Question:
I am 3.5 months post op RNY, can I eat low calorie frozen dinners?
I was wondering if the low calorie frozen dinners are good for RNY patients. Also I have not been getting enough protein in my diet, would that explain the slow weight lost that I am experiencing? — Kbrisbon (posted on October 8, 2008)
October 8, 2008
There is a lot of debate about TV dinners. Personally, I enjoy them and
haven't had an adverse effects from them, etc. I am 20 months out - lost
over 145lbs. and eat lean cuisine (bbq chicken pizza, parmesan encrusted
white fish, beef tips and broccoli, etc.) Vons also as their own brand
called Eating Right - which are very good. The sesame chicken is really,
really good. This brand also has indictors on the front to tell you if they
are high in protein, fiber, etc. I commute and work long hours so these are
easy for me to take to work, warm up and eat. I don't eat all of meal (esp.
the pizza) because most days it's still too much. I eat well balanced
snacks throughout the day as well, etc. In regards to the protein, I would
buy flavorless protein powder and add to your yogarts, soup, puddings, and
even sprinkle it over your meals for an extra protein punch. It can take
some creativity but you will get this all done - get a routine and things
will become second nature (getting your protein in first, keeping hydrated,
etc.) Good luck and welcome to the losers bench.
— jammerz
October 8, 2008
I wouldn't eat them everyday, but I recommend the south beach ones, high in
protein, low in calories.
— Holly F.
October 8, 2008
Look for the sugar content, carbohydrates, and salt/sodium content.
— Gina S.
October 8, 2008
I eat a couple of them a week. I'm 6 months and 100lbs gone. They're a
great way to add diversity to your meals. I just have to watch the rice
ones. It's not cooked enough and hurts my tummy. Just look at protein and
calories. If you have an issue with Sodium and water weight they probably
aren't a good choice.
— doreenh
October 8, 2008
Anything processed is not the best choice. That being said, it's better
than eating junk. Watch the ones with pasta and rice, those are not good
for us. And, yes, not enough protein could be the cause of slow weight
loss. Also, most of those type of dinners are pretty high in salt, which
could cause you to retain fluid. I don't use these dinners myself, for the
above reasons.
— Shirley D.
October 8, 2008
An occasional frozen dinner is fine. My nutritionist said to eat about 1/2
of one (like Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine). Avoid the rice and noodles -
making sure to eat the protein part of the meal first. As for protein, I
struggled until I started using the liquid GNC 50 Gram Slams. I only like
them in milk chocolate and over ice. Keep looking for something that works
for you - especially if you cannot get all your protein from foods.
— gonnadoit
October 8, 2008
I am 11 weeks out and do eat t.v. dinners... not a lot but I do eat them,
well most of them anyway. I can't eat all of the food that's in them... I
get too full before it's gone. So I end up throwing it away r keeping it
for a second meal. I get the Healthy Choice and have had no problems. I
actually feel better after eating them because I feel like I really ate a
full course meal of all of the right things.
— pattschiele
October 9, 2008
TV dinners remind me of school lunches! LOL (You don't really know what's
in them and the meat (whatever it is) cannot be made to taste the same in
your own kitchen...Therefore becomes "mystery meat"! I'm half
joking...They've gotten better tasting over the years and with all the
health conscious folks around that's a good thing...You'd be better off
grabbing the veggie meal kits that you add your own meats to...or try some
crock pot recipes...I haven't looked at TV dinners or even had one in a
very very long time...Not even just before surgery 5 years ago...
When "eating to live" became my motto...I rarely put anything in
my mouth that doesn't taste good...or offer me great nutrition.
(Occasionally I forgit this rule...sometimes on purpose) But the idea is
to be healthy...and eat healthy! And because a meal says "healthy or
healthier choice" Doesn't mean it is unless you eat candy bars for
lunch and potato chips for snacks and grab a big burger, fries and
strawberry shake daily...Then sure...healthier choice is RIGHT! Those are
the types of people they cater to... Just look for the best ones that offer
low fat, low carb and sugar, high protein and fiber! Watch the salt and
msg too...can make you retain a lot of water and makes you overloaded
kidneys and liver work harder than they already are as a RNYer....But you
do what you have to do! Look for the stuff in the organic sections...they
usually offer "healthier choices" more suitable for us!
Moderation is key! Just eat wholesome food more often than TV dinners....
that's all!
— .Anita R.
October 13, 2008
— Lisa C.
October 28, 2008
A late post on this, but at 4 months post GBS and eat frozen prepared foods
carefully. You have to watch the carbohydrates, additives, colourings, and
the fillers they put in them. Protein can slow the weight loss, because if
your not eating protein, you're getting more carbohydrates than you need.
Most importantly, you are asking for serious health problems. The longest
known post GBS patient was told to eat 150 grams of protein per day, and a
sedentary person, to maintain 150-160 pounds, needs 55-60 grams per day,
minimum. If you exercize like you should or body build, you need more like
a minimum of 100 grams. I was a professional athlete and an iron pumper
for years, and there's a reason the body builders but the protein powders.
If you don't eat it, your body has to have it to rebuild and it can and
will take it from your muscles, including your heart.
Good luck and eat healthy, :-) Dusty
— Dusty Ray Vaughn
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