Well, I did it! I had my first bite of food in a month. I mixed up just under 3 oz. of albacore tuna with a dab of mayo for more moisture, then promptly set the bowl down and stared at it, afraid to take a bite. I laundry list of possible outcomes was going through my mind, but I finally picked up the fork and took a tiny nibble, then chewed it until there was really nothing left to swallow because it had just coated my mouth. I waited a while and then took another bite. I won't lie, it tasted wonderful and I was so relieved and happy to get to be eating something. That feeling does scare me. I don't want to get too much emotion tied back up in eating, but I did enjoy it immensely. I didn't get sick at all. My stomach felt slightly strange. Kind of a pressure in my chest similar to when I first began taking liquids in the hospital, but nothing bad. The one thing I was concerned about it is I expected that I would feel full after just a few bites. I ate about half of it, so about 1.5 oz. and then stopped. The thing that I noticed is that I suddenly felt the need to let out a big sigh, and that reminded me of when I used to sigh heavily after stuffing my face with so much food. So, I decided I'll see if that is my signal for fullness. Is it surprising at 4 weeks post-op and having my first food to be able to eat that much, or is that about average? I'm so afraid this won't work. I'm so afraid I will find my body is tolerant of too much food. I know I have to work my sleeve and follow my meal plan, but there is a reason I had this surgery, and this is imposed restriction. I need it if I am to succeed.

Oh, also, how long should I wait between bites? There's nothing in my handbook about that.

At 4 weeks out I was consuming a little more than that at a meal. I was on purees after 2 weeks, so I started earlier than you. You're far enough out from your surgery where the swelling has gone down so 1.5 oz doesn't sound unreasonable (to me anyway) What guidelines did your NUT give you for when you started pureed foods?

My NUT wanted me to take a bite and put my fork down, chew, chew, chew and after a few seconds I could go again. Initially I was much, much slower. Partly from fear and partly from wanting to give my sleeve time to adjust to new food. I did hear some gurgles.

Great start for you!! Congratulations!