I don't think I am normal...

Hi Guys, I am looking for a little insight here. I had my RNY on June 14, 2006. I have lost 117 lbs. It has slowed down some but I am still losing inches. Here is my questions, when I read the boards and look at what other people are eating I am very very limited still in my choices (by my own choice most of the time). I did have a few complications in the begining and a few trips back to surgery due to scar tissue blockages but an example would be I have had NO sugar, bread, pasta of any kind since the surgery. I eat very limited amounts of carbs and a normal day of eating would consist of B- egg Frittata (made in a muffin tin) with egg, ham, and cheese L- Lunchable (don't eat the crackers) just the turkey or ham and cheese S-2 laughing cow light squares D-small bowl of white chili (from curves cookbook) S-2 oz of beef jerky It seems to me that lots of people at my stage 6 months out have tried lots of different foods and are eating a wide range of things including salad and carbs but I am just afraid to try anything outside from low carb and high protein. I even saw someone that was also 6 months out suggest raw veggies to someone as a snack. I was shocked because my nut stated not until at least 9 months out. I don't miss the wide range of foods at all in fact when I crave now I crave protein but I just wondered what most people are eating at this stage. Thanks, Shannon

Hi Shannon, Most days I can tolerate almost any food. Raw veggies in small amounts do not give me any grief and I have been eating salad for a while now. I can understand your worry. I remember being very bored with limited food choices. On the other hand though, with my menu fully open, I am really struggling with staying on track....well, more like derailing I think. I wouldn't necessarily want the frustration that came with limited food choices, but I also think that, in my case, it would have given me more time to redevelop my poor eating patterns. I need to take a step back and get back to a focus on protein. I hate to say that I envy how you are staying focused on an appropriate menu, because I don't want to sound like I am minimizing your concern. I think your weight loss has been remarkable and you sound like you are paying very good attention to your body and what it needs. Good luck with your journey. Lori

I love me some raw veggies! My NUT said 3-4 months out I could start eating fruits and veggies but be careful with the skins. At now almost 7 months out I eat fruits/veggies (including skins!) all the time. Every day I eat a salad made from romaine, spinach, cukes, carrots, celery... mmmm mmm good! My NUT said starting at 4 months out my meals should be protein, veggies/fruit then carbs/starch last. Of course everybody gets a different plan but I would maybe double check with the veggies on yours I have eaten a variety of foods and continue to try things that are new all the time. I havent gotten sick or dumped yet so I have little fear when it comes to new foods. I love to walk up and down every isle of the grocery store and see whats out there and try new receipes all the time. You may not always find products that are low carb and high protein but there are things out there that are good for you. Dont be scared to get out there and try new things. As for what Ive been eating heres some of the things Breakfast - South Beach Pnut Butter Cereal Bar, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese w/fruit Lunch - Salad (I eat salad everyday!) and turkey and cheese wraps, tuna on crackers, leftovers from dinner (see below), pb&j (nautral pnut butter, locarb pita breads, SF jelly), cottage cheese, yogert and of course some fruit - grapes, apple, pineapple etc Dinner - baked chicken, meatloaf, shredded mexican style chicken, tacos (usually without the shell just the meat, cheese, sour cream), turkey and cheese roll ups (sometimes with lettuce as "bread") and then a veggie - mixed, green beans, squash and zuc and some fruit Snacks - I dont eat snacks often but now and then I need something... I like fruit, veggies, fruit leather, apple dipped in yogert, string cheese (I am an addict!), cottage cheese, cheese and crackers or cheese and turkey 'roni etc. Thats just a basic idea... as you can see I eat a variety of foods but am still low carb and high protein. I eat 60-80g protein a day and 30-60g carbs.

I guess my point is I don't think I am normal because I am not willing to get out there and try new things. I don't see the point in trying lots of new things (bread, sugary, or fatty foods) when I don't have to. I am satisfied in my very mondane and somethings boring food choices because if I CAN tolerate sugar or bread or pastas I don't want to know. I don't want to get into any of my old habits. I also see no nut. value in eating letttuce. At least in Iceburg Lettuce. I constantly think "Oh that might make me sick" so I just don't eat it. That helps me stay on track. I am not really looking for new ideas of what to eat but more I am seeking insight into if I have been too strict on myself or are other people still very limited in their food choices by their own choice. Thanks, Shannon

My point was to show you dont have to be scared to try things... Im not saying to try bread, sugary or fatty foods... I dont believe I listed any. As for eating lettuce... I eat romaine with spinach in my salad... romaine is nutritions and spinach has iron in it - both are excellent choices. Its hard to say if you are being to strict because you said you cant have fruits/veggies until 9 months out. Its important to eat a balanced diet and get as much vitamins and nutrients from foods. When you eat the same few foods constantly your body will get bored and you would typically not be getting everything you need unless you eat eating extremely well balanced. There are a lot of people out there who keep themselves limited like you. The majority of people I see who post are within their first year (typically around 6 months). I cannot say if that type of eating would last long term but I would think eventually it would... but thats just my opinion. For me it is a matter of personal choice... of wanting to live a happy well balanced life and be able to enjoy what I eat. For some I think limiting what they eat to just a few things allow themselves to have more control. They may fear if they eat more than what they consider safe they will get off track. In many cases that is true because surgeons warn against drinking soda or trying sugary foods because if you find you can tolerate you may go crazy. Also it could be a trigger food... kinda like people who smoke and drink... they want to quit smoking, but then they have a drink and just have to smoke. Not comparing in any way shape or form but thats what anexorics do - they eat the same few foods that they deem "safe foods" so it gives them a sense of control over their eating (well, lack there of). I just state that to give a backup of how people feel in control of themsevles. Good luck to you!

Shannon- As long as you are happy with your food choices I don't see the problem. I must say that I truely envy you and wish I had shown more restraint in the foods I choose to eat. I can eat anything and not get sick. I have never dumped or had the foamies. The only times I have thrown-up was from eating too fast or not chewing enough. I can eat tons of sugar or fatty foods and it does not bother me. I wish I had never found that out. I am struggling now with eating too many carbs and have gained 3lbs since the first of the year. So I guess what I am trying to say is that while you may eat limited food there is nothing wrong with that unless it is making you unhappy. If you feel you have an excessive fear of new foods than there might be a problem. In that case you might want to talk to someone about it and get it worked out. But if you are happy and not being obsessive than I say run with it. You have embraced your new lifestyle and are working your tool to full advantage. MichiGirl

Shannon, Michigirl is very wise. Her words made a lot of sense to me. I too wish I had been more careful with venturing out to try new things. Congratulations on your efforts, it seems to be working for you--besides, what's normal? I am guessing that with a process such as this there really is no normal. Lori