Hi folks -

I was sort of disappointed when my appetite came back so early.  I keep hearing about people 8 or 9 months out that have no appetite, yet, but mine came back by month 3.

I used to be satisfied with the contents of my 6 oz ramiken (I can't spell ramiken, I know, and I'm too lazy to look it up), but lately that doesn't seem to do it like it used to.  If I just eat the 6 oz, I'll get hungry 2 hours later.  If I eat the 6 oz and a few crackers or a bit of cottage cheese, I can go a full 4 or 5 with no problems.

I used to be perfectly happy with half an omellette.  Now I'm going for 3/4 or even the full one, some mornings.  It's still a lot less than I used to have, but I'm getting nervous that I'm eating too much.

Is this normal?

Looks like we are riding in the same boat together! I just saw my dietitian yesterday and she said I was eating normal for this stage of the game ...but I feel it's too much.

I don't know if this will help but my dietician said to always eat all the protein part of a meal first and we'll stay full feeling longer. It's because it takes longer to digest than veggies or carbs.

I think it's an adjustment thing. I'm four months out and starting to feel hungry. I'm worried I've stretched out my pouch but people in my support group say it's normal. I feel full right after eating the amount I'm supposed to but then I feel like I could eat again an hour later. I just have to try to stay busy until it's time to eat again. 

I try to remember that the #2 indicator for weight regain is snacking (beyond what is scheduled for people who are allowed snacks). I'm not allowed snacks but there are time I'll eat a little bit of protein if I'm up way past my bedtime. Otherwise, I get queasy. But it's dangerous for any of us to graze.

That's exactly my problem.  I get hungry such a short time after my meal if I eat only the 6 ounces.  Especially if that meal is less than 70% hard protein (meat meat meat).

You know, it's helpful to know you're not the only one.  This is really useful.  Thanks!

I am so having the same problem, I spoke to my Nut yesterday and told her, and she said to snack on Sugar free jello, or as I like to do now, baby carrots, lettuce or other veg that is REALLY low cals, it does the trick for me, I feel I am getting more food when I really need it, I don't grab the protein bar or shake like I used to (for 200cals) and I hope it will help me out,

I'm glad I found this because today I was just thinking the same thing...am I eating to much so soon after surgery.  But then when I really think about it or when other's see what I eat, I realize I'm not eating all that much. I do find that if I don't have enough protein, I can eat a bit more (salads, veggies) but do infact fill up faster with protein. 

I've been keeping to 6 meals a day, Breakfast, snack, Lunch, snack, dinner and snack.  I do find that I get a little hungry about 2 hours after eating my meal...jello works great, as well as veggies, yogurt or any fruit. 

I see my surgeon March 10 for my 3 month post-op visit.  Good luck!

Hi DLF -

You're following the exact same eating pattern I am, and you're getting hungry with the exact same regularity I am.  It's funny how we can freak ourselves out about this, isn't it?  I've been following this eating plan since the surgery and am still losing at a healthy rate, so it looks like we're doing the right thing.  Yay us!

Don

Good Morning Don,

Yeah US!!!! is Right!!  I feel great, I have not had any problems since the surgery with the exception of going to the bathroom regularly but that has been improving with more fiber and fresh fruits to my diet.  I was getting a little worried, but I realized that I'm doing well, I've lost 50lbs as of Monday since my surgery which was Dec. 10.  I'm just so excited about all the changes my body is going through, some more than others...lol

This morning, I put on a pair of jeans, well they were my last pair of jeans that were clean and of course they are 3 sizes too big, but I'm wearing them and it feels great at this moment to have to keep pulling them up...I'm sure as the day progresses I'll wishing for a belt, safety pin or shoelaces to tighten them up around my waist.  LOL

I have not gone shopping yet for new clothes, since I had several sizes that were smaller in pants, I have had several of my tops taken in.  I'm sure at some point I will have to go shopping, but for now I'm enjoying the fact that I can fit into some of the clothes I used to wear!

I'm in So. Calif, Chino Hills area, how about yourself.  I've been keeping in touch with a few people that had surgery the same day as I did, but I have yet to make it to a support group, having a hard time getting there in time since I work in Los Angeles.

Well, I'll stop now because I can seriously become chatty cathy...lol  Hope you have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend.  Good Job and keep up the great work! 

Kristina

Hey Kristina -

Awsome!  50 pounds since December....its amazing, isn't it?  You and I had the surgery around the same time - I had mine November 5th, so you and I are nearly surgery buddies. :-)

If you work in Los Angeles, you might want to check into the Cedar Sinai support group - that's the one I go to, and it's open to the public.  It occurs at Cedar Sinai near LaCienega and Beverly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 6 pm.  I live in Hollywood, so this one's been convenient to me and the people there are awsome.

It's funny hearing you talk about your clothes - I'm having the same problem.  I literally don't own a single pair of pants anymore that aren't in constant danger of dropping down around my ankles.  And, being a bit of a guy, I have no idea how to go about getting them taken in, or even if you can take in jeans at all (pretty much all I wear).  Even my gym pants - with a drawstring - are constantly going south.  I've given a few unfortunate people more than they wanted to see when I've had my hands full with groceries and couldn't catch my pants in time.

Anyway, welcome to the board!

If you find a tailor they can usually take clothes in, even jeans.  I have this pair of jeans I bought  that I love, but they are size 48 and too big now, so I found a tailor in the phone book and they charged me like 8 bucks to take them in to my current size.  I'm sure I will get them done again when I hit goal, but it was cheaper than buying new jeans, and I get to still wear my favorites!  If you cant find a tailor, look for alterations, may be under that.