Newbie Question - why don't I get full?

I am 2 weeks post op (RNY, Hunt Hosp, Pasadena, CA) and I'm down 30 lbs to 325. Everything is going great - however, I was under the impression that I would fill up very easily. But I can easily eat a 3/4 cup of soup and not get that full - is this normal? I do only eat liquids, pureed soup and pudding - is it just going down into my intestines since it's not solid? Any advise would be appreciated! David

Hi David, My understanding is that no one gets full during the liquid phase. Liquids and semi-liquids just go right on through the stoma and into the Jejunum. You'll get full really fast when you proceed to solid food. Good Luck, Dave

David, Maybe it is not so much that you don't feel full as you simply don't feel much of anything right now. Like you, at two weeks I didn't feel full, but then I never felt hungry either. Right now your pouch is healing from a traumatic shock and it will take several more weeks, if not months, before it is fully healed. Dave is right about liquids and soft foods going right through the stoma. Your pouch won't stop much until you graduate to solid foods. As your stomach heals you will learn to recognize the subtle signals it sends to your brain. They are quite different than they were before surgery, at least for me they are. Just remember to follow your doctor's and nutritionist's guidelines for what you should eat, how much, and how often. You'll be fine. May Your Lantern Burn Bright, Paul

Hi David, I felt the very same way you do at two weeks. I would eat, drink and still be able to hold more. I measured every thing and thought what is going on? Liquids do go right through. You may try to go with thicker liquids, not put so much water or milk in the cream of what ever soup. I did not feel full, but I did not feel hungry either. I was told to not eat for that full feeling, but to stop when satisfied. It's a big difference I am still learning. I think it takes a while for the nerves to heal in your new pouch as well. I am seven weeks out and just went on solid foods. It seems I can't eat as much now as I could just three weeks ago and the texture of food makes a big difference. I can eat a whole scrambled egg in the morning, no problem. When I fix it over easy some times I leave a bite or two. Hang in there, it gets better. pan head

David, Yep, those are the reasons..... Hang in there and focus on healing up. Just go with your Doc's recommendations. These first weeks suk! It Does get better!!! Best Wishes- Dx

You will be shocked the first time you eat true solid foods David. You'll be full on a few bites. First time I had chicken, it sat in my pouch like a brick. Don't be in too much of a rush during these early phases. Heal up and concentrate on hydration and movement. Take care, Ben

Hi David, you are right where you are supposed to be be, just like all the guys are saying. Warm liquids will always go down faster and easier than anything else you eat or drink for awhile. Everything is working like it should, which is great. As soon as you start solids at all you will "fill" very quickly and make many trips to the porecelin altar as you learn how fast to fill. Take it slow, but you are right where you need to be. Everything is working just as it should. Congrats on this and the 30lbs. You will never see those again. Probably in a week you will lose another 8-10lbs. That's when you take a gander at one of those 8 gallon water bottles at the office and realize...Wow, I've just lost carrying around one of those forever! Congrats. Greg

Thank you all for the reassurances - I needed that!