4 weeks post-op and not feeling any fullness

Hi, I had my surgery February 11, 2004. I'm down 24.5 pounds on my home scale. I'm eating the 1/2 cup at a time with a 1/4 cup protein, which I eat first, and a 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes. I'm having no problem eating these portions whatsoever and am feeling like I'm starving throughout the entire day. I can drink any amount and not really feel full. I can kind of feel stuff go into the pouch but it's not a feeling of fullness. Will I ever feel full? I asked my surgeon, Dr. Quinlan,about it and he said not to worry about it. All of the other people I have spoken to online don't even feel like eating at 4 weeks post-op nor can they drink more than 60 cc at a time. Is there something wrong with me? I'm also worried that I won't lose very much weight because it's so slow. I'm making sure that I'm not eating more than 500 calories a day, why aren't I losing faster?

Shanna, I'm sorry you are feeling like you are starving most of the day. Wonder if you would feel fuller/more satisfied longer if you were doing more protein and less potatoes. Carbs (potatoes) as a pre-op always made me want more. I'm doing at least 8 oz of fluid at hour with no problem. I'm still on fluids, but can't say I'm hungry at all. I just know when I need to get some calories in -- kind of a weird feeling I get, hard to explain. You have lost almost a lb a day. I think you are doing GREAT. I think all of us want the weight loss to be very quick, but remember it is going much quicker than as a pre-op and you are being successful. Are you exercising at all? Exercise can really impact the weight loss too. Mary

Mary, Thanks for responding to my questions. I am craving carbs like youwouldn't believe. I developed an infection in one of myincisions 3 days post-op. The surgeon on-call had to reopen the incision six days post-op to get to the infection. Once it was re-opened it still didn'tget better. By Tuesday night, 7 days after surgery, the infection had spread to about 7"x 9". I was put on cipro at 1000mgs for 10 days and my surgeon cleaned it and re-packed it. I've had home care coming 3x a week for the 1st two weeks and once this week. They trained mymother topack the wound. The infection is gone but I still have to pack the wound everyday and it measures 2" deep. It healed in fromthe sides. They re-opened myincision with no anesthetics. It was the worst pain I've ever had inmylife. I have Fibromyalgia and am still tired from the infection and the wound trying to heal. I've been trying to walk around myblock at least once a day for the past week. I hopethat I will be able to exercise more in the next two weeks or so. I'm gladthat you'redoing sowell. Please emailme any time. Shanna

Shanna, My goodness, what an ordeal for you. Glad things seem to be getting better for you. Some times the incision take a while to heal especially if there has been an infection present. Aren't moms the best!!!! So glad your mom can help you. My husband has really been helping me a lot too especially if I drop something on the floor. Mary

i agree with Mary.. cut out the carbs and stick to proteins. If you feel hungry, drink a protein drink. good luck! PS - the carbs might be keeping you from loosing faster...

Hi Shanna I am sorry to hear you are having difficulties. It sounds like with that infection your body has been through a lot. I don' t have any problems with water & can drink that at a normal rate so don't fret about the liquids, those move through your pouch much quicker. I must agree with Mary & Rachel about the carbs. Usually the more carbs you eat the more you crave. Protein is your best choice & it stays in your pouch the longest. Are you making sure you eat very slow (take @ least 20 - 30 minutes to eat)? My surgeon really stresses this technique not only to avoid getting sick, but it takes your brain that amount of time to register that you have eaten & that you are full. Are you being sure not to drink with your meals or too soon after? If you drink too soon after a meal you can dilute & flush things out of your pouch too soon. As for your weight loss you are doing great . Try not to compare your weight loss to anyone elses. I know it is difficult to do this, but your body is unique & will lose & adjust at different rates. Just make sure you are getting in you water intake every day, get enough protein and watch those carbs especially since you haven't been able to excercise much yet. Whatever carbs don't get burned up during the day will store as fat in your body. Keep your chin up & keep the faith - you are doing well & it will only get better. God Bless Angel

Actually your weight loss is progressing fine! Especially considering the infection you have been fighting. I agree with others here. Increasing your protein should help. Try stopping fluids 30 min before eating. Eat 1/2 cup of protein. Do not drink with the meal or for an hour afterwards. Restricting fluids with the meal should leave you with more fullness. Drinking washes the food on out of the pouch leaving it empty and hungry. Be sure to get enough fluids between meals though. Try logging your fluids and protein. Aim for 64 oz fluid and at least 60 gm of protein. (A protein shake counts for both fluid and protein--do this in between meals, not instead of a meal). If your calories come from protein, you will feel much more full. Getting adequate protein will also help the healing process. Good protein sources: egg, cheese, beans, meat (if you are allowed), cottage cheese, yogurt Hope things continue to improve for you! Joy