It happens gradually as you go, but it won't hurt to ask your doctor. I would say to keep your portions small but maybe eat a little more frequently, keeping to high protein foods.

check with your dr, but with me, I can have more than 4 tbs of soft foods, I am 6 months post op and am eating "regular" foods. There are foods with high protein such as beans, tofu, pork (in a crock pot), etc. My nut wants me to eat 5-6 times a day small portions so that is what I do. Some days I don't get in all the protein, but other days I do. It all depends on how I am feeling that day. Most of the time it is good. You will hit times when the scale doesn't move, don't worry about it. we all go through it. Shelly has a great site: theworldaccordingtoeggface.com GREAT recipes! So is bariatriceating.com check them out

My program sounds like yours. 4T = 1/4 cup, I believe. Anyway, back to your question....on my plan, I consume 1/4 c. for the first three months. After than, it can gradually increase to 1/2 c. at six months. After that...well, you get the picture. It's a process, and not a quick one!

The pouch actually grows a bit during the first 18 months post-op. Most settle out at 6 oz. , some at 8 oz. That means you'd be able to eat 1 cup to 1 and a quarter cup of food at a meal.

I can't imagine that happening to me within a few months, however. (I'm three months PO.) I think I'm going to be using protein shakes for the foreseeable future, at least once a day, to get all my protein in. I expect to have protein shakes for breakfast because my pouch is kind of touchy in the morning, doesn't like having anything in it. But it takes the shakes okay.

Thanks all very helpful. I know I should stay in today, but it's still helpful to hear from those cof you who have been where I am going.

Definitely a gradual process, and something most of us have had to work at in the beginning I can tell you for myself, at 22 months post op, I can eat about anything, have no problems getting in the amounts of protein etc., I need. But in the beginning it was all I could do to get a couple protein drinks in for nutrition all day.

And by the way, I continue to enjoy a chocolate protein shake most mornings. It's a good way to satisfy a "sweet tooth" for me, but I find it satisfying now that I've found the combination of ingredients I enjoy. This was okayed by my nutritionist also. It is also a recommended idea later when you may feel the need to "tighten up" you food choices. Replacing a meal or two, for a few days, is satisfying, healthy, and usually results in a couple lbs. lost, (at plateau times).

As always, I'd ask your doctor, or nutritionist about this later.

http://www.duluthclinic.org/otherspecialties/bariatric/Weight%20Loss%20Surgery%20Book.pdf

Thats a link to the surgery guide book I received after surgery.. it can answer most questions.. it has diet / eating plans and everything for all the stages..

Good Luck!

I am 4 months out and can eat just about anything.... (just no junk or processed carbs)

I usually have a protein bar and string cheese for breakfast... fruit for a snack... chicken or tuna for lunch... string cheese for a snack... chicken or fish for dinner with a veg, and string cheese or fruit for an evening snack. So, 2-3 cups of food per day. So far I have lost 75 pounds, and just have 25 to go.... just make sure to grind up your protein in a food processor at first... that was the only way that I could keep it down at month #2.... now at the 4mo mark, I have very little trouble. Just listen to your pouch.... when it has had enough, I get the gurgles and hicups :) My doc at Cleveland Clinic said to just listen to your body and to keep moving! I work out for an hour a day, EVERY day, and the pounds are melting off (and I eat quite a bit)

Best of Luck!!