Question:
How can you tell when you're full vs. this constant bloat?

I am ONE WEEK post op and experiencing a constant bloat/pulling dead under where the ribs meet. When I drink (still on liquids), or eat jello, etc. I can't tell when I am full, because the feeling is always there. When will this end? Will I ever feel normal about fullness? I've caught myself eating yogurt, and when I looked down, it was half empty already! This being an 8oz container. My pouch is only supposed to be 3oz, so I was already past full!! Help! Please advise me, because I'm scared of bursting my new pouch, or at least stretching it out too much.    — Amy K. (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
Hi Amy, I am almost 9 weeks out and I remember feeling the way you do. You have to realize though that liquids and soft foods dont stick around in the stomach long so you CAN eat more than the size of your pouch. I never felt full till I started solids. Believe me, you will know when you are full..or rather you will learn the hard way if you eat too much :) Good luck !
   — Eva C.

March 27, 2001
Amy I freaked out about this same thing. The cool thing is, most situations pass and a new dilema presents itself. You are fine and normal...just a little scared that's all. I am about 7 weeks out now and things just get better. I was eating too much yogurt too but in the end it all was OK. Just breathe!
   — Nancy Z.

March 27, 2001
I started using liquid Mylanta before I ate (or after) and this really helped me when I felt like gas in my pouch or kinda of sick feeling I would get.
   — acluff

March 27, 2001
Hi: Don't worry. You probably won't feel 'full' til you are on regular foods. Full liquids and yogurts and such generally move fairly quickly through the pouch, they don't just sit in there so you can eat more than the pouch holds. During this period, you are pretty much 'drinking your food' all day long just to get it all in. It is only after you are on regular foods that you have to avoid drinking after meals for a while.
   — Cindy H.

March 27, 2001
I had the open RNY and I felt the same way for the first two weeks. As I began to walk around more the gas started to move and I could tell when I was I full. Hang in there I am now 5 weeks post-op and still have a little trouble with gas. Basically I watch what I eat and when I full bloated I do some stretching and some light work around the house to keep me moving and this will help the gas move.
   — Robin H.

March 27, 2001
Hi Amy, Im 31/2 weeks post op and had/have the same problem, however, after speeking with my nutritionist, I was told that I might be lactose intolerant and to try lactaid before eating any dairy, since full liquids consist mostly of dairy and that should help, but consult your nutritionist and they might have some other alternatives for you.
   — Maria A.

May 15, 2002
Thanks for this question. I am 5 days post op and I am trying to figure out if I am full or bloated. When I was pre op I would eat until I couldnt breathe but I do not feel like that now. I have alot of gas and I feel as though I am never going to be full even though I am drinking 4 oz. every hour.
   — Stephanie B.