What Could Cause a Feeling of Fullness When I Haven't Eaten Much?

Sometimes your stomach may not work as well as it should. One reason is a condition called gastroparesis—this means the muscles and nerves that help move food out of your stomach aren’t working properly, so food stays in longer and makes you feel full. As people get older, their appetite can change, and the signals between the brain and your stomach might not work as quickly as before. This slower process can also leave you feeling full even if you haven’t had much to eat. After major abdominal surgery, your body might take some time to heal, and the way your stomach moves may be affected, causing a sensation of fullness for a while. Other reasons might include certain medications or stress on your body, which can also slow down how quickly your stomach empties. If this feeling bothers you or happens a lot, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor who can look into it and help find the right solution.