How much can you eat?

Hi Annette, Like everyone one else, I'm a little different. I usually only eat one meal a day (dinner/supper), during the day I might have a piece of cheese (lowfat) or maybe some cream of chicken soup. My doctor is very stringent about when I can have different foods. I'm not supposed to eat any beef for at least 3 months and if I can stand it not until I'm 6 months out. He insists on high protein foods, but still very soft (2 oz at a time). I'm not supposed to eat vegetables for another couple of weeks and then only after I've had my protein for the day. He also said no potatoes/corn (which of course are my fav's) No bread/cereal, but he allows his patients to drink sodas if they are diet. I'm still having a hard time getting enough water in. Water seems to make my stomach HURT, I can eat ice and I'm ok but who wants to eat ice in January. I drink decaf tea and skim milk. the Crystal Lights I've tried seem to be too sweet and make me feel queasy. I'm finally walking enough for my doctor. He wants me to walk at least 1 hour a day, six days a week. Thats been hard, both because of the weather and because I can't take my glucosamine yet. Oh well, I get a little better every day, and I'm so glad I had the surgery. Keep up your efforts and good luck Kimberly

My doctor said to eat 1/2 cup portions for my meals, so I do that. It makes it much easier to follow the rules. I used to "be able to eat more" and that's how I ended up huge like this, so sticking with a set portion in advance is important to me. Sometimes I can't eat it all, but I try. I'm on the modified regular diet, so I try to do a whole grain here and there (ie. light healthy grain english muffin half, kavli cracker, 1/3 whole grain tortilla, etc) I eat 3 meals at about the same time every day. Doc says keeping a schedule like that is important. In between meals I drink protein shakes and at least 64oz of water per day. On average I take in about 120 grams of protein per day. At least 68 grams of that is from the shakes. I stop drinking 30 min before and after meals. I try to start drinking at the 30 min mark, so I don't have a problem fitting in all my water. I have to be careful with my fats because I apparently dump from them. I made tuna salad last night and grabbed the regular hellman's without noticing and after eating I dumped for the first time - big time. It was awful! I laid in bed wimpering and crying as my hubby held my hand. I went to sleep after that because it was so exhausting. ~ Kim 309/269/130

I eat three meals a day plus my protein drink and maybe a protein bar. I always measure my foods to 4 oz. If I can eat it all I will, if not I won't. When I eat tuna fish or salmon in the can I don't eat the whole 4 oz. I think only 2 oz. I will just put it in the fridge and have it at another meal. I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast with protein powder. I put splenda in it and it is good. I had been eating scrambled eggs with cheese. In the last week I have noticed that I feel normal finally without wanting to when I eat. I do not eat hamburger meat or red meat or chicken yet. It sits too hard in my chest and is uncomfortable. I try to wait 1 hour after eating to drink. I think that is the most difficult thing of this process so far. I loved to gulp something cold down while eating! Take Care Janna