Eating and eating ??

Im 4 weeks out and down 27 pounds, finally hit ONEderland!! I started to go to the gym this week and everything is going great. HOWEVER I feel like I'm eating too much?!

I eat my 3 meals a day @ 1/2 cup per meal but it never makes me feel full. within 2 hrs I am having more hunger pains. and i am allowed NO snacks.  Is anyone else hungry??

yes....I think it is because of working out. I did not have any "hunger" until I started working out at 4-5 weeks post op. I get really hungry post workout so I bring along a string cheese or something high protein like 1% cottage cheese or a shake.

I am allowed 3 meals a day and 3 snacks. Why are you not allowed ANY snacks? I think everyones plan allows for a snack even early out. At 4 weeks I was just trying to get the hang of my new eating and I think I was still on mushies/pureeds. Can you have cottage cheese? That filled me up for a long time at 4 weeks.

I'm three months out and yes, some days I am hungry.  I am like you - my plan only allows 3 meals a day and no snacks. Probably a good thing - otherwise I would never get my liquids in since my surgeon's rule is no eating 15 minutes after drinking, 20 minutes for meal and then 1 hr no drinking after meal.  That takes a chunk of time out of the day for drinking, lol when you do eat three times a day - can't imagine working snacks around that way too.  Anyway - if I get hungry - I try to drink coffee or flavored water.  Sometimes it works and sometimes, I just stay hungry.  It is getting harder already and I eat more than 1/2 cup for meals.  Good luck.

Paula

Congratulations on ONEderland!  I can't wait 'til I'm able to say the same.  :-)

Regarding your food questions:

What are you eating at four weeks out?  Are you doing full solids yet? 

I'm not too experienced, but it sounds like if you are eating four ounces at a meal, that you probably aren't doing solids yet...most people early on seem able to eat only an ounce or two of dense protein.  On the other hand, less dense foods move through your stomach more quickly, and may not satisfy you for as long a period.

Given that nerves in your stomach have been severed and are still healing, you shouldn't be feeling full. 

I'd suggest that you provide details of what you're eating and drinking so that some of the more experienced folks can weigh in...

I get no snacks on my plan either.  Fill up with water between meals as much as possible.  You'll do better once you reach dense proteins like chicken breast.

Another idea to stave off the hunger is to have a protein drink, even if it's something like protein hot chocolate or protein bouillon.

I'm also having hunger now that I'm 5.5 weeks out. I only allow myself two meals (who can eat more meals with all the water timing issues?), and while I'm sometimes hungry late at night, I tell myself: Too bad: I have six months to lose this weight while my stomach is still tight, so let's do this. And it doesn't harm me to limit my food, as long as I get in protein, water, and exercise.

I think this attitude will be a lot tougher during maintenance; that's why I feel I need to hurry and lose the weight while my tool is at its peak performance.

Anyway, try more protein-fortified fluids! I think they will help. :-)