I feel like I can eat too much

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this board.   I had my RNY on 11/14/06 and have lost over 150 lbs.   I've been very happy with my weight loss.    However, I do wish I could loose about 10 to 15 more lbs just to reach my own personal goal---but my scales won't budge any further. One thing I'm concerned about is how much I'm able to eat.    I'll read a post from someone who is 2 to 3 yrs out talking about how 3 to 4 bites will fill them up.   I'm thinking, I'm nowhere near that.    For instance, I can eat a regular size ham and cheese sandwich with 2 pieces of bread and still not feel full.       Makes me worried that I've stretched my pouch. Thoughts ? Loretta

Our pouches DO STRETCH and that is something that doctors want so that we can end up maintaining rather than continuing to lose.  I heard that they can get say up to 8 oz.  Our old stomachs were probably 4 times that. I'm 2.5 years out and I definitely eat more than 3-4 bites.  I can eat vegies and a whole chicken breast, for example.   Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thanks for your reply.    I think you responded to me on the other site about the strange sensations I've had in my left foot.  Thanks for the info--I'm definitely going to talk to my doc about my b-12 level. Re my pouch, my BIG fear is eating the amount I was pre-op and gaining all my weight back.     I get fearful everytime it seems like I can eat alot more than I have been. Loretta 

Loretta, Yup, that was me! There is a post in the WLS Down Side section regarding causes of Nutritional Neuropathy.  You might want to check that out too.  B12 is usually the most obvious culprit especially validated based on Vanessa said that she had problems with levels in the 400s.  Unfortunately lab scales on B12 are based on cardiac issues and not peripheral neuropathy so they consider in the 200s a minimum level yet permanent damage can happen even in the normal range. Your B1 level is definitely nice so that isn't it.   Good luck with the doctor! I think it is very common for us to fear eating what we used to be able to eat and regaining weight.  I've actually gained some back and need to work on that.  My gain wasn't from the size meal I was eating but more from grazing - nibble far too often in the evenings.  I think that is more of the problem in post-ops rather than being able to eat too big a meal.  All those cals add up.  Unfortunately.  :-) Take care, Kathy

i notice your comment about the strange feeling.  Years ago even before wls, I had  strange feelings in my hands and feet.  I went through a whole battery of test and finally it was decided I had a B-12 deficiency.  I have been taking shots monthly for years to keep the situation under control. Good luck and Merry Christmas Patricia     

Hi Lori, I understand your worries, but I think you're ok. Like Kathy, I can eat a chicken breast +, for some meals,. and on others maybe just a couple of bites. So it does vary. Then I have those days when I can eat a house.

Aliya, Thanks for your reply.     I have noticed that certain foods do fill me up faster than other foods.    Some things it does seem like I can eat alot of....and other foods only a few bites. Guess I just get panicky. thanks again Loretta

Hey, Sweetie! Happy Holidays to you, Alicia! Hugs, Kathy

Hi Loretta I'm right there with ya.  I too can eat far too much and it worries me.  I'm on vacation at the moment and if I chose to, not only can I snack the whole day I can sit down and eat a whole 'normal' size meal, just like everyone else at the table if I so choose.  I am not talking about overweight people but it is still a normal size portion, whereas I thought I would only ever be able to eat small/tiny portions. I have no idea if I am maintaining or gaining as I have no access to scales (which may or may not be a good thing!).  I will deal with it when I get home. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in this.  I too want to lose about 20 pounds more.  I guess this is the part where we have to try and rely on our knowledge of how this all works rather than those others who are 'lucky' enough to only be able to eat small portions and / or dump easily.

I am two years out and there days where I feel like I eat way to much...The other day I ate a 6 inch sub from Subway with a bag of chips.  Then there are days where I can only eat a few bites.  Yesterday I was out shopping all day and never ate lunch.  My husband and I went out to dinner and I could only eat about a 1/4 of my salad and I was miserable.  I have a ham sandwich every morning for breakfast and I don't feel full but satisfied.  I think that is what it is about.