Question:
Looking for some feedback

I had Lap RNY on 09/25/03 and I find sometimes I can eat more than 1/2 to 1/4 in one sitting. But sometimes I can barely take two bites and I am done. I know my body is adjusting and all of you have great suggestions and ideas. My question is...is it best just to listen to what our bodies say or follow the Dr's advice to the letter. I mean if my tummy says "Whoa, no more we cant have another bite today" should we force it or just relax and realize somedays you can eat and others not? I am curious to see how others feel about this. I get all my water in for the day no matter what but somedays I cant eat, nor am I tolerating any protien shakes. Any comments?    — Michelle B. (posted on October 22, 2003)

October 21, 2003

   — wildbrat

October 21, 2003
First off, let me just say this time next week (following my surgery) I may feel totally different than I am answering today...but based on the extensive research I have done on the surgery and recovery...I plan on getting in all my protein as well as my water one way or the other...if not a shake then the Isopure Zero Carb drinks (kind of like Kool-aid) are tolerable...maybe give them a try. I have found them at GNC although I am sure they are other places as well. I think you need that protein and water to have a speedy recovery. Best of luck to you! I will be joining you on the losing side next week...
   — Elizabeth L.

October 21, 2003
Michelle, would you force food on yourself before surgery??? Not a good idea. Your doctor gives you advice, but you have to listen to your body. You are only a few weeks out... you will not always be able to get in all the water or protein at this stage. Do what works for your body. gail -93
   — Bama Beach Girl

October 21, 2003
Your still new. My surgeon says the grams of protein is a goal, and cant be reached early on by a month or 6 weeks we must be there. I would relax and do the best you can on protein. Try snacking on cheese or other foods to increase your protein intake. Have 6 meals a day if needed. Just dont get into a grazing habit, of snaxcking all day long.
   — bob-haller

October 22, 2003
I am almost 23 months post op and there are days when I feel like I've eaten everything but the kitchen sink and other days when I barely eat. I think what you are going through is perfectly normal.
   — Patty_Butler

October 22, 2003
I have the exact same issue. I had my surgery on 8/28/03 and sometimes I can eat what I think is more than enough, but other times I have a bite or 2 and that's all I can do. When I brought this up to the doctor, he said that it's perfectly normal and that sometimes our bodies need more intake and other times it doesn't (thus the times when I eat more and when I eat less). If you force yourself you are only going to accomplish one of two things (and maybe both) either you'll make yourself sick or you'll stretch your pouch. Don't worry about it. If you're forcing the water issue, you may be filling yourself up to the point where you're not able to eat. Maybe, before you do anything else, try stopping the water even longer before you eat and see if that helps. Whatever you do, don't fret about it. As time goes on, you'll be able to eat more and your protein intake will be a breeze.
   — Ryan M.

October 23, 2003
There are days I have to remind myself to eat and then there are days I can eat much more. This is normal. I six months post-op and have lost 118 lbs. For example I love soup as a meal. I will make a tomato soup (no salt added) 4 ozs and add, 2 slices of FF cheese, veges (onions, green peppers, tomatoes, hot sauce)power milk and that is a meal. Then I may only have a slice of turkey and feel full. Or have a Atkins breakfast bar (apple crisp) for morning and realize it's 4 o'clock and I haven't had anything for lunch or a snack. It all depends. I can eat two bits of beef and feel full but I can eat 4 ozs. of soy product and feel great. Everyone is different.
   — Linda R.

October 23, 2003
Michelle, my surgery date is 2 days before yours and I am SO going through the same things. I'm still on full liquids because I'm just having a heck of a time. I would say that you should listen to your body. What I do know is that our vitamins, B12 and water are critical to us. Next most important thing is getting protein in, but if your system isn't tolerating much, well, it isn't tolerating much. I don't know if you are stopping your water for at least a half hour before you try and eat; but that's important or your pouch is full of water and you can't add food! Also, it's important to wait 30-45 minutes after you eat before drinking more water; as you flush the food out before you can get any nutrients out of it. Good luck. I am down 40 pounds and incredibly grateful. Be good to yourself! Diana.
   — Diana D.