Hi everyone, I had my sleeve done on 1/28/22. This is my first post, but I have been lurking for a few weeks. Right now I’m on stage 3 of the diet — I’ve starting eating puréed veggies, ricotta cheese, etc (can’t bring myself to purée any meats ?). I also made a big batch of roasted tomato soup and I’ve been eating that for dinner. I’m not hungry ever, which I know is typical. But I also don’t really notice ever feeling very full, like so many people tend to. It’s making me nervous, because I know eventually the hunger comes back, and that feeling of quick fullness was what I was banking on. I stop myself at what I think are appropriate portions (like for breakfast I had 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese, felt fine, but stopped eating because I didn’t want to overdo it).

I called the nutritionist at my surgeon’s office when I was still on stage 2; she told me that because I was still basically on liquids that I wouldn’t start to feel the fullness until more solids were introduced. I thought maybe getting to stage 3 I would start to feel that, but still haven’t. Has anyone else experienced that? I’m about 3 weeks out and I’m already nervous that this is all eventually going to be for nothing. I seem to be losing at an OK pace; I thought it would be quicker but I guess it’s on track, since my surgery I’ve lost 11 lbs, and 38 lbs in total since I started trying pre-op. Anyway, thanks for reading, any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

Edited February 17, 20224 yr by Leftonlisa

Not sure how often you are having soup, but liquids didnt trigger the fullness for me the same way solids did. Wait till you have a piece of chicken for the first time. Youll be wondering how you ever plowed through an 18oz rib eye in the old days...

Dont worry - from what you've shared, sounds really normal to me!

you're not likely to notice the restriction until you move to solid foods. Once you eat something like a chicken breast, you'll notice it! (I still do at seven years out)

however, do keep in mind that your "full" cues may be different. I don't feel "full" the same way I used to. Instead, I have this uncomfortable feeling in my chest - like a pressure. I know when I start feeling that, I'd better stop eating or I'm going to be sorry. Other people have even weirder cues, like sneezing or a runny nose. So it can take awhile to figure yours out. Although again, it may be too early for you to even feel those. It will come..

Thanks so much for your replies! You both made me feel much better! I’m glad to hear it’s not just me.

Edited February 17, 20224 yr by Leftonlisa

Hi there, congratulations on your successful surgery and welcome to our bariatric community. You'll find lots of answers to all types of situations you might encounter along your WLS journey here in the forums and threads, so feel free to browse around.

I remember feeling "full" pretty fast, and actually I still do, thank God, 3 years later the sleeve is still working for me.

11 hours ago, BillyHalleck said:

Not sure how often you are having Soup, but liquids didnt trigger the fullness for me the same way solids did. Wait till you have a piece of chicken for the first time. Youll be wondering how you ever plowed through an 18oz rib eye in the old days...

This is so true! The first time I tried to eat solid chicken, I was flabbergasted at how little I could eat. And I have had a lot of "holy cow, how did I used to eat so much before!" moments since that point.

Same. It took me a while to understand what "full" meant. You're doing the right thing by keeping to portion sizes, and as you get farther out and start on more solid foods, you'll figure it out. Just make sure you're eating slowly so your body has a chance to send that signal to you. Sometimes that last bite is the difference between feeling full and feeling nauseous for me.

Don’t worry most people don’t feel their restriction until they get to solid food. I am one that seems to have a larger pouch. I have always been able to eat more than expected at every given stage if I chose to and even still I have been able to lose weight. I just measure out my food. It’s not likely that you will experience this as it is very uncommon but Even if you did you can still lose by measuring out your portions.