Veteran help needed pls! Portion size advice

[MetroDetroitChic 86]

I need help with portion sizes. Cutting to the chase, I am scared I will expand my sleeve. I am currently at day 40.

I can eat two scrambled eggs with no problem in about 15 minutes. Have done so since about week 2. I think this is likely way too much food. Wondering if you guys have any advice for how to control portion sizes --- I mean like rules. i.e, "I only eat a half cup of this and I measure it", etc. Unfortunately I never lost hunger feeling post sleeve.... man that would have been nice!

I also eat basically anything as long as I chew it up suuuuper well. The other day we were out of food at the house so I stopped and got an Egg McMuffin. To my horror I finished it. I ate slowly but I did finish it.

I'm not worried about the calories. I track everything within an inch of its life on myfitnesspal. But I am just worried I am "undoing" the surgery.

HELP! (Thank you!)

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

There is a constant discussion about whether you can or can't stretch your sleeve. Personally I have been told that you cannot stretch it. It will relax and a pocket can form under the flap at the bottom near the small bowel. That can be very dangerous... Others will say that you can stretch it. But if the surgeon took the pouch out then it can't!

Just because you can eat an egg MC Muffin does not mean you should. I am certain that you can stay away from fast food joints forever if you put your mind to it.

I have read on here that some can eat 2 eggs no problem. We are all different and our pouches are different according to surgeon and height and on and on.

If you keep Protein first. Dense Protein and then veggies, fruit and then carbs. You will continue on your way. For those times you can't..Try to eat complex carbs. They make a complete protein..And your body needs it...

When a person goes back to old habits it can stop you cold from progressing to your goal. Around 1 cup of food per meal seems to be the standard. If you can eat more then that. Stop...If you are still hungry drink some Water....64 oz. is a lot to take down in a day.....

Don't graze. Don't push until you can do what you know you shouldn't. I personally know of a girl who lost 1/2 her weight and said this sucks and she has remained at this weight for over 12 years....She had a lot more to go but did not fix her head. A man who lost all his weight and then gained it all back by drinking again...Fix your head and the body will follow.

Follow the plan and figure out what is head hunger and what is the real deal....We can fool ourselves into thinking we are starving or we need more. It is surprising how little humans really need to eat to stay a live and be healthy..

Just take a deep breath and regroup...Go forward and figure out what the trigger food is for you and stay clear.....k

All the best.

[Baconville 578]

RJ did a great job of answering your question, so I won't repeat the information, but I will second everything that was said. I will add that eggs are a soft Protein, like Greek Yogurt, cheese, even fish. Often we can eat more of these types of protein. More dense Proteins, like poultry, beef, and pork may fill you up better with smaller amounts. Stay away from restaurants in general, but especially fast food. If you do need to eat out research what the best choice will be at the restaurant you will be eating at. A small cup of chili is one of my go to items when I have to eat out. Keep tracking on MFP, I really believe this is the key to long term success. Good Luck!

[bloreorbust 286]

It's 1/3 cup food per meal for life for me as a RNY GB patient. And at 8 months out it holds true. A bite or two over that and I feel miserable. That said, I can put away 2 eggs. It's the absolute limit and make me very full, but they both fit (unless they are hardboiled).

I think you should chat with your surgeon or their dietician about portion size. They usually have a size they want you to work up to, but I'm going to doubt that it is an entire cup of food at each meal. Expect to hear something smaller. And do what you can to really listen to and feel your sleeve telling you when full has hit. It can be different than before, and you may not be realizing where that is now.

[MetroDetroitChic 86]

Thanks guys! I am weird when it comes to fast food and restaurants. I haven't stayed away. Admittedly I only do fast food when I am starving and caught without the ability to make a Protein shake which isn't very often. Twice a month maybe? And then I only have something my dietician already said was okay to have if I'm in a pinch.

I have to admit that we go out to Breakfast quite often. Like every weekend. I log what I am about to order into myfitnesspal and then don't feel bad because I know how much Protein and calories I will be consuming. Is that bad? Is there a trap I am falling into that I should be wary of?

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really do value your experience and advice!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

Thanks guys! I am weird when it comes to fast food and restaurants. I haven't stayed away. Admittedly I only do fast food when I am starving and caught without the ability to make a Protein shake which isn't very often. Twice a month maybe? And then I only have something my dietician already said was okay to have if I'm in a pinch.

I have to admit that we go out to Breakfast quite often. Like every weekend. I log what I am about to order into myfitnesspal and then don't feel bad because I know how much Protein and calories I will be consuming. Is that bad? Is there a trap I am falling into that I should be wary of?

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really do value your experience and advice!

You might find that keeping a Protein Bar in your purse at all times will help during these situations. Also keeping some nuts, seeds too. You will find that you can get along well using this method as a resort instead of Mikee Dee's.

I found Smart For Life bars really helpful when I have been caught out and have nothing to eat. I am quite satisfied with this as it is a Meal Replacement.

I would not worry at this point about portion size...Some eat 1/3 c. some 1/2 cup...some 3/4 cup and most up to 1 cup. Not one cup of chips but dense protein first and then veggies and then carbs....

Just try to stay around a cup if you can....1 cup is not that much when you put it on your plate.... A 1/3 of a cup. My body would shut down and go into a stall...I would not get enough protein in to keep myself healthy... up to one cup is what my team recommended and it works for me....