Question:
How is feeling satisfied different from feeling full?

My surgeon told me that after the surgery I will learn to judge when I feel satisfied and that is different than feeling full. I had thought that I would just feel full a LOT sooner. Am I never going to feel full again? I just have this picture of the big part of my stomach still being constantly hungry and I just have to learn to ignore it! lol    — K. Joyce Smith (posted on May 4, 2002)

May 4, 2002
Eating until you are full post-op, causes a sensation of pain, and/or discomfort. It does not cause satisfaction and you will soon learn to stop before this occurs. Of course there is a learning curve with this and everyone is different.
   — Kathleen C.

May 4, 2002
I was terrified that I would be hungry post-op and not be able to eat. However, now 3 months post op, I get full very quickly and have lost 45 pounds so far. No real hunger. HOWEVER, I do occasionally get head hunger. For me, head hunger is when I know I am full, I don't feel hungry, but I really want to nibble!! Yucky feeling! However, it hurts to overeat, so I don't! My RNY is a gift from God!
   — Kathy J.

May 4, 2002
Satisfied is being OK. Not too full, not empty, not wanting more. Just perfect. The "want" swtich is off, but the OMG, why did eat so much switch is off, too. Does that make sense?
   — vitalady

May 4, 2002
this is my experience with satisfied & full. satisfied is...mmmm that was so good. i really enjoyed it. full is the same as it was before wls...omg! why did i eat so much? except now those thoughts r accompanied by pain.
   — sheryl titone

May 4, 2002
You know, I was just thinking about this last night. My eyes are STILL very big when it comes to food - and my stomach is very smaller! We stopped at BK last night and I wanted a chicken sandwhich (new Chicken Whopper - not deep fried) and french fries. So I ordered a Jr. Chicken Whopper and fries. My DH ordered a regular Chicken Whopper, Double Cheeseburger, and fries. Obviously, I couldn't even eat my entire sandwhich and only a handful of fries - but I did enjoy it all. Got full. I remember ordering an "extra" order of fries that I used to eat on the way home from the drive through -- wow, how times have changed! Don't worry. You'll understand "full." Your body helps sooo much after surgery! Best of luck to you. OPEN RNY 7/17/02, -95, 42 to go (just weighed myself! lost another pound!)
   — blee01

May 5, 2002
Prior to surgery, I used to eat out a lot. Usually I'd totally gorge and leave feeling like I could barely move because I ate so much (and wanted to unbutton my pants). Occasionally, I'd leave a restaurant saying "Wow, that was a really great meal and I am so glad I don't feel stuffed (for a change)!" The shameful things is that I actually thought that was an accomplishment! hee hee hee Anyway, that's how I know the difference between satisfied and full.
   — PaulaM