How do you know when to eat post-surgery?

So I had my surgery 10/25. You might remember me from the carbonated beverages discussion a couple of weeks ago. So far, no carbonated beverages but I am having trouble distinguishing when to eat.

I just started eating real, pureed food on Saturday. Went to the surgeon Monday and had lost 6 lbs. in two weeks. It seemed like the surgeon expected me to lose more but he said I was retaining water.

But tonight I felt too full. I think it's time to eat but apparently not. Also I have diabetes and my blood sugar has been kind of low. So I decided not to eat anything for the rest of the night although it feels like I could eat again.

So I am just looking for some guidelines on how to decide when to eat.

I have always eaten every 2-3 hrs,during waking hours. In between that,I am drinking something constantly.

I've always felt the best approach is to eat at specific times, and specific amounts. This avoids grazing, one of the worst habits we can develop. If I think I'm hungry, but it's in between meal times, then it's just head hunger and I wait. Right after surgery, eating and drinking by the clock helps you get in your necessary nutrients and fluids.

I eat to fill protein goals mostly. I say mostly because food is still delicious. I space food 2-3 hours apart and that is if I snack. If I have only one snack, or no snack I go 5 hours maybe, or if I'm busy I will forget to eat all day :( don't do that one.

I struggled with this too until I started to feel hunger which took a few weeks. Now 4 weeks out I don't have to guess as often. Before I would just try to consume something every couple of hours. Just a few bites usually.