How do you know when your full when you were not hungry to begin with?

Since I've had surgery, I have not felt hungry at all. But, now that I can eat soft food/mushies, how will I know that I'm full when I wasn't even hungry to begin with. I will have to eat because I have to, but I don't get hungry.

What signs do you go by to know that you are done eating?

I want to make sure I stop when I need to and don't overeat.

I've had it twice, once it was a sudden uncomfortable feeling, and I knew I could not add another bite.  Another time my face got hot and then slight nausea for a minute or two.

I'm only about 6 weeks post-op, but I know immediately when I've eaten too much - cramping stomach and feeling sick.
And usually after 4 or 5 bites of something.

 hiccups!

I feel a very full feeling behind my sternum- like a water balloon at the bottom of my esophagus. Also, I might hiccup or my nose will start to run. I NEVER felt full prior to surgey- could eat an entire large pizza and look for more 2 hours pater. Now I know what full feels like. XOLori

Of course, you don't want to eat until you get overfull and have pain or nausea. Most people are different. You might try weighing your portions and start with 3 ounces total. See how you feel when you are done eating that. If you find that did'nt completely satisfy you or you become hungry real quick after eating try 4 ounces.

I too have days where I have no appetite and have to force down an ounce or 2 of food. I usually have a couple of protein shakes throughout the day when that happens so I get some nutrition. My doctors think my problem is in my head as I had a feeding tube for 4 months and once I was cleared to eat I couldn't bring myself to do it so I depended on the protein shakes.

Hope this helps. It shouldn't take you long to learn what your full signals are.

Hiccups for sure!  I'm only starting stage 2 today and I've had lots of hiccups before today.  I feel it helps if I take a bite or two of the yogurt or whatever I'm eating and then wait a few minutes before taking another bite.  This is all new to me, too, so I'm just trying different approaches to realize fullness.

Measure out your serving.......2 ounces for me.  Eat slowly.  Then, pay attention to what your body signals are.  For me, my stomach makes a loud squishing sound (of contraction.)  At first, I consistently tried to finish my serving (usually 2-3 bites), which left me feeling uncomfortably stuffed.  It does take time.  You'll find your way--listen to your body and trust yourself.

 I had my surgery on the 17th of this month and today I totally had hunger! And last night I was craving a saltine. I'm glad my dr lets me have blended soups because I had this tomato soup that my husband spiced up with cilantro and other things, and it was very satisfying even though I only had 4 little spoons.

I stop after about 3 or 4 regular spoon fulls of something that isn't "clear liquid" because it does seem to act differently in my tummy than the clear liquids which I have no problem with. I just wait a minute and sometimes I have to burp. Usually at that point, I stop. But I'm new to this too and I don't want to do anything wrong. I'm not sure if I'm really full at that point but I can feel it in my stomach. I think it's because I'm still very sore in that area.

I feel like something's stuck in my sternum, just btwn my esophagus and stomach.  If I take one more little bite, even having waited a few minutes, then I get a sharp twisty pain in my stomach that I have to walk off and it hurts like hec****il it dissapates -- I know for sure I'm DONE.