Hi,

I had my surgery a little over a month ago and just had two small stuffed squash with beef and a tiny bit of rice. I ate the first one thinking I'll feel the restriction and felt nothing, I went in for the second one and had a couple sips of water (I know I need to wait 30 min) but I feel fine. I think I might be full but I can't really tell. I feel satisfied but I know if I want I can more in and that's not something I want to do. Anyone felt this before. Not too much restriction after the surgery.

Lots of nerves were cut during surgery so you have to wait for them to heal for messages/signals to get through. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to start to feel it. I always say all because you can doesn’t mean you should especially when your healing & signals aren't getting through. Stick to your plan (food, eating & drinking strategies, etc.) is the best advice.

It takes time for the message to get through you are full - at least 20 minutes (& that’s after you’re fully healed). If you keep eating until you feel full you likely have eaten more than you need. Eating until you feel satisfied or had enough like you said your doing is best. I still ask myself do I need the next bite or just want it. It’s all about tuning into your body & its needs (listen to your body). You get better at it over time. Also many find when they are healed, the signals are different. Some say they sneeze, or their nose runs.

Were you given portion sizes to guide you? If not ask for some they are helpful to ensure you don’t eat too much. I was told. 1/4 - 1/3 cup from purée (week 3) slowly increasing to about a cup at 6 months. You may be told something different.

9 minutes ago, Arabesque said:

Lots of nerves were cut during surgery so you have to wait for them to heal for messages/signals to get through. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to start to feel it. I always say all because you can doesn’t mean you should especially when your healing & signals aren't getting through. Stick to your plan (food, eating & drinking strategies, etc.) is the best advice.

It takes time for the message to get through you are full - at least 20 minutes (& that’s after you’re fully healed). If you keep eating until you feel full you likely have eaten more than you need. Eating until you feel satisfied or had enough like you said your doing is best. I still ask myself do I need the next bite or just want it. It’s all about tuning into your body & its needs (listen to your body). You get better at it over time. Also many find when they are healed, the signals are different. Some say they sneeze, or their nose runs.

Were you given portion sizes to guide you? If not ask for some they are helpful to ensure you don’t eat too much. I was told. 1/4 - 1/3 cup from purée (week 3) slowly increasing to about a cup at 6 months. You may be told something different.

It's funny that you mentioned the sneezing because I was just sneezing and asked my husband, do you think I'm getting sick and then I read your post. Thank you for your detailed reply. This is so new to me and I'm definitely going to look back into the portion sizes. I just started soft foods this week and trying to get the water and proteins in. Just hoping it gets easier in time.

I was the same way, I just continued to be patient. Plus during the healing phase, you are eating “softer” foods that slide down easily. Now at almost 6 mos post op , I really feel it! ESP when I eat quality, low fat protein , which is what I focus on first at each meal.

There are not many rules that we all share as every team has a different outlook on this surgery. Drinking whilst eating is a constant. You are just washing the foods through your stomach. This just means that you are able to eat more and your body is getting very little benefit from what you eat. Especially when you are on puree or soft foods.

As the others have said your restriction will kick in soon. I sneezed early on.

I am entering week 5 and I agree!

I don't feel full, but I know my limits. I measure all my food into 4oz containers. that will be the game until I feel it. As many said above, I think its coming for sure. I rather eat foods portioned to keep the weightloss at the forefront. Currently I have slowed on my water intake.. working on this.

on another note...I like to eat warm food 'Hot" the 30 minutes to eat has me reheating my food! it gets cold! lol.

Anyone having surgery on December 18