Question:
Am I normal? Am I eating too much too fast and the wrong foods? Help!

I am 4 weeks post-op. I had a lot of complications so I just came home from the hospital a week and a half ago. I've lost 24 pounds. I saw my doc and he says I'm doing fine. I can eat any food I've put into my mouth though. Not candy or anything, but I've had hearty chicken soup, pastina, crackers & cheese, protein bars. I haven't dumped. This makes me wonder because all my peers who have had this done is dumping and can't keep things down. Another thing that worries me is that I can eat things kind of fast, even though I try to time myself. I ate a half a scrambled egg with cheese on toast in about 8 minutes this a.m. without dumping. And, I NEVER feel full. I stop eating either because I know I shouldn't eat more or because I'm tired of chewing and chewing and chewing. One more question, I am so out of energy. I'm not "tired", I'm not napping and I do sleep through the night, but, I have NO energy. Is all of this normal? I'm getting nervous. Help!    — Kelley S. (posted on October 24, 2001)

October 24, 2001
wow...I read your post and felt like I was reading one of my own. I too had complications and spent a total of 20 days in the hospital. I too can eat more and faster than my peers. Like you I stop because I know I should, not because my body is telling me too. I am 3 months out now and coming to terms with that...I was very angry earlier on, but I follow the guidelines because I know I'm supposed to. I was being a bit rebellious at first and pushing it...but I refuse to cut my nose off to spite my face. I can very much relate to what you posted. I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone! As far as being tired...I really didn't feel like my old self again until I got into my old routines...work, housework, etc....I feel pretty great these days, and feel that this tool is really helping me now that I've decided to use it that way (as a tool)...and I'm down 53 lbs! If you would like to compare notes, feel free to drop me an email. -Kim
   — KimBo36

October 24, 2001
Hi! Im just 8 days post-op, and I, too feel hungry a lot of the time. I havent had one bit of nausea or vomiting. I have to say, I am sticking to the rules of my surgeon, though. I think thats the best way. As far as your energy level goes... I hope youre out walking, exercising those lungs, and preventing those sometimes deadly blood clots! I would also make sure youre getting in the vitamins you need... you know the ones... calcium, iron, B12 ESPECIALLY!!, and a good multi-vitamin. It seems to keep me going, but, then again, I havent had any complications either. Good luck to you and welcome to the "other side"!!
   — Kerry P.

October 24, 2001

   — Kim M.

October 24, 2001
Hi! I'm sure glad you brought this up. I, too, am not dumping, not feeling full, but managing to control my portions according to the guidelines I've been given. But, I'm so envious when I hear of people who are stuffed by one or two bites. I wish! I'm only just 4 weeks post op and supposed to be on purees, but I've had a protein bar a few times when I've been out, and although I've chewed and chewed and chewed, it was NOT pureed, and I had no problem. It's scary, but I guess I should be greatful that I'm not one of the people needing frequent dilations of the stoma. I sure am glad I'm not the only one like this though! yvonne
   — Yvonne R.

October 24, 2001
I can remember how you are feeling. I think for me and I am wondering if this is true for all new posties....Does the head take time to catch up to the new stomach size. I felt like my head was saying thats not enough and my stomach was saying slow down. I can remember at like 4-5 weeks feeling full alot sooner than at the beginning. I am now 10 weeks tomorrow and am down 51 lbs so I must be doing something right while this seems slower than some Im still happy with the loss....Im sure everything will catch up in time you head has to just adjust and get out of the "starvation mode" . Hope this helps...GOOD LUCK
   — Melissa S.

October 26, 2001
First the foods you are eating won't make you dump. Dumping is caused by refined sugar or too much fat. As far as the full feeling, I don't feel it all the time, possibly you will gain the feeling. But you should really slow down your eating. Although you are able to eat in 8 minutes without vomitting you could possibly stretch your pouch. And I swear in the next week your energy is going to improve. I felt like hell the first four weeks and even regretted my WLS decision, I like you had NO energy. At week five I was shocked how much better I felt. Now 8 weeks out it is as if I have never had the surgery--energywise.
   — Elizabeth A.