Question:
I'm 3 weeks out, I feel like I'm eating too much and not losing

I am really concerned, I had my surgery 4/21/03 and I have felt good physically but I am not losing very much weight. I have lost 14 pounds so far in just over 3 weeks and it's not like I'm a light weight. But I feel hungry at least once maybe twice a day and when I eat (I'm on soft foods) I can eat a fair amount of food. For instance, I was able to eat an entire lunch sized can of tuna with fat free mayo and relish for dinner tonight without a problem. Has anyone had this experience? What was the outcome? Have you lost all the weight you wanted to? Are you hungry all the time now and how much can you eat now? I'm terrified that I have done this to my body for nothing. Any advice would be appreciated!    — Shrinking Kim K. (posted on May 13, 2003)

May 12, 2003
It's not abnormal to feel hunger...most of us do, it seems. Some sooner than others. The amount you ate doesn't sound too bad either. It's more than I could eat at 3 weeks, but your surgeon may have made your pouch a bit larger than mine did. Do you know how large your pouch is? So the questions are how often do you eat? These aren't the only 2 meals a day your eating, are they? I ask because you say "when I eat..." I also found that when I was on soft foods I was hungry more often than once I graduated to denser protein based foods (meats, eggs, cheeses). I doubt you've done this for nothing. Right now, everything is new and spooky and your body is doing its thing. Give it some time and PUT AWAY THAT SCALE :>) THAT is the best advise I can give any new post-op!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 12, 2003
Kim, view my profile...I'm 8 weeks po. I felt the same way...when you eat denser foods, as previous poster stated, you'll not feel as hungry. Now, when you're hungry...eat. It's still a helluva lot less than what you were eating. BTW, your loss is about the same at mine, maybe a little more. You're doing great and right on track...keep up the good work!!
   — msmaryk

May 14, 2003
I had my surgery on the same day you had yours. I have lost 18 pounds (I hear men can lose a little faster), which puts us at about the same weight loss. My doctor just told me yesterday that I am in the normal range. I am walking aboput 1 1/2 miles every day and watching my diet. I feel great and I am very happy with my weight loss, but I know it will probably be a year before my new body will stabolize.
   — Bruce B.

May 14, 2003
I am in the exact same boat. Iam 8 weeks PO and have only lost 26 pounds. I have concern because I seem to be hungry all the time and I too eat more than they say I should and can tolerate most anything. The dietician said feeling hungry may not be hunger but the simple fact that I need more water. As far as eating more, she said just cut back on the amount of meals per day to 3 or 4. I have also had an open incision so exercising hasn't been on the top of my list. As long as you are staying away from high fat and high sugar foods, drink your water and get exercise the weight will come, I just try to stay positive.
   — Tamala T.

May 16, 2003
Hi Kim! I had my surgery 1 day after you. We are each different & therefore will loose differently. I, too, keep thinking that I am eating too much. I saw my surgeon today & I am down 27 lbs. Just, keep doing the next right thing & you will be fine. This time next year, we will both be thin. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]