Question:
Should all foods continue to be measured at each meal forever?

Can I just eat as much a I want until I become full?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 8, 1999)

August 8, 1999
When it comes to eating and measuring what you eat... My doctor has me 2 caloric meals aday. I can eat what ever I want for 20 minutes and then I am done. Now if I throw up, I throw up. I donot get to eat to make up for what came up. Now I have learned how much to eat before I get that sick feeling and throw up. You doctor feels that measuring has its merits. I don't measure everything. Never did. But that does not make it right. If measuring helps to guide you...do it. And remember to eat healthy. Don't get in that habit of eating soft foods. Experience of regular foods. Just go slow and chew, chew, chew!!! And remember small bites. It is a great gift we are giving ourselves. Hamg in.
   — Wendy Sue D.

August 8, 1999
You will eventually learn what to quantity works for you and will only serve yourself that amount. It took me over a year to figure it out. Good luck
   — Kim C.

August 8, 1999
I find that for my situation right now, 3 months postop, I do better by portioning out my food before I start eating. I just eyeball the serving, (I do mentally count calories though and try to stay under 700 for the day). I stop eating when the portion is finished, even if I don't feel full yet. It is better to do that than to keep eating until I feel full. Because by that time, it's usually too full.
   — Deborah L.

August 8, 1999
Depends on if you want to stretch your pouch or push your luck. Ideally, measure til you reach goal, then proceed with caution. Not with abandon, but with caution. It's still a new pouch compared to your old staomch. The kinder you treat it, the fewer problems you have.
   — vitalady

August 8, 1999
I don't measure anything. But I do use a smaller plate and bowl for meals that does help me to know how much I am eating.
   — dboat

August 8, 1999
What did your surgeon say? I personally do not measure any longer. I listen to my stomach and stop eating when I start feeling full because I don't want to stretch my stomach. Good luck.
   — Penny W.

August 11, 1999
You should measure your food for the first 6-8 weeks during the critical healing period. By that time you can usually judge pretty well and should not need to measure and can eat until you feel the very first feeling of fullnes and then stop. Good Luck!!
   — Donna D.