6 month post op... South Beach,tracking calories, fat, protein

Hi all, Just had my 6 month week of Thanksgiving. Down 88lbs since this all began, down 73lbs since my day of surgery. Feeling awesome, exercising about 4-5 times a week, but eating too much food. It's good food, veggies/meat/low fat dairy...just bigger portions than my surgeon's program says I should be at this time (1/2 cup of chewed food per meal) and only 3 meals a day...no snacks. I started following the South Beach diet to try and cut out the carbs that I was eating with empty calories. I really enjoy it and have had no trouble following it so far. I have been tracking my food on fitday.com and have been eating well over my dr's guidelines of calories (600/day) and fat (30g). I'm doing awesome on my protein...way over the 40-60 that he has as the minimum. Just wondering what others are shooting for, actually eating and what your dr's say. Thanks for any comments in advance! Elle

Elle, Sounds like you are doing great!!!! My doctor, who has an excellent after care program, does not have strict guidelines about calories/fat. He just wants you to eat healthy and make good choices. We have to have several meetings with a dietitian prior to surgery to be sure we understood. We did have a "magic" number with the protein, which is 60. I feel like I can eat too much at times myself and try and be careful. I just do not take the time to do the "fitday" program. I would freak if I really found out how much I really ate. Normal for me is B-scrambled egg with cheese S-protein shake L-3/4 cup cottage cheese with shredded cheddar and flax seeds D-protein of some sort, spoon of peanut butter, slice of ham and cheese together, tuna with mustard s-protein shake To date I have lost 86 pounds but I am kind of flabby. Gotta hit the weights. Good luck with your continued success! Michele M

Elle - Seems like 600 cals is low at 6 months. I know you'll check this out with others, but I was eating 1000 calories at 3 months, losing well, with no hair loss or abnormal blood results. How long does your doc want you to stay at 600 cals? I'm interested in the South Beach diet as well. I need to check it out further. Best wishes! Ms. Healthy -120

Ms Healthy, Thanks for the post! My doc wants me to increase by 100 cal/month post op. So by a year out I'll be at 1200/day and then no more there after and never eating more than 1 c of chewed food per meal. I have been "lucky" with almost no hair loss and able to eat a variety of meat, fruit and veggies with ease. I haven't had my blood tested yet, but I feel good, so I'm not worried about low iron, B12, etc. If you want to have someone to chat with about SBD, feel free to email me whenever. I have really gotten into it...down 7lbs in a week and 1/2! I feel like I have a new surge of energy lately Chat soon! Elle