Please Help

[Harmonic15 14]

Hi everyone,

I was sleeved on March 15^th, 2012 and must say that I have had a dream run so far. Not much pain, lots of energy / able to take long walks, and most importantly 14 pounds lost since surgery… My problem is that I am now worried that I feel so well ( how ironic is that?) and may not have as much restriction as I need… Therefore, could someone please reassure me that it is quite normal to/ or that they can?

• eat a 170g (approx 6 ounce) light and fit yogurt without discomfort and over a 5 minute time period (only slightly longer than usual for me and maybe just because I am paying attention)?
  
• Be able to drink a glass of Water (6 oz) without hindrance and quite normally?
  
• Eat 2.5oz of chicken salad with only a slight hit of gaseous pain? ( I was told to feel full after 2-5 tablespoons)
  
• Drink a 8oz Protein Shake comfortably in 10 minutes?
  

My worry is that I have never felt fully restricted yet. It may be because I am misreading some gas pain and that they are actually fullness pains… That being said, I am satisfied with what I eat and am not craving food (so freeing to not be hungry!!!!) and have had very successful weightless so far. Am I worrying about nothing?

All the very best,

Harmonic

[Writergirl 230]

I'd say that all sounds about right. I can definitely get in more when I eat soft things such as puddings or Soups. I was told to eat 4 T of food 3 times a day. If all is well and you're losing, I wouldn't worry about it. Just enjoy your success! And congrats!

[hadouni 301]

I wasn't doing any solids so soon but Writergirl's experience is similar to mine- liquids have always gone down easily, I was told 1/3 cup at a time and that goes down easily as long as I chew well if it's solid and I can eat more than that of things like yogurt or pureed Soups. Early on I did chicken salad rather than straight chicken to give it a little extra moisture to help it go down. My thought is if you aren't feeling discomfort, you aren't over-eating your sleeve. For me it always boils down to one bite- the bite that pushes me over into discomfort if I take it. Funny how one mouthful is the difference between good and not good post-sleeve.

Sounds like you're doing great! Congrats.

[frumpynomore 204]

I had the same issues when I was first sleeved. PDXman responded to my concerns and had explained to me that the 2-5 tablespoons is only AFTER you get on solids. When I was on the liquids and mushies phases I too could eat a LOT of food and drink a lot. Now that I'm on full foods I do feel restricted after eating 2-4 ounces depending on what it is I'm eating. If it's something soft like chicken salad then I can eat about 4-5 ounces. If it's something drier and harder like a baked chicken breast then I feel restriction at about 2-3 ounces. Do not worry as I did. You will feel restriction soon enough. As long as you are losing there is nothing to worry about. To make yourself feel better you might ask your doc what size Bougie he used on you. Not that it's going to make much of a difference in your weight loss as there is only millimeters difference between the sizes. My doc used a size 38 which is a good medium size. Do not worry....your journey has only just begun!!! Good Luck!

[kimmy*custis 276]

Yes, as everyone else said, sounds about right. I am about exactly the same as you as far as eating and drinking. We are losing so we are doing somthing right! I figure the slower we lose, the less saggy skin we will have. Gives us time to tone! Keep up the good work!

[andi0120 41]

I agree with previous post although I an newly sleeved 2/29. My body is quick to let me know when I have had to much and it doesn't feel good at all. I sometimes feel like my stomach is not as restrictive as it should be. My co worker was sleeved couple months ago and she had so many problems with food. I don't get nauseous at all and all my mushy food I'm good with. Now if I eat even a little to much it feels awful!!

[Harmonic15 14]

Thank you so much to everyone for their reassurance! It is all so new and I am sure that I am overanalyzing everything!

I am also wondering if any of you have had gas pain when swallowing- the kind where you need to “burp” after you have taken a bite? This occurs for me sometimes and I am trying to decide if this is simply post op pain or if this is actually an indication that I am full.

As always, your kindness in answering will be passed on.

Ps: for clarification purposes: the 2.5oz of chicken salad is blended into puree consistency.

Best,

Harmonic

[Harmonic15 14]

Oh, and yay to us!!! I feel really great about this decision and very excited about the future and I cannot wait to thinner and healthier. It s been a while since I have felt this good about me. I am sure it is the same for you guys.

[andi0120 41]

Yes yah to us. I feel so good about the future and do not regret this decision at all. Can't wait to see some major changes

[Karen B45 38]

I can't believe you are already eating so many more types of foods! I was told Clear Liquids, etc. for two weeks following my surgery, and you are my sleeve sister, we had surgery the same day. I am SO JEALOUS!

I also have no problem eating my Jello, or drinking quite a bit without hinderance. I also get the gas thing...I was thinking that might be because I was eating too fast?

You go! I might have to venture into Protein shakes at a week now I know it's going so easily for you.....