Guess what?? I eat!!

On the main RNY board somebody always starts a "what did you eat today post". I scroll thru and see people 5,6,7++ months out barely eating. If you havent seen them you should check them out... somebody around 6 months out said they ate a piece of turkey and cheese, 1/2 a taco and some carrots or something for the whole day.. somebody else ended up eating a whole protein bar (made it 2 meals!) and something else small... Anyways, I am almost 9 months out and feel I eat pretty "normal".. I aim to eat a well balanced meal (protein, fruit/veggie/starch) and eat my 3 meals plus a snack or two a day. I see a serious lack of fruits and veggies on most peoples parts... I know all of our plans are different but I cant imagine a Dr telling somebody to live off protein shakes and bars??!!?!?! I think some people think the less they eat the more successful they will be. The way I look at it is the goal of the surgery is to give you a tool that allows you the opportunity to have a healthy realtionship with food. In the first 6 months post-op to 1 year you should be taking that time to re-learn how to eat (yes??no??)... only this time properly! During this time your body is also learning and adjusting itself to be able to survive off the limited calorie intake. I just wonder what happens to people *****strict what they eat - are they doomed in the long run? I cant imagine eating only 500 calories for the rest of my life. I of course dont want to go back where I was but I think the surgery is about finding the proper balance in your life. Just wanted to see what others opinions were on this....

I am only just beginning to consider the surgery option and I am so encouraged by your post. This is what I am looking for also and some of the other post have concerned me. Has anyone had their by-pass done in Pinehurst?

I totally agree with you. I am only 10 weeks out and I was surprised to see how little people ate as well. I try to eat 3 oz of protein at each meal plus I eat a fruit or vegetable with every meal. I also noticed too that most people are not eating a balanced meal. I know we are suppose to eat smaller meals, but I think better choices of what those meals are would help. I have only gotten sick 2 times since surgery and it was because I ate too fast and I also drank with my food at one meal. I have to remind myself to eat and at what time since I don't get those hunger pains. I also know that you can lose weight without eating the calories but it is much slower and can cause health problems. I also have learned that the more I eat the more weight I lose. The weeks that I didn't eat as much I lost less. Amanda Stone-Secrest 261.5/211.5

Jennifer, thanks for your post. I have been thinking the same thing for some time. I know everyone is different but sometimes I'm stunned by what people are eating each day. I am 6 weeks out and I try and eat 5-6 times a day...small of course but still I try to get in at least 800 calories. Paige

I saw that you were from Raleigh and wanted to invite you to a support group meeting that we are starting for this area.  Let me know if you are interested in more information. I would love to know more about your journey!  -Candice  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NC/a,messageboard/board_id ,4829/cat_id,4429/topic_id,3322970/action,replies/page,1/#25 739156