I'm 8 days out and allowed soft foods according to my NUT this includes eggs,re fried beans and lean meat (no beef). Today I tried the retried beans but not feeling the same level of restriction I felt during the earlier days. Is this normal? Should I feel like eating more when I'm done? How do you get started on those great habits of not drinking while eating and eating 6 meals a day. I need your advice experienced sleepers. Thanks so much!

Firstly, I'm no doctor/surgeon, however, my experience was...

Yes, feeling less restriction is probably normal.

Remember, you've had major surgery, so you've more than likely been quite swollen on the inside.

At day 8, a lot of the swelling has likely subsided, leaving you more room for sustenance.

Learning when you're full (or when you're just about full) can take some time.

I'm eight months out and still have trouble with this on occasion.

For now, eat slowly, chew well and eat slowly (yes, I said it twice)...

The best way to get started on the new habits is simply to start.

There's no magic trick or any such thing.

You've just gotta do it...

It's the best way!!

Good luck to you @

Keep us updated as to how you're going...

Kinda

I did not eat soft foods until 2 weeks out. I could only eat about 1 oz. at first. I could possibly eat 2 oz. but that would not include the cheese I added. Your sleeve might still be a bit swollen at first, but whenI ate too much, my sleeve told me. I could feel a hiccup or burp or uncomfortable feeling like I could puke. I did not feel like eating more, nor could I, unless I wanted to see the inside of a toilet.

Once you start soft foods, I think you are at 3 meals a day, rather than 4-6 small meals per day. I have Breakfast, then a Protein drink for AM snack, then lunch, then the rest of my Protein Drink for PM snack, then dinner. Drink 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after those meals, not during if possible. If you feel thirsty during the meals, maybe your meals are too dry. Make them as moist as possible.

I am having the hardest time getting in my Water, but I have always lacked here.

You can do it. Pay attention to your sleeve. Track your food and drink. It helps.

I have found that different foods fill me up faster than others. There's a lot of trial and error learning what you can tolerate and how much. just eat slowly and learn what your full signals are.

As for not drinking with your meals; just don't have a glass or cup of anything around to drink while you're eating. IF you're at a restaurant ask them to bring your Water AFTER you're done eating. Otherwise it will be tempting to do what you've always done. This is definitely a learning experience. I'm six weeks out and I still can't tell sometimes. The thing I do know is that stomach acid mimics the feeling of hunger and that can cause an issue too.

Thanks to all for your insight and guidance!