Question:
Am I taking small enough bites?

I feel like I take small enough bites and I chew, chew, chew and I take my time but sometimes I vomit due to the food being stuck. How small should the bites be and how long should I wait to take another bite? I am only 4 weeks out and on pureed/ soft diet. Does this mean I may not be able to eat regular food when the time comes? I feel like I may never get to eat regular food.    — Kim H. (posted on March 15, 2001)

March 15, 2001
Hi Kim, One of the most important tools of weight loss surgery is PATIENCE. Be patient with yourself. You had major surgery only 4 weeks ago. If everything eaten at this point is blenderized/pureed or in liquid form, then "chewing" is not the issue. If you are vomiting, chances are good that you are either consuming too fast and/or consuming too much. Keep in mind that recurring vomiting results in painful throat and pouch irritation. This will make it very difficult to eat anything. My surgeon instructed me to stay on liquids and blenderized food for the first 6 weeks following surgery. I really do understand how tempting solid food can be at this stage. But the consequences of eating solid food before your body has time to heal can be very unpleasant. Remember...be patient. Lots of (((Hugs))) Sharon in Arizona
   — Sharon M.

March 15, 2001
I know when I vomit it FEELS like it is from the food being stuck. I have a bad pain in my back and I know that it is coming back up. However, I tend to believe that it is actually from WHAT I have eaten that didn't agree with me. For example, at about 4 weeks I had soft scrambled eggs only 2 bites and I vomited. Now, I KNOW that it didn't get stuck but I had that bad pain in my back. Ever since then, I really pay attention to WHAT I have eaten. If your food is still liquidy and pureed, then it probably isn't getting stuck, but maybe that food is not agreeing with your new tummy. Also, I pay attention to my liquids. f they are going through okay, then I feel like I am okay, too. Shelley
   — Shelley.

March 16, 2001
Kim...I feel for you, I am 8 weeks postop and at 4 weeks when I started soft foods it was so awfull...Take it from me, by 8 weeks you will feel so much better inside and about things.
   — Debora H.