Hunger-eat or ignore?

Hi all! I am 5 weeks out. I am one of the unlucky ones who still has real physical hunger. I know it isn't acid (on double dose protonix and it works great) I know it isn't head hunger (happens even when I am caught up in other activities and I don't want to stop and eat). I get hungry anywhere from 2-3 hours after I eat. Today I have eaten 674 calories with 30g carbs and 79g protein. I have been very hungry for the past 2+ hours, but haven't eaten. The reason is that I feel like I "should" be ok with 600 calories at 5 weeks. I just want to make sure my head is on straight. It seems odd to me that I'm afraid to go up to 800 cal. I think I fear that 800 because then there is nowhere to go from there. I've been in a stall for 7 days-so that may be contributing to my fear of going above 600 cal. Does that make sense? Thoughts?

I am the same way--for me it's a huge control issue, which I have to stay on top of so that it doesn't turn into a bigger problem.  Can you eat something that's pure protein, like turkey breast or some other meat?  That's what I just did to address my rumbling stomach.  Are you exercising?  I feel much better going over 600 on days that I exercise.  Another thing to think about is that maybe your body will be more comfortable at 800 calories and that might help break your stall.  I know when I was around 300-400 calories a day, I wasn't losing anything and I think it's because I just wasn't eating enough.  So, I think some experimenting with calorie levels won't hurt you ad might even help.  

Thanks Carrie! Yes, I have been exercising every day. I lost 30 pounds preop in 2.5 months on 1200 cal a day-so maybe I will still lose well at a higher level. 

It is very funny because I was just thinking I should just have 1 piece of deli turkey! Great minds think alike!!

Hope it helps!  I am starting to get worried that my hunger is coming back already, because my stomach has been loudly protesting the last few days. For me wen I first started using MFP, it got to the point where I was obsessing about my calorie levels, and it was close to being unhealthy.  I'd rather lose more slowly than constantly beat myself up for eating 100 more calories than I feel like I should want.  

Yes. I agree with you. It would be so nice to be one of those people that isn't hungry at all! Although people say the hunger eventually comes back, so maybe it is good for me to learn how to deal with it from the start...

yes, this! I always wanted to be a healthy person and to me, this means mostly eating when hungry and then stopping.

I do best when this is how I work it! 

I just had this talk with a close friend of mine! I am 4 weeks out and had hunger pains the day AFTER surgery. She initially thought I was crazy, but I knew better. I took 2 weeks off from work but found quickly that with as much daily walking as I do that I was always hearing my belly growl!!! So she advised me to make sure I eat every 3 hours & so I do, but now I'm having symptoms of heartburn. I'm very concerned since I've never had health issues from my weight prior to surgery. I don't "closely" monitor the calories as I do the portion sizes/protein grams daily and too my surprise my daily intake comes to about anywhere between 600-900 calories. I stay away from carbs currently and the bad fats. You will have to tweak things until you get to a "comfortable" consumption intake. Keep up the good work and don't let this rock in the road stray you from your goals!!!

In your case the combination of hunger and heartburn seems to indicate acid. If you're not on a PPI, get one. And if you are on one, get on a stronger one. 

Thank you again!!!

I am so glad to hear I am not the only one with hunger pains.  I really thought I was going crazy because everybody else I read About brag about how never feel hungry but I like you have felt hungry since the 2nd day out of surgery and it's only been 5 days:'( ........ How did you deal with the hunger while only being on a clear liquid diet?