Question:
I'm 7 days Post Op, I can eat 'large meals', How to tell if Surgeon gave me large....
Hi, I'm 7 days post op, down 15 pounds, and I am on a pureed diet. I can eat 1/2 cup pureed lentil soup, 2 bites Cottage cheese. I know that from reading many posts on this site that most can eat 1/2 cup of food at a YEAR post op. I also hear that some surgeons give slightly larger stomachs say 2oz, instead of 1 oz. How can I tell if I have these 'larger' stomachs? My surgeon's 'sample diet' calls for: Dinner.. 1/4 cup pureed meat, 1/4 mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup Pureed Vegetables, 1/2 tsp Margarine. Now, I only eat just barely over 1/2 cup, not the 3/4 cup total food listed above. Doesn't that sound like a lot of food? I am in no pain eating. The only problem I have is drinking water. I only :( get in maybe 4 cups water daily. I was curious that if I had a larger stomach, why? Are there benefits to having one? I would only assume drawbacks. I heard of the Cottage cheese test, but cant find in the library where to look. Got any ideas? — Annie R. (posted on August 16, 2001)
August 16, 2001
Hi, Anne. I know that a lot of people who post can only eat tiny amounts,
but I really think that the amount you are able to eat is not too much.
I've been able to eat that much since about four days post-op and while I
lose more slowly than I would like (I don't think it's from how much I eat)
I have still lost 80 pounds in eight months! My surgeon feels that I am
exactly on target, my skin has more time to "snap back," and I
don't feel deprived, so I don't have a lot of the mourning of food that a
lot of post-ops seem to have. As long as your surgeon feels that you are
not eating too much, I wouldn't worry. According to my surgeon, stomach
size doesn't really make all that much difference in the overall success of
patients. Finally, if you want to know if you have a "larger
stomach." just ask your surgeon exactly how many 'cc's your stomach
can hold (or ounces if you prefer.) I'm sure your surgeon can tell you. If
you want to chat, feel free to email. Maria [email protected]
— Maria H.
August 16, 2001
I wondered the same thing. I could eat 1/2 cup of yogurt in one sitting. I
was told that it was because of the liquid consistency of the food. Once
you get on solids, you'll eat smaller amounts.
— ctyst
August 16, 2001
Hey Anne, haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope all is well!! It doesn't
sound like ur eating too too much, but if, your belly can handle it, go for
it. I think you will have less mourning of food that way. I tell ya, I am
mourning food for sure!!!! I am still on liquids, surgery same day as
yours, and I sure would like to really eat some real food. I just want to
chew lol!!!! Hope everything goes well, good luck to you
— ncgal
August 16, 2001
Anne...don't worry you'll look back on this question and laugh when you get
your first real food....You wont be able to eat as much as you are right
now...relax..you're doing fine.
— Debora H.
August 16, 2001
Hi Anne, I don't think you are eating too much. That is about
what I was able to eat also. Pouch size is not scientific. Our
surgeons are only human. I'm sure there is a slight variance in
most of our pouches. If you were to sit down and eat that amount
of food in about 5 minutes I don't think you could do it. Liquid
flows through much too easy. Now that I'm on solid food, I can
only fit about 2/3 the amount of food in my pouch. I think you are
totally normal. Congrats on the the weight loss.
— Carla C.
August 16, 2001
Anne: I had to laugh! 1/2 cup of food is not a LARGE amount -- just think
of how much you used to consume! I have always eaten at least 1/2 cup of
food at a setting - but usually I eat a cup of food at a time. This is ok.
The weight comes off. You'll later find (if you had RNY, that is) that
some foods fill you up faster than others and you'll have to make choices.
For example, I just ate 1/4 of a cantalope. But I could NEVER eat that
much meat at a time! And, my surgeon doesn't make 1 oz. pouches like some
do - that is extremely small! Just remember, food goes out of the pouch
while you are eating - especially liquid and pureed foods. You are doing
just fine. Don't worry, be happy!
— Cindy H.
August 16, 2001
Well, everyone has covered the food issue, so I'll just chime in on the
water. You need to double your water. Honest. This is not for me. This
is to speed your wt loss and prevent kidney stones. It greases the skids
all around. I know it'll make you wee and that is the point. Think of
every drop of a wee as a drop of fat. That helps me get it in, because
although I am "here", I also need to stay here. I have a fatal
disease that is out to get me, so I need to be diligent to keep it away. I
was always a water slacker, so I have to play mind games to get it in. I
drink right up to the first bite of food, which makes me eat less and not
be as tempted to drink too soon. I have other things. I can't have food
til I finish this glass. I don't get my fave protein til I finish THIS
glass. Stuff like that. I have to beat me with a stick to get the water
in, so I am all over sympathy for you, but I will also be happy to beat you
with a stick if you want.
— vitalady
August 21, 2001
I'm 3 wks post op and WISH I could eat 1/2 a cup instead of 2 teaspoons. I
mean come on don't you think I would lose weight if my pouch were a bit
bigger. When I go for the 3rd teaspoon I feel like im gonna die. Good luck
— Jules S.
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