Question:
Eating normal?

hi amos, i want to know if i'm the only weird one here. i had sugery 4-30-01 and have always been able to eat like normal just very small amounts.. meaning i don't wait 2 or three minutes between bites. I could only eat about 3/4 of a cup or less. I can also drink about 30oz of water in about 1/2 hr. i've lost 61 lbs so far and just wonder because when we went camping my sister said you eat like normal i thought you would eat differnt... am i alone.. please i really would like to know... thanks sincerely queta carrillo    — enriqueta C. (posted on August 21, 2001)

August 20, 2001
You are not alone. Isn't it wonderful? I came home from the hospital eating mashed potatoes and cheese and eggs. I have been able to eat anything I wanted since I had the surgery. As long as you keep losing keep doing what you are doing. Last Thursday was my one year WLS anniv. I have lost 290 pounds and have enjoyed every minute of it. Keep up with the fluids. The more I drink the more I eat. Try to increase your water daily.
   — DeeDubbs

August 20, 2001
My surgery was july 23rd so I am not quite a month post op and am similiar. I can eat anything in very small quanties including sweets and fats. I havent dumped but must chew well and not eat too fast. Hurrying makes me feel warm. I can drink lots od icey cold liquids but unfortunately water tastes bad. Other than that I feel normal in every way. Except I have tons more energy, and all my old aches and pains are gone. Unfortunately I have a new achey upper back, thought to be caused by my weight change as I am down 41 pounds.
   — bob-haller

August 20, 2001
08/21/01 - Thank God for your question? I thought I was the only one that can eat or drink anything. Surgery date was 7/24/01 and as of 8/17 I am -31 pounds. Already can walk without stopping to breath. I guess there are a few of us out there who can eat anything. I am hesitant to say anything in group about it because I get the static, and the old " If you can eat anything, you must be doing it wrong" Thanks so much for letting me know I am not alone.-debi mumaw
   — Deborah M.

August 20, 2001
I also can eat whatever I want but I don't use it as a license to eat bad all the time. I never did eat pureed food although I was supposed to. I do eat small, which I am greatful for although sometimes it seems I can eat more than I thought I would. I do try to stay under 12 grams of sugar (my level of tolerance). But four weeks ago I bought a candy bar. I got the KitKat as I figured that is less sweet. I ate a tiny bit (1/2 inch square I would guess) and was satified and put the rest in the freezer. It's still there! I never could have done that pre op! So yes I eat normal but don't push it. I can drink water quite fast now which I enjoy. I think the main thing is to eat until you are SATISFIED NOT FULL. At least that is my goal as I don't want to strecth out my stomach. Don't ever want to go back to 319 again. If you quit when you are "just satisfied" my guess is you will be alright. ;)
   — Danmark

August 20, 2001
I, too, can eat pretty much whatever I want, just in small amounts. Too much sugar or bread will make me dump, but I can have an occasional sweet (1/2 cookie or 1/4 cup ice cream) if I want. Luckily, I usually don't want it! I have been able to eat steak from week 4 and don't limit my proteins in any way except to stay away from fried foods. Chinese and other ethnic food . . . No problem! I have NEVER thrown up. I feel like the poster child for this surgery. I know how lucky I am from going to group and hearing horror stories of throwing up everything that goes in your mouth. I do have some trouble drinking water, but I have solved that by making sugar-free lemon-limeade and drinking thin-consistency protein drinks throughout the day. I don't think you're weird . . . We're just REALLY lucky!
   — ctyst

August 21, 2001
I'm three years post open rny and I have always been able to eat like normal. I just can't eat big quantities of food. I only experience dumping when I eat something very high in sugar or fat and when I drink alcoholic beverages. I lost well over 100lbs. and I haven't had one single problem since the surgery. Consider yourself very lucky. Physically, the only way I know that ever had wls is that god-awful scar on my stomach and that I can only eat small quantities of food.
   — [Anonymous]