Question:
So many people say'

From the beginning (I am 6weeks post-op) I have been able to eat what seems like alot to me. Anybody else? For example:A 3oz can of tuna with mayo on 5 saltines, or omelet with 1egg+1egg white with 1oz of ham and 1oz of cheese and salsa and nonfat sour cream. No problem. My weight loss is good so far (-50lbs) and I feel great! But the amount I can eat scares me....Input?    — Debby M. (posted on October 21, 2002)

October 21, 2002
In the beginning I was constantly worried about the amount that I was able to eat. It always seemed that it was more than others. Now 10 months and 170 pounds gone, I am thinking it was useless worrying. As long as you are losing weight, eat until you are satisfied, and chill. =)(congrats by the way)
   — Nichole B.

October 21, 2002
Debby- I think everyone goes through this post-op. What I learned was to think about the density of the food. The food you described isn't very dense, so it moves through faster. When I starting adding meats (dense foods) I got full really quick and even got sick a few times, because I was surprise I could eat so little. Also, what helped was to compare my post-op intake with my pre-op intake. What a difference. Trust me you are burning more calories then you taking in and that is what weight loss is about. Cheryl 20 weeks -87lbs.
   — Cheryl S.

October 21, 2002
I agree with the last post. It may seem like a lot compared to what other posties are eating (claim to eat?)....but compared to what *you* used to be able to eat...I'd imagine it's quite a lot less. That is how it was for me too. I was able to eat a whole pintos and cheese from taco bell my first month home. I worried to death over it. A yr and half later and 136lbs gone...I'm not worried anymore. Strangely I feel I can't eat any more at one sitting at this time than I did 6-7 months ago. Good luck and God bless. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -136 (15 to goal)
   — KimBo36

October 22, 2002
Debbie, I am also about 6 weeks post op and I am learning that there is a difference between what I can eat and what I need to eat. Before, I always ate every bite that I could get stuffed in my mouth. Now I try to ask myself if I really need another bite. I can eat a whole omelet similar to what you described, but I really only need to eat about half of it. But hey, you've lost more weight than I have, so what you are doing must be working well for you.
   — Amber L.

October 23, 2002
Amber, I like that idea. What I want vs what I need.I made up a rule after surgery that I could NOT "clean" my plate...I leave a bite or two at each meal....unlike pre-op.So, I guess truly, I didn't eat the whole omelet...I lest a few bites. Thnk.
   — Debby M.

October 23, 2002
Debby, I look at what I eat like I've finally learned to look at spending money. Do I need this? or do I just want it? Many times when eating, I just want another bite because it's good and I know I want eat again for at least 3 hours. I eat 6 times a day and only allow myself to eat small portions. I'm like one of the other posters...I always leave at least bites on my plate and I don't put extra on it so that I can do that. I always use a salad or child's plate for my meals. This helps me gage the smaller portions. When I go shopping and find somehting I want, I pick it up and carry it around a while thinking about what I'll do with it when I get it home, where will I put it, and most importantly, do I need it or just want it. More often than not, I put it back and go home without it. This has saved me tons of money. Looking at food that way has become my goal. So far, so good. I know I eat less doing this, because I've gotten into the habit of analyzing what is going on before I eat and trying to eat on schedule. This might ot work for everyone, but it should has helped me. Keep up the good work and don't measure your progress by that of others. You are doing fine. Most important, drink that water and tons of it.
   — Teri D.