Poll for post-ops 2+ years out

So yesterday I got all preachy in a post about how eating for long-term post-ops differs (in my opinion) from eating when you are earlier out.

I don’t know that my opinions are right per se, but they are what they are. But I thought I’d poll other long-termers. What do you see as some fundamental differences to how you approach your eating decisions now that you are further out (and for the purposes of this question I’m going to say 2+ years)?

I’ll answer in a separate post.

 So as for my thoughts.

Well…firstly, I think that when we are newly post-op and incapable of eating anything in any volume, it’s ok to eat most anything in the name of protein. Cheese? It’s protein! Peanut butter? It’s protein! A fatty steak?  It. Is. PROTEIN!!!!

 

As a four year post-op, I realize that in the long-term, when you have regained a lot of your ability to absorb calories, you cannot keep this mentality. I don’t do much fat-free anything, but I also do not eat a bunch of cheese in the name of protein. I try to do lean proteins, a reasonable amount of fats (and yes, I do still eat cheese and peanut butter in their proper portions…not together though).

 

And while I know that many don’t count carbs, I do. I have to because carbs are what sit best in MY pouch. I also pay more attention to fiber and I pay more attention to the colors on my plate. I try to eat the rainbow as much as possible. Protein is the mainstay of my eating plan every day but I eat lots of fruits and veggies as well.

 

So that’s me.

When you say early out, I assume you mean after the initial phase when you are severly limited and can finally put more foods back into your life.

I don't think I'm eating all that much differently now except my quantities are probably bigger and I have let some treats back into my life. 

I still eat the same thing M-Th for breakfast/lunch/snacks at work.  Pack it up every Sunday for a week's worth.  My go to dinner when hubby and son are having something I don't feel I should eat is still a spinach salad with turkey or chicken, tomato, cucumber and if I have one, some avocado and light baslamic dressing.

I eat protein first, love my apples with low fat cheddar, still don't eat any pasta or rice.  Or anything with mayo (makes me feel sick and I fall asleep).  Can't do hamburgers, too greasy for my pouch. 

Love going to Yogurtland for my my weekend frozen yogurt with some chocolate chips.  Only now I've learned I don't have to fini**** so I get to enjoy it for two days.

But I'd say I'm really not eating that much different than I was at six months out and I still approach food and meals the same way.

At 4 years out, I eat whatever I want, in moderation.  I'm hoping I can keep up this lifestyle for the rest of my life.  What I've been doing is trying to eat a fruit and/or veggie with every meal.  I include a protein in each meal & snack (5-6 per day).  I've been trying to limit starchy carbs to one meal per day, either lunch or dinner.  And I make sure to eat healthier carbs, like whole wheat pasta, brown rice or quinoa, etc.  I track what I eat, but don't necessarily try to stay within any limits other than getting 80 g of protein MINIMUM (I'm usually over 100 g).  I try very hard not to deprive myself of anything because, for me, deprivation = binge.  So if I really want a cookie, or a small piece of cake or brownie, I'm having it!

In the beginning, the focus was on protein and staying away from sweets & carbs.  But my approach now is much more balanced and sustainable.

I would have to agree with the person who posted above that I've eated pretty much the same since about the 6 month mark. 

I don't eat most meats (just fish), or do shakes (ever), so my diet is primarily proteins.  I don't vary much for breakfast & lunch (power crunch bars / nutrisystem veggie chili).  I mix it up with dinner & like to have fruit daily and occasionally indulge in bread, pretzels, or "bad" carbs.  I will dump on refined sugars and those wonderful oils that seemed to be used in the commercial food industry (I have never dumped from oils at home.).

I will still call cheese a protein on occasion.  But, TOFU.... yum.

See the difference between you all and me is probably that you all seem to have had your heads screwed on straighter than mine early out. Or at least you weren't bat**** crazy like I was. LOL.

Oh trust me, I was then and probably still am bat**** crazy!  It wasn't until last year, at 3 years post-op, that I really buckled down and started living a healthy lifestyle.  I was ok for the first 3-4 months, but then all hell broke loose and it was downhill from there... LOL 

I think the difference is more of an age/health thing.  I'm a lot older and had a lot of co-morbilities, so I did this to get healthy so I could live a long life with my hubby and be a part of my family's life, not a spectator.  So I committed early out that if I was going to do this, then I would do it and learn from the beginning during the honeymoon phase the habits that I would need for life.

At 29 months post op there are a few fundamental changes I have to follow in order to maintain, and there can be no exceptions.

I cannot eat processed carbs.  Prior to WLS I lost a lot of weight by cutting fat and calories, but I never counted any carbs. Potatoes, rice, etc., are low in calories (depending on preparation), and that worked then but not now.   Now I don't concentrate on fat grams too much, but I do read labels and  do concentrate on carbs more than anything. 

This has been the biggest difference for me.  My weight loss came to a halt once I started adding unhealthy carbs and starchy carbs  back into my plan.  I can drop weight now when I go back to eliminating them totally.  Because I am close to goal, I allow too many of them too often.  It bothers me because I need to get to goal...not for the number but for finishing what I started.  Every weight loss event in my life has ended very close to goal...I don't allow myself to reach it before throwing in the towel, but that is another issue which I have not figured out yet.

I also have to count calories and limit my portions.  What I could get by with early out I can no longer get away with.  Essentially I have to make wise food choices.  It might seem to some I am dieting.  For me it is mindful eating that allows me to maintain - when I follow the rules.  Maintenance for me takes effort.

I've went up and down. I was super strict, then moderation, then crazy, then moderation again, and now I'm actually proud of the quality of my food choices. Like u, yes I have peanut butter since I love love love it but it's not always the best choice for me

I actually crave the healthier options now and I think that's a good sign. But I also recognize when the unhealthiest choice just isn't in the cards for that day