Too much food?? Where's the restriction?

I'm almost 2 weeks out and am concerned that I'm able to eat so much (relatively speaking, of course!).  I can eat a whole cup of oatmeal...a whole can of soup....6 oz of yogurt, etc.  It seems like everyone else is stuffed after 2 tablespoons.  I have to stop myself from eating more -- because I KNOW I'm not supposed to be eating more than a cup of oatmeal!  Also, not surprisinly, I've only lost 6 lbs since 12/17 surgery date.

I think it really all depends on the foods. I was feeling like I could eat too much too. I could down more than a cup of a protein shake, jello, cottage cheese etc. Tonight I had a few bites of apple (cheating) and it must have been enough to stick everything up behind it. I followed it with my protein drink (about a cup) and was in so much pain from being too full!

I have decided I am not really trying to make any decisions for at least the first 4 weeks. I read so many different reactions on here, there is always someone like you though. Some are full/some are hungry, pain, no pain etc. I figure I won't have a good idea on swelling, weight loss, hunger, dumping or anything else for the first month, until then my body is so busy trying to recover the rest is subject to change.

I wouldn't get too discouraged though, while there are lots of differences, it does seem like everyone has a good 6 month run or so. Hang in there!

 Didn't your doctor give you guidelines as to how much food you should be having at this time?  My dietician is very clear on types of foods and quantities for the first two weeks after surgery.  I am sure when I get my next stage of the diet, with the soft and pureed foods, quantities will be spelled out very strictly again.

I would worry about stretching out the pouch with so much food after surgery.

You might want to check with your doctor about what you have been eating.

I had surgery a week ago and have lost the 10 pounds I gained at the hospital and another 6.6 pounds on top of that.

You can't rely solely on the surgery to give you control.  You need to learn to exercise control yourself too.

Good luck.  

My nutritionist says that you can stretch your pouch eating more than half a cup at meal time.  And no eating in between meals (grazing).  Also, just liquids for the first two weeks.  Are you getting all of your water in?  This will help you to feel full.  After two weeks you can add soft, pureed food.  Also, you are supposed to always start off your meal with protein FIRST.  Oatmeal is for down the road.  She said to eat slowly and with a smaller size (baby) spoon.  The slower you eat, the sooner you will feel full.  I hope this helps.  

Extremefaith: What your nutritionist says is not what everyone's does, though I do agree with what the others are saying about too much. Your pouch will wake up and you will feel restriction (I just started too the past few days). Call your Dr.'s office and find out exactly what you should be doing, or consult your patient guidebook (if you have one).

Again, every Dr. has a different plan, not all of us are on liquids for 2 weeks and not all of us are allowed to eat soft foods after 2. Call your doctor;s office to be sure.

You should not be in danger of stretching the pouch if you are eating food that can easily slide into the small intestine, however, the more the new stomach has to work at digesting food, the longer and more painful your recovery could be (on the inside).

Worry abou****er this early out, drink drink drink!!!! Dehydration can cause a majority of complications for the body both inside and out.

Katie

I understand that what one nutritionist says may differ from another.  But the differences cannot be too drastic.  I researched other sites and what advice I had received lines up pretty well with the others.  Anyway, it makes sense to me.  When you eat slowly, it gives your body time to send a message to your brain that you are full.  And yes, sip, sip, sip your liquids so you don't dehydrate.  Most of all, check with your doctor and nutritionist.  They are there to help you.  They want to see you succeed.  Don't think you are bothering them.  I'm sure they want to hear from you during your struggles. 

Roacharama -- what type of surgery did you have?  Was it a lap band?  If so, I've read that its very likely you won't have restriction until its inflated to the right amount.

I had laproscopic RYN.  I feel restriction -- just not as severe as others report.  2 tablespoons definitely doesn't cut it -- but feel okay after 1/2 to 3/4....

I feel just like you! I haven't felt full either. (And I was allowed to ea****ery oatmeal too after release from the hospital.) I usually just stop eating after 4 oz or a little more. My bariatric coordinatior (who is also a nurse and rny patient out 3 years) said that it is not unusual for us to not really feel full until  we are on a full diet. I told her I was alarmed that I felt like I could eat almost a cup of something soft and she explained to me that by the time I was half way through my food, the first few bites were already on their way out. But I don't get that "full after 2 spoonfulls" sensation either. They must be using some pretty big spoons! LOL

Now that I am graduated to limited pureed foods, I can honestly say I feel the same way as you.  My diet is supposed to be 1/4 cup of protein based food, followed by 1/4 cup veggies or fruit if I'm still hungry for each of the 3 meals.  Then 1 skim milk based protein drink after breakfast and also after lunch, and then water or other clear liquids in between.  I'm finding the 1/4 cup doesn't even come close to taking away the hunger and have definintely been having the full 1/2 cup serving.  Last night I took another 3 spoonfuls before I felt full (baby spoons).  I'm sure I shouldn't be doing that though.