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

I have no restriction 2 1/2 weeks out, can eat normal portions. WHY?!



Recommended Posts

@@CowgirlJane I don't know that I can eat 2 oz food and be satisfied when I can eat 5 now? How would I do that? I mean that's essentially starving myself if I am actually hungry and able to eat more? The lack of feeling of restriction is what is bothering me the most. I got this procedure spefically to feel restriction when I eat larger portions than I should. That enforced Portion Control is what I need. I was not a huge volume eater before the surgery, maybe that is why others lose more than me. I just need a reminder on portion size. Not a psychological reminder, a phyiscal reminder. That's why I got the restriction surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You don't have nerves there to feel hunger at 2.5 weeks which is why you are supposed to eat the amounts they recommend. You need to go see your Dr and talk about this.

How much you can eat varies a lot on the Water content of what you are eating and the density. I can have 6 oz of fish or 2oz of turkey.

The thing is at your stage, I measured my food and ONLY had what I was told to have. You are supposed to be letting your stomach rest and heal. Even if you are hungry.

Have you tried taking pepcid or something? Acid and hunger feel the same at this stage.

And you aren't supposed to eat to be full, you are supposed to eat to be satisfied.

Edited by OutsideMatchInside

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@OutsideMatchInside My surgeon told me I just don't have any swelling. I looked at my stomach on the swallow test, I have a copy, it's not the shape of a banana. It's more like the shape of a banana with a melon at the bottom, which is the pouch. There are nerves. I can certainly feel when my stomach has had too much liquid. If I eat Soup or say last week when I ate Soup, I could feel that I couldn;t eat alot or eat quickly. Because mostly i had a gassy feeling. I no longer ahve that now I am on pureeds. And my hunger is real I think. I don't really notice any difference in my hunger feeling before/after surgery. Really. When I go in on the 8th I will see about the fill test they do and see what that shows.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In the early weeks - I had all sorts of strange sensations. That "acidy feeling" felt more like a gnawing hunger, it was not in my throat or chest and it did not taste or feel like acid. I am not the only one - this is a common phenomena to have acid mimic feelings of hunger. Honestly, everything you have described falls in the range of what I have heard as normal. I did NOT feel the restriction/benefit of the sleeve until I was about 6-8 weeks out and on full solids etc. Everyone is different, but it is pretty normal to feel strange at the stage you are at and I know that I followed the guidelines to a "T" knowing that I was still healing and couldn't accurately tell how "full" my stomach was. It has only been 2 weeks.

The part that puzzles me more is the shape of your sleeve. My understanding is that there are "receptors" at the bottom and top of the stomach. One of the reasons that we eat Protein, literally first (I am talking once you are on full solids - not at 2 weeks out) is because that denser food satiates better due to the location of those receptors. I am not sure if the shape of the stomach impacts it, but I thought they were all more or less banana shaped. I am no medical expert, so maybe I am wrong - but I thought that was the standard sleeve stomach shape. I would be interested to hear what others know about this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Nomorethickchick

You really need to stop jumping to all these conclusions and just let yourself heal and worry about getting your fluids and Protein in right now. My god how in the world do you even know what's going on 2 weeks after surgery? And YES, you are swollen. Your stomach has been CUT OFF AND RE STAPLED back together. Unless you have magic healing powers, it's still swollen after 2 weeks.

And if there's a "pouch" as you say at the end of your sleeve, something is wrong. Is that what the doctor said? Because that's not supposed to be there....

FYI, I had no problem with fluids, either. I could drink quite a bit quite quickly with no problems. You need to be measuring out your portions, and not just eating and eating until you think you should feel full. You could do some damage to your sleeve.

The surgery is NOT about just restriction. Yes, the restriction helps, but cementing healthy eating habits and moving more is also a big equation, as restriction wanes naturally over time anyway. You will lose the first 6 months to a year because of the restriction, but you won't keep it off because of it. Many, many are living proof of that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was sleeved on 9/15. On 9/29, after I met with my NUT, I was told I could eat ground meats, canned shicken, and canned tuna. The most at each meal is 4 ounces. The first 4 days I could not get in more than 2 ounces per meal, so then I had to make up with Protein drink. Today I managed to eat 4 ounces for lunch and dinner each, and I feel stuffed for hours. I am really missing veggies.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The acid feeling post op is very different then the typical heart burn acid. Often there is no burning sensation, but rather a sensation that often feels similar to hunger. The way your body feels at 2 weeks is honestly very different than it will feel at 6 weeks, 3mths and so on. Even a year out my body feels and reacts much differently than those early days. This is the part where we have to remind ourselves that this is a tool and not a magic wand. If you nut is recommending 2 or 4 ounces at a time, then try really hard to just eat that and stop. Give your body a chance to adjust to all the new changes. Try really hard no to compare your progress and weight loss to others. If you follow the program, the weight loss will happen.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only thing I can really tell you is that I started feeling restriction once I started solid food. I still chew it up really well but once I get to about 4tbsp I know I need to stop. I didn't feel restriction on any of the liquids or pureeds.

I will also tell you that I can guzzle liquids like no tomorrow. I found out by accident. I took about 5oz at once because I was really thirsty and once I swallowed the "oh crap" moment hit me. It passed right through. Although I will NEVER do that again just for fear of damaging my sleeve (7 weeks post op).

So many people have given so much good advice so instead of repeating it I will just say be very careful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Try not to panic. You should be on an acid reflux med daily regardless. That is pretty standard protocol (I think). I had bypass but I had the same hunger feelings and Zantac took care of it. Once you get past pureeds and start chewing more dense Protein, you will see the difference in the restriction. In the meantime, yes, you need to stick with the small limited portions. If you think you are hungry in between and the acid reflux med doesn't take that away, then have a sugar free popsicle or some warm broth. I still have to do that 4 months out occasionally. Don't test your sleeve. As others have said, the nerves are still healing and they will prevent you from feeling the that tightness. Be patient. You will be able to look back at this post in 4 weeks and realize what we are all saying.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am 4 wks out and the most I can eat is 3oz. before I am full. I eat very, very slowly. You need to recognize the feeling of being full. Eat very slow and you will feel full. Don't test yourself. Stick to the program.. Good luck. I was sleeved on 9/14. SW was 234 at the hospital. Today I weighed in at 215

Edited by Kikiboy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I share your fear and concern. I am two months post-op and have been experiencing the same hunger and ability to eat more than I hoped since the beginning. I have tried to limit myself to 4-5 ounces but now, at two months, I can eat 8 ounces without difficulty. I take Omeprazole every day and it doesn't seem to help with the hunger/acid feeling at all. I am pleased to be eating 1,100 calories a day instead of 3,000 but I had hoped to be more restricted than I am and to be eating fewer calories than that.

I am trying hard to stay on program, eating at least 100 grams of Protein a day and not eating "bad stuff" (sugar, carbs, etc.) I'm down 47 pounds including pre-op, so that 25 since surgery. Not as much as I had hoped and slowing. It does worry me quite a bit. I have always felt like my stomach was too big post-op.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@KarenLoh - Have you spoken with your doctor about this? At 3 mths I had to increase my omeprazole from 20 mgs to 40 and it made a world of difference. I would try increasing or changing PPI's.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@KarenLoh - Have you spoken with your doctor about this? At 3 mths I had to increase my omeprazole from 20 mgs to 40 and it made a world of difference. I would try increasing or changing PPI's.

I had to do the exact same thing around my 2 month mark. 20mg just wasn't doing it for me, so I've been taking 40mg/day ever since (20 in the morning and 20 before bed).

@@KarenLoh It's fantastic that you are already getting in 100 grams of Protein per day at two months. I pushed really hard to reach the 100 gram mark ASAP too and I think it benefited me in MANY ways. I only had hair loss for about a month and a half and it never got so bad that anyone else noticed. And I lost significant amounts of fat and actually put on muscle, whereas a lot of people lose significant amounts of muscle while losing weight. I don't think your loss is all that slow. I lost under 15 pounds my first month and only 8 my second month and about 6 per month for a while after that and I made it to goal and I'm happily maintaining. This isn't a race. The rate of loss slows down, for sure, but as long as you stick to the plan, you WILL lose the weight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks, JamieLogical. That makes me feel a lot better.

I am already taking 40mg of the Omeprazole but I take it all at once around 11:30am to get me through the afternoon hungries. Maybe I should take it one in the AM and one around 5pm? I was hungry just now and had a high-Protein greek yogurt and feel better. Should be able to have a really light supper now and go to bed early. :-)

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

    ×