Am I eating to much???

I am 8 weeks out and I feel like I can eat more than I should be able to. I can easily eat a full cup of soup, cottage cheese, even vegetarian chili. a long with a couple of crackers. A full cup just sounds like a lot to me. And I can eat food faster than I think I should be able to. I try to slow down. But I can eat the a full cup in about 8-10 minutes. I have not throw up at all, and sometimes feel like I have a rock in my puch but I don't get sick and the feeling passes in a short time. The only food I have had problems with so far is real eggs, they make me feel sick.

I "think" you are doing okay, Diane, although you might want to check with your doctor/nutritionist. It seems to me that the foods you are eating, are not like meat, which fills up your pouch....and doesn't allow more food to enter. Your foods are easily maneuvering through you pouch, which is allowing you to take a full cup in. I, too, wonder about myself, as my doctor suggested drinking 8 oz an hour.....well, I practically can do that in my sleep!!! I drink 2 or 3 times that amount in an hour (at times), and it doesn't seem to bother me (wonder if I am gulping it down too fast!?!?). I also have never thrown up, nor do I ever feel full. Yet, I usually stop eating (chili, chicken, beans, etc) at the half cup mark (also in about 10-15 min.).....but I could definitely continue eating, if I wanted to. I have felt "a little" sick on occasion, but I think that was because a certain food didn't agree with me (eggs & Power Crunch Bars are two I can remember). I, too, plan on asking my nutritionist about all of this, as it is confusing listening to our bodies with all our new rules. Good luck. *Kam*

Knowing how much to eat is tricky. My nut's rule of thumb is 1/2-3/4 cup of "solid" food, up to one cup if it is considered a liquid or full liquid. I still struggle from time to time with eating too much, but I recognize now that it is from not eating a regular intervals. Are you eating on a schedule? I try to eat at least every 3 hours and sip in between to make sure I rarely feel hungry. I also struggle with eating fast...I actually put my hands in my lap, push my plate away, or leave the table sometimes to force myself to slow down. Also, if you know you are a fast eater, maybe measuring out just a 1/2 cup of food and being done when that is gone might help you eat less if you are concerned about your amounts. That definitely helps me eat within my limits when I'm crunched for time. Good luck! Christine

My rule of thumb is that I calculate what 1/2 a serving is of any food, and that's all I prepare/get out for myself. When that's done, I'm done. Also, I eat every 3 hours or so as well... maybe 5 times a day, not counting protein drinks. Some things I also can take in more than others... liquidy things go in smoother and I don't feel "full." More dense foods, like meat, sort of sit, "like a rock" Also, sometimes I can get through something, no problem, like a package of hot cereal... then another time when I'm eating the same thing, I can hardly finish 1/2... no reason for the difference, but others have said the same thing, so I figured it is normal. Just because you CAN eat something, doesn't mean you SHOULD! I got this advice in a support group and remind myself whenever I've just "tried" something that I shouldn't eat (chocolate covered cherry!!!) and felt FINE afterwards! I have not gotten sick ONCE and only had a slight dumping sensation when slipped a "mickey" at Starbucks...they put sugary flavored syrup instead of SF... I only drank half but feld flushed and my head was buzzing. I remind myself, and others around me, that I'm on a DIET for life... the surgery is only a TOOL to help me succeed in my weightloss and maintenance. I had this mindset from the day I went to the doctor to set the surgery date and, although I DO waiver in my will power, I'm trying my best to stick to the plan. Good luck and just keep at it... You are doing FINE!!! Tammy PS: I sent in pics last week so hopefully they'll show up soon

I log all my foods at www.fitday.com it helps me calculate my calorie and protien intake. I was worried that I was eating too much when I plateaued. As it turned out I was not getting enough protien. Hope that helps! Janet

HI Diane, I've been offline for almost a month. Sounds like you're doing very well. As long as you are losing weight as quickly as you'd like, I don't see your diet as an issue. It works for you, you're getting all your nutrients and you're happy, right? My surgeon gave me a booklet for my post-op questions and I refer to it a lot. In it there is a graph that specifies calories and grams at each of the four stages. At the stage you're at, it recommends 600-800 calories per day: 70 grams protein minimum, 40 grams carbs max, 30 grams fat max. It also says 45 minutes of exercise 6 days per week, and 64 oz of clear non-caffeinated liquids--preferably water. There are also a lot of vitamin requirements. Please be sure to get your protein in. Our bodies are burning stored fat right now, and will quickly burn muscle if we don't keep a ready supply of lean protein in us. It's very important for good heart function and mental sharpness. Hope this helps, my friend. I'm so glad to see your photo and read your posts again. All the best, Sandi--RNY 11/21/05 In northern CA 230/177/140