Almost 2 weeks out and I'm concerned

[Molodyetz]

Had my surgery almost 2 weeks ago. So far I'm concerned with how large my stomach appears to be. I'm on the puree portion of the diet and I feel like I can drink liquids endlessly without getting full. I also can handle about 1.5 cups of pureed soup or other foods without any issue. This is much more than I thought I would be able to eat at this point. I thought my stomach would be 4-6 ounces, but it looks like it is closer to 12.

I've also been surprisingly hungry at times. This all has me very concerned that this is not going to be as effective as I thought.

I dropped a lot of weight initially, about 15 lbs in 9 days but since I started the puree diet last Friday, I've gained back about 4 lbs. I know there is some variability with water weight, but the halt in progress the past 3 days has me concerned.

Did any of you have similar experiences? Any advice?

[Luna354]

Are you taking anything for stomach acid? Hunger is usually either stomach acid or mental hunger, especially so early on.
I can't really comment on the amounts. I never had to do a pureed diet, i went from liquids to soft.

[sraebaer]

You won't feel full on liquids, they just go right through your stomach. See what happens when you are able to start dense protein like a chicken breast, then you should feel full after just a few bites. Give it a while!

If you are able to eat a chicken breast without feeling full, call your surgeon, as something isn't right.

[jamma]

The only thing I can add is that as soon as I introduced food in any way, my weight-loss slowed. It picks back up when your body gets used to this new normal.

[Aydensmomma]

To gain weight already is a bit different but our bodies were put into a shock and have different ways of healing. If weight gain continues call your doctor. Is your stomach swollen the same since surgery? Or has it gotten larger since surgery? Do you have pain? I know someone said liquids don't fill you but in my case they did. Still do. Soup fills me up. The hunger....i felt hungry soon after surgery and I felt like you do, it turned out to be acid, I started taking prilosec otc and the hunger went away, we also battle head hunger. We go from eating whatever whenever and that's normal for us, now our bodies are like "where is the food? Your starving me?" And that makes our brain send signals to want food, your body will also hold onto everything, you will stall but it will pass. If you feel like something isn't right then call the doc, always trust your "gut" feeling

[Molodyetz]

Thanks everyone. I haven't tried anything solid yet, so I will hold my concern until then. I'm pretty sure it is head hunger. I've had a few stressful days lately, and food was my go-to coping mechanism. I'll try taking something for stomach acid. I also might be confusing thirst for hunger. I've felt pretty dehydrated lately. I've been pretty light headed when I stand up.

[Ann2]

Good observation you made about thirst possibly feeling like hunger.

You know what to do.

I think you're doing great at only 2 weeks out. Keep doing what you're supposed to do every day. That's all you ever have to do.

[Christie13]

You have gotten lots of good advice. Antacid for fake hunger pangs...the acid reflux can mimic that the first few months. Get enough protein and fluids. They should be your focus. As everyone said, solids should be harder to get a lot in. Just follow the rules that your NUT and surgeon set out for you. And be prepared for that first stall around weeks 3-5. It is normal. Hang in there.

[Molodyetz]

I'm really glad you guys are here to talk this through with. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.