Contemplating sleeve surgery following years of attempt to lose w W Watchers (a great program!) etc, and mounting weight - related health problems. I'm 56 and about 70 pounds overweight.

I'm just worried about making this permanent change and never being satisfied. If I'm not easily satisfied by eating health portions of food w/o binges etc... I overeat portions often and binge at nights fairly often... how can i be satisfied with consuming much smaller portions in such a controlled manner? How would i not be in a state of always craving more food?

I understand I'll feel less hunger, but if we all just ate cuz we're hungry... we might not be overweight. If I WANNA eat... and i can't... won't I lose my mind??

It's difficult to cope with. My family ordered pizza tonight and my mind told me I wanted to eat 4 slices and feel so deliciously satisfied. But the truth is, I can't eat it. I tried a slice a few weeks ago, and it didn't taste satisfying and worse, made me vomit. So yes, you will still WANT to eat the things you did before. You will want a huge bowl of pasta and breadsticks. But you know in your mind that you're just not capable of having it. And somehow day by day, you get by. (6 weeks post-op here)

Thank you for the reply Tessa. So you're still feeling, 6 weeks out, similar cravings but of course can't do what you did before. Do U feel satisfied by what you can eat, "full", or... dissatisfied and frustrated?

Thanks again and good luck to you.

Hello Mike,

I just wanted to tell you I'm almost 7 weeks out and I don't feel frustrated or dissatisfied....I just feel like something's missing. Like, I have everything I NEED....just not everything I WANT. I don't feel hunger like I used to...and I definitely don't ever feel the same type of FULL that I used to. Food isn't really AMAZING to me anymore...it's more like a "brushing your teeth" kind of thing. Although I have these feelings...I definitely am happy with the weight loss.

I hope there are some people who have had the surgery 1 plus years ago who give you a good answer.

I wish you luck with your decision.

I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow, and when I eat I am full and satisfied after 3-8oz, depending on what I had. The very first puree meal was disconcerting because I got full after 3 spoonfuls. I was like, what the heck?! But just now I finished a cup of clam and potato soup (first one of those), so to be sure things get easier. I see where portion control will be necessary long term.

I did want to add that I am truly enjoying my food. I find most things better tasting than before surgery, and after the brief adjustment period for the visual portion size, I haven't had problems wanting more than I can eat. I do portion out approx. what I can hold, rather than eating from a full plate. I may or may not finish the last bite, but at least I see the dent.

I also bought tiny dishes and silverware. Love them! Google Fiesta fruit bowls... They hold 6oz. The silverware are Food Network demitasse spoons and forks from Kohls.

Please read my 3 weeks post op post.At the end of the day you know yourself.Follow that clear liquid diet religiously the first week after and then follow the liquid diet(shakes,drinkable yogurt) the second week and your scot free....make adjustments according to how you feel.But then I went to Mexico to Dr Fernando Garcia at Tijuana Bariatrics and he's the best!

I was worried I wouldn't enjoy food post surgery. Not a problem. The difference now is I enjoy the food and stop at a healthy portion. I'm ok knowing I can enjoy more or different at my next meal or tomorrow. That is like a precious gift. I used to binge eat. I love that is not an option now. I do notice those struggling most with food are still eating refined carbohydrates and sweeteners. I encourage you to experiment with whole grains only, no sweeteners, focus on lean protein, vegetables and fruit in moderation. After a few days, the cravings for less healthy foods are gone.

Thank you. That is very helpful. I do eat mostly those foods now. i just worry about the possibility of having cravings I can't satisfy, or should i say tidal waves i can't manage. It's wondering if I'll permanently be having an itch i can't scratch. I understand hunger will decrease, but if i only ate when i was hungry...

I've noticed that I feel full longer now, not Thanksgiving full, just content. It lasts for a few hours. Before surgery I hardly ever felt satisfied. I drink 30 min after eating which probably helps.

I'm 3 months post op, I can only consume up to 4oz of food a sitting. For me it's not so bad. I love protein (chicken, steak, seafood) so I don't feel like I'm missing much. On the foods I did love before surgery (chocolate, cookies, noodles, ice cream, pizza) I feel that I can resist them. I miss them but I can live without them. Before my surgery I couldn't resist.


Height: 5'0"
Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs.
Surgery date: 2/13/17
Goal: -71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs).
Current weight: 158.4 lbs
My profile picture is not me. It's my "FITspiration" body.

I'm 2.5 months post op.

I keep trying ice cream, but it all tastes like s***! One lick, and I can do without. I guess I keep thinking it is the type, but it's all the same way. I'm staying away from Hagen Daaz cuz I suspect that one will still taste good

Ketchup is disgustingly sweet. Like tomato candy *gross!*

I get a little pinch of pizza and it's nasty too!

I LOVE eggs. Plain hardboiled was one of the first solids I ate, and it was sooo good!

Beans are heavenly! They no longer cause intestinal/nose distress.

Fruit is a mixed bag. Raw cherries, strawberries, and pineapple don't work well, but I love raw blueberries! I suspect cooked fruits won't be an issue, but am trying to limit fruit all together until I hit goal.

Plain greek yogurt tastes good. (Plain.. like no added sweeteners at all!). Fage is super thick. Very filling.