6 weeks out

I am 6 weeks out and eating about 1 "real" meal a day.  It sometimes takes me 45 minutes to eat.  But I am worried I am eating too much.  I know what it feels like to be too full.  I am trying to listen to my body and just stop.  I was just wondering since I am taking so long to eat is that allowing me to eat more.  By the time I chew chew chew and wait for it to go down and settle and then take the next bite it seems to just take forever.  I am finding it hard to have 2 real meal a day yet.  Is that normal?  I am just drinking the rest of the time.  I may have a SF popscicle or applesause as a snack if I even feel like that.

I can't be super specific without knowing how much you are able to eat.   The general rule is that you eat at specific times, for a specific period of time.  Meals will usually take 20-30 minutes.  You are probably on regular foods by now.  Your meals should be protein first. Some foods like yogurt, thin soup and protein drinks will pass through the pouch faster than more solid foods (despite the chew, chew, chew you are doing).  The same is true for taking beverages with your meals, it will 'wash' the food through the pouch faster.  Your meals should be about 1/2 cup at this point.  The size of your meals will increase over time and at 6 months, the serving size will be closer to 1 cup. Generally your guidelines should be as follows (but don't let me contradict your surgeon or dietitian - they are the final word for YOU) Measure your food. Set a specific amount of time for eating (I recommend less than 30 minutes). Have 3 meals per day, not more than 5 hours apart. Do not snack. Drink 64 oz of fluid per day, but do not drink with meals It may still take you some time to be able to tolerate the 3 meals.  Keep trying, but don't force yourself into any discomfort.  By limiting the time you spend eating your meals, it may help your body establish more of a pattern and promote hunger for the next meal (but then again, everyone is different).  Be sure you are meeting your protein needs - and if you need to substitute one of your meals with a protein shake, consider that an option. Good Luck! Danielle Halewijn RD eNutritioncare.com

Thank you!!  This was the first week i was really able to try anything I wanted.  I did buy some of the small WW meals, Lean cuisine and Stoffer meals.  They were high in protein.  I dont know exactly how much is in a meal.  the package says 8 oz but I am sure the probably includes the container and all.  My only concern with these meals would be the sodium count.  The fat and sugars are low. If I have one of these meals then I can hardly eat anything else the rest of the day.  I know I need to get myself on a pattern.  Right now I am still a little afraid to try new things if I am not home.  I dont want to get sick at work or out in public.

I love these frozen entrees for all the reasons I hated them before WLS - the food is nice and mushy!  I eat half for dinner and half for lunch the next day. I couldn't believe that i wasn't able to eat a whole one since before surgery, eating one would leave me starving!