Question:
I have searched the library and I definitely think I am eating too much...

I am 4 months out as of tomorrow,and I've had great success so far. I have lost 75lbs, and I am only 37 lbs. from my goal of 140#. I know a lot of people have said that their appetite returns after a while. Mine has, though it is still nowhere near what it was pre op. My surgeon says 800-1200 cals/day is appropriate now, and I stay under 1000/day. However, I am concerned about the size of the meals I can eat. I have eaten a whole healthy choice meal, and today I was able to eat a deli style sandwich from Subway with baked chips on the side. I have regrouped recently and am making better food decisions than I have over the past couple of weeks, but I am concerned. Does this seem way out of wack?    — Jennifer W. (posted on November 30, 2002)

November 30, 2002
Sounds like alot, but I really don't know. My doctor does not have us counting calories...he still has us on a very specific plan....3 oz of protein and 1/4 cup of veggies or fruit. That is all I eat....I can eat it all, I have not tried to eat more. For now, I am still learning how to eat and what to eat and during this honeymoon period, I want to do everything right and take advantage this time....I know it will not last. If you are staying in the guidelines your doctor has given you and you are losing weight...I think that should be ok. Good Luck. Sharon -100 pounds in 6 months
   — Sharon H.

November 30, 2002
I am 4 months out from surgery as well. When I eat the HEalthy Choice meals, I can eat all of the meat portion, but never have eaten all of the potatos. I probably could, but don't want the carbs. Some times I feel like I am eating too much as well. I am eating about 4-6 ounces in a meal. It some times depends on what it is. Last night for supper I had 3 oz of grilled chicken over about a cup of lettuce. I also had 4 saltine crackers along with that and part of the dressing. I didn't eat all of the lettuce. I can eat more chili than anything else. I can do about 6 ounces of a Wendy's small chili. Then at other times I can only do 3-4 ounces. I too worry that I am eating too much volume. I don't eat until full, I stop when I feel comfortable. I am eating about the same amount of calories as you. I stay between 800 and 1000. I have had my days where I have hit 1200-1300, but those are few and far between. Maybe only once a month. I have lost 95 pounds in 4 months. E-mail me if you want to chat about it.
   — tulagirl

November 30, 2002
Tammi - with the liquid in the Wendy's chili, it's not unusual to be able to get 6 oz down. I've done the same and I'm just a little over 4 months. I do try to stop at 4 though, so I can get 2 meals out of it...JR
   — John Rushton

November 30, 2002
Jennifer.. I too worry about eating too much. I KNOW at times I eat more than I should and worry about the pouch being stretched.. but then the next time I will only be able to eat a small amount of food.. then I feel better. I also think it depends on WHAT you eat. Whenever I eat something softer or more liquidy.. I can eat more and it goes down better (not a good thing). For example.. at work we eat at a diner that has daily meal specials.. an entree and 3 sides. I used to get the chicken and then maybe green beans, cottage cheese and a fruit.. I was surprised at how much I could get down, but I think the liquidy stuff like cottage cheese and fruit HELPS me get more down. I find that if I order ONLY a chicken breast, I cannot even eat the whole breast.. so although at times I eat the veggies cause I need them, I do better with a dense protein. Sorry so long of an answer .. Gail
   — Gail S.

December 1, 2002
Thanks so much for your responses. I think I have been feeling a little guilty because I'm getting more carbs than I should. It helps to hear from others. I am steering back to the primarily protein diet, and I'm sure that will help.
   — Jennifer W.