Does this ever really happen? I'll be honest, I'm tired of the "restriction" 2+ yrs out. What I mean is I hate feeling full and I always have, even pre op. I didn't think this would affect me so much. Even when I eat til satisfaction only, it's like the food eventually stretches and fullness ensues and takes a long time to "digest." Now I just lean on things like shrimp, salad, eggs that don't cause much of the sensation. Sounds crazy but am I the only one that can't get used to the restriction. Will it ever go away? Has it ever gone away for anyone?

Sure I can eat good amts of unhealthy foods but that's not even what I'm looking for.

Is my health better? No. I really did not have much in the way of chronic medical problems to begin with. But my mental health is/has been in the toilet.

Some might say well you'll wish you had the restriction when it's "gone." I doubt it because mental health is priceless and I've lost that.

Thanks for any input.

It doesn't go away. Once most of your stomach is cut out, most of your stomach is cut out. It doesn't grow back. There's a little stretch as time goes on, but nothing remarkable...in spite of the hype.

And yes, you can eat yourself fat on a tiny altered stomach if you're dedicated enough. People do it every day.

Please see a bariatric therapist. It will help you sort your feelings out and feel better.

Wishing you the best.

On 3/18/2021 at 5:11 AM, Canrue said:

I'll be honest, I'm tired of the "restriction" 2+ yrs out. What I mean is I hate feeling full and I always have, even pre op.

Is my health better? No. I really did not have much in the way of chronic medical problems to begin with. But my mental health is/has been in the toilet.

Some might say well you'll wish you had the restriction when it's "gone." I doubt it because mental health is priceless and I've lost that.

I am guessing everyone is different on this one. I lost that feeling over the last few months and I wanted to get it back myself... but I know there are degrees of restriction feeling I like and degrees of restriction feeling I hate... trying to find that sweet spot right now. Have you been measuring your food? Does it help if you cut back your portion sizes just a little bit for all meals and snacks? I know that has help me in the past.

Have you considered seeking professional help to have someone you can talk to to help you through all of this, and deal with the things that are draining you? Might help... dunno. But it seems like you are equally or perhaps moreso worried about your mental health. And with the last year we had, a lot of people are struggling.

On 3/18/2021 at 9:04 AM, Creekimp13 said:

It doesn't go away. Once most of your stomach is cut out, most of your stomach is cut out. It doesn't grow back. There's a little stretch as time goes on, but nothing remarkable...in spite of the hype.

And yes, you can eat yourself fat on a tiny altered stomach if you're dedicated enough. People do it every day.

Please see a bariatric therapist. It will help you sort your feelings out and feel better.

Wishing you the best.

Thank you for answering. I'm less worried about regaining because I'm generally "food avoidant" at this point and I don't drink my calories. But I won't be cocky about regain cuz it can happen to anyone. I am getting back on the therapy bandwagon as we speak ?

On 3/21/2021 at 2:40 AM, momof3_angels said:

I am guessing everyone is different on this one. I lost that feeling over the last few months and I wanted to get it back myself... but I know there are degrees of restriction feeling I like and degrees of restriction feeling I hate... trying to find that sweet spot right now. Have you been measuring your food? Does it help if you cut back your portion sizes just a little bit for all meals and Snacks? I know that has help me in the past.

Have you considered seeking professional help to have someone you can talk to to help you through all of this, and deal with the things that are draining you? Might help... dunno. But it seems like you are equally or perhaps moreso worried about your mental health. And with the last year we had, a lot of people are struggling.

Thank you so much for answering. Yes, I think you understand what I'm saying. "I know there are degrees of restriction feeling I like and degrees of restriction feeling I hate." i.e. Restriction with 4oz chicken is miserable and I feel weighed down with the fullness. 4oz of fish, and I'm good to go. But I always end up looking at food thru that lens. I'm sure it stems from initial months post op when it "hurt" to eat anything even tomato soup. Salad is ole faithful for me then/now as it's not nearly as offensive lol

"I lost that feeling over the last few months and I wanted to get it back myself..." So have you lost restriction or "lost the restriction you hate?"

You're right, the last year did not help and being an essential worker during Covid does not help but I'm still kicking. Actually off to the gym in a few ?

11 minutes ago, Canrue said:

"I lost that feeling over the last few months and I wanted to get it back myself..." So have you lost restriction or "lost the restriction you hate?"

You're right, the last year did not help and being an essential worker during Covid does not help but I'm still kicking. Actually off to the gym in a few ?

I guess both! LOL. I recently have been able to eat more and push a little beyond what I should be eating without getting any (or limited) signal that I am full and should stop eating. And in the evening I have been able to graze (side effect of also being an essential worker and having no time to eat during the work day) and eating "bigger" meals in the evening that I was grazing until I finished them. I was so busy for so many months that when I did eat, I think I was pushing my stomach without really realizing it until I suddenly realized my portions were bigger and I wasn't stopping at the amounts of food I should be stopping at to continue maintenance. And I wasn't getting that feeling of restriction or the heavy uncomfortable feeling you get when you overeat.,,, except when I was really pushing the limit with portion sizes.

Anyhow... I also don't like the feeling of restriction that weighs down your stomach and makes you feel uncomfortable after eating... but I do want the sensations that alerted me to stop before I got to that point. If you know what I mean!

As for your measurement comparison.... what are you eating WITH your chicken or fish? And in what form do you eat them? I do find that some foods I can eat less of than others. And some foods I do better with if I mix them with something that isn't such a solid consistency. Example.... eating a full portion of beef would give me difficulty, but eating a little less beef in a stew or a soup I could eat it better without the same icky feeling afterwards. Or a bit less meat and more vegetables. I can eat more chicken than I can beef... but both I do better if I have a little less than a full portion and couple them with something healthy that my stomach tolerates better. Fish I have a hard time with... it is lighter on my stomach and I can get it in without the full/restriction feeling, but depending on how it is cooked I feel really sick afterwards. Also... while I can't really drink water right afterwards... I always need a sip when I am done eating.... I think it might be helping me digests a little better? But I can't have more than 2 sips for at least 20 minutes after I eat... lol