3-Years Post-Op Check In w/Photos!!

Well done! And everyone is so different; its always good to read about or hear how other people have gotten to a successful, balanced relationship with body image and health.

I do notice that people take HUGE portions and feel obliged to eat it. For me, the biggest change (besides the self-limiting sleeve) is that I use a small plate, or when out, get the to-go box first and fill it up. Then I don't feel like I'm wasting food (Catholic guilt, lol), or that I'm going to have to clean my plate.

I'm trying to figure out maintenance. I fluctuate about 2-4 pounds (usually down), but must say that I have a better relationship with food.. And if I don't like something I'm eating, I don't eat it.

Thanks for sharing.

I'm a long-time member of the "clean plate club" and I ate HUGE portions, in record time.

It's only been a little over three weeks for me and I'm on soft foods. I've found myself making too large of portions, and I'm really paying attention to what my body is telling me. I'll now quit eating and put the rest away for another meal.

People here have said that I don't have the "full" signal yet, and won't for several months, that I won't feel full, yada-yada, but I definitely DO feel full when I've had enough. And I'm learning to pay more attention to that feeling of fullness and put down my fork as soon as I feel it, because one bite over and I have to walk it off. I'm also continuing to perfect my new method of slow eating. Pre-surgery I would inhale food so fast that by the time I felt full, I would be incredibly uncomfortable.

A new friend of mine (we were sleeved the same day by the same surgeon) has thrown up several times because she's eaten too much, or she ate the wrong thing. Fortunately, I haven't done that (yet). I hope that I continue to listen to what my body is telling me and NEVER throw up because I ate too much, or something that doesn't work for me. I really really really hate throwing up. LOL

The problem with "full" is that once you do feel it, you've already eaten too much. It takes time for your nerves to transmit that signal to your brain. This is why it's important to stop before you get to any sense of fullness.

That's why I'm eating only the amounts my doctor and nutritionist recommend.

Maybe instead of "full" I should have said "satisfaction". By the time I feel full, you're right - I've eaten too much. Another reason I'm really concentrating on eating sloooooowwly.