How long do you stay satisfied?

I've read that it takes most VSG patients 10-20 minutes to eat their tiny meal. So how long are you satisfied after that meal? (protein shake, real food, whatever). My surgeon won't allow any snacking. I can't quite fathom not getting hungry.

Thanks all!
Brenda

I find I have to eat every 2 - 2.5 hours or so which means I have the equivalent of 3 small meals and 3 snacks.   If I don't have that many I can feel quite nauseated.   My calorie intake is around 900 - 1200 a day and that fits well to maintain my energy levels and allows me to continue losing weight.   If I have just 3 meals  I  get  tired  and cranky.   This is just what works for me.   I remember in the early weeks being very confused and concerned that maybe I would not succeed if I didn't stick to just 3 meals a day, but over time I learned to listen to my body and now at 6 months out I don't dwell on whether I am doing it right or wrong.   It works for me.  

Marion

I feel better when I eat mini-meals every 3 hours or so.  I never feel hungry like before.  I feel "empty".  I don't know how to explain it.  It is different.  I never get the shakes like I used to when I went too long without eating.  I don't understand why your surgeon doesn't believe in "snacking".  Does he equate snacking with eating junk food???  Food for me has become fuel and I have stoke the flames every few hours with protein.  Best of luck on your journey!

Janet

Snacking can lead to grazing which can lead to weight gain, which is why many dietitians and surgeons discourage it.

My program is like that.

Ageed same here, I eat about every three hours, if I am bored and not busy I thinki I am hungry but I am really not it is just that old head hunger and when I am busy it easy to forget to eat because of the lack of hunger but I do try and eat every three hours as to not get too hungry and to keep my metabolism going.

It is the best feeling being in control of the food.
I Love my Sleeve
Cheers


Mo

 It doesn't take me 20 minutes to eat more like 10 or 15. I know I'm bad. I usually get up and drink a 16 oz decaf green tea. Then I have a protein drink. Unfortunatly I usually get busy and it can be 2 oclock and I need to have lunch. My problem is I don't get hungry and I forget to eat ( I used to make fun of strange people and now I'm one of them) Now I need to stop losing so I am making myself eat every 3 hours.

I never counted calories , not ever. I never counted carbs or anything, Just made sure to get my liquids, Anyhow, doctors don't have to dictate every move. You will find 3 mini meals are good and that snack, perhaps it's just a little sandwich meat, a string cheese, a granola bar.. etc...

Another gal said HOLLOW, you will not feel hungry, I mean you can, but you won't feel hungry the same as before. You will feel hollow or empty. You can get cranky if you dont' eat like another said.

After a month or two, you know your body and you eat when you need to and what you want too, period.
no worries, this surgery is awesome, you are going to love it every step of the way, Enjoy and no worries.
Cheri

Cheri, I am right there with you. 

I never counted anything.  And yes, my body simply tells me when to eat.  "Hungry" is not an accurate word any more, I just know that I need to eat.  And it's about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  But I'm 10 pounds below goal, and have been maintaining since November!

This surgery is awesome!

I try to take at least 20 min. to eat my meals and, if I can, 30-45.

I am satisfied for about 3-4 hours if it's something solid. Sometimes I go longer between eating but normally I feel weak if it's much over 5.

Thanks all!
It's hard to imagine eating so little and being satisfied, so it's good to hear from everyone. I have surgery in a month and need to quit thinking about the "what ifs" (what if it doesn't work or if I'm hungry, or a hundred others). Too much time to think! 
Brenda