Freaking out

I am 18 months post op.  I haven't been really strict with my diet, but I've been doing ok.  I have lost about 120 lbs. so far, but haven't lost or gained anything lately.  I am about 25 lbs. from goal. Today, I took my son out to lunch, and we sat outside talking and having a good time.  I wasn't paying any attention to what I was eating until my son gasped and yelled "MOM!"  I wondered what was wrong, and I looked down.....I had eaten a whole sub and a bag of chips while I was talking!   Here's what scares me.....I ate that, and didn't even really feel full afterwards.  If I was so inclined, I probably could have eaten more.  Then I went on the rest of the day and had dinner and snacks tonight.  I have become really good at eating only when I'm hungry, and today I can honestly say I was hungry.  I'm freaking out because my little pouch should not be able to hold a sub and chips.  I'm even pretty sure I wasn't chewing well if I wasn't paying attention.   I know I can't eat as much as I did before surgery, but I'm worried that I'm never going to get these last pounds off if I'm always hungry and can eat a lot.  I also wonder if my pouch is now stretched out beyond repair.  I know "the rules" and usually eat pretty healthy, but I am still really concerned that I'm going to slowly creep back up to where I was before. I'm not sure what I am posting for....maybe just to see if anyone this far out has had the same experience?

I haven't done that yet. I don't think I could unless I had an hour or two. But don't freak out. Just pay attention to what you're doing. That's one of the over looked rules about eating now - Just eat - don'****ch tv or talk on the phone or anything but eat and get it done with. kp

I have been able to eat a 6" subway sub for a while now.  I can't do it all the time though.  There are times when I'm famished but end up eating only 2 or 3 bites and I'm full.  I've asked the NUT about this and she says this is normal.  Don't worry about a slip every now and then Brenda, it's not going to make too much difference.  I have also talked to others and they have had the same experience.

I have days where I can eat alot and days when I cannot eat alot. I also know other people that eat so little I cannot imagine.  I cannot eat as much as I could before for sure but sometimes I wonder. I cannot eat a whole sub but there are times when I can clean my plate at a restaurant.  I think this is normal according to my NUT. She says that sometimes we are more hungry than always. I slowed down my weight loss around the same time as you. I think that our bodies kind of just say okay enough. I have been stuck at this weight for over a year. Nothing I can do even if I exercise and increase my protein. It seems to never work. Hope it helps. Suzanne

Thanks guys, for all of your words of wisdom and encouragement. I can't believe not one person blasted me for eating chips in the first place!!!  This is the MI board, right?  LOL It's great to have you guys here for support.  Thanks again.

I WAS going to say something about the chips, but I didn't want to get my keys greasy from the sour cream and onion Ruffles I was eating at the time....LMAO....just kidding! I really wasn't going to say anything.....

Brenda, I do the Lays fat free or the Pringles fat free chips.  They supply the salt that my body craves and still isn't too bad since we can no longer sit down and eat the whole bag instead of one serving (16 chips).