Fruits and Vegetables

     First, background - I had my DS in late March.  I had a HW of 383, and was 343 on the day I joined the dark side.  I've lost 84 pounds since surgery, with maybe 95 more to go.  Before surgery, I was a definite sweet tooth.  I satisfy that craving now with my protein shakes, Sweetleaf sweetener (I am sensitive to artificial sweeteners****asional pieces of 90% extra dark chocolate (maybe 1 or 2 squares a week), and fruit at the end of most meals. I try not to eat too much fruit - a half banana, a small donut peach, or a dozen green grapes tends to be a normal fruit with a meal.  I also put a half banana in my mid morning protein shake.  On the other hand, I am really struggling with vegetables.  I find with meals, maybe I can have a fork or two of veggies, mostly soft cooked veggies, and many meals, I have no veggies at all, only proteins and fats, and then a fruit at the end if I have room.  I am definitely getting in enough protein.   The question is, how important are the veggies?  Should I be trying to eat more of them?  I have not been able to tolerate salads and most raw veggies yet.  Also, am I overdoing it on the fruits?  I really haven't noticed other DSers eating much fruit on their menus.  Thanks everyone!

Ditch the banana...while it does have potassium, it's also very high carb. One medium banana is 27 carbs...try using watermelon, blueberries, etc instead.

I usually manage one veggie at dinner (usually one/two forkfuls myself) with mostly meat. Usually broccoli or cauliflower with a topping made of 1 cup of softened butter mixed with 1 cup of full fat mayo...(a DS'er's dream topping). ONLY time I bother with more than one veggie is if any of my family come over (all normies). The rest of the time it's just dh and I and we are both DS'er's.

DW did not do surgery, but has lost 160 herself by avoiding sugar and flour.  She is still struggling with understanding the fat needs for us as DSers, and felt that some cooked veggies are important.  Why watermelon  -  I would think high sugar content.  Blueberries are on the no no list for me, as their small seeds cause difficulties for me on the other side.  Same with strawberries unless I cut off the outside.  Frustrating, because I love both berries!  

Any recommendations of easy veggies for our systems? - I know asparagus seems to work well, as do any form of greens like spinach or kale, if cooked.  Also, a CUP of mayo and a CUP of butter - seems a little high for a few forkfuls!

Fruits are full of sugar and well, veggies are carbs too.  If you really want to lose the rest of the weight, eat more fat and less carbs.  After you have reached goal is the time to start finding out what you can tolerate in the carb department.  It may be that you can eat quite a few no way to tell.  And how much longer will you keep losing?  Again, no way to tell so lose now and carb later!

I love that, Patty!  I have been starting to add lotsa (well, some) fruits myself, just because i love them, and couldn't imagine a whole summer without my beloved melons.  That being said, in the back of my mind I'm thinking I could be screwing up my weight loss- 3 1/2 months out, 67 lbs.

Lose now...carb later!

Surgical team has an easy way to balance what we need.  In descending order, eat:  Protein, Produce, Carbs, Other Stuff.  I love fruits and veggies, so if I'm having them in a meal, make sure I get the protein in first, and if there's room, have fruits and veggies.  I am pleased with my progress so far, and I am hopeful my doctor will be as well when I see him next week.  (Yes, fruits and veggies have carbs but not as much as bread, pasta, rice, etc.)

Have you consulted your doctor/nutritionist?  They may offer better guidance depending on your history and blood levels.

I lost all of my weight doing just like Brienne does right now.

I eat my protein first, then some veggies.  I save a few bites, though, for whatever I want, be it fruit or even chocolate cake.  I'm pretty full at this point so I'm not getting into trouble with it, but I never, ever, felt deprived.  For your sweet tooth, check my profile.  I've got some wonderful protein-filled sweet snacks like flourless peanut butter cookies, ricotta fluff, and baked custard.