How much should I eat?

[PBT1967 0]

I got a stern talking to from my Dr. because I was overeating and my esophogus was dilated and as a result I was having reflux. He has loosened my band and I am not having any symptoms. He told me that if I start having symptoms again he will have to remove my band. Now I am almost afraid to eat because I don't want to have my band removed. My question is How much should I be eating quantity not calories? I eat until I feel full but not so full that I am miserably uncomfortable. I have not had a PB either.

any suggestions are appreciated.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I'd say get direction from the nutritionist who works with your surgeon. I've read people who say they eat 1/2 cup and then wait 15 min, if still hungry have more (I think that's Parrothead Cathy) My doc says about 1 cup max. However, WHAT are you eating, that you can overeat and not PB? It's possible you're choosing softer foods? (don't know, just guessing) Your doc should've given you some direction here. If he didn't, you may want to call Monday and pin them down on exactly WHAT you should do!

[JENNIFER7375 3]

The difference between full and over fill is indeed very subtle. We spent our lives being told to clean our plates and not waste food. So it can be very hard to resist the urge to have just a few more bites. This was definitely a lesson i had trouble with in the beginning. I had to learn that all it takes is 1 bite too much to take me from full to miserable, stuck and PBing. And the other posters are worse again when foods stuck the urge is to take a drink. That makes thins a lot worse. I mean a lot! the best advice is to chew small bites slowly and thoroughly and stup as soon as you feel full not a bite or 2 later. I've spit a bite of food i was chewing into a napkin on more than 1 occasion cuz i realized if i swallowed it bad things were gonna happen. Just learn to listen to your body and you will figure out what full is. hopwfully you are a faster learner than i was. good luck

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I've spit a bite of food i was chewing into a napkin on more than 1 occasion cuz i realized if i swallowed it bad things were gonna happen.

Amen to that! But that only has happened to me since I got good restriction. I was banded 6-7 months before I felt that way.

And the Water thing...CAN work (I've tried it) but I would use it as a last resort, after you've tried stretching, retching, and the beloved papaya enzyme (I thought the stuff HAD to be bogus but one night in desperation I tried it and within 2-3 minutes the pain went away. It was wonderful)

[PBT1967 0]

Thanks for the replies...

RestlessMonkey, I was PBing when I was overeating. I havent been since I have been very careful about what I eat. I primarily eat meat, veges and some whole grain carbs. I have been limiting myself to 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food.

This all started because I was too tight and now I am pretty loose. My Dr is being very careful and slowly tightening it back up. I am still losing but I think it is because I am being very careful about what goes in my mouth and I am exercising regularly.

Thanks again...sometimes I just worry too much.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Sounds like you're doing what you're supposed to then. I think our pouches are all slightly different sizes (in fact, they'd have to be! LOL) and my doc says 1 cup of food; but some feel that is too much. As long as you and your doc are watching it, then, I'm sure you'll be ok!

[PBT1967 0]

Thanks again... I needed the reassurance...

[JENNIFER7375 3]

I figured the papaya enzyme thing sounded too good to be true so I never tried it. What exactly does it do?