So I'm 5 weeks out and having pretty great results so far. I know everything is a learning curve. My concern is that I'm seeing a lot of people saying that they can only eat maybe up to four bites or so maybe a lil more. I'm only noticing this recently that I can eat significantly more then that. I'd even say I can have up to 6oz of food at a time. I guess my question is for people who have been sleeved for quite some time. I know my stomach will never be the size it was but can I possibly have stretched it just a lil bit. I only eat one solid meal a day and still do those shakes and I can effectively drink and def no more sipping is going on, although I can't gulp by any means. I'm just looking for suggestions before I contact my doctor. Thanks!

Okay that's great information, how's your weigh loss been so far? My concern is the Protein shakes,I don't like them lol

My loss has been SLOOOOW, but steady. My 6 month surgiversary is one week from Sunday and I've lost 44 pounds post-op. I just consistently lose 1.2 to 1.6 pounds per week, no matter what I do in terms of food and exercise. I work out 5 days a week now, but I wasn't exercising for a while because I hurt my hip and the loss has stayed the same all the way through.

I hear you on the Protein Shakes. I was SOOOOO over them between the pre-op diet and the post-op liquid and pureed stages. I switched to Protein Bars as soon as I was allowed solid foods, though it took me about an hour to eat the first one I tried! It got much easier and now takes me maybe 10 minutes to eat one?

Thank you so much for all the information, it's nice to hear from people who have already gone through this stage. My biggest issue is gonna be diet pepsi, I love it!!! Today is my first day of the pre op diet so I'm dreading all this lol

Thank you so much for all the information, it's nice to hear from people who have already gone through this stage. My biggest issue is gonna be diet pepsi, I love it!!! Today is my first day of the pre op diet so I'm dreading all this lol

I had to give up caffeine for my pre-op diet and 30 days post-op. It was the WORST. I literally counted down the days until I could have my coffee again! Fortunately, I'd given up soda years ago on a previous diet, so I didn't have to struggle with missing carbonated beverages as well.

I already want a diet Pepsi and I just started this morning lol

I know that the giving up soda is a struggle. I think it is for everyone that is truly addicted to the carbonation. I'm surprised your doctor didn't tell you to give it up months ago cause it can be the hardest part of a pre op diet if you are not prepared. I don't miss soda at all myself. I started giving it up 6 months before my pre op and completely went off it a month before. Hang in there though...it DOES get easier. As for those protein shakes....bleh I'm so over them. I now make my own cause the store bought ones are just leaving a terrible taste in my mouth and that after taste makes me sick now. I would try that if you are soooo over them. I just use unflavored protein powder and make it with either soy milk or almond milk and some fruit like half a banana and I don't get that after taste and if I don't like it I have myself to blame. Good luck on your pre op. It is not fun but once you lose a couple of lbs and go for surgery you will be glad you stuck to it!

When I think I'm eating 'alot' (at this point that's more than 5 oz) there are two things that help me regain perspective:

• I have to consider that I'm eating 4-5 oz of low carb/low fat foods. Prior to surgery I was eating upwards of 4 cups (upwards of 20-25 oz) of food at a time and much more calorie-dense. Because I feel so full with small quantities (thank you sleevie!) I sometimes feel like I eat too much.
• I watch how much other people are eating around me. I don't do this to be mean or feel superior, but to compare what 'regular' meals were like. When I eat now, I use appetizer flatware and small plates/bowls, so my proportions seem larger than they are. When I take a look at how much people are eating, it helps me regain my perspective.

Yes it truly is a struggle, my surgery is Tuesday and I just keep telling myself "you CAN do this"