Question:
Everyone keeps saying they can eat only 1/4 cup at a meal...

I can eat what I consider a large salad with grated cheese, tuna and mushrooms and it's chopped very fine. It's certainly larger than 1/4 cup. I also still drink the shakes for breakfast and protein bars for some meals and snacks. I'm still confused about the food thing which is a GREAT BIG issue. What do the rest of you eat at meals and how much???? Help...    — Betty Todd (posted on March 15, 2001)

March 15, 2001
Hi...Remember that Salad is water really. Lettuce is mostly water hon. So, that is why you can eat more. Don't be discouraged. Remember that everyone is different. Just remember to stop when your stomach says stop. But fruits and lettuce ..salads those are mostly waters...And tuna..I can really eat...I love tuna..I'm five months post op and has lost 70lbs. Seems like you're doing great. Just stop when your stomach says so...
   — Angela A.

March 15, 2001
You know, it would really be helpful if people would indicate what type of surgery they have had when they ask questions like this. What you are describing is very typical for people with the DS, but would be abnormal for those with the Fobi pouch. So the answer is, it depends... At this point, I, a DS-er, can eat one bite short of a full sandwich (two slices of bread 2-4 oz of cheese or meat, with mustard) with an 8 oz beverage. And other meals are about the same quantity.
   — merri B.

March 15, 2001
Hi Betty, You and I had our surgeries on the same day.(I read your profile and know that you had an RNY, too). I have lost 55 pounds so far (262-207). I could not possibly eat what you can eat. I wish so much that I could eat more volume, but I can't. My most favorite thing to eat right now and it really agrees with me is a crunchy taco bell taco without the lettuce. I can eat almost 1/2 of that. I love the carb solutions protein bar but I can only eat about 2-3 small bites at a time. Can you eat a whole one as a meal? As far as tuna goes, I can eat almost 2 ritz crackers with a small amt. of tuna on them. I still eat a fair amount of soup. I tried to eat a salad about 6 weeks post and I didn't do very well with it-I haven't tried it since. Someone on this board suggested turkey bacon for your am protein. I tried it and I was the sickest I have ever been. For an entire day, I could not eat or drink anything without it coming back up. So, I am sticking to what I know works for me. I can eat about 3 small cheese cubes at a time. I enjoy baked tostitoes with melted cheese on them. I have eaten some peanuts with success. When I was early post, I ate so many mashed potatoes that I can not stand even the thought of them.I don't know if I am being very helpful, but I have often asked for people to mention the amt. of food they eat when making suggestions. My doctor really doesn't have any pre-op nutrition counselling and I was really shocked at how little I could eat post. I still do not have anything resembling a meal. While I can eat more than a couple bites of most things, I still can not eat anymore than 1/4 cup of one thing at a meal. Although I am not hungry, I get frustrated when I go to the effort of fixing something and then can only enjoy such a small amount. I agree that with the salad, most of that is water and chews up very fine. In fact, my surgeon considers that a soft food and is allowed at 3 weeks post. I have gotten sick on a few things other than the turkey bacon..I can not eat eggs, cottage cheese, or fish. I have eaten some turkey successfully, but I seem to get a stomachache. Now, mind you I have been extremely slow in experimenting or attempting new foods. I do miss the variety in my meals, but I really hate to feel sick. Don't know if this was at all helpful. Shelley
   — Shelley.