I need to ask

I'm 16 days post op and doing great. Today I felt like I could eat, more than I should maybe? Breakfast I had 2oz cottage cheese, lunch I had ricotta with splenda and cinn and I had an egg with a teaspoon of l/f feta in it for dinner. Between breakfast and lunch I had 2 oz each time of carnation instant breakfast. I just went to the fridge and had about an oz of protein mix that I made today in the blender with a banana in it. Why do I feel like I've cheated? I'm on puree. Here's the strange thing, I've yet to feel full. I'm satisfied, but have yet to feel full. Am I doing this right? Sorry for the long post, I guess as I'm feeling better I'm sorta freaked about if I will be successful, and if the old habits will fade.

Hi Paula, First, congrats on feeling so good at 16 days out! Thats incredible!! It sounds like you're right on taget as far as quantities go, and you've made some great food choices. In the early days (In a perverted way I miss them****pt my eye on protein grams more than quantity of food. Old habits fade, but eventually return. I know, it's a bummer, but knowing what your personal triggers are helps to keep yourself in control. I know when I drink alcohol I like to munch...so I avoid alcohol. Being bored sitting in front of the TV is like flipping the hunger-switch on...so I either do homework, read, cross-stitch or chat with you all. Anything to keep my fingers busy. Keep up the good work, figure out what your triggers are (or will be) and you'll continue down the right path. Don't freak, and if you do, we're here for you! -Deb

Hi! From what I have read it sometimes takes the nerves in the pouch a little time to come out of shock from the surgery and relay that FULL feeling..and also from what I have read...sometimes that FULL feeling is a sign that one has overdone it and can be followed by some very YUK feelings...but SATISFIED..yep..I believe that is the goal. Don't feel guilty because you are not suffering ....don't feel guilty because you are enjoying what food you are allowed to eat....always , in the preop diet world...for me...if I was not hungry and miserable...I did not believe I was doing the diet right!..Now..you are on an eating PLAN..in the middle of a LIFESTYLE CHANGE...and that to me is different and will be different than anything that has gone before. If you write down what you ate on a list...it is a drop in the bucket compared to preop eating...is it not? Be GLAD you are not sick as a dog every five minutes!!! For myself, I have had a lifelong food addiction pretty much...if I thought I could change that, I would not be laying down on the table to have my insides rearranged...so I figure after surgery when I get a few months out and can eat and feel "normal"....I will have to watch for triggers...by now are we not ALL diet experts? The surgery will buy me a built in safety net for awhile..during which time I can retrain myself...with lifelong vigilance I expect to do well....I bet you are going to do well also! Keep up the good work! Sher'

Paula, You are doing great. Your portions are right on target. Everyone is a little different. I know I don't really feel "full" like I did pre-op. After adjusting to your new pouch you will learn what full feels like now.... You are doing great, although there will be a battle with old habits for a while.... Carmen