Marcher's at goal. Portion control

Portion control is as important now that we are at or near or goal as it was when we started this journey. Before surgery portion control was one of the major causes of our obesity. Because we had such a larger stomach it took more volume to have a sense of fullness. We now have the advantage of having a much smaller stomach so we should feel fuller much sooner. We can no longer consume two to three quarts of food. Our new pouches can only hold six to eight ounces. We have to remember to use this to our advantage. If we eat solid foods with a higher proportion of them being protein we will satisfy our nutritional requirements and have a feeling of being satisfied with what we have eaten. We should avoid eating or drinking foods that go right through our stomachs and don't let us feel full or satisfied. By doing this we have to eat more to feel full. There are many ways to control your portions. Some people are obsessive about measuring their food and that works for them. I tend to try to watch what foods I am eating and listen to my body for signals that it is satisfied. My surgeon told me that he gave me a tool that would help me control how much I ate at one time, but he could not control how often or what I ate. Of course we can out eat our new tool, but why would we want to? Our new bodies gives us clues to when we are full. Some people have their eyes tear up, some get a runny nose or some let out a small burp. I don't have one clear signal, but I have had each of these. I also am lucky to have the feeling of fullness so I know when to quit eating. What signals does your body give you to let you know it's time to put down the fork? Have a great day, Rick

Morning Rick! I often wish that my body gave me that signal earlier! Sometimes, I still put more food on my plate than I can (or should) actually consume. I definitely receive signals when I eat too quickly or don't chew properly. My stomach aches and I feel yucky. As for feeling full, I guess I'm still learning on that one! Hugs, Stephanie

Stephanie, Life is definately a learning expierence. It really seems that I can eat so much more food now and there really isn't any type of food that I can't eat. It is a challenge every day. Have a great day, Rick

Thank goodness my little tool knows when it has had enough. Now if it could just figure out that between meals I DON'T need that peanut butter or those dang nuts...well my tool and I would be totally successful. BUT - I am working on it and I am going to get there. Have gone 4 days without peanut butter or nuts - have been at home and too busy to think about it. Maybe I should quit work???? UHG....NOT - must work 5 more years! But I thank God I feel like working and have such good health. Just need to throw the nuts and peanut butter at work AWAY!!!! Thanks for making us think about it! Barb