For insurance purposes I have to show that I am committed to weight loss and have to lose weight during the six months pre-op but there's no set amount.  I'm aiming for a pound a week but haven't hit the mark just yet.  MyFitnessPal came up with the daily calorie intake of 1200-1300 based on the information I gave it.  My PCP came up with the 1400-1500 daily intake.  I've been following your doctor on Facebook.  I find his Farmacy articles really interesting.  He and Dr. Matthew Weiner support plant based diets for their bariatric patients.  Not many bariatric doctors do that. 

My pre-op diet (not the liquid) didn't involve counting calories. It was eat 100g protein a day, no more than 100g carbs. In that I had to include one protein drink a day. I did not have to count non-starchy veggies in my carb count. 64oz liquids a day. It was easier and I lost weight. Just an alternative. You need to start getting used to counting your protein. If you want to take the low meat/no meat route that is fine, but you need to be practicing how to get that protein in. Esp. in the beginning when you can't eat a lot. Do you eat eggs? 2 eggs and 2 slices Applegate farms turkey bacon = 28g protein. Greek yogurt, has high protein. Cottage cheese - 15g in 1/2 cup. Berries are the lowest sugar fruit from what I understand. 1 cup sliced strawberries has 13g carbs. Now is the time to practice. Good Luck!

Yes, I eat eggs and dairy products.  Thanks for the advice.

This is my plan for today.  I haven't had any of it yet.  I'm hoping I won't be hungry with this, but I never know from one day to the next how hungry I will be.  The PCP doesn't have me on any food restrictions, just to do my best to stay within a calorie range.

Your Food Diary For:

  Sunday, March 15, 2015

Honestly, this diet goes against EVERYTHING we all have been told.  I think I gained a pound reading it. 

Well, you have a lot of carbs on this day -- 172!  I don't know what your program recommends, so I will go by my own which is the Cleveland Clinic.  Pre-surgery, I was to remain under 80 grams of carbs per day.  Post surgery, I am to have 35-40 per day during weight loss and 50 to 80 in maintenance. At 80 grams pre-op I was ravenously hungry.  I lost better and was less hungry when they dropped under 50.  

Not only is it much harder to lose weight eating a large number of carbs, it creates more cravings and hunger due to your insulin response.  Although you are eating "healthy" foods -- it is definitely not going to work post-op on any plan I have ever seen?  Does your dietician have some suggestions on how to modify the post op diet to work for you with your desire not to eat meat during the "honeymoon" phase?  He/She would probably be your best resource.  I wish you lots of luck.

I haven't seen a dietician or nutritionist yet but it will be on the top of my discussion list when I am scheduled for an appointment.

Have you shown this to your nutritionist?

I don't have a nutritionist, but I show my food logs to the PCP.  She doesn't have me on any food restrictions, just restricted calories. 

You may want to see if you can get a referral to a dietician to help you since you have special dietary needs.  I don't think most PCPs really understand nutrition -- especially for bariatric patients -- and what it takes to be successful long term after surgery.  

You seem highly motivated, so, I think if you had someone really working with you to optimize your intake, you'd be better off.  It's really hard to get it all under control without restricting meat and truly, anyone would be hungry eating that many carbs with so few calories.  You are doing amazingly well considering.  Get someone professional to help you out!  Right now you are running against the wind.