Post Op "Grads", how do you eat?

When I went to my one year post-op visit, the doctor said to eat between 1000 - 1500 calories a day. When I asked what that broke down to as far as protein, fats. etc., she said that question would be better answered by the Nut. Well the Nut. wasn't there that day so they said that they would have her mail me something when they mail back my bloodwork results. The waiting is driving me nuts!!! I am anal, I will admit that. But I need a framework, some sort of guideline so I know whether I am following the "rules" or not. So.. those of you who are further out. How do you eat? Are you counting calories alone? Living the South Beach diet? Closing your eyes, opening your mouth and hoping for the best? Let me know what the real "grad" lifestyle is like. Feel free to email me privately if you would like. Thanks in advance! -Christine D. (who, for the record, has been trying to stick to 6 small protein based meals a day, not including a protein bar here and there = about 100g a day, eating 75g of carbs a day, suggested to regulate blood sugar, while pretty much ignoring fat counts)

Hi Beautiful! Frankly I don't count calories. You see from my food logs I am basically running on what I was taught during my "Journey". I know that a slice of ham wrapped up with a slice of cheese is ok for breakfast, Or 6 large shrimp with a little sauce is an ok lunch.I understand you need to keep track of your carbs to control you blood suger but i bet you pretty much already know what you have to eat to keep that pretty regular. I know enough that I will never have a"Mc Burger or fries" Ok may sneak a fry or two, but we know what food groups we are allowed to have. I stick with protiens, be they meat, fish, or chicken, or Soy. Throw in a little carb be it rye toast, a few triskits, or a litte pasta. Have salad at least 5 times a week and other veggies the rest of it.Like you said, throw in a few Protien bars and shakes, a few cheese sticks and "Wala".Have banned "Pringles" from my house as they are just way too addictive! Keep fruit available, and thats about it. Just surround myself with proper food choices and take my vitamins. That and regular workouts does it for me. Hope I was of some help Christine. Take Care and know you will be ok! Be Well, Julio

Thanks for the reply Julio! You are the best. Yes, what you said is very helpful actually. I need to know how successful post ops are managing their food intake further out so that I can get ideas and be sucessdul myself. Thanks a bunch!

Christine - If you're interested in speaking with a group of long term post-ops, I invite you to join us at our next support group at St Raph's. My 'Stay the Course' group is meeting next Thursday (4/27) at 6pm in the Auditorium Conf room. It's a group of post-ops that are out over 1 year and may give you some great insight into the lives of long term WLS post-ops. Just a thought! Hope to see you!! Hugs!! Carla OH Support Group Leader

Hi Carla! Thanks for the reminder about the group. I always forget when it is held, which is a shame b/c I live right here in New Haven. Unless work is crazy on Thursday, I will be there right at 6. Thanks!