How do you know when you're full?

[SassyScienceNerd 214]

I'm on liquids, so I've been having very thin Soups the last 2 days. Both yesterday and today I ate slowly, without distraction, but twice now I've gotten so full that I'm uncomfortable. I didn't feel it until... well, until I felt it. How do you know when you're full and not to have another bite? With hunger essentially gone, I don't have a gauge for satiety like I used to. I'm a little lost.

[Paul Bahr 73]

When I had my lap band installed, the signs we were told to look for were a sigh or a small burp. Without drinking with your meal, both should signal that you're all full up.

Since being sleeved and on soft foods, I've had both happen.

One of the things I'm trying to work through is not eating until I'm full. This is the old way of thinking. Eat until you're satisfied, or you've eaten what would fit into an 8 oz measuring cup.

Edited April 25, 2017 by Paul Bahr

[Brian B 94]

I know what you mean about when you are full .. your full and with some discomfort. I try to rely on measuring everything but after a while you kind of start eyeballing everything and can easily go over. How are you measuring your liquids and how much do you drink before you eat? Its like you have to re-learn what you can tolerate ... but its also good to know that your stomach knows when its had enough!

[PatientEleventyBillion 851]

If you're full, you've had too much.

It's a good idea to go over a post-op diet plan before one has surgery, or take courses where this is explained.

The idea is to eat when hungry, not eat until full. If one doesn't get hunger signals, go with the plan.

[SassyScienceNerd 214]

I only eat when I feel hunger pangs. Other than that I just try to drink since I have a hard time getting my fluidss in for the day. I've been measuring 3 fl.oz. (by volume) at a time, maybe I just need to do less for awhile and see how that goes.
I like the burp tip, thanks!

[Breigh 11]

It took me a few weeks to realize when I was full, I would suggest to make sure you eat slowly and try not to be distracted when you're eating. (I.e. TV, cell phone). I think once your body figures out how it feels when you're full, it will be easier to gauge how much you can eat. I'm still trying to figure out portion sizes, because my eyes are definitely bigger than my stomach! I also feel guilty leaving a tiny bit left on my plate - but I have too because physically I become unable to eat one more bite. I always try to remember, a lifetime of bad habits can't be changed overnight - it takes time.

[blizair09 3,250]

I don't focus on being full. In fact, I avoid the full feeling. I eat specific amounts and when that's done, that's it. Even at 7 months post-op, I'll eat 3 oz of chicken with 1 oz of green Beans, 3 oz of salmon with 1 oz of green beans, 2 oz of hamburger steak with 1 oz of green beans, or 4 oz of cottage cheese in a meal. I think my stomach capacity is more in the 6 oz range, so I am staying considerably under that in all of my meals.

I eat about 7-8 times per day, approximately 2 hours apart. The multiple small meal strategy has worked really well for me.