Full: how can YOU tell?

I was curious to know how everyone can tell when you are full. For me, I've never had the same "fullness" I had with food before surgery so it's weird. The one big thing I notice is I stop eating as soon as I hiccup first...which is usually anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3 oz. of food (depending on how dense it is). If I'm eating a meat like chicken, beef or pork I notice sometimes a 'tight' feel on my left side (stomach?)before I hiccup so I just stop eating there. I still don't have major hunger (my doc said hunger sometimes doesn't return for 2 months or even longer) but I eat 3-4 meals a day. So how can you tell if YOU are full? Hope everyone is having a great week! ana

Dear Ana, As I sit here leaning back in my chair because I'm "over-full" I'll try to answer your question. For me, if I eat too fast or try to take in more than 3 oz at a time, I get this uncomfortable pinch at the opening of my pouch. It reminds me of the feeling I used to get when I took a big swig of Soda. That "I've got to burp" feeling. I just finished a whole 4 oz yogurt in under 30 minutes. I know better, but I ate at my desk and I didn't pay attention. (20 lashes for me...) Now I'll have to walk for 10 minutes until the uncomfortable feeling goes away. You can't drink anything to wa**** away, because that just adds to the fullness. I usually prep my meals the night before in 2 oz containers. If I take in 2 oz 5 or 6 times a day versus 4 oz 3 times a day, I do much better. Even if I don't pay attention while I'm eating, I know I can handle 2oz without issue. Didn't prep last night, ran late this morning so I grabbed a container of yogurt, 2 deli turkey slices and some babyfood pears to take to work. I usually put the 4oz yogurt into two containers but... Now I'm overfull and unhappy with myself for being an idiot... Good luck at learning to read your hunger.... Kate Z 313/275/125

For me Ana, its a tightness that signals okay your filling up. When I get just the hint of that I stop. I don't wait for it to get to the complete fullness stage because then I get this awfull foaming and everything comes right back up. Just as Kate suggested I know I can usually handle 2 oz okay so I just take that much. I to have this habit of rushing things. So if I break it up in smaller portions it works out. I stop eating earlier before I would if I had a 3-4 oz portion. I figure in the long run it will help me from not stretching out my pouch. For the fullness question. I only once since the surgery actually felt completely satisfied and good full. It was the first real meal that I had that wasn't all liquid or dairy. I had 3 shrimp with ****tail sauce and I felt in heaven and completly satisfied. I didn't even care that much for shrimp, but they have become a favorite food of mine now. But, I have never achieved that feeling again. I find myself eating because I have to, not because I want to. Food isn't very tasty to me anymore. ---Sabrina

a friend (3 yr RNY) told me: You know you're done when you let out a little sigh - put the fork down you're done. It works for me!

I eat until I feel that slight tightness or tiny hiccup, whichever comes first. Usually they're simultaneous! Right now I'm managing 3-4oz of dense protein, 3/4 cup of loose food (like chili), or nearly 1.5 cups of soup (like my homemade unthickened hot & sour soup with tofu, shredded pork, and mushrooms). Soup actually keeps me feeling full for several hours, contrary to what many people experience.

There is a difference in eating till full and being satisfied(sp). The soup satisfies you so you feel full for longer. I had a regular meal with my family the other day. An early thanksgiving on fathers day. I ate mostly turkey, a bite of mashed potatoes and a bite of stuffing (god i wanted the jelly), when i was done i felt very satisfied for hours. Dont get me wrong, my apitite is hardly there, i usually eat because i know im supposed to get 3 meals a day. But it just felt different all day, because i was pleased with my meal.

Thanks for all the responses. I thought it would be neat to just see how different everyone is. It's still so strange to think we get full on so little! Mind boggling for me at times. I'm glad I don't feel hungry like I used to and I hope it lasts for a good while.