Question:
How do you know when you are full?

I'm 13 days post-op from open RNY and I'm still not sure when I'm full. What sensations do you have while eating that tell you when you are full? Please share your personal experience. Thanks!!    — Christine L. (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 18, 2002
Christine, Early in my post-op recovery I would know I was full by the pressure I felt in my chest/esophogus. If I took one more bite, it was coming back up--no doubt about it. I also would begin to experience excessive salivation which would eventually cause me to throw up white foamy stuff.
   — artistmama

April 18, 2002
I always felt like something was stuck in my throat. The foamy mouth is also a good indication.
   — Patty H.

April 18, 2002
I TRY to stop eating when I am "satisfied" rather than "full." That way I don't overstuff my pouch. I know that I am satisfied when the food starts not tasting as good--like I am not enjoying it anymore. If I eat to the point of full I feel a pressure just under my sternum and usually I feel nauseated by the smell of the food I was just minutes ago enjoying. I am now a staunch believer of clearing the plates right after you eat!
   — ctyst

April 18, 2002
I get this little gurgle in my throat. When I feel that I know to STOP!
   — MARSHA D.

April 18, 2002
I HAVE TALKED TO OTHERS AND SOME OF THEM AND MYSELF KNOW WE ARE FULL BY ONE OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENING. 1) THAT OVER STUFFED FEELING, OF I SHOULN'T HAVE TAKEN THAT LAST BITE (SOMETIMES PAIN FOR WHILE. 2) WE SNEEZSE, 3) WE COUGH, 4)OUR NOSE RUNS.
   — JUANITA F.

April 18, 2002
In the beginning, before I felt the full sensation, I would eat less than I thought that my pouch could handle. There wasn't a signal that I could trust. But when I started getting the signal, it was much easier. You get really full fast. Its like one bite too much post-op equals one whole serving too much pre-op. You just feel what I call Thanksgiving full.
   — Cheri M.

April 18, 2002
I tend to get the hiccups(sp) when I am full, great way to say, I have had enough. You will soon find your signal too.
   — Terri B.

April 19, 2002
i also hiccup one or two times when my pouch is full. thats my signal to push my dish to the furthest point away from me. believe it or not, its also my signal that my pouch is totally empty & that i am hungry. something i think thats strange tho...ever since my surgery i have not had a bout of 'regular' hiccups. i dont miss them tho lol.
   — sheryl titone