Hey Guys! I'm a post-op sleever about 1.5 months out and am down 40lbs from my high weight! I just have a few questions I'd like feedback on so if you have a minute to respond I greatly appreciate it!

1. How to Eat - My question here is about how long you take to eat. Generally, I'll make food that is the appropriate portion size (2/3-1 cup) and I get full very quickly, after only a few bites and well before I finish 2/3 of my food. If I wait about 30 minutes I'll find myself somewhat hungry again and able to finish the rest of my plate. Normally this is what I do and I don't drink in between. Is this ok or should I just stop and not eat again until the next meal? Are other folks finding themselves hungry and able to eat again so quickly after feeling full (mind you the portion size is really small with what I can eat before the second attempt). Also, how long do you generally take to finish your meal?

2. Drinking - I guess I'm a little confused about why so many people have such a hard time getting in the necessary liquid each day and if there's something wrong with me or my sleeve because I don't have any issues. I can't chug Water but I can sip pretty quickly and am able to get down 32 ounces of water in an hour or so without much difficulty. This doesn't cause any pain or issues and the only time I have issues is if I chug too much in big gulps. Does anyone have any thoughts on if this is an issue or not?

Thanks Everyone for the feedback!

1. My surgical team had a rule that your meals take no longer than 30 minutes. If you can't finish in 30 minutes, put the rest away (or throw it away) and don't eat again until your next meal. Three meals a day only and no snacks other than protein shakes. They do not want us to get in the habit of grazing or snacking. We were told that if we got hungry in between meals, we could have a zero calorie drink or a protein shake. That is my team's rules, though, YMMV.

2. There is nothing wrong with your sleeve. Liquids don't engage the pyloric valve, or not much, so it is perfectly normal for fluids to go pretty much right through your stomach. The reason some people struggle early on with fluids is that their stomachs are badly swollen, bruised, and tender after surgery. Looks like your surgeon has meticulous technique and/or you are a fast healer, so you aren't dealing with that.

@@Bufflehead - thanks so much for the quick and informative response!

I could only eat about 1/4 cup or less at each meal. But it has gotten better. But it is still interesting at 8 months, that sometimes I fill up on a few bites and other times, I can eat 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Makes no sense,so I just roll with it. I listen to my body and when I approach getting full..I stop. I hate that stuffed feeling.

I'm 5 weeks out and can't imagine eating 2/3 cup! I eat less then 1/4 cup at each meal. Are u sure u r really hungry and not just experiencing "head hunger"? I fight head hunger all day.

Edited August 3, 201511 yr by lmhelmick