how much should i be eatting???

i am 5 wks out and have lost 31 pounds. i am feeling hungry more than i think i should be. i have measured my food and can eat about 3/4 to 1 cup 3 or 4 times a day.(this is pureed food or cream soups-1 scrambled egg, etc) i can drink about 11 ounces slowly (adkins protein drink). i have just finished my period,so i know this might be the hunger side. it scares me that i might be eatting too much too soon. when i spoke to the nutrionist at my 2 week appt she said it was hard to give a hard and fast answer to this question. she said it depends on the person, but 1/2 to 1 cup was good. does this sound right to anyone out there???? thanks, sue

Hi Sue, I'm 5 weeks out as well and I felt the same way you do. I'm eating soft foods now and sometimes I think I can eat too much, but other times I can hardly eat anything at all. There's no rhyme or reason. Yesterday I had a whole can of chicken and stars soup, but last week, I could barely drink the broth. I eat about 1/2 cup a sitting...maybe 3-4 times a day. I'm eating lots of chicken and tuna so have kind of strayed from my protein drink (I had a hard time with them..upset my stomach). I guess I'm rambling, but it sounds if you're on track, that's about the amount I eat. Julie RNY 2-13-04 277/240

Liquids and pureeds will let you eat more than solids will. Soft foods that you can mush will also allow you to eat more. Stick with the cup size and try to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Protein first then water then good carbs. Don't forget exercise and a vitamins and supplemnts. I am 10 months out and down 190 lbs now and I still do this. jack nieporte wlsbutterflynetwork.org

thanks jack! i feel much better to know i am right where i am supposed to be! did you get hungry? i keep reading about these people who aren't hungry at all and i think maybe there is something wrong w/me! i was trying to be at 40 off next week when i have my 6wk appointment, but i think it will be a few short of that. i won't cry about that, however. i am going back to work either week after next week or maybe 2 wks after that. i do heavy work for sbc. congrats on you loss. i have really enjoyed having this time to spend w/my grandkids, son and husband. it will be hard to return. i have 2 sons, 15 and 25, and 2 graddaughters 15mts and 4 and they have a new one due in june. sure hate to go back to the grind and be limited to the time i have w/them. oh well, i can retire in 5 years anyway! continue on your journey and i will keep your tips in mind! thanks, sue