Question:
Hi, I am almost 11 months out, and I was wondering......

if eating two chicken strips ( 14 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat) and about an ounce or two of cheese is to much at once? I sometimes feel I eat to much. My wt loss has been excellent...... I am down over 112 lbs. But I am worried about getting off the wagon....... lol.. Please help.... The chicken tenders and the cheese together weigh approx 4 ozs... I know that is not much... But I was just curious.. My scales work great too,,, lol    — TONYA B. (posted on August 8, 2002)

August 8, 2002
I'm not an expert, but I think that is good for 11 months out. Atleast I hope so. B/C at 10 weeks out I eat two chicken strips (is it the tyson frozen kind?) that are 14 grams protein and 6 grams of fat for a meal right now- it is 2 ounces. I usually pick 2 of the smaller ones, than 2 of the larger ones though. I think your meal sounds pretty good though- good protein. Excellent weight loss-you're obviously doing something right! I get scared about eating too much all the time, so i know what u mean! i have lost almost 50 pounds since surgery, so I guess I am doing pretty well so far! :) goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

August 8, 2002
It sure sounds like a reasonable amount to me.... I find that some times I can eat more than at other times & you MAY find that you can't always eat the same amount, but it seems fine to me.
   — Kathy W.

August 9, 2002
Tonya, I am 7 weeks out lap rny, and I can eat about 8-10oz. at a meal. My doctor says some of his patients even eat up to 12 and do great. I eat till I feel satisfied, not stuffed, and then immediately stop. In the morning, however, I can sometimes only hold 2oz. I'll tell you what my doc. told me. We are made of tissue, not concrete. A small amount of "stretch" or elasticity is going to happen when we eat, and yes a permanent very tiny amout of stretch will occur over the years post-op. Just remember that feeling of fullness signals that it is time to quit. You're doing great!!!Keep it up.
   — Tina B.

August 9, 2002
Tonya--it is my understanding that your first few months post op your pouch is 1-2oz in size and as time progresses your pouch will expand--1-2 oz, then 3-4 oz, then 5-6 oz and finally 7-8 oz where it should remain about that size for the rest of your life. When you said chicken strips my first thought was is it fried? I know I was advised that I would not be able to have soda's or carbonated beverages ever again which I'm fine with, and also advised to stay away from fried foods. I know with myself fast food, fried foods were my "demons" so down the road when I'm over a year post op I will honestly fear trying any of the foods that I know are "red light" for me. I dont want old habits coming back to get me!
   — Bambi C.