19 Days Post Op Can't Eat

[Dianeg 18]

Every time I eat anything (soft foods) I can't get more than 3 bites down. I have been trying to get 5-6 because it looks good and I'm hungry but end up regretting it. I chew as slow as possible but still end up in so much pain and vomiting. As I'm typing this I'm realizing 3 bites might be my limit. Is any of this making sense? So frustrated!!

[kkami12 52]

Maybe your stomach is still pretty swollen? Im 3 weeks post op and can eat 4 oz of food

[KatyasMommy 56]

I'm right there with you!! Three teaspoons is about all my tummy wants for now and I think that's ok. Still drinking my Protein Shakes as well and taking Vitamins to make sure I'm not missing needed proteins/vitamins. I'm 17 days post op. Hang in there! Don't let mind hunger control real hunger/fullness

[krissyfattofab 68]

I was like that until between week 4&5. Dreaded eating. Even posted on here about that. It does get better. I'm 8 weeks out today and some days I feel like I eat a ton (relatively speaking) and some days where I struggle to get 2 bites down.

[Dianeg 18]

I was like that until between week 4&5. Dreaded eating. Even posted on here about that. It does get better. I'm 8 weeks out today and some days I feel like I eat a ton (relatively speaking) and some days where I struggle to get 2 bites down.

Thank you!!! I'm just taking day by day.

[Mandybb 183]

I'm 9 weeks out and I still have trouble eating some days. My usual is 3-4 bites because I know I won't be stuffed or feel nauseous. I come back to finish my meal later when I'm hungry again. I measure out 4 ounces but I can still only get 2-3 down at a time. I can't even finish a Protein Shake (11 ounces) in an hour. My tummy feels so full with Protein. I'm having no issues related to that problem so I'm just rolling with it until I can eat more. Each day gets better but some days I throw up all protein for no reason but then fine the next day. Crazy belly!

[catalina_uk 62]

Take it slowly, is early days yet. U don't have to finish if all...in time this will change. Ur tolerance will chance

[orionburn 1,024]

I've never liked the "3 bites" term that gets used a lot. Mainly because it gives the impression that you are literally taking 3 big bites of a meal and that's it. My doctor's staff hammered it into us to take your time eating. Measure things out and make a meal last 20-30 minutes. Yes it can be maddening making 1/2 a cup of tuna salad last 30 minutes, but your stomach will thank you.

There are days when I struggle with the same thing and just want to eat it all in 5 minutes and be done, but every time I rush eating I end up regretting it. There are days where I can get 6 oz of food down easy and feels like I could eat more, then the next day I eat 4 oz of something and feel stuffed to the gills. I wish I could put my finger on the reasons why but I can't. Whenever I introduce something new I take a cautious approach and do a smaller portion, and I definitely make sure I take my time with it. It could very well be that you're just taking too big of a bite and putting too much into your stomach too quickly.

[Berry78 4,261]

The Johns Hopkins plan involves eating 6 times a day, 2 tablespoons of food each time, plus 2 shakes. For those that can't eat 1/2 a cup at a time, their eating schedule might seem more reasonable.

The expectation is it can take 6-8 weeks to start eating more per time, and that is ok, as long as Fluid and Protein goals are met.

[Nana1222 159]

Don't push it, I'm time it all gets better. It won't stay that way all the time. Just be sure to keep getting Protein and Water right now.

[Sullie06 1,013]

I'm almost 10wks out and can say it does get better. Just take your time and listen to your body. I can now eat about 3-4 ounces on average but depending on the food I can get up to 5 oz.

[caddygirl 208]

Hi everyone I'm two weeks post surgery and I can only get a few sips of Protein Shake broth and Gatorade down at a time but I try to continue sipping every hour or two! I'm not rushing it at all the first couple days after surgery I dropped 20 lbs I'm now losing inches [emoji3]

[kkami12 52]

The Johns Hopkins plan involves eating 6 times a day, 2 tablespoons of food each time, plus 2 shakes. For those that can't eat 1/2 a cup at a time, their eating schedule might seem more reasonable.

The expectation is it can take 6-8 weeks to start eating more per time, and that is ok, as long as Fluid and Protein goals are met.

But how do you eat 6 times a day and still get get all of your fluids in since we have to wait 30mins before and after before drinking?? Dr told me to stick to 3 meals a day and constant drinking in between

[Berry78 4,261]

Skakes are considered Fluid, not food, so you don't have to worry about the wait around them.

2 tablespoons of full liquids or purees would not get me to wait either. Even if I wash that stuff out of the sleeve early, it isn't hurting anything, but not drinking enough does hurt.

Once fluid goals are being met, and you are far enough out post op to start having soft, chewable foods, then I would start listening to the drinking restriction (particularly after the meal). At that point eating less frequently makes sense too.