Guidance on Where I'm At Now???

I am kind of stumped at the moment about my restriction?  I feel very good about everything so far and I guess I am looking for justification for the way I feel right now.  How soon were you able to down fluids in decent size amounts?  What about foods and amounts?  Just to tell you where I am - I had surgery last Thursday the 28th and not 2 days out I could easily drink 6-8 ounces, now I am one week out and starting to eat soft foods.  Today, I was to start out on a quarter cup of food (which was limited to oatmeal or mash potatoes) and I must say that the quarter cup of food went down pretty easily.  Now mind you, I have not eaten food since 2/27.  I am following my doctors plan to perfection, but I don't feel like I had anything done internally.  I guess the best way to explain it right now, after eating, is that I feel somewhat satisfied after eating one quarter cup of oatmeal, but I feel like I could easily eat another quarter cup with no problem, but I didn't.  I am told that at about 6 months to one year I should only ever be eating one cup of food per meal.  Man, I tell you, based on my eating today it makes me wonder whether the surgeon actually cut on me (I am speaking hypothetically of course).  Anyways, you veteran people and other newbies who are postop, please share.  I will tell you that getting to eat solid food for the first time was quite a treat.  Taz      

" I guess the best way to explain it right now, after eating, is that I feel somewhat satisfied after eating one quarter cup of oatmeal, but I feel like I could easily eat another quarter cup with no problem, but I didn't.  I am told that at about 6 months to one year I should only ever be eating one cup of food per meal" Taz, You should go a few pages back and look at my post on "Restricted-Less"  I had the SAME exact feelings and concerns as you.  In fact, as many vets told me, they did as well.  It takes time to get to the point where you feel the restriction. I am still on pureed food as well and could easily go to a full cup of things like turkey chili, oatmeal, etc.  I am very aware when eating to make sure I limit to one cup for that very reason. Since I anticipate getting cleared for solid food next Monday, I have been incorporating a few things like chicken and turkey sausage in the last week.  Very small amounts mind you, and a lot of chewing for each bite.  Finally, this past Tuesday (one month surgery anni), I felt the restriction after 1/4 of a piece of chicken.  In fact, since then, I have lost even more of my appetite for any food whether it be pureed or not. So don't fear, you were cut up on the insides, just be patient.  In fact, the lack of hunger and desire to eat seems to increase once you feel the restriction so be prepared. Guy

When I wrote this today, you were the exact person I was thinking of.  I did go back and reread your post and the responses to it.  It did make me feel a little better.  I remember reading yours when you first put it out and I also remember thinking "that won't happen to me" - low and behold, it has happened to me also.  I am glad to read your response as to where you are now.  I actually have my one week follow up appointment tomorrow and I am curious as to what the doctor is going to say about my situation.  Don't get me wrong, I am losing weight (44 lbs. so far - 13 of which is after surgery).  I'm happy and all, I guess I am just looking for that stamp of "It's okay - you are where you should be at this point".  You (I really mean me) kind of get this feeling of self-doubt and you ask yourself if you are doing what you are really supposed to be doing.  Thanks for the input Guy.   Taz

Taz, Here's the original post, should sound very familar to you. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/a,messageboard/action, replies/board_id,5479/cat_id,5079/topic_id,3527016/

Taz My problem is that I dont feel much restriction when I eat certain types of foods, and alot on others.  The pureed foods and chilis and oatmeals and such pass through the stoma easily, and dont cause much discomfort.  But, If I were to over do it, i would feel ill in a few minutes.  When I eat something more solid, I really feel full fast, eg...meats.  Breads, peas or corn.   kevin 

I didn't think you could eat breads after surgery?? Can't it harm your pouch?

Bob, he had surgery sometime ago, so he is much farther along.  You can have breads way down the road, you just want them to be the right kinds, like whole wheat and not so much white bread - which has lots more refined sugars.  Taz

I couldnt eat breads till 3 months out.  I only eat whole grain bread, and only 1 slice/ 1/2 a sandwich.  White breads and rice make me sick eg.. dumping,  because they break down into sugars.  The best bread that I have found is oat bread,  Really tastes good toasted and has nuts and other grains, and tastes great without butter. Kevin

Kevin, I appreciate your response.  It is very encouraging to get your perspective on food intake.  I am telling you, I almost feel guilty because it is so easy right now.  I don't feel that sense of fullness.  Now mind you, I am on my first day of stage II type foods (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc.).  JFish said it best a few weeks ago in response to what Guy wrote, "Dam, I have paid all of this money $25000 and I don't feel restricted".  I want to second that motion at this point.  I am hoping and praying that the more solid consistency of stage III foods will bring me what I desire.  I am sure they will.  Thanks for the post my friend.   Taz 

Taz, I've experienced a lot of the same stuff as Guy however I can feel the stuff going down. I'm doing the soft puree phase...my doc's protocol was 48 hrs clear liquid, 7 days liquid and then soft/puree for 3 weeks with transition to solids. The cottage cheese, oatmeal, mash potato stuff goes down ok but I feel it start to fill up at the 5-6 oz point.  Had some ground up meatloaf and after 5 oz could really feel full and uncomfortable. My doc says the 4-6 oz range should be maintained for a while and only move up slightly in quantitiy as you introduce more foods. Portion sizes are a little weird as I was trying to estimate and found myself going over.  I'm sure it's a pysch leftover from the "old FAT" days.  Got a super accurate scale and have been weighing or using the measuring cup just to get the portion size right for my eyes.  I feel the same way after 3-4 oz's....went down easy, feel OK, do I want more?  Mind and eyes sometimes say yes, even though stomach feels full.  I guarantee one way to cure yourself is to eat the extra 1/2 cup or so.......the stuffed, uncomfortable feeling is very unpleasant and in my case becoming a good deterrent to eating too much. Keep posting, this is a fascinating journey isn't  it.....