Confused Re: Maintenance diet

Help.... I am now just over a year out and I saw Elena(Dr A's dietician) 3 weeks ago and we reviewed what I thought was my diet( i.e: food plan). Basically, she said to do what I was doing with 2-3 oz protein 3-5x/day and start eating more fruit and vedgies. Then I saw Dr A. who said Is should only be eating a piece of meat the size of my hand 1x/day. He told me to eat oatmeal every morning. I have no idea how much. He also told me- No protein drinks or protein bars. When I mentioned I had seen Elena a few weeks before seeing him he said "She should have gone over the mainenance diet". That was it. So I have called Elena on Thursday and again on Friday and left messages to call me. I paid $60 and I have no idea what I should be eating and drinking. Can anyone out there who is a year out let me know what they are eating? On the food log everyone seems to be eating protein bars and protein at every meal. Linnie

Linnie, I am only 8 months out, but I do eat alot of protein. I do alot of cheese and crackers, some steak and some meat. Its not easy keeping alot of the beef down. I also have stock in protein bars and shakes. I love them and it helps me when I can't do the beef. I would suggest contacting Dr. Aranow again and asking for a menu or go to bariatriceating.com and they have alot of recipes you can follow for various meals. You will see on the site alot of the members have been out over a year, check our food/exercise every day to get ideas too. Everyone is very helpful on this site, we are like a family here. When you come on the site go to the Kathy/Joanie Exercise and Food Log everyday, we all log in what we did for the day, its so helpful to me, I get alot of great ideas and advice too from fellow members. Good luck sweetie, any questions don't hesitate to email me or any of the members. Hugs KimC

Hi Linnie: It is my opinion that the surgeons are not nutritionists and should leave the food plan to THE nutritionists. One other thing...the nutritionist really needs to be well versed in post operative bariatric issues. If you would like to email me, I could give you more info on other nutritionists in this area that perhaps would be more forthcoming in communication and responding quicker. Your profile says shoreline, CT. So I don't know where that is exactly in order to give you names. It can be confusing and without the guidance of a professional who can be there to explaiin things one can feel lost. Towanda

Hi Linnie, I keep my protein increase everyday but do eat more vetgetables and fruits each day. It is important to keep your protein high and Dr A is right about eat the size of your hand for meats. For me I refuse to eat Carb stuff and is very strict to use carb stuff. I force meats first then have fruit and vetgetable next. Let's make a date to get together with you and Terri. Email me! Hugs Kathy K

I can only offer what has worked for me. First, unless I needed more fiber in my diet, I would avoid oatmeal-- no benefit given that there are higher protein, lower carb sources of fiber. Secondly, your body doesn't know whether you are getting your protein from a shake, a bar or a piece of steak--- so, given the improtance of maintaining a high protein intake, I have (at nearly three years out), I continue to have an Atkins bar just about every day and a protein shake (or two) a few times a week. Third, for me, I found that I had good success following a low-carbohydrate, high protein eating regimine which is not necessarily the favorite system of nutritionists, but which was strongly advocated by my surgeon.

today is your anniversary. Keep up goodwork