Question:
How come I didn't feel full????

I am 2 weeks post-op today. The last 2 days I have been quite hungry. Since surgery I have never had a problem with my liquids...in fact, I don't have to sip(never did). I get 64 ounces of water in a day, and 2 small protein drinks. I am supposed to be on full liquids, but today I ate 1/2 of a chicken breast without difficulty.I didn't even get full!! About an hour after I ate this, I drank a glass of water and then felt full. I have to say, that I am sort of freaked out that I could eat that and not get a full feeling. Anyone out there have anything like this happen? I'm scared that I'm going to be a failure! Thanks for any input.    — Lezli M. (posted on July 25, 2002)

July 25, 2002
Lezli, we are in the same boat. I am 5.5 weeks, and sometimes I feel like I'm eating too much. I read some stuff under the topic "pouch size" in the library today. I suggest you read that stuff as well as these comments. If you are losing weight (and inches), getting in your protein and vitamins/mins., you'll be fine. If you're worried about stretching, it most likely isn't going to happen at this point. Eventually, you will stretch (my doc says we're made of tissues, not cement)LOL. You can do a test to check the size of your pouch if you're interested. The address is: http://www.sabariatric.com/cottage cheese test.html. This test was thought up by a Dr. Another thing, someone on here,(possibly Michelle Curran) suggested drinking right up till mealtime, then waiting 1 hour after before you drink more. Hope this helps.
   — Tina B.

July 25, 2002
Hi there, I'm 5 weeks post op today....Oh I remember my 2 week check up. I told the surgeon, I am hungry and I want to eat.Of course he said stick to the diet you could do damage. I got through the full liquid stage by eating lots of high protein pudding, high protein hot chocolate, creamed soups, any soup as long as it was strained--I went to Panera's about every day for soup. Even though you could eat that chicken without getting sick, doesn't mean it was okay to do. Your pouch is healing and cannot handle soft food right now, you could end up doing some damage, it's not worth it. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND GOD BLESS!
   — stacjean

July 25, 2002
At 2 weeks post-op I would not test the pouch.you did not mention how much longer for liquids..you should be ready to move on to pureed food which will help...If liquids are not enough and you have more time to go before solids..ask your doctor if you can try some pureed foods. I know some people say they also ate solids before they were suppose to and nothing happened..but something could so do risk it.That piece of chicken would not be worth causing damage to your pouch. As far as not feeling full..get use to it..SOMETIMES I feel like I am not full and will eat more than I feel like garbage...you may have to just put what you know you should be eating on the plate and just leave the table when you are done and 1/2 to 45 minutes later start your water again. It DOES help. Best wishes on your journey.
   — Patricia R.

July 25, 2002
I didnt eat chicken 2 weeks post; but I was told if I 'overate' I would throw up. When I came home and ate 1/2 cup of pureed food (per my surgeons instructions) I felt this was 'tooo much' food; and mentioned it to him my first post visit. It was NOT until 5 months post that a upper gi test was given; I was able to 'overeat' because my pouch was not functioning. this does NOT mean you will be a failure and not loose (I lost 150 pounds - the rest of your surgery does work - the malabsortion etc). The problem is the stoma was too large (the opening from your pouch to the intestines. this lets you EAT alot... and you can never stretch your pouch cause its not being used. IF this is your problem (have your doctor order a upper gi) then your in a 'different' boat. My surgeon had me diet. my new surgeon will be installing a the fobi ring soon to try and fix this problem.
   — star .

July 25, 2002
You are on liquids to heal your stomach. Wait untill your DR says that you can test your pouch.You don't want to try theses kind of expermints without the DR's consent. Good Luck
   — Robert L.