Looking at food logs....have a couple questions...

I have been looking at everyone food intake and I am finding this very helping as I prepare for my surgery. I have been writing this all done. I have a couple of questions...... Are any of you eating bread and if so what kind..... I have noticed sandwiches, burgers, etc, and I wondered if it was with bread or without? Are you guys eating mayo, ketchup etc? Are any of you drinking soda again? I saw that some of you are eating steak, pork chops..etc do you have a heard time with this and how long before you started eating these types of meat? I saw that some of you are eating popcorn, cheese and crackers etc for snack foods. How much or how many are you eating? I think this is goign to be the toughest part for me.. Not picking at snack foods. I started the protein drinks, crystal light, vitamins, eating smaller portions, and not drinking after eating in preparation for surgery. Trying to get a head start. Any more ideas on things you found difficult and wish you had started before surgery? Any tips you can share? Thanks Lisa

Hi there! Well I can only speak for myself of course. But I would be happy to answer any questions. If I order something out and it comes with bread, I might eat a bit of it, like 2 bites. But when I make meals at home, it never involves bread. I don't even keep it in the house. This isn't strickly a carb thing, its just that its so filling to me at this stage and I'd rather concentrate on the protein part of my meal. I have had mayo, ketchup and other condiments but in pretty small quantities. They taste different to me now. For instance Ketchup seems sooo sweet now. I never even noticed it had sugar before surgery. But I drench everything in hot sause. Since surgery, I like everything spicy. I don't drink soda. I've heard everything from it will strech your stomach to it will cause you to dump so I just stay away for the time being. I've only been eating steak for the past month or so. So I was about 3 months post op when I started. No problems so far. I eat it well done and I chew it even more carefully than I do everything else. Goes down fine. I don't usually do "snacky" snacks like crackers and things b/c they are higher in carbs. I eat cheese however, one of my fav post op foods. What I usually eat for a snack, when I have one, is soy chips (surprisingly tasty), South beach bars and no sugar added ice cream bars. Eating things with more protein in them keep me from being hungry, or looking for more snacks. I usually have Carb Countdown Milk at night to keep myself from snacking. As for general tips, I would suggest planning meals in advance, thats what I have been trying to do. I wish I had begun that before surgery. Its keeps you from making poor food choices. Follow your doctor's advice and go to support groups, they are a great help. Good luck!!

Hi Lisa, I eat minimal amounts of carbs. The more I eat, the more I crave, so I make an effort to minimize them. Also, they don't fill me up like protein does. I eat ketchup, but I don't care for mayo, never have. I do not drink soda. I've tried, but it makes me feel terrible after a sip or two, so I just avoid it. I drink a lot of crystal lite. I eat meat. Some doesn't go down to well, but if I stay with good cuts of beef and pork, I'm fine. Hope that helps!!!

Hi Lisa, Good questions. I try to stick to South Beach diet foods. Whole grains for bread, make sure it says 100% whole grain and make sure the fiber is up there. No enriched breads (usually contains white flour). I try to limit snack foods like crackers, pop corn etc, they are triggers for me. I try to stick to nuts, protein bars and cheese. I eat a lot of steak (good cuts), hamburg, I get sick on Chicken. You will find out after surgery what you will be able to handle. I also have not been able to find a protein drink that I can stomach so I stick to protein bars and use other forms of protein supplements. What you are doing is fine, your taste buds will probably change after surgery, and what you will be able to eat. Some people have trouble with certain things. I can also eat cookies, ice cream and candy, but not brownies, cake or pop tarts. At least that's what I have tried (stupid me). The only other thing you could start doing is an exercise program. Walking is great at this time. Pam

Hi Lisa I was told to stay away from white pasta, rice and bread as it can block the stoma to your intestines therefor I eat whole wheat pasta, brown rice and rye bread or any whole grain bread. I can't do dairy because I have become lactose intolerent since my WLS. I hoping that this will some day pass. I eat 2 protein bars a day that has 20 gms of protein in each one, a lean cuisine or smart one for lunch and then I have a protein and vegies for supper. I eat breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, supper and another snack and lots and lots of water. I had surgery in Jan. 05 and have lost 62 lbs. I want to wish you the very best of luck on your journey to the slim side. Take care. Cindy