Question:
I feel I'm eating too much. I had open RNY 7 weeks ago and I can eat practically

anything in small amounts of course but nonetheless this scares me. For example today I had my protein shake at around 9:00 am then I had a slice of toast with tuna and light mayo at 1:30 pm and 1/2 an orange around 3 pm then for dinner (this scared me)I had two slices (squares) of cheese pizza. This is really the most fattening thing I've eaten since surgery but it's also my favorite and I wanted to see if I could still eat it. I didn't get sick or even feel that full. I stopped at the second piece because I think if I ate anymore I would then get sick. Has anyone out there experienced this at such an early stage. Your input is appreciated. Thank you.    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 27, 2000)

April 27, 2000
I find that how I eat can effect the amount that I can eat. If I'm in a social setting, talking and having a good time, I can eat more. I think this is because I'm eating slower. Also, the things we eat earlier in the day effect how we can eat later. If your stomach is completely empty, of course you will be able to eat more than if you have something still hanging around in there. I wouldn't panic over what you did, but do try and be aware of how you are eating, as well as what you are eating. Hey, just how big WERE those pieces of pizza, anyway? LOL!
   — Jaye C.

April 28, 2000
Hi. I, too, am 7 weeks post-op and feel like I can eat practically anything and in larger amounts then I thought I'd be able to. Altho' I've not "dumped" at all, I have had a few unpleasant bouts with nausea and vomiting when I tried to eat too fast. I think alot of us are surprised at what we can consume after surgery, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself to not feel quilty and second quess yourself because of the amounts you're consuming. First of all, start counting your calories and your protein grams. I know it's tedious and sometimes downright hard to do, but it will help you stay within your boundries and allow you to recognize the foods you can eat alot of verses the ones you shouldn't. Secondly, concentrate on foods higher in protein than in carbs. The foods you mentioned in your posting probably aren't really "too much", but they don't seem especially balanced either. You need to try to incorporate food from each food group in every meal to get adequate nutrition and keep your blood sugar level. We oftentimes experience hunger when our blood sugar levels drop. Eat your high protein foods first, then eat your veggies and fruits. Then, eat some carbs. Protein will help you feel faster and are generally lower in calories than foods high in carbohydrates. Eating a more balanced meal WILL help you not eat so much. Thirdly, plan you meals BEFORE it's time to eat. I used to leave lunchtime at work to chance and when I got hungry grab a sandwich from a fast food place or order out with the rest of the guys. Now, I brown bag it. I plan my lunch the night before and bring a small amount of leftovers from my dinner the night before or maybe a small frozen dinner entree that I can heat up in the microwave. I also plan on a mid afternoon snack too...a portion of a protein bar, or maybe a 4oz container of yogurt. I'm fortunate that my children are grown and can pretty much fend for themselves because for dinner I usually only have to cook for myself. I like fish and chicken-type casseroles, so that's usually what I prepare for myself in the evenings. After my evening meal, I count up my calories and my protein grams and if I have any leftover calories, then, and only then, will I allow myself anything "extra" as a treat. One of my favorites is simply a graham cracker or two spread with reduced fat peanut butter. It fills up my caloric quota, it adds a little more protein (for good measure) AND it satisfies my urge for something sweet. One last thing too. If you are anything like most of us who have had wls, you've dieted time and time again and you KNOW what you have to do to lose the weight. Weight loss surgery is only a tool but it's a darned good one. This time your body will finally respond favorably to your efforts and you WILL lose weight and KEEP IT OFF. But you have to do your part too. Remember, just because you CAN eat something doesn't necessarialy mean you SHOULD eat it. Good luck and God Bless you on your journey to your new life. cj
   — cj T.