Question:
Help !! I think I am eating too much too soon !!

I had an open VBG 17 days ago. I was on liquids for the first 12 days. Beginning on the 12th day, my doctor told me that I could begin eating solid foods. He said to make sure that I get in all four food groups and to make sure I eat my bread and meat first so that I will fill up better. He also told me that my pouch is about 2 ounces with the entrance to my pouch being as small as the tip of a ball point pen. He said that my food chewed up should be about a 1/2 cup. I do eat my bread and meat first, but it seems as though I can still eat a lot! Today for lunch, I ate 3/4 of a bean burrito from Taco Bell. I did eat very slowly and did not stop until I felt full. One day I was able to eat 1/4 of a small plain hamburger. Is this normal? I thought I would only be able to eat a couple of bites. Usually for breakfast, I eat 4 saltine crackers with peanut butter. Any help from anyone who has had an open VBG would be great!!!    — Julie K. (posted on December 8, 2001)

December 8, 2001
I think you are doing great in the amount that you are eating. It sounds about right... 1/2 cup or around 4 oz. This may be more than some people can eat, but then again your stomach pouch is 2 oz whereas some peoples were made to hold only 1/2 oz or an ounce after the surgery. It is these people that can only eat a couple of bites at a time. I have to disagree with your surgeon however on the matter of eating bread first. Bread is very high in carbs and will be the one thing that will hinder your weight loss over time. From most surgeons, the rule of thumb is to eat protein first, including meat, cheese, etc... and then to eat vegies and if still hungry to eat a bit of fruit. Most WLS patients find they aren't hungry after the meat and vegies. I stay completely away from all breads, pasta's and rice. I will only eat mashed potatoes at the most twice a week and if I do have them, on those days I limit my carbs severely in everything else I eat. Bread will fill your pouch by expanding and since there is no nutritional value in it, it is really a waste. Fill your pouch with what it needs... protein, protein, protein. Good luck and keep up the great work!
   — Kellie Jo B.