Question:
why can i eat more?

I had oprn rny on 1/5/09. i am told to eat only 2 tablespoons of food. i do but it doesnt even satisfy me. i usually can eat 3 tablespoons, and depending on the type of food, i can eat 4. is this normal. i am so scared im not gonna lose weight. i only eat 300-700 calories a day. so maybe im being to hard on myself. help!!    — jackie L. (posted on January 16, 2009)

January 16, 2009
My surgeon starts his patients on 4 Tbsp per meal...2T protein...1T Grain/Starch or fruit and 1T Cooked Veggie...I couldn't eat it all right away...but my appetite grew daily the first month and I just stopped eating when I was not hungry anymore...You are doing fine...You're supposed to begin eating a little more as time goes on! We're talking tablespoons of food! You're not going to stop losing weight...Not for a good year! (+ or -) a few months! You just keep making good choices and let things progress...and stop eating when you no longer feel hungry...Learning this is a hard thing when you have no real hunger feelings or satisfaction feelings like before...Listen to your pouch and learn it's new signals! Good luck...and get excited! You are gonna be doing a happy dance in a year!
   — .Anita R.

January 16, 2009
in the beginning, the trick is to "only eat what you are allowed" regardless if you are full or satisfied. That way you will never have to say you can eat more, because you stuck to the protocol. at almost 5 yrs out, i am only allowed .5 cup food 3 times a day. can you imagine the troub,e i would be in if i tried a full cup? i refuse to gain an ounce of the 230 lbs i lost because i felt i needed more. try only eating what you are allowed to train your system. good luck, and dont worry about it working, or stretching the pouch, those things rarely happen if you stay strict to what you are allowed. Cindi M.D. retired -230 # and maintaining loss over 3 yrs
   — DollyDoodles

January 16, 2009
i STARTED OUT eating a medicine cup of food 3 times a day plus two protein "snacks"I chewed well and took small bites and my meal could only last 15 to 20 minutes.That was an sometimes more than i could eat like u said depended on what it was.U r truely just out of the gate be patient u will loose try not to over do it.Are you drinking your water?I had to learn to distinguish between what i thought was hunger and the need for more water.The real miracle for me is i am never hungry even now i have to eat in order to not get the shakes but what a gift.I still have to battle "head hunger"sometimes more than others but there are so many new signals to learn.pay very close attention to your pouch and its messages.Congradulations on your decision to have the surgry
   — Bette Drecktrah

January 16, 2009
It's not about the calories as much as getting your protein intake of 60-80 grams and 64 oz of water. I started with a 1/4 cup and moved up to 1/2 cup and eventualy, one full cup. Always do protein first and consult with your nutritionist if you have questions about your diet.
   — maria09elena

January 17, 2009
Jackie, Relax. You will lose weight. Just make proper food group choices and you will be fine. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl