How much should I be eating at one time?

avanderhoof · February 18, 2009

I am 1 week post op today, and I have some questions.

At first I was amazingly restricted and it took quite some time to get anything. I'm not so lucky now. As I have posted in another thread I think that I am losing some of that swelling around my stomach, and therefore not feeling as tight.

My question is how much should I be consuming at one setting? I am on full liquids which include cream Soups, skim milk, SF FF pudding, and anything that was on my clear liquid list. Should I be limiting myself to 1/2 c at a time? Honestly I could likely eat a lot more, but haven't ever pushed myself to do so. Also, how many times a day should I be eating? I am only having something 3 times per day right now just because I thought that is what I should be doing. I am making sure to get my protien in by using beneprotien powder.

I feel hungry in between times to "eat", but have just been shoving in the Water. Which leads me to my next question.

Is it okay that I can drink a 20 oz Water in 30 minutes or less? I'm certainly not chugging it, but I don't feel bad or anything if I'm not sipping it.

Lastly, if I don't fell pain when eating or drinking does that mean that the bite size/drink size is acceptable and won't do damage to my band?

I thought I asked all my questions before surgery, but obviously not. :blushing:

Thanks so much for everyone's supprt and answers.

Jachut · February 18, 2009

I was never told certain amounts - but measuring out small portions like half a cup is sensible at this stage - but just dont get to the point of feeling really full - stop at comfortable (however much that is) and you will be fine.

bigpapa2 · February 18, 2009

I agree with Jachut, I dont think even now I eat until I'm full, I eat until i am not hungry. I know that sounds funny but I you are hungry when you start and after a 1/2 cup of food you are not hungry any more just stop. Never eat until you are unfortable or stuffed. you are in a testing fase right now, you will learn a whole new way of eating. Just remember to eat slowly and chew and chew and chew. Oh and remember each time you get a fill you might have to remind your self all over again that you need to take your time and chew. The problem i have had was after my fills, i think i can eat at the am speed i did before the fill. Enjoy your band and remember it took us a long time to get this way so dont think it will come right off real fast. enjoy the journey and smell the flowers...lol

avanderhoof · February 18, 2009

Thanks for your answers.

And I thought of one more question....Do most people lose weight at this stage or does that not really kick in until after the first fill? I weight today, granted on a $20 home scale, and I haven't lost a single pound. I have maybe had 8000 calories in the last 7 days and the scale hasn't moved a bit!