From Barely Able To Eat, To Eating "normal"

[AliveAgain 283]

So I got worried over the last two weeks because I was barely able to eat solid foods. I am 15 weeks out now (3.5mos). It would take 20 minutes or so to get in 1-1.5oz of Protein (chicken, scallop, shrimp, etc) and I got the "full" signal. Most days, I barely hit 500 calories. Then, in the last two days I feel more hungry than usual. And I have been able to eat larger meals with no problem. In fact, if I wasn't listening to my full signal, I'd eat more. It's as though I'm eating more easily.

Last night I had 3oz of meat (mix pork chop and filet mignon leftovers), plus some veggies. Went down easy and in under 30 minutes. Tonight we made soft tacos for the first time since surgery b/c my husband was craving them. I made mine with 2oz ground lean meat and limited toppings more tostada style. No rice allowed and only 1tbsp pinto Beans - and no frying of the shell, just a nice pan reheat, no oil. I was expecting to eat it tostada style, but found myself trying the soft taco shell (a low carb option). To my amazement I was able to eat one whole taco, small bites, putting down the taco b/n bites and eating over about 20 minutes. I tallied everything and it came to 297 calories, 13g Protein, and only 15 carbs. But it was more than I've eaten in a single meal in WEEKS, and so easily with no pain at all. I was still under 700 calories for the day, 110g of protein, 30 carbs total and 20g fat. I also drank 80oz of Water and went on a 1.5 hour grueling 9 mile mountain bike ride.

The only things I can tie it to is that I hit ovulated a few days ago and I know the hormones spike in the days/week after that. Has this happened to anyone else?

[lml32937 65]

I had a VERY rough post op period.. like 3 months- I still am not eating "normal" There is no rhyme or reason- some days I can eat more than others- I stopped compring me and what I eat to others a LOOONG time ago when it was proven we are all different. I do notice however during my cycles that I have different cravings and can eat a little more than normal-

[Indymom 132]

Your sleeve may just be 'relaxing' a little. Your food intake still sounds very reasonable, so just stick to plan and you'll do great!

[AliveAgain 283]

Thanks ladies. My husband reminded me that every time I worry that I ate too much tends to be when the scale moves the most. Before surgery, I would have eaten 3 or 4 of those tacos with rice and much more topping than I used. So I know my sleeve is still working. It was just so amazing to go from one end of fullness to the other in such a short period.

Also, I must note that when I hit day 17 of my cycle, the weight just FALLS off for the next 7-10 days until my period begins. Like clockwork, up to a pound per day! Anyone who says "hormones don't play a factor in weight loss" is smoking crack

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

The swelling in and around your stomach takes a long time to go away. When it does, we are able to eat more than we could when there is any swelling left.

As your stomach is healed, you will be able to eat larger portions, and foods that might have bothtered you for awhile after surgery, will be easier to eat.

[Sleeved&Hopeful 182]

Oregondaisy is right. Your stomach is healing and you will be able to eat more. Sounds pretty normal to me. We all know that the stomach heals within 3-6 months usually. So it's only common for your ability to consume more to happen.