Another observation on feeling full

[Bypass2Freedom 711]

Hey all

So I am almost 4 weeks post-surgery, and everything is going pretty well for the most part!

I have noticed however, apart from the odd hiccup, that I don't really feel full! That being said, I haven't felt hungry either! 😅

I seem to be able to finish all of my food with no issues - I know everyone is different, and I get that this is just my body, but I find it so interesting!

[NickelChip 1,212]

I recall feeling similarly at 4 weeks. Some of that was due to the nerves being cut and dulled from surgery, I think, because I feel it more now. Also, I assume you are probably still on the softer Proteins. I find I don't have the full feeling as quickly with things like yogurt or cottage cheese, or even a flaky white fish, the way I do with chicken or beef. I can eat a serving of yogurt and still have room for fruit, but if I eat 3 oz of chicken or beef, that's all I'm having!

[Bypass2Freedom 711]

@NickelChip I imagine that is probably the case! On Wednesday I will be able to return to normal foods, but I am a bit apprehensive as to how to even start that!

[JennyBeez 287]

I am almost 12 weeks post-OP and have only once felt 'hungry' -- and have yet to feel full. No matter how slow and mindfully I eat, I have to rely on portion sizes to tell me when to stop. My care team says I'm lucky for now, but that it won't last -- sometime in the first year it'll come back.

Note: I can certainly feel other things though. I can tell within a five minute window if something is going to give me trouble from the dryness / etc. There's a feeling low in my chest that feels dry and clogged. Certain foods also sit heavier in my stomach -- starchier/heavier vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potato, etc. But they still don't make me feel full, more like hyper-attentive lol.

[NickelChip 1,212]

8 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

@NickelChip I imagine that is probably the case! On Wednesday I will be able to return to normal foods, but I am a bit apprehensive as to how to even start that!

My advice is start slow. Choose moist foods. Chew twice as long as you think you need to. Eat half the size bite you think is a small bite. I did so well on soft foods that I was sure I could handle anything really easily. I could not. I have gotten sick so many times from something that was too dry, or eaten too quickly. And it's no fun! But you'll quickly learn what works for you. For example, I no longer microwave leftover meat. I try to use the leftovers cold, like on a salad. I may try steaming to reheat instead of the microwave, but haven't yet so can't vouch for it. Microwaving meat gets me in trouble every time.

[Arabesque 7,240]

Yes, because of the nerves that are cut during the surgery, messages about being full or having had enough, either don’t get through in the same way or are distorted. It takes about 8 weeks for hi to fully heal & therefore the messages to start getting through accurately.

Also, liquids & purées go through your tummy more quickly & before you might feel full. Add in the small potions & sipping & eating slowly & you won’t feel full. It’s why it’s so important to stick to the portion size recommendations we are given.

Once you start to eat a little more in regards to portion size and solid foods & you are more healed, you’ll start to feel when you’ve had enough and start to feel your restriction.

PS - It takes at least 20 minutes for the full signal to get from your tummy to your head so by the time you register you are full, it’s easy to have eaten more than you actually need. Some of us take even longer to register we are full. Aim, not to feel full but to recognise when you’ve had enough. I still often ask myself do I need the next bite or just want it.

Congrats on your surgery.

[Bypass2Freedom 711]

Thank you all for the advice, it is really appreciated

After all that, I ended up having a really high restriction day yesterday! Couldn't finish my food, and had the hiccups after 5 tsps of Soup 🤣

I am definitely going to take it slow when I can eat 'normal' foods tomorrow - I just want to get it right haha.