New to this message board

I am new to this website and have been following what others have said for the last few days. I had my RNY February 3rd and have lost about 55 pounds so far. I am having a very hard time getting my fluids and my food portions in. I have not had trouble getting the protien in but anything else, I just don't have the time. Between work, kids, and other numerous things I just can't seem to get it all in. Also it seems that if I drink enough fluid I don't have enough room for the food I am supposed to be eating and if I drink less fluid I can eat a little more. Help!

Greetings Jacque, welcome to the board. I too struggle to get in all of my water. I am a schedule oriented person and I try to follow all the rules. What I have done is scheduled myself more strictly at work--because activities at home are chaotic and change so much. I was told to stop drinking a half hour before eating and not to resume until 1 hour after eating. If you can drink while you are working, then maybe you can immitate my schedule: 6:30 am--Breakfast 7:30-9:00 am--get 2 coffee mugs of liquids (I have been drinking decaf tea or sf hot cocoa in the mornings) 9:30 am--break (eat a small meal) 10:30 am-11:30 am---get 1 coffee mug of liquid (crystal lite or ice tea) 12:00 pm--LUNCH (eat a small meal) 1:00-2:00 pm--drink 1 coffee mug of liquid **** water) 2:30 pm---break (eat a small meal) 3:00-4:00---drink 1 coffee mug **** water) My coffee mug holds 12 ounces, so by the time I leave work at 4pm, I have already had 60 ounces of liquid. Sometimes I get really busy at work and forget to fill up my mug, so I have to make it up at home before bed. But for the most part, on a daily basis, this system works the best for me.

Good advice Dorothy. I break up my day too with eating and drinking. So far no problems getting the fluids and the protein in. When we go anywhere I take a insulated water bottle with me too so that I always have water with me and I make a point to sip away at it. Finally had to buy one for my husband too cause he found he really liked the water too when we are out. Mary

Thank you Dorothy for your advise. I think that I just need to get into a more structured routine. I work at school and only get a half hour lunch break but if I schedule myself to drink so much by a certain time, maybe I will get a lot more of my fluid in. Thanks a bunch!!

Jacque, Welcome to the board. You really have done well with our weight loss too. Hope you get some good ideas that will work for you. Mary

Welcome, Jacque! I am really enjoying this board and hope you will also. I am not going to give any advice because what works for me isn't necessarily good for everyone and I have a hard time getting in my water and food daily too. Enjoy this group, they seem like a good bunch to me!

Welcome Jacque! I am like dorothy a very scheduled person as it is the only way i would get things done due to my crazy schedule. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully with your weight loss.

Hi Jacque, Welcome!! My doctor gave me some simple advice that's helped me alot with the "getting everything in" thing. She said worry about getting in your vitamins, your water and your protein. If you get those things in, your body will get all that it needs. If you can get food in besides, then that's bonus, but worry most about the big three...the food will come in time. One trick that works for me is eating light yogurt. Like the protein shakes, you get a "two fer." The yogurt count towards your food/protein count (usually about 8g) and your fluid count. Good luck and keep in touch Darrin

Darrin, Thank you for passing on this advice. I guess I need to concentrate more on the necessities. I thought that if I didn't get everything in that I would not be getting enough nutrients, but your right, those are the three things the doctor seems to impress upon. Thanks again, you have been a great help. Jacque