my stomach can't hold as much food as pre-op

I'm starting to wonder if my doctor didn't do something to my intestines while he was fiddling around inside of me!

Before surgery, I had the appetite of a horse and I could really put away food. Even my husband and daughtrer commented on it. No, I'm not tiny, but for the amount of food I ate, I should have been huge, house size. Instead, I was merely pudgy.

My first week post-op, I had very little appetite and the gas wouldn't let me eat much, anyway.

But now I am 12 days post-op (LAVH/BSO and cele work) and although I have my appetite back, it seems like there isn't much room in my upper intestine, the place where my ribs are. After a small dinner, like small-portions Weight Watchers size, and a glass of water, I am FULL. No room for dessert or second helpings---even first helpings are tiny.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Also, another question: my pants don't do up, yet I have lost several pounds. Can I still be swollen around the abdomen with an LAVH?

I had a TAH but am having the same experience, I feel full ALL the time I especially dont like to drink much water which is completely opposite of my old self. I am a week ahead of you and have the swollen belly too. I am able to eat a little more than I was last week but still feel stuffed after about 1/3 of what I used to eat. My doc said it would last a month or so until the swelling subsides.

I am as well. I had teased my surgeon about doing a lap band or sorts while he was in there. I've lost 7 pounds since my surgery last week.
Maybe a side effect from the swelly belly and everything being moved around?

Same thing here. For breakfast I have bowl of oatmeal and a few sips of coffee and I am full. I used to be able to drink a few cups of coffee before surgery. I am no longer snacking throughout the day (good thing I guess) and come dinner time I have to force myself to eat! I had a small lean cuisine dinner last night with some toast and didnt even finish it all.

Maybe I will be able to fit into my "normal" clothes once I have healed

Not sure what the concern is here? As long as your eating a healthy, balanced, nutritious meal, withe the proper exercise (when appropriate) why is the goal to return to eating habits that left you "pudgy"? Not trying to be cruel or demonstrate a lack of empathy, but I don't get it...
I amwondering if the way your body metabolized food prior to the surgery wasn't healthy because of your other health concerns, and now it's correcting itself...M

I don't want to return to pudgy, but being able to eat only a small few bites of chicken, a tablespoon of brown rice, and 4 brussel sprouts doesn't fill my daily requirements for a healthy meal. And if I attempt to drink water with the meal, I bloat out like a beached whale.

BTW, my definition of pudgy may not be the same as you all--I am age 47, 5 '5" tall, and 138 pounds. I wear a size 10. I think of that size as being pudgy.

Agree with you elizadoo....I dont wish to return to my pre op size, I needed to lose some weight, but it is wierd to not eat like I used to.

BTW Darling if you think you are pudgy then I am obese! I am 5'6 and weighed 170 when i went into the hospital, I have lost weight as I put on a pair of my pants (size 16) and they fell down!!

Elizadoo
Ur rught, that is not my definition of pudgy. It also takes a while for the anesthesia to wear off etc. I was the same way when I got home, Had a TAH on 4.9.08, Hopefully, ur body will adjust soon, in a way that enables u to eat the "portion of ur choice" and maintain the weight u desire....
M

I'm experiencing this as well. I can get a take out meal and it takes me ALL day to finish it. Or if I cook, it's small portions like I give to my kids.

I really don't need to lose weight, but I'm down 4 pounds..which puts me at 94 pds. I really hope this goes away soon and my normal appetite returns.

I was laughing about how some of you define "pudgy" - I guess in your book I am down right fat!!! I am a plus size hyster sister and my surgery was January 11, 2008.

I am so familiar with "where'd my appetite go?"

I have lost 40 lbs - not a bad thing!!! I really could stand to loose 40 more. But I have never been one to diet or - so this is really a shock. I actually have been to the gym twice this week.

For those that are enjoying the weight loss - like me - keep eating as much healthy stuff as you can. For those that are concerned, I'd give the a call.

Blessings on you ....