Ughhhh!!

I just do not feel like I am full anymore. How do you know if your stomach is stretched out??? I know when I eat, I want to eat like I use to...but, I do not. That is good. But, I feel like I am eating too much. Been on a plateau way too long. HELP!! Need some encouragement. With being winter and school (I am a teacher) I can't get in my exercise like I did during the summer. Just am feeling blue today, I guess. Just went to my regular doctor...he is too proud of me. He says losing slower is the best way. I know that...but, I wish I could start losing again...period. Ya know what I am going through???????????????????? Jeannie

The only "test" I have heard of with respect to see how big your pouch is uses cottage cheese. Basically, you eat as fast as you can so that your pouch fills before it empties through the stoma. The amount you eat will give you an idea the size of your pouch. I haven't done this - just read about it. One other thing I was told to do prior to eating (and it seems to help) is to drink very cold water - 10-15 minutes before eating. It will help tighten the pouch and you feel full faster.

I think that as we get out futher we have learned about how much to eat and so to avoid we have learned when to stop. I am sure that if you ate and ate and ate you would be sick. Also as we take longer to eat then it may seem like we are eating more but if you measure everything or keep a food journal for a few days (be honest) I am sure you will be suprised! Hope that Helps you out! You are doing great! Remember to drink your water and vitamins. Hang in there! -Gerriann 153+ pounds gone forever!

I sat down one night and wrote out EVERYTHING I had to eat that day and didn't realize how LITTLE I actually eat. (Less than what a "normal" meal for what my family consists of in one of their meals.) I just take longer to eat - and I wind up eating at it 3 - 4 times a day. I've been on a "weight loss" plateau for a while now - but the inches kept falling off because I do exercise (obsessively) regularly. Try to increase your protein and water intake.....it may help to break the plateau.... BE PAITENT....your body needs time to catch up with itself!!! We're still fairly new as far as post ops go....we have to give ourselves time to fully adjust. (Yeah - it's ONLY been 7 - 8 months!!!!) (Now - tell me to listen to my own advise and we'll be good....)