Question:
I am one two weeks post-op(LAP RNY) and have trouble determining if I am full or not.

They always say that you should stop eating when you feel full, but I just can't tell. I've been eating small portions from Dixie cups so that I don't overeat, but at what point will I be able to tell when I am full? I'm sure it is due to all the swelling....but...when will this go away?    — mmcphee1 (posted on December 31, 2005)

December 31, 2005
That feeling of being full-that we used to have-is someplace you really don't want to go-by the time you feel full, you will be overfull and then you'll puke-at least that's what they tell me. I had my surgery on Dec. 8 and just eat till I feel satisfied-like I might be full-it's working for me. Haven't got sick yet. If you get "hungry" between meals then you aren't getting enough protein. Make sure you drink your shake and eat all meals protein forward. (eat it first) Blessings to you!
   — janh

December 31, 2005
I am only four days post op. I told my doc I was having some tightness in my chest and asked him if that ment I was full. He said that there was no real way to say that for sure was a sign, but that I should be careful. I think anything you feel different should be a sign. Tightness, is one I would say is good. Best of luck to you.
   — kizie23

December 31, 2005
Mary, the pouch nerves were cut so the senstation of fullness isn't there, or wasn't for me anyway. My surgeon gave us a quantity to eat after surgery...1/2 oz is all I was allowed for a while. I'm 10 months out and the full filling is nothing like is was as a pre-op....you won't get the stuffed feeling like before. I can't tell you how much to eat as each surgeon makes the pouch a different size. Try eating 1 - 2 oz only right now and see if you feel satisfied. Early out you might deal with head hunger so be careful not to overdo it. You will eventually feel satisfied....I would guess that if you are eating from a Dixie cup, you are probably doing good. Best wishes to you. Dana
   — cajungirl

January 1, 2006
Full hummmm what is that, Its a feeling that is not stuffed but satisfied. the best thing to do is have something to drink wait a half hour then eat your new portion of food, wait a half hour and have something to drink again. the feeling of hunger can be thirst and when that is satisfied you won't feel as hungry or a need to over eat beyond your new portion. I eat three meals at a new portion of no more than two to three ounces over a 1/2 hour to hour time period and have two snacks of 1 oz of cheese twice a day. if you eat too much now your stomach will stretch and you will feel sick all the time. Remember only small portions. I have lost 80 lbs since 7-26-05. Oh and rubber maid has these little containers which only hold 4 ounces try them putting your portion in them use the smallest fork and spoon tou can find and only put in your mouth what these will hold your meal will last longer and you will get that satisfied feeling. Its like using chopsticks for the first time. good luck. Priscilla
   — laida

January 4, 2006
I try to stop eating after about four/five bites. Chew these well and think about what you have eaten. Go for the proteins first. Put your fork down and just sit for a couple of minutes. You don't want to drink a lot of fluids before your meal or it will cause you to feel full before you really are. I use a small plate and put just spoon fulls on the plate, not huge amounts like I used to doing prior to surgery.
   — Charlotte T.