Here's my issue...

My issue is with measuring. I just can't get myself to do it. After every diet I've been on throughout my life, the one thing that made me fail was measuring. I'm definitely eating less, but I can't do the measuring thing. Anyone else have this problem? Also, I am 5 weeks out today and I feel as if I can eat more than I should. I'm one of those people that can tolerate anything. I haven't dumped once yet and haven't vomitted yet either. For breakfast I usually have 1 scrambled egg and then on the way to work I'll drink a protein shake. Today for lunch, I had some salad with some chicken mixed in for protein. The salad definitely wasn't the size I would've had when I was pre-op, but it seemed a bit large for someone that is only 5 wks post-op. I'm pretty full, but not to the point where I feel like I'm going to be sick or anything. It just seems like when I eat less, I get hungrier more quickly. I keep hearing that after 6 wks you start to feel less hungry because your pouch is healed. Is this true? I really hope so. I go to the doctor later today for my second post-op follow up. I lost 18 pounds in the first 11 days, but don't feel as if I've lost too much more. I intentionally didn't weigh myself at home and thought I'd wait until my doctors appointments. I sort of use this board as my support group (I've only posted once or twice before this, but read most of the other posts). My support groups are not covered by my insurance and I can't really afford to pay for them on my own. I like to think that I'm doing the best that I can, but as you all know, it can get frustrating at times. Thanks for listening, Leslie

I didn't know that support groups made you pay. All the ones I've attended have been free. You might check on this. They can be very helpful. About measuring, why did it make you fail in all your other diets??? Measuring is soooo important cause when the scales don't move, sometimes, you have added muscle or things have shifted and you have in fact lost inches. Oh, I just reread your post, are you talking about measuring your food??? If so, I don't do that either. I just take a small spoonful or small amount (and usually my eyes are bigger than my pouch). Just as long as you are following your docs protocol then things should be fine. Don't worry so much about it. Hang in there, I'm sure that you're doing just fine. Whitney

Yes, I meant measuring my food. I should have been more specific. Leslie

Leslie, I have not ever measured my food. My surgeon and dietician stressed eating to satisfaction and not nessecarily amount. I know I dont eat over my pouch size, and have learned to notice the feeling of full. As soon as I notice that feeling; for me, the food just goes down with a different feeling, I scrape all the food left on my plate onto my husbands. He doesnt usually eat it, but it has been a good out for me to not pick in it and to be able to say, "I am done". If I am eating alone then I just get up and immediately scrape it in the garbage. I have gotten much better knowing what I can hold so that is helpful too. You will notice more of a difference in being able to do that as the next few weeks come. Its only been the last 2-3 weeks that I have noticed. I have to say I am less hungry now, then before, actually I dont think it is less hungry as much as food is less important to me. I sense myself getting a healthier attitude about food. Try not to get in the trap of watching what others are loosing, it will get you more discouraged than help you. If you are eating within your recommended guidelines you are doing all you can. Maybe you havent noticed much of the weight loss, but I can bet others do, even if they dont say anything, I look at myself naked in the mirror and I dont think that I look any different than I did before surgery. (I am down 57 lbs) I feel it in my clothes and I see it on the scale, but my head just doesnt want to beleive it. If you can get into a support group, by all means try it, you will benefit greatly. I havent heard of having to pay for one. If that is the case in your area, maybe you could contact some of the people in your area or hang a flyer at your surgeons office and try and start one on your own at a church, library, etc. that would be free to everyone. If thats not possible, keep asking for your support here. Everyone here is behind you 100% Janelle

Leslie, I am exactly where you are, except my surgery was 3/8. I have never been sick or even felt like I was going to be sick. On 2 occassions, I must have eaten my meat too fast or didn't chew well enough, which gave me a terrible pain in my chest area, but went away rather quickly. I have never felt that feeling of fullness and I find that I can tolerate anything, and on at least one occassion have eating a normal sized portion of chili without any problems at all -- and still no feeling of fullness. I am concerned that this "tool" is not that for me. My pouch size was/is 2 oz., yet I never, ever feel full. Any help from the board will be greatly appreciated. Maureen

Hi Leslie: Like you my recovery was simple and fine. I had surgery 6 weeks ago. I have no pain, but do have lots of energy. I have never been sick, can eat or drink anything and in amounts larger than I would have thought possible. I was told that my pouch is the size of a golf ball and to be careful not to stretch it. I try but I am not sure if a well chewed grill cheese sandwich should fit into a golf ball. (that's what I had yesterday at a friends house). I am losing slower than those still on liquid or soft diets, and sometimes I think that I could not possibly have had surgery. But I am losing and I cannot eat as I did before. I have not chanced eating sweets but had 2 fudgesicles one night and didn't dump. I thought they were no sugar added and they were the regular ones. I use this site for my support. I do not attend any other support groups. Even if I lose slowly I hope to be at goal by Thanksgiving. Good luck. You are not alone. Louise -25

My posting issue as well. Seems like alot of us are feeling this way. Maybe it is just part of individually "feeling out" our new pouches. I actually had some seafood salad a little bit ago and it was about 1/2 cup and I am full. Othertimes I dont feel full and know it has to be. I still get hungry at 8 weeks out. I know I am all healed up but still get that hunger. I dont know if its head hunger or real hunger. Ive been munching on pumpkin seeds. They help with the "head hunger" or hunger in general and they are yummy. Still feel guilty eating them though. lol. They arent too bad. There is about 130 calories half a bag 6 fat 0 sugar and 5 protein. So thats not so bad and figure 1/2 bag lasts so long! I cant wait till I start loosing again. I am the opposite and weigh myself constantly. Bad me! Part of my mental issues I am so excited to see that scale go down because It never went down pre-op! We will get there ladies Im sure of it - but its nice to talk out our concerns Best Wishes! Elizabeth M -44

Thanks everyone for all your responses. It's nice to know that I'm not alone. Leslie