, D, iron, calcium, and magnesium after surgical procedure.

Getting sufficient protein: Protein makes you feel complete. Patients who have recently had surgical procedures may also feel hungry more often if they do not get sufficient protein. Protein is crucial for people who’ve had bariatric surgical treatment to live wholesome lives and build muscle.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water:

Thirsting and Hungry: Dehydration is prevalent following bariatric surgery since a smaller stomach makes drinking water harder. People commonly mistake hunger for thirst because their bodies send similar signals. After surgery, drinking enough water helps alleviate appetite.

Staying Hydrated: Patients are advised to drink modest amounts of water throughout the day rather than a large glass. Not drinking with meals can also help you avoid being too full and drinking less water. Clear hydration instructions can help with hunger.

5. Surgery Issues and Variability:

Surgery Results and Individual Differences: The outcome of bariatric surgery depends on the operation and the patient’s body type. Some people may feel less hungry due to issues or poor results. Some patients may feel hungry after surgery if the stomach pouch grows or the operation doesn’t limit food intake.

Post-Surgery Monitoring and Alterations: Doctor visits are crucial to assess surgery progress and adjust. Chronically hungry persons can improve their outcomes with nutritional supervision, mental support, and additional surgery.

Consult with Expert:

If the problem persists, patients must seek help from dietitians, psychologists, and other experts. Therefore, you can consult SKN Cosmetics to address these complex problems. Regular follow-ups and personalized care plans are essential for helping people adjust to their new lives after surgery and ensuring long-term success. Seeing and dealing with these issues immediately can help reduce long-term hunger and improve things. 

Final Thoughts:

Hormonal imbalances, difficulty adjusting to new eating habits, nutritional shortfalls, insufficient water intake, and procedure differences might make bariatric surgery patients feel hungry. Understanding these causes will help you manage your hunger and succeed following surgery. Patients should collaborate with their healthcare team to address these issues and receive a clear picture of their weight loss and health.

Consult the best bariatric surgeons at SKN Cosmetics if you need this surgery or need help solving a problem related to this surgery.