Question:
I am having food issues!

I am 7 weeks post op open RNY. I eat, but not very much. I find I am full on 3 tablespoons of food, sometimes less. How am I supposed to eat 3 tablespoons of food and make it take 30 minutes?? If I ate a rice-kernel sized bite and put my fork down for 30 seconds between each bite, it wouldnt take 30 minutes!! I still get sick sometimes if I try to eat too fast or too much, or the wrong things, but Im learning! Is anyone else having these food issues? One day egg makes me sick, the next day, its good. I wish I could get to the point where some of you are and be able to eat in a restaurant (too risky, might hafta hurl) and actually start eating like a NORMAL person again. (not MO normal, just normal) Sorry to vent but I need it and I need your advice! Thanks! (oh, by the way, lost almost 60 lbs, but only 10 in the last 3 weeks even tho Im eating less than 500 cals a day.)    — donnalawbabe (posted on March 8, 2002)

March 8, 2002
I really can't answer the part about eating. But if you are eating less than 500 calories a day, that's the reason you aren't losing. Your body has gone into hibernation mode because it's not getting enough food. It is hanging on to every ounce because it is being starved. You need to eat more than 500. I think 800 or 900 is probably about right. Anyone else?
   — garw

March 8, 2002
well I am over 4 mo post op and still can not eat food two days in a row! I just looked at it this way my pouch is in charge! but it will get better soon you will be able to go to resturants too but the thing you order might be diffrent then before just be patient and hang in there! and 60 lbs is great!!!!!!!!!!! good luck and Bless you feel free to e-mail me if you need to ask questions
   — gerirose C.

March 8, 2002
You did not say how much in protein supps you are getting in, nor did you say how MUCH food you are trying to eat at these meals. I'm not a fan of the large meals, eaten too long--that becomes grazing. But if you can do one oz or so in 15 min, then again 2-3 hours later, that'd be good, I think, personally. More comfy, better for you. If you are having trouble only with solids, it might be time to check back in with the doc and make sure your stoma is not tightening down a bit.
   — vitalady

March 8, 2002
I agree with Gar... You aren't eating enough calories. When you drop below 800-900 cals a day, your body thinks you are in the Sahara desert and not getting any food. It drops your metabolism and keeps every calorie you put in your mouth. It also starts using up muscle instead of fat- not your goal!! So, even though eating is a slow process these days, try to get more cals in, and you'll see the weight start melting away again. As for food choices, I don't know what to tell you (I'm one of the ones who can eat 'normally' at 2 months post op)- but keep trying. It will get better, and it will be worth it! Best of luck.
   — Angela B.

March 25, 2002
hey Donna, I'm 3 months post op and still don't eat alot of stuff. I really miss beef. I have found that if I just stop eating when I feel full and give it 15-20 minutes then go back to eating I can get more down and it stays down. It may take me an hour to eat 3-4 ounces of food but at least it doesn't make me sick. I've lost 90 pounds. Good luck!!!!!!!
   — CATHY S.