Not feeling full, drinking much more... Broken Pouch? - ThinnerTimes

Rachel · 06-11-2007, 09:21 PM

Ok so I am now 3 1/2 months post op and have been released to eat normal foods and have been told I can increase the amount I eat to between 1/4 and 3/4 cup, to naturally stop when I feel full. They told us sometimes you will eat more sometimes less, go by what your body is telling you. First off, of course I am not out eating all the stuff the got me obese in the first place.

Here is my concern, in the beginning I would feel "full" when I was eating and often wouldn't be able to eat the 1/4 that I was allowed to eat. Well the last month or so, I have not felt that feeling of full. I am able to drink more than I was before without getting stomach cramping. Did I break my new pouch somehow?? What is going on? Tonight I was eating and I ate a full cup of veggies (the only thing that the thought of didn't make me want to puke). I stopped at the cup, but still not feeling full.

I have been feeling sick almost every time I eat something, not right away but 20-30 min later. I am not really hungry yet and I am just at a loss as to what could be going on.

Any ideas, suggestions, butt kicking etc would be appreciated.

LisaM · 06-11-2007, 09:59 PM

You did not break your pouch, and anybody who wants to kick your butt for eating a nice, healthy cup of vegetables will have to go through me! Your pouch capacity does naturally increase over time, but most people's pouches stabilize in the 8 to 10 oz range--and that's volume, not weight. Different foods with different consistencies will take up more room, as you're well aware already. You don't say what vegetables, or how long they were cooked, or how long it took you to eat the cup, so it's hard to say more than that on that subject. And did you eat your protein first? That's the drill... protein, then veg, then carbs, if any.

You need to be aware that you'll probably get another jump in pouch capacity at about the six- to eight-month mark, and that's probably where you'll level out.

So, here's the deal. If you're satisifed (not FULL, but satisfied) with 3/4 of a cup of a food, then stop eating! Just because your pouch has an 8-ounce capacity doesn't mean you have to fill it in order to be satisfied. Time to start listening to your satiation signals instead of just the physical feeling of fullness. Just follow the basic rules, and I know you are, about not drinking a half hour before or a half hour after (times differ from doctor to doctor, but these are the minimum). That will keep you from making your food into soup that exits your pouch too quickly.

Here's the good news--there is NO connection between your pouch capacity and your success in weight loss. People with 8-oz capacities and people with 10- or 12-oz capacities have exactly the same success rate, according to my research. The statistics are clear that participation in a support group after surgery affects your success rate much more than having a smaller pouch.

Edit: I wanted to add this, as I had no idea what a satiation signal felt like... I was hungry for 30 straight years, and never satisfied pre-op. So, when you reach a pre-set mark, whether it's half a cup or three quarters of a cup or so, ask yourself, "Do I really want more food?" If you're not sure, then wait a few minutes and ask yourself again. If you're still not sure, then guess what? You don't really want it, you're just eating out of habit. As soon as I ask myself the question, I put the food down and walk away, or if I'm with other people, I put my fork down and get the conversation moving. Just more new things we have to learn. But it's so worth it!

Blueyz · 06-11-2007, 10:11 PM

Don't worry, I think I felt the same way as if my pouch stretched and it was my pouch that would be the pouch that didn't work. I was able to drink more and it freaked me out. There were and still are days when I can eat a ton and I think, wow, my pouch isn't working. Then, the next day, I can't eat as much. Don't worry, just stick to the pouch rules and you will be just fine.

Bella · 06-11-2007, 11:27 PM

HI Lisa M.,

Thanks for the info.

Question: You mentioned that our pouches would strech up to 8 - 10oz ... but I wonder what was the original size of our stomachs?

LisaM · 06-12-2007, 05:19 AM

The size of the original stomach, when most doctors mention it, seems to be about that of a football - an American football...

Estimates vary, and of course, stomachs vary... but what I'm seeing consistently turns up figures of a liter to a liter and a half, or two to three pints in terms of capacity. In ounces, around 32 to 48 ounces. Morbidly obese folks do have a larger capacity than those who are not obese.

taleci · 06-12-2007, 06:08 AM

Rachel, thanks for asking the question. I am only 2 weeks out and I hardly ever feel full. I have had no problems ingesting everything I am supposed to and of course, in the back of your mind it makes you wonder if your pouch is working the right way. My husband had a much harder time when I am having now, and his rate of weight loss was phenomenal. I am just holding tough with doing the things that are right.

LisaM: Thanks so much for the great advice and the information!

Rachel · 06-12-2007, 07:55 AM

Oh thank you Lisa for the information!! My veggies were broccoli, carrots, peas and water chestnuts. All steamed. There was not protein with that meal... I tried some chicken and just felt ill. So I had a protein drink later on. I have been having problems eating protein of any type, as of late. So I have been drinking nectar each day. I did have eggs again yesterday that seemed to go down fine and didn't make me sick, so I am going to try that again today.

I am also going to try asking myself if I really want more food. That is a great idea and I never thought of that.