Question:
Will it be obvious if I eat too much?

I am only two weeks post-op and never feel hungry and don't know when I'm full. I just eat the amount my doc recommends. I have had no vomiting, no feeling that the food is stuck or any tightness in my chest. If i were eating too much, I would know it right?    — Lisa B. (posted on January 12, 2001)

January 12, 2001
Believe me, YOU WILL KNOW if you have eaten too much! You will feel pain and pressure right behind your sternum. You will start to recognize the signs that you are getting full so you can stop eating before it gets to the point of hurting. Eat slowly and listen to your body. If you are in doubt about eating more or not, error on the side of not eating. It sounds like you're doing great - keep up the good work!
   — georgiacarol

January 12, 2001
Ok, at this point, I doubt you are eating regular food. When on liquids, full liquids, even runny purees - you won't get the 'full' sensation which comes with real food cause most liquids run right through your stomach. Don't worry. Watch what you eat or drink and you'll know if you are overeating. Sounds like you are doing fine. I am 9+ months postop and have never vomited either. I hope this continues for you too.
   — Cindy H.

January 12, 2001
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! There will never be a doubt. Even now at exactly one year post op I have days that I eat too much. The difference now is I have to remember that eating slowly is not a rule that ever changes. It sometimes takes 10 minutes or so before I start hurting whereas newly post op it was immediately after the "last" bite. my healed stomach takes much too much abuse. At least much more than it deserves. I am trying to get back on the wagon so to speak by being conscious of how much and how fast and of course the content of what is going in. OUCH! Even at a year out, there is still much work to be done and much I must remember to be diligent about.
   — S S.

January 12, 2001
I had my VBG over 15 years ago and although I have gain my weight back and I knoew things are stretched, every once in awhile I will eat too fast and get air caught which really hurts. Walking seems to help relieve it. Also sometimes I just over eat and feel like someone has their heel in my chest. Walking also helps with this pain. So believe me....YOU WILL KNOW!! Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]