Week 2 post op question...

[TeacherMommy 35]

I just added 3 "solids" to my diet (cottage cheese, refried Beans, and eggs cooked any way). My question is, knowing everyone is different, how much were most of you able to eat in one meal (20-30 mins)?? I am eating about 3 tablespoons of these things. I "think" I feel full, but I also feel like I might be getting hungry again too soon. For now, I've been warding off the hunger with Water, which is fine, but I also would rather have the nutrients from food, if I should be eating more.

[TeacherMommy 35]

Let me clarify some... When I say I eat 3 tbls of each, I meant... I eat 3 tablespoons of one of these things for a meal.

[Zoey716 98]

This is very very normal. For weeks I was only eating tablespoons of food at a time. If you are drinking your Protein shake(s) and taking your Multivitamins you will be getting in nutrients and Protein. Don't worry about quantity of food - give your new tiny tummy time to adjust - especially when adding in "new" foods. Best of luck to you!

[Rogofulm 2,440]

Two weeks out you may still have a little bit of swelling, which can make everything feel more constricted. My surgeon's advice to "eat until satisfied, not full". Sounds like you're doing that. When you get to solid foods, it's easier to measure because you can weight it. I can eat 4-5 oz of tuna salad or chicken salad, 4 oz of chicken, but only 3.5 of steak. Make sure you're getting in at least 64 oz of fluids, and if you're short on Protein, have another shake or a Greek yogurt. Calories aren't an issue because you won't get anywhere near 1,200 for a long time.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Our plan called for us to eat no more than 3 tablespoons of food at each meal at that stage, and it worked well for me. I didn't get overfull. I would say if you are getting hungry again between meals, have a Protein Shake if allowed, or have some calorie-free liquid like you are already doing. Hunger isn't fun but it also isn't an emergency -- you can get through it. It's more important to take care of your new stomach than it is to avoid hunger IMO

[woo woo 872]

I am allowed on my plan to eat a few small meals so I usually will finish my egg or whatever in two sittings.

My calories have been consistently around 600 to 675 daily and I'm meeting my Protein each day with only one shake and the rest thru real food.

ETA: I think it's important that I clarify that I am 4 weeks out and wasn't allowed to start any soft foods until three weeks out.

Edited October 8, 2014 by woo woo