Nutritionist visit today---kinda long

Lisa H.
on 6/29/10 10:50 am - Whitehall, PA
So, I finally got to see a nutritionist and it only took 16 months from my surgery date to see one.  That's not too long of a wait, right?   At least I got there and on my own doing.

Anyway, I came out of there very satisfied.  She gave me numbers.  Calories, protein, fat, carbs.  She reminded me about back to basics.. protein first.  No drinking 30 mins before and 60 mins after.   1/2 my plate should be protein--and gave me a list of correct portion sizes for various proteins, 1/4 fruit or veggies, 1/4 starch/carbs. 

I told her that I don't really eat any rice, pasta or bread and she said that was fine.  She understands the fear and if I don't want to eat them, I don't have to.  But, she said that I can if I want as long as it's within reason.  So, now I won't feel guilty for eating a couple of the croutons off the salad or eating part of the tortilla shell on my quesadilla.  

She was great about explaining everything to me.  She was satisfied with how I have done so far and was confident in my ability to get the rest of the weight off.  She asked me what my weight goal was and when I told her 140 she kind of looked at me funny.  Then she took out her little calculator and figured out what 75% of my excess weight would be and said that 145 is a reasonable goal.  Right now, I'll be happy to get to 169.  That is my short term goal.  

She was also thrilled when I showed up with my food journal from Sparkpeople because she recommends that and fitday to people.  From what she said, they recommend doing at least 40 mins of exercise 4x a week or 160 mins total per week.  When I told her that last week I only went twice, but did 2-60 min classes each time, she said it was great and more than their recommended amount, but not to let that stop me from doing more.  Of course I won't stop going more often.  I need to get in there more.  

She also validated the whole YES I need some carbs and more calories to support the intensity of exercise I do.  YES muscle weighs more than fat so I may not get down to 145, but my % of body fat will decrease dramatically.  YES protein shakes are good for after the gym, but I should not be using them for meals because of how fast they will go through and make me hungry again.  YES, they recommend at least 1 snack a day and she supports my shake as a 2nd snack because of my activity level.  

When I got there she weighed me and I have lost 3.5 lbs since I saw the dr on June 17!! I am still up from my lowest, but at least the scale is moving back in the right direction.  Speaking of scales, she recommended getting on the scale once or twice a week to remain accountable. And, of course, she wants me to keep tracking my food. 

OK..if you have gotten this far, thanks for reading.  I just had to share because I know I've been down on myself for awhile and today's appointment really helped me a lot.

My tracker

hers 

Dawn S.
on 6/29/10 10:59 am - Spring Grove, PA
Congratulations Lisa-- sounds like it went well.  Nice that she gave you definable goals and some guidelines to get there.  Good luck!
 
HW 326/SW 296/CW 168                           
Nicole0216
on 6/29/10 11:14 am - Lancaster, PA
wondeful news
enasangels
on 6/29/10 11:24 am - PA
Congrats on getting to the Nut.  The guidelines are interesting, as our nut did not really give us to many, and when I get to see her for my 6 month visit next Tues. I will have lots of questions for her, and you have given me some to add.  I am so glad she validated that you are doing great, and now you don't have to be so hard on yourself, but to keep doing what you have been doing.  Keep up the good work.
Hugs Ena

"Journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."


 

 

 

                
lynnc99
on 6/29/10 9:08 pm
Lisa, I'm curious what she recommended to you as far as calories, fat, carbs, and protein at this stage and with your activity level. Care to share?
Lisa H.
on 6/29/10 9:26 pm - Whitehall, PA
Of course I'll share..   I'll even give you the breakdown of what they recommend for men vs women and what stage you are.

TIME OUT         TOTAL AMT OF FOOD          TOTAL CALS PER DAY         PROTEIN PER DAY
                              PER MEAL

0-6 MOS              1/4-1/2 c                                    600-800                                 F: 60 g, M: 75g
6-12 MOS            1/2-1c                                         800-1000                              F: 60 g, M: 75g
12-18 mos          1-1 1/4C                                    1100-1300                            F: 60 g, M: 75g
18 mos +             no more than 1 1/4 C             1300-1500                           F: 60g, M: 75 g

Now for me, she said 1-1 1/4C of food, 1200 cals, 70-80g protein, 100-130g carbs, 40-50g fat.  At least 160 mins of exercise per week


The paper does not have the carb/fat breakdown for general info.

I didn't even have to ask for the carb breakdown.  She gave it to me!

My tracker

hers 

Pam Hart
on 6/29/10 9:28 pm - Easton, PA
Oooh - I didn't even THINK to ask you to share this info...but it's definately GREAT advice...I'll be coming back to this post and will be printing it out!
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.
Pam Hart
on 6/29/10 9:14 pm - Easton, PA
Ok, so the ONLY thing I disagree with is the whole no drinking for 60 mins after.  I disagree, I might add, because I would NEVER do it.  End of story.  30 mins is what I was taught...and in all honesty, need to get back to doing.

EVERYTHING else sound PHENOMENAL and I'm glad you got the validation you needed and DESERVE.  Key word, DESERVE.  Because you have rocked the program without a whole heck of a lot of doctor/nutritional support and by gosh woman, that's freaking phenomenal in and of itself, let alone going to on your OWN to get to a nutritionist.  KUDOS!

I was talking the other day about carbs and other "bad" foods and how some people have completely eliminated food items...refined carbs...added sugar...whatever the case may be.  And I have always lived by "I did this to learn moderation" and, for the most part, I have learned it.  Granted...there are days (or weeks, ahem) that "moderation" goes right out the freaking window and I'm a carb laden freak...but for the most part...I'm ok with having a slice of pizza, or having a whole wheat sandwhich thin.  I am, however, still, and always will be, an addict and need to continue to recognize that fact.

Anyway - sooooo glad you came away soooo happy with everything.  Rock it woman, and rock it proud.  Stand TALL (people like us need all the height we can get, don't ya know?)
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.
dit657
on 6/29/10 10:12 pm - Boothwyn, PA
Sounds like a great visit with her, Lisa - she gave you some great guidelines to follow and if you don't mind I'll be borrowing some of them myself as I have also gotten away from following some of the more important ones - mainly drinking with meals and watching the carbs.

I had a great nut prior to my WLS but sadly she left the practice where I was seeing her to start her own and I can't find her now, but she was instrumental in getting me started on losing weight and being healthier.

Congrats on all of your successes - you've done a fantastic job so don't be so hard on yourself - I looked at your profile pics from your company picnic and you look FANTASTIC!!

Kathy


'One shoe can change your life'...Cinderella
Happy to be in
Onederland

on 6/29/10 10:45 pm

So happy you got the info you needed to relieve the frustration.  I hope those numbers work for you.  Don't be afraid to tweak the fat and carbs down if you don't see a result.  Everyone burns off these two things differently.

Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.

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