Question:
DUMB (needless worry) Question.. Am I doing this right?

I know a woman that had surgery 2 weeks after me. My Mother in Law went to dinner with her, and told me that she ate two whole strips of chicken from her salad AND a cup of soup. Well, I'm lucky if I just eat the cup of soup, and normally take half the cup home with me. I'm 8 weeks post op and I know when I get full, But should I be eating more during the meal? Also unofficially (stepped on a scale I kinda didn't trust) it said I've lost 75 lbs. Officially (dr's scale) I've lost 60 lbs. And I do see a difference in my clothing. I can actually breathe in them, but I still haven't been able to go into a smaller size. When will I start losing pants sizes?    — Michelle J. (posted on December 11, 2003)

December 10, 2003
Don't worry about what this other person is eating. At 8 weeks post-op you should be able to eat about 4 oz at a meal, depending on the texture (heavier foods fill you up faster). The goal is to get in protein like nobody's business. My surgeon says to eat 3-5 times a day, up to 4 oz at a time. I'm only 1 month post op, but it seems to be working. And as far as sizes go, I can't help you there. I dropped 30lb so far and there is NO difference in my clothes. You might be loosing everywhere else, or the fat around your midsection is just thicker and will take longer to disappear. Or at least...that's my theroy.
   — Renee B.

December 11, 2003
I've learned to never compare myself with others - how much I eat, lose, size I wear, etc. It's so variable by person. And you really don't know if her pouch is the exact same size as yours (probably not - could be an ounce larger!). Did she have an RNY? Does she drink with her meals? If she ate the chicken first then washed it away with soup, even if she didn't technically have a drink, she still consumed fluid on top of her 'food'. Makes her able to eat more.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 11, 2003
Hi there, I agree- don't worry about what everyone else can eat. I nearly went nutts in the beginning because I've always been able to eat more then everyone else. I figured I would just not lose weight. But I've managed to lose 159lbs this past year- I easily eat 8 oz of food, and really need to watch my choices. As far as clothing sizes go. I started in a 30/32 4X- I had to lose like 50 pounds before I noticed my clothing was getting loose- When its time for new clothes- check out your local thrift stores. Alot of times they have great name brand things for just a few bucks- Or you could just buy a new wardrobe with each droppig size (haha) take care- Kim
   — WABBIT F.

December 11, 2003
Hi~ Like everyone else said do not compare yourself. Don't forget there are different kinds of surgery, too. Like I had DS, I could eat way more then any friends that had RNY! Be good to yourself!
   — Stephanie B.

December 11, 2003
Everyone is different as to what they can eat. Also, the amount I can eat differs from day to day. Follow your Dr's advice and listen to your own body and it will tell you what you need. As for clothing sizes changing. in the beginning I actually didn't think I needed new sizes until people started telling me that things were hanging off me. Even now - a year later, someone has to tell me. I get comfy in what I am wearing. Like today, I am wearing a pair of jeans 3 people have told me are entirely too big - who knew - I thought they fit nicely this morning - haha!
   — Kristin L.

December 11, 2003
Michelle- Assuming that your mother-in-law's friend had the same procedure as you did, trust that she is just eating way too much in a sitting and that you are following the proper protocol. AT 8 weeks, you should be limiting your meals to no more than 30 minutes which would make it tough to take in much more than 4 ounces. For me, that meant about 1/2 of a cup of Wendy's chili at a sitting. As for pant sizes, most people tend to lose their weight from their heads down, so dramatic pant size changes might not be apparent for a few more weeks. You're on the right track and you do seem to be doing everything right-- good luck.
   — SteveColarossi