Question:
How much is too much to eat at 7 months post op?

I have been eating normally, for post op, anyways. But I feel like i may be eating too much, I cant tell when my tummy is full as easily as j just after surgery anymore. I dont want to stretch my pouch and it scares me to think i might be. Im not losing much either, am i eating wrong foods? I eat the same foods as before surgery but not as much. Im generally a good eater, balanced meals and all, but my weight loss isnt what I espected, just 90 lbs in 7 months, is that good?? Im dying inside to know if Im doing the right thing, as far as my eating habits, should I change to something else??? it had been working ok at first?    — Amy G. (posted on February 17, 2002)

February 17, 2002
I hope some people respond to your question, because I have the same problem! I'm 4 weeks out and as of the last 4 days I can't tell when I'm full anymore like I could at first! I'm REALLY worried I'm going to stretch my pouch and I will die if this doesn't work for me since I've tried every other diet known to man.
   — Paula Prichard

February 18, 2002
Not that I know the answer, but I think 90lbs in 7 months sounds VERY good to me. Just think if you were on Weight Watchers for 7 months? They would probably say that you would lose like 55 pounds in that same about of time..so 90 pounds sounds great. Also, its going to be better for your all around health and success to do it slower. But, I do understand that you want it off NOW.. me too. I really just wanted to say that I think you are doing great. Good Luck!
   — Julie D.

February 18, 2002
Well first of all, for the 4 week post op, think how close you are to your cycle. I had an extremely irregular cycle and since surgery have been regular like clockwork. I can usually tell it's coming when I have no full feeling and I feel like I can eat all day. Now for the 7 monther. I am 7 1/2 months and this is the point where you can eat more. Everything you've read says that at 6 months (for most RNY's anyway) there is a noticable increase in appetite and stomach capacity. So you will be able to eat more before coming to that full feeling you're used to. This is normal. Eat more. (something you rarely hear on this site). You may find it helpful to do what I'm doing -- which is, eating more often. This is not grazing, rather, actual timed small meals ala the 6 small meal method. Also I've noticed that protein shakes fill me up pretty quickly (and keep me full). Hope this helps. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

February 18, 2002
I am 71/2 mos post op and have lost 102 pounds, so 90 is really good. I too can eat more at this time. I found when I hit 90 pounds I did not lose for a period of about 3 weeks and then the weight loss began again. I also eat just about what I want only in smaller portions. I walk 1 1/2 miles a day. I started out at 289, and feel like I have really accomplished alot.Good luck, and hope this helps.
   — Valerie M.

February 18, 2002
I also am 7 months post op and feel I can eat considerably more than even a month ago. I have been trying to keep my calories right around 1350...sometimes they creep a bit higher. I've spoken to other post ops who give me a look of concern when I tell them that...even though they admitt they don't count calories themselves...and "know they don't eat that much". When they list the food they eat also at close to 7 months post op...it really is about the same....so I think I'm not too outlandish with my food. I've lost 89lbs as of Sat. and try to walk a mile 4-6 X a week. If you'd like to compare menus feel free to e-mail me. -Kim 7/17 open RNY -89lbs
   — KimBo36

February 18, 2002
Hi, I am no expert, just going on my docs advice here. I will be 7 months post op on March 2 and have lost 125lbs, I started at 341. I do not exceed 900 calories a day. I was told that going over this amount might slow my weight loss down after the 6 month "honeymoon" period. I eat 6 mini meals a day that consist of two to three ounces of protein and veggies. Now, eating 900 calories or less is not easy, and counting calories sucks, but after a while, it just becomes routine. And also I feel eating more smaller meals instead of the 3 larger ones, allows for less hunger pangs. Hope this helps :)
   — Carey N.

February 18, 2002
I am just around 7 months post op now and I can also eat quite a bit. I am also starting to worry about this. I eat what ever I want and I eat often. like every 2 hours. I am down 92 pounds, but since I have been able to eat more the weightloss has slowed down alot. I am thinking about taking diet pills or joining weight watchers again. I didn't think I would ever have to do that again, but I don't want to mess up this surgery for myself.
   — Dawn H.

February 18, 2002
I am "only" 5 months post-op, but here's my experience. I started at 310 and am down 112, to 198. I had a 125cm RNY. My secret? Exercise. 1-2 hours a day. Every day.<p>As far as food, I always water-load before meals. 20 minutes before I am going to eat, I drink a liter of water. This makes me feel "full" even though it doesn't stay in my stomach. I eat much less than my pouch can actually hold as a result. I still eat around 800 calories a day.<p>I drink 3-4 liters a day, not including the water I drink at the gym while exercising, typically another liter. I feel fantastic, and my weight loss speaks for itself. :-)<p>The other thing you should check in your diet is the amount of protein you're getting. Make sure you get 60-90 grams EVERY day. I also try to keep fat below 12 grams per meal and carbs below 75 or 100 grams total per day. Other than that, I don't actually "count" anything, calories or otherwise, except out of curiousity.
   — Julia M.