How many bites to the center of.....

[AlleyKitten46 4]

A wee bit of humor in the title, but how many bites of food do you say you average in a meal? I am 21 days post op and still can't feel my pouch, so I can tend to overeat. How many standard size bites of food would you say you eat in a meal? I think if I can measure bites, say 3-5 bites, then I will know to stop eating. Im not typically in a position to measure via ounces during my days at work.

What are your thoughts?

[Anj0399 61]

I’m not sure as I take a bunch of tiny bites over about 20 minutes. I weigh my food so I have an idea of when to stop. I know I can get about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of food in and I’m full. Fullness hits me about 15 minutes after I’ve stopped eating. Not once have I gotten sick or felt like I over ate. Maybe try weighing your food?

[kristieshannon 1,543]

Meal prep/planning is key for me! I do much better staying on plan if I bring pre-portioned meals and Snacks to work with me. At 21 days out I think I could only eat about 1/3 of a cup at any meal.

[Arabesque 6,466]

liquids & purées pass through your system more quickly so you tend not to experience the full sensation. Once you get on to more solid food you’ll start to feel the difference. Plus your nerve endings have been cut in the surgery & are healing so you won’t sense things they same way.

As shakes, broths, etc. contribute to your Fluid goal, I just sipped them slowly until they were finished. Once on purées, soft foods then solid foods, I was told 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup. I ate from a teaspoon.

But be careful, you don’t want to stress or strain your healing tummy (remember all those internal stitches & staples holding your tummy together) by eating/drinking too much & go slowly (about 20mins for 1/4 cup). It takes time for the message you’ve had enough to get through so it’s easy to overeat. I still eat slowly (30 - 60 minutes per meal) & ask myself if I need that next bite or if I just want it.

Good luck.