7 weeks post op..What are you eating?

I am 7 weeks post op and having a hard time figuring out what to eat. My surgeon didn't really give me any guidance on what to eat. I know protein is important but alot of things high in protein is high in fat...so does the fat content not matter. Is it better to use the light version of things? Or are we supposed to be completely on the Adkins diet? Please Help. Alison Free open rny 3-3-04 -40pds

Alison, I talked to my dietician on the 20th and she saw my diary. She told me to try and stay away from bread because it swells in your stomach. She told me a good thing to eat is shreaded deli meat. Not the stuff you buy packaged up though. I would go to your local deli and get some turkey, ham or whatever you prefer. That also has some protien. Mainly, I am eating regular foods. For dinner last night I had pork chops with baked beans. It was about 3 bites of the pork chop and 3 spoon fulls of baked beans. I eat chicken, fish, pork, beef (but not often and not hamburgers...more or less maybe hamburger helper and only a couple bites) If you have a sandwhich...toast your bread. That is better and I think it helps absorb it better. Veggies and fruit is also good. Since your doc has no specific requirements at this point just try the best you can and eat as healthy as you can. Good Luck Bethany - 58 lbs

My food plan is lean protein, low fat and the right kind of carbs ( complex carbs). I am to eat my protein first, then veggies, then carbs if I still have room for them. I can have fresh fruit, but no more than 2 servings per day. I can have 'unlimited' fresh veggies. I also have to supplement my protein intake with protein shakes for an additional 100 grams of protein on top of whatever protein I eat.

Hi Alison: My doctor's guidelines are very straightforward. 70% protein and 30% vegetables. He says 3 bites of protein to 1 bite of vegetables. Since fat does impact that ratio I am trying to make lean protein choices. I have more detailed info if you want it. I like this plan because it is very easy to understand and I KNOW when I cheat! I am not quite on it yet because I am only 2.5 weeks out but I am already prepping myself for no carbs/sugar/etc for the weight loss stage (for one year). The patients in their group (3 physicians) do very well and they require an aftercare/support program. Hope that helps! Angela

I am about 7 weeks out and I could eat just about anything. I still have trouble with raw veggies and leafy veggies like spinach or greens. I eat any meat I want, post roast (soft pieces and a spoon of meat drippings on it or gravy), pork chops, hamburger patty (ground sirloin lower in calories). I don't think with our RNY bowel bypass that we metabolize fat the same as normal so I tend to not care about the fat, I eat fatty meats. I do the Atkin's type food program, around 20 or less carbs and high protein--sometimes as high as 130 g a day. I try and look at calories, so sometimes I make choices like tuna or some meats that are low in calories to keep it down. I get in enough protein without protein drinks so I don't do them anymore. A typical day for me will be--usually a scrambled egg with some type of "meat" hamburger patty usually with 1/4 cup grated cheese into an omlet. That is breakfast. Lunch will be 1 serving of meat (4 oz of meat or can of tunna) plus 1/2 cup of veggies--low carb type--green beans, asparagus, boiled cabbage, boiled zucchini. Dinner will be a repeat of lunch only different choices. Sometimes at night I will have Jello-Jigglers with Reddi-Whip. or maybe another serving of meat. That is usually it!

Hi Alison, I hope this note finds you well and healthy! The March 2004 Board needs your help. Please go to the Board and read the post, AND THE SURVEY SAYS, and PLEASE respond to it by answering the few questions. We really need to hear from you. Thank you! Maureen