3 weeks post op ... lots of questions/concerns

I'm now having soft/mushy foods, along with protein shakes, and seem to be doing ok?  I've just started feeling hunger, though.  I'm not sure how much is true hunger, but I'm to have 3 meals of 1/4 cup...not any mention of snacks. 
Now that I've found sugar free flavored syrups, I can tolerate, if not enjoy the whey shakes. 
When I started this type of diet, I was very satisfied with the portions, but have never felt "full".  I hear people talk about how they are so full, even vomit, after eating.  I'm trying desperately not to vomit, so I'm not trying to eat more, even though I would like to eat more sometimes.  Do many feel "full" with the meals? Maybe when I'm on regular foods, it'll feel differently?
Does it get any easier with family?  Smelling foods that they eat, cooking foods for them that you can't eat, being in the same room with them as they eat! lol 
I knew, and still know that this will be a lifetime challenge, but in these few weeks, it's already been a rollercoaster ride!  
Also, I can't believe how much food is on TV!!  Commercials, sitcoms, cartoons even have food/eating.  The Food Network was my favorite channel before surgery and I made up my mind that I wouldn'****ch that channel.  Now, it's everywhere!  Arrgh! 
On a positive note, I don't have the pain in my back, hips, or knees that I had prior to surgery...just in these few weeks, it's gone :) 
~Janet

 Janet-
I am a week behind you. I go up to the next stage tomorrow- where I can have mushy chicken, tuna, veggies. My plan says at that stage, I can have 3 oz. at meals, and snacks. I don't think you are eating enough, but hopefully someone a little farther out can tell you for sure. 
I agree with you on the dang commercials. I think "holy cow- that is alot of food"! I still enjoy cooking for my family without too much problems. There were a few times I got a whif of the food and craved it for a brief moment. I don't really feel "full" like normal, but I tend to sence when to stop before that point, I haven't gotten sick yet and don't want to chance being overfull.
Hope you're doing well.
Take care

At this point you probably won't feel full because the nerves in your pouch were cut. That's why they have you measure your food. But I was eating only a 1/4 cup of food too. Everyone's plan is different.

Thank you!  I hadn't thought of that. 

I'm 3wks out too!!!  I never thought I would love an egg SO much lol.  It's been kind of trial and error up to this point.  I think I've figured out that when I'm "hungry" it's not hungry like before but kind of an empty feeling right below my sternum.  I do feel full, but not until about 5min after I've stopped eating so I have to be careful.  I just eat what I'm supposed to and go on.  You should be able to have a snack like string cheese or something.  That's what I do because I don't get all my protein in.  I try to eat something like every 3hrs even if it's 4-5oz of protein shake.  I haven't vomited, but I have overdone it once and I was miserable until it passed.  As far as the family, yes...it's hard.  Just know that one day you'll be able to eat with them again.  Now we can go out to eat because every place has soup or fish or something you can eat now.  Makes you feel kind of normal lol.  And I've noticed too that like EVERY commercial is food!!  No wonder we're obese as a nation!!!!  I don't know about you, but I'm just now starting to be ok with my decision.  It's been crazy, but I'm figuring it out.  Hang in there and feel free to friend me if you want.

I'm OK with my decision...today!  Tomorrow, may be a different story...lol  Seriously, though, I know this is the best choice for me.  I know that I would die if I continued as I was living.  My daughter is young enough, I'm hoping, to learn from my life, choices, and this new journey. 
I picked up a package of Lite cheese snacks and tried one in between lunch and dinner. It really did help with the hunger. 
There's a website that I've found that is so helpful.  A woman who had surgery in 2006, giving recipes and just little helpful hints, along with a very entertaining blog, that I enjoy.  Her recipes look so delicious and normal!  You can add carbs (which she chooses to live without) for the family, and use veggies for yourself.  I'm anxious to make some of her recipes. 
 

 I too have noticed the commercials.  A taco commercial came on while I was at the gym on the treadmill... and although I looked away for the duration of the commercial.... my mouth actually filled up with water from the glimpse of them!  The funny part is that I still cook for my boyfriend and haven't had problems with the smell.  Maybe because I plan my meals to coincide with his.  But those commercials.... 

I have been avoiding *food confrontations* until I feel stronger.  I don't go to restaurants and I am avoiding a party my friends are throwing this weekend because I don't want to be tempted all night.  I know at some point in my future.. (probably when I can have regular foods again) I will just bring my own healthy alternatives to eat to parties in case nothing is served that is healthy.