Hunger or thirst?

If you look around these boards, or even go on different surgeon's websites you will see there are many different eating plans after surgery. I think what are universal rules though are- protein first, minimum 60-80g protein a day and minimum 64oz fluid. I know some people don't use shakes, but many do. You have to decide if that works for you. It works for me in the morning, as I don't feel like solid food usually. In the beginning especially, I would have been hard pressed to get all my protein in without a shake, or mixing some plain protein powder into my food. I am just going to say the not drinking before a meal is less important than not drinking after. After is minimum 30 min, sometimes I go longer.  Set timers... I still do sometimes so I don't forget to start drinking again. I was told I could eat up to 6 times a day.(not that I had to) I usually have my protein drink and eat 3 sometimes 4 more times. They are all small, so whether you call them a meal or a snack doesn't matter. and yes you can still be hungry. I heard people say "You will never be hungry again." No. Not true. Stick around and read these boards, there is a lot of good advice...

Thank you so much!  I've got a call in to my dr.'s office already this morning.  I'm hoping they call back soon to clear this up for me!  

Hi Diana. I had Rny on 8/7/15 with dr Graber who is in the same practice as dr Baranov. I have the same list as you do, along with the same concerns. We can eat mashed potatoes. (What nutritional value are mashed potatoes really?). I know I am not getting enough protein following grabers diet. It is something we definitely should ask about. Do you go to the support group meetings?  There is one tonight. Angie is the bariatric coordinator and she is a good person to ask about our protein requirements, and protein shakes. I plan on going to next Thursday's meeting. Hope to meet you at one of the meetings. I have received great advice on this forum. For example ditch the potatoes and crackers!  I tried 1/2 cup velveta Mac cheese. Needless to say I DUMPED! I thought my husband was going to have to take me to the ER!  There is so much added sugar!   Good luck and keep us posted!  

Oh, my word!!! I'm so glad you went to the same Doctor!!! I just called the office to ask the nurses since the Dietitian wasn't there.  They're going to get back to me later this morning since I'm back to teaching today!  I really find that many things on that list are so useless!  Why would anyone suggest mac and cheese to someone who's trying to lose weight?!  And I'm so not having any of the crackers or bread any more.  I told them that it's carbs I'm addicted to and the more I eat the more I want!  Crystal said that they never tell people to eat a certain amount of protein, but that protein should be your first choice when eating.  But, if I'm only having 1/2 cup of kidney beans there are only 7.5 grams of protein in them.  I told her that I don't want to feel like I have to snack during the day since once I start, I'm done for!  I can't wait to see you at the next meeting.  I realized there was one too late last night.  I'll try to connect with you before then, though!  It would be great to have someone local to talk to!!!  I live in Clifton Park.  Thanks!

That's so strange that your surgeon's office says they would 'never tell people to eat a certain amount of protein'. Holy cow, that's an insane idea!  My surgeon is the exact opposite. He says "I don't care how many calories you eat, as long as you get at least 80g protein".  Protein deficiency is really scary, and I know I will be doing all I can to avoid it!  The suggestions here are really good. 

I thought I would add that instead of crackers for a snack, try the Babybel Light Cheese.  It's a small round of cheese individually-wrapped and inside some wax.  You can get them at most grocery stores.  It's 50 Calories and 6g protein (0 carbs).  Much better than crackers!.

I love those cheeses!  I've called the dr.'s office to see if I can add cheese, or an extra yogurt.  They also don't have me count calories. They just have me make sure I don't eat more than 1/2 a cup at each meal.  The focus should be on protein, but when that's all you're eating and you want any amount of veggies, or fruit, etc, it's hard to get any good amount of protein in!  Oy, vey!!!

On the 18th I will be 13 years out from surgery. I have not eaten a cracker in all that time . I do rarely have a piece of 12 grain bread with slice of deli meat but even that is rare. Even now if I feel 'hunger' I have some flavored water . This is a lifetime journey don't start out on the wrong foot

That's what I'm trying to avoid!  Thanks for the advice!!!

I do believe that at the last support group meeting Angie  (bariatric coordinator) said goal is at least 50-60gm. But this early into it you can't possibly get in enough only eating 1/2 c. Three times daily. So They want you to focus on getting enough hydration. Biggest rehospitalization is due to dehydration.  Yes, absolutely protein first.  I never asked about the protein shakes. I just figured there is a reason. However if u have one as a "meal" I personally think it's ok, But They want you eating "food" to make sure your pouch can tolerate the new foods introduced. Dr Graber has been doing this for years and they have a certified award of excellence, with many success stories. I do trust his staff. You just have to modify for your personal needs. This forum has been wonderful. It has a lot of information and great success stories. Still what ever you decide confirm with your Dr first. My thought process is whatever has the most protein is what I'm choosing to eat. I ditched carbs. I too was eating two crackers. (The list said I could). But what nutritional value is in those crackers? If we can only eat 1/2 c per meal I want it to be worth every nutritional value to my body. There is a meeting tonight at 630. You may want to attend to ask all these questions. We are in this together and we all are learning. Hey, I don't think I EVER ate healthy in my life. I don't have a clue when I walk in the grocery store!  I'm lost. Potatoes chip and ice cream I could find with my eyes closed. Haddock? Kidney beans? Veggies?  Learning my new lifestyle day after day. Good luck!!! 

So, tonight's the meeting?  I thought it was last night?!  I may be able to make it!!!  Is it in 1 West Ave or the other place where the info. session was?  Also, I spoke with Crystal and their response basically was that I can not have anything other than 1/2 an egg in between meals if I get hungry and that I need to get in more water. I asked about cheese sticks, more yogurt, and other things that are already on the list, and the response was no, don't do that, just eat 1/2 an egg because it has the protein. Yogurt was a no because it's not as solid as an egg.  Hmm. Maybe I'll see you tonight?