Help with labels.

Ok we all know how much we love Liz and how she can be. So when I was at me appt last time (two weeks post op) we talk about food lables. I understand how to read them but I don't understand the ratio of protein to fats to carbs and stuff that we need. When I told Liz I knew how to read it but didn't understand it she just said it's just like your maitnance diet. you were on before. Ok, when I did that diet before I ate nothing from a box or anything. I am looking into buying some cereal but I have no idea what to buy since I don't understand this. What should I look for? Is Cream of Wheat good? Oatmeal? What about cold ones? I am so hungry since the pouch isn't too thrilled with meat at the moment. God Bless string cheese tho!

Hi Kathy, I just had my 8 week appointment today, and it seems that my surgeon is the only one who does not allow any carbs.  He reminded me that taking off the weight will never be as productive as it is in these first months.  He also told me not to be concerned with fats at this point.  I am averageing about 50-60 g of protein and about 600-700 calories, and that is all I count.  He told me as I start exercising more vigorously, I will need to bump up the protein and the calories, just without carbs.  As long as I take my vitamins faithfully and eat the required protein, I am good to go.  There are times when I have eaten a cracker, or tasted a sun chip, but it is not very often.   SW 261     CW 228   GW 145 

I was told that the weight control one from quaker is good. I bought it and it has protein in it, little fat, little calories considering how much you would be eating, and I bet you could add some protein into it! :) But don't take my advice until someone who has been there done that confirms :)

For the first few foods, I was told to think protein first.... not to worry about calories and fat as that will be later on and at this point you aren't eating ot much yet. With that said, my first soft foods were eggs, cream of wheat and unflavored oatmeal...   you might want to think of adding a scoop of protein into it to bump up the protein count in them...    Even now, once in a while, I'll have one envelope of the unflavored instant oatmeal prepared with water and I love to throw a scoop of Unjury Chocolate flavored protein into it to give it a nice chocolatey taste and that's what i have for breakfast.  I don't have it very often but when I do I always add that protein in it....

This is just my opinion--- but, having lead new patient meetings for years, and having been blessed to work with lots of post-ops over the past several years, I've seen that many people who get lost in the formula of protein to fats to carbs tend to (not all, mind you) have lots of difficulty for a few reasons. First, most of us become obese because we overconsume carbohydrates, and in particular simple (high-glycemic index) carbs. So, it is difficult to simply look at the bottom line carb grams and compare that to fats or protein. Our bodies just don't respond to all carbs the same-- so, some diet combinations within the proferred ratio will either inhibit hunger or promote it. Secondly, maximizing weight loss early on is dependent upon high protein and very low carbs (or any kind)-- however, to help stave off hunger, fats (which tend to have no carbs) tend to be a good substitue for the sugars and starches we once utilized. Certainly, as you progress, you start to need to consider minimizing your fat intaked (because at some point your body becomes aclimated to low-carb eating). But, at an early stage, as the others have advised, concentrate on high protein, low carbs and don't worry about the fat content.

I am definately one of those people who was a carb-o-holic and even post-op I am having trouble keeping the carb count down. I was told from my doctor to stay within 600-800 calories with at least 70 grams of Protein and fewer than 40 grams of Carbs per day. He never mentioned fats.  I have a tough time getting all 70 grams of Protein in and usually end up with 50-60 but as I can eat more food it's getting easier but the high protein food I like has lots of carbs, even my protein shakes have high carbs.   I guess what I am trying to figure out is how long should I not worry about the fats. I input my food into MyFoodDiary.com and I always get a frownie with my Sat Fats?