Why can I eat So Much Chili

I cant understand how I can eat so much chili. I can eat a cup or more of it. I make it with tomatoe juice and it is real soupy. So do you think the juice is like drinking regular juice so that is why I can handle so much. I got back today from my camping trip it was a great trip. It was really cold. My lips are so chapped. I have a small cold and I am glad to be home. Next year it will be better. I am so worried about this chili thing. Do you guys eat that much chili. Take Care Barb

I eat a whole bowl. As the months go by you can increase your intake a little. I love chili. Cindy

Barb, I'm interested in your trip so soon after surgery, especially to the wilds. I have surgery scheduled for 12/5 and we are supposed to spent Christmas with friends in Missouri. Any insight would be appreciated.

After surgery it is going to be very painful. If you have open surgery it is alot worse. I had open. You need to force yourself to walk as much as possible. drink plenty of water and get your protein in. My camping trip was kind of like a hotel room. I have one of those big 32 foot fifth wheels with a big slide out. So it was rather relaxing. I did walk alot with my sisters and we sat outside at night until late. It was cold. I did okay. A couple of times I got very tired. That is when I rested and got a protein drink in me. Relaxing is very important if your tired. You will be fine. My third week I got really depressed and was put on meds for that. I got tired of the foods and stopped losing weight for a few weeks. all this is normal. I got really crabby. Not all suffer from depression. But it hit me hard. The camping trip pulled me out of it somewhat. I still have some minor pain. My incision still hasnt healed up. It is getting better. I wish you all the luck in the world. If you are not up to it stay home and get well. I do not think I could have done a trip like that at 3 weeks. But if you have lap I hear you can heal up alot faster and people go back to work really fast. It depends on you. Your health and the kind of surgery you had. I send you all my best wishes. You are going to feel great... Take Care Barb

Barb, I wouldnt worry about the chili. It sounds like you are making it nice and healthy and a cup shouldnt hurt you. The day I got cleared for real foods my surgeon told me to stop at wendy's and get a bowl of chili. I still can only eat about a quarter of a small bowl of it. But it is pretty thick and chunky. And if yours is more watery it is flowing through your tummy a little faster. Maybe you could add some extra meat for protein and some chili beans. See if that helps you eat less volume and keep you full a little longer. It really is good for you with all the protein in it. Dont worry.. You are doing great Miss Barb. Love ya Laura

Thank you Mis Vickie. This is getting easier for me everyday... Thanks Barb

it's not dense protein, because of the liquid in it, tomato's consider them all liquid too. Even though it's protein, your flushing it about as fast as your eating it. [ok, just my thought there] 1 time I can eat 1 c. + [i've had up to 1.5 c's YIKES!], yesterday less than 1/2 c. as long as you don't eat till your ill.

That is so great to know. I love chili juice any way. Now I can eat that at least once a week and not feel deprived. I have always loved tomatoe juice and always have made my chili real soupy.. So this is going to work out fror me. Thanks B arb

The reason you can eat more of this type food is b/c liquids move throught the pouch much more quickly than whole foods. That's why you can eat more mashed potatoes/soups/hot cereal. If you were to eat some turkey/veggies your intake would be much more limited. Hope this helps! erinthedietitian