How do you know your full?

I'm so afraid of overeating and stretching my pouch, but how do you know when you're full? How much food fills you? Also, how do you get in all the water? I'm afraid that I'll drink so fast that I'll stretch my pouch. How much water can you drink at one time? Does water take up space in the pouch or does it run right through you? Thanks Jackie B Lap RNY 08/22/05 261

Hi, I'm 14 days out from surgery and talked to the nutritionist from the hospital this morning about your question abou****er. I am able to drink a lot of water at one time and it worried me so I asked her if it could stretch out the pouch and she said no. It just means that it is being absorbed quickly and the more fluids the better. Before surgery, I always drank a lot of water and she said that I should just keep drinking until I feel full. I know that I am absorbing it a lot faster than a lot of other people who have had the surgery but she said not to worry. Hope this helps.

Thanks. I'm trying to sip and I do when I use a straw. However, when I drink from a glass, I almost guzzle my water. I've always been a fast, strong drinker. Thanks for your info. Jackie B.

Hi Jackie, I have the same problem. I don't really feel full, but I have been told that comes with time. For right now, I am measuring out portions of the soft foods I am eating.

As I understand it from my surgeon and nut, our pouch doesn't really give us that 'full' feeling until 6 to 8 weeks out typically. It's still healing so all the nerves aren't awake yet. I do get a tightness in my chest if I've eaten my limit, so I still measure most of my meals so I know I won't get to that point. Right now I can eat 1 1/2 of most solid foods, and a bit more of yogurt or chili. I don't get in enough water, I'm sure, because at work I'm so busy I keep forgetting to pick up my water and DRINK IT. If I drink one of my favorite protein shakes, however, I can drink it pretty fast. And yes, it does run through your pouch pretty rapidly. 8/1/05 lap RNY 269/237/163 surgeon's goal

I just wanted to add that from my own experience, my surgeon said not to use a straw because you take in more air than you realize when drinking and air can make you uncomfortable. I agree, the water pretty much runs right through you, but I have drank too much too fast and gotten uncomfortable and had to rest.

Hi Jackie, I'm 2 weeks post op & I'm eating about 2 medicine cups (2 oz) of mushy food 2-3 times a day. Sometimes I cannot finish all of it. I usually start to burp or hiccup & that's a sign that I'm full. Liquids go down pretty good with me too. I haven't really had a feeling of hunger so I have to remind myself to eat. Good Luck Tammy 284/269/145