How do you know you’re full before it’s too late?

[Katja 15]

Hi! Going to revise band to bypass. I have always had a problem with feeling full (even before my lap and) before I eat that “mouthful too much”. I don’t want any problems throwing up after I get my bypass. I never got that runny nose or any of the other signs. How do you know you’re one bite before trouble hits?

[The Greater Fool 2,057]

Experience. Your experience.

[bufbills 316]

It's tough. Almost 4 months out, and I had one too many bites tonight. I measured out 4oz of rotisserie chicken, and put some salsa on it withsome meted cheddar on it. It was great, but I couldn't finish it. I was a bite away from the foamies.

[Arabesque 7,499]

It’s one of the reasons we’re advised to eat slowly. It takes time for the message you’ve had enough to get through. You don’t ever want to reach that I’m stuffed stage of being full. Just I’ve had enough & don’t need any more.

I still take ages to eat 30 - 60+ minutes depending on what I’m eating. When I was losing & eating small meals I ate over 20 minutes. Sometimes I distract myself between bites by watching tv or reading when eating. I know some say you should focus on your eating but I find it works for me to be distracted. I don’t shovel in the spoonfuls then.

Put your cutlery down. Sit back from the table. Wait a couple of minutes before you have the next bite. I used to ask myself if I really needed that next bite or did I just want it. Still do sometimes. There is a huge difference between needing that bite & wanting it. It’s not unusual for me to pick up my fork & then put it back down again because I realise I don’t need that bite.

Much like discovering what real hunger feels like for you versus head hunger, you have to discover what enough means for you. That is what the physical, mental or other signals are for you. I don’t get that running nose thing either so I’m very conscious of the portion size I’m eating & don’t overfill my plate beyond what my portion size should be. I get like a heaviness in my chest. This is followed by a slight tightness before my restriction really kicks in though sometimes it does very quickly with no warning.

Good luck with your revision surgery.

[GreenTealael 25,480]

19 hours ago, Katja said:

I never got that runny nose or any of the other signs. How do you know you’re one bite before trouble hits?

With VSG (my original surgery) I also never experienced the odd warning signs. I had to stick to measurements (1/8,1/4,1/2 cup etc) then under eat slightly because my full sensation came 15+ mins later (super annoying 🤨) the feeling was a lump in my throat that would not go away no matter how often I swallowed and sometimes tightness in my chest.

Now with RNY, the delayed full sensation is still in effect but I can still overestimate my capacity and pay the price. So I have to pay attention while eating and consciously choose when to stop.
My BF calls me two bites <insert name> because I almost never finish anything just incase 😉

[Katja 15]

Thanks for your comments. I will probably be scared to death to overeat and will undereat. LOL