Question:
How much can everyone eat?

Hi all. I have a question about the amount others can eat. I'm about 17 months post-op (laprascopic proximal RNY, blah blah blah :-)) and I'm wondering if I'm eating too much. I'm holding steady at about 170 lb. and definitely not gaining anything back, which is perfectly fine with me. :-) However, it seems like I'm eating too much at times. An example...I'm sure everyone has eaten a Hot Pocket (or at least seen one) and I can eat a whole one. I can also eat a whole Lean Cuisine dinner (rice, pasta also...not just the meat and veggies). I chew everything I eat very, very well (even soup and yogurt, lol. Isn't it funny how at first the chewing was a complete drag, but now it's like second nature?), so is it possible that maybe that's why I can eat something that big? The other night I went out for Chinese food with my bf and I had a chicken dish that had sliced chicken breast, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper and green onions and I ate about a cup of that. When I say I'm worried that I'm eating too much, I don't mean I can eat like I did before surgery...absolutely not! lol I just think I'm eating more than I should be. I don't eat until I feel queasy or vomit, I eat until I'm full. I just have to wonder how much those of you who are in my position are able to eat. Thanks    — Emily W. (posted on February 9, 2003)

February 9, 2003
Hi, Emily. I am only a little over 3 months post op and I think just now starting to enjoy most foods. At first I didn't like or want meats (chicken). Things just did not taste or feel right going down. I heard this was normal. Yesterday for lunch I went out to eat. I ordered this ground sirloin 'steak' type thing with cheese on top. I tried it a while back and could not eat it. I ate half of it yesterday. I'd say it was at least an ounce and a half I ate. I took it home and warmed it up for my dinner. I could not eat it. So strange. Sometimes things feel like a lead balloon hitting bottom. I couldn't call it nauseating exactly. I was able to eat my vegetables and little bit of fruit. They say, and everyone is different here, that we can usually handle like a half cup of something. I know I can eat a lot of salad. I have tried Lean Cuisine mac and cheese. I usually can eat a third and have room for my vegetables or fruit. One time I actually was able to eat a half of the mac and cheese. I love that I have such great portion control NOW. Such a big time problem for me before. (Open RNY 10/30/02 -95lbs)
   — Ginger M.

February 9, 2003
Hi! I am just over 8 months post lap rny. I can eat about the same amts as you can. I can eat a whole lean cuisine if it is one of the smaller ones like 9 0z. I can also eat a whole small Wendys chili w/ cheese, or about a cup of most foods for example, a couple of ounces of meat and some veggies and a bite of starch. It sounds like you are doing great. I eat a little, (sometimes a lot) less than my naturaly thin friends eat!
   — maryburton

February 9, 2003
I stumbled across a website where you can put in your height and weight and it will tell you how many calories it takes to maintain your weight. More than I thought. It helps keep it in perspective. www.wvda.org
   — joeandteri

February 9, 2003
You're about a year further out than me, so it's hard to compare. I eat about 3 oz every meal, I still eat little amounts, I try to stick to smaller more often. But I've heard once you're a year out about a cup of food is okay. I think you should be doing fine. You can also find out your metabolic rate at www.caloriesperhour.com and see how many calories you burn a day. if you eat that amount, you'll maintain, if you eat less, you'll lose, etc. I've gotten mine measured by a nurse, and that website was only about 50calories off, so I think it's pretty accurate. Goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 9, 2003
Hey Emily, I am about where u are in your journey. I am 18 months post op lap rny. I, too often wonder if, I am eating too much. Of course, like you said, not as much as before lol. My appetite varies. Sometimes I can eat a whole meal like the lean cuisines and sometimes I just can't. Last night neither my hubby or I felt like cooking, so we ordered pizza. I was able to eat a whole slice and half of another one. Minus the crust hehe. That would just sit in my pouch like a rock so, I always leave that behind. It used to be one of my favorites. I wouldn't worry about your eating habits too much, as long as you're eating the right stuff and getting full. I have been steady at my weight of 140-145 now for about 3 months and just remember to eat SOMETHING every few hours. Got to keep the metabolism going there!! LOL By the way, you look great!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work.
   — ncgal

February 10, 2003
Im 3 weeks post op and quite displeased with the amount I can eat..I have talked to my surgeon and he says things are fine..I can eat a whole bowl of soup..half a sandwich (i have no problems eating bread or meat) sugar makes me feel yukky..i ate a whole lean cuisine,i can easily eat a cup of most anything..A WHOLE CUP..ridiculous..
   — christine S.

February 10, 2003
Hi Emily, your doing very good - I bet that before your surgery you would have NEVER thought about how much you're eating - I know I didn't - just remember in those times when your eating and you think you've eaten too much, before you put in that last bite... (I got this from another post on another topic, but it rings true here to) ...just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. - I try to think that way and it seems to help.
   — lindajenkins