I am 7 days post up, half way through my full liquid stage. I find myself not getting full or even feeling satisfied at all at this early phase. I am sure that will change once I move onto foods with more substance, but right now I'm absolutely miserable. I'm not in pain from the surgery which I'm thankful for. I know part of it is psychological but is there anything anyone has found that is filling? I've tried strained bean soups, strained creamed soups, adding protein powder, and increasing my water intake. I'm keeping my calories low, and eating slowly. I appreciate any advice and suggestions!!!

Congrats on your surgery.

It’s not uncommon not to feel full in the liquid stage. It’s because nerves were affected during the surgery & they have to heal. More importantly fluids go through your digestive system more quickly & because you should only be sipping, not drinking large quantities at a time, you’re not really even near filling your new smaller tummy before the fluids are emptying.

The purpose of the staged return to solid foods is to protect your tummy after surgery & allow it to heal. You have a lot of stitches &/or staples internally & they need to be able to heal without having undue stress being placed upon them.

And yes, a lot of the not feeling satisfied is in your head. We’ve all been there in one way or another. You’re not alone. There is a difference from feeling full & realising you’ve had enough & stopping before that full feeling kicks in. It takes time for the fullness message to get through (it’s one of the reasons we’re advised to eat slowly) so when you feel full you’ve really had too much. It’s all part of learning to listen to your body & not your mind. Just coming to realise 1/4 cup of food is enough can be challenging. It takes time but you’ll get there.

Edited July 7, 20215 yr by Arabesque

you'll start feeling the restriction once you move to solid foods.

I had the same complaints/concerns while I was still in the full liquid stage and even the puree stage. You will DEFINITELY feel your restriction once you move on to foods with more substance. I was on full liquids for two weeks after surgery and was soooo over it too about halfway in. LOL Just hang in there.

protein protein protein- I never felt hunger after surgery on the liquid stage but i drank Nectar and Matrix only no other liquids. I had every flavor there was . Still dont feel hunger most the time but i am crazy for 60 minimum of protein a day. I want to eat because it is a habit and I find myself looking for something and have to stop myself. The old habits are still hard to keep broken. Talk yourself up. I am not hungry I think I am... our mind is amazing that way. It will get easier