Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

stomach size



Recommended Posts

Hi,

I am 13 days post op and the biggest meal I can have is a quarter baked potato, is this normal?

does it change by time?

I don't want to eat a lot but am wondering if this is a healthy meal size for the rest of my life!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm also wondering the same thing. My question is why are some people saying they can't eat more than 2 baby spoonfuls of food???? I was able to eat an entire can of chunky Soup with no problems 4 weeks out. I have not felt the bloating or fullness that most everyone seems to report. I know I can't eat an entire pizza, but I can get in more than a couple of baby spoons of stuff/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You must remember that since your surgery was very recent, you have to account for swelling...after awhile and things are fully healed, you will be able to take in a little more volume. Things will indeed become much easier once all your 'internals' have fully healed and you have adjusted both physically and mentally to your new body.

Wish you all the best success!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're less than 2 weeks out so your stomach is still very swollen. Once the swelling goes down, you will be able to get more in. I am 6 months out now and I can eat 2-4 oz. of meat at a time. I can eat all 5+ ounces of a greek yogurt at one time. liquids and soft foods I can obviously eat more of than solids. Your capacity definitely gets bigger.

Edited by JamieLogical

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Soup is mostly liquid, also. Liquids go down easier. A quarter of a baked potato sounds about right, maybe a little too much at your stage. As more time goes by post op, you should be able to eat even a bit more. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Just start weighing and measuring everything and eat that amount. Why push it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am almost 2 years out (May) and I can probably only eat about 1/4 of a baked potato max. I'm not positive because I haven't eaten more than a bite or two of baked potato since my pre-op.

At 2 weeks out, the most I could eat was 1-2 tablespoons of mushy stuff. It wasn't until about 6-8 months out that I could manage 1/4 cup. Now I max out at 1/2 cup, maybe a cup if it's really soft. If it's pure Protein, I can manage 2-3 oz. at most.

My question? Why in the world are you eating baked potato (and so much) this soon out? Is this part of your surgeon's approved diet plan? Interesting. Most people seem to be encouraged to eat mostly Protein, little carbs for the first several months to maximize weight loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Were you given post op instructions?

I wasn't even eating that kind of food two weeks out, but I looked through my old instruction manual and noted that as I was introducing soft/mushy foods I made a note that 1/4 cup is PLENTY (that is 4 tablespoons I believe). I often ate LESS than 1/4 cup at a sitting.

I am 3 years out and was told that 1-1.5 cup is PLENTY. In truth,I can eat more than that of food that mashes up/compresses. I don't think I would want to try eating that much of dense Protein though.

So, over time, your tummy matures. Eating "small" remains a really good idea though and helps you maintain. This is why some of us lecture endlessly about Protein first, veggies next ... and seriously, do you really have room for the rest in that first year?

I DO eat all foods, and don't place food restrictions on myself so can enjoy special occasions etc. but my daily routine is pretty similar to what we were all told to eat....protein, veggies and then... do you really have room for anything else while "eating small"?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

yes my doctor approved baked or mashed potato, mashed banana and yogurt beside different liquids after 10 days from the surgery.

what kind of Protein I can eat at this point?

I am not pushing to eat more, I was just asking if things change by time or not.

thanks for all your answers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My question? Why in the world are you eating baked potato (and so much) this soon out? Is this part of your surgeon's approved diet plan? Interesting. Most people seem to be encouraged to eat mostly Protein, little carbs for the first several months to maximize weight loss.

I thought the same thing. I know some people are allowed MASHED potato in their pureed stage (which mine didn't even start until 18 days post-op). I wasn't allowed any potato at all. Baked potato at 13 days definitely seems unusual.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

yes my doctor approved baked or mashed potato, mashed banana and yogurt beside different liquids after 10 days from the surgery.

what kind of Protein I can eat at this point?

I am not pushing to eat more, I was just asking if things change by time or not.

thanks for all your answers.

Probably yogurt and Protein shakes would be your Protein sources this early out. Once I was onto soft foods I was allowed scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and other soft cheeses as additional protein sources. In the next stage I was allowed tuna and shredded chicken, then ground meats, and then eventually whole meats once I was allowed solid foods at 40 days post-op.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

yes my doctor approved baked or mashed potato, mashed banana and yogurt beside different liquids after 10 days from the surgery.

what kind of Protein I can eat at this point?

I am not pushing to eat more, I was just asking if things change by time or not.

thanks for all your answers.

No judgement! Just asking about your doctor's diet restrictions. :)

I was allowed loose instant mashed potatoes made with milk, Protein powder added and chicken gravy. My NP said I couldn't do too much damage as I could only eat a tablespoon or two. She said I couldn't have it often, but it was a good occasional thing.

I ate a lot of refried Beans, soft scrambled eggs, hummus, guacamole, yogurt, cottage cheese (vomit!).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was not "restricted" from potatoes, but was told they can be harder to digest early on and have no Protein content so they are not a great choice. That said, I really wanted potato Soup that first week and happily ate it with a baby spoon in between protein drinks! Things change as you begin to eat foods that are more dense. At 1..5 years out, I'm most comfortable with less than 4 oz of fish, 3 of chicken or beef,, especially if I'm going to have a spoonful of something else with it, but I can do more (up to 3/4 of a c) of like a home made chunky soup or chili or something like that. I have a 90% sleeve which may be slightly smaller than "average". That's just how my doc rolls.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

remember people also have different size sleeves. some surgeons go bigger than others. or smaller obviously. im two months out havent come close to trying baked potato, but again every journey is different. at your stage i was still in liquids and mashed potato yes baked, not allowed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Steve, i am peeling the baked potato then mashing it but i guess boiling it would still be better for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im 17 days out and still on full liquids until Tuesday when I start pureed food. I can only manage about 1/2 cup of thin Soups, eaten slowly. also can finish a Premier Protein shake in 15 minutes. Full after both.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×