Protein, and Fibre, and Carbs....oh my!

I am 6 weeks out from surgery, and am just curious as to the advice others have been given.  Currently, I aim for 800 calories a day and 55 grams of protein.  I am also to aim for 15 grams of fibre a day, and have not been given restrictions on carbs.

Looking through other's menus here, no one mentions fibre.  Honestly, I keep finding in order to get enough fibre, my carbs are high. (like 80 - 100 most days).  I have been losing an average of 2 lbs / week since surgery (fast at first, then an almost 3 week stall!!) and I really think carbs are the culprit as the fibre goal was added.  I can't possibly eat enough low carb veggies to get to 15 grams a day, and don't want to eat legues every single day either.

Suggestions?  Did you have fibre goals set by your dietician?

PS...I was also told no fibre suppliments like Metamucil.  Milk of magnesia only if needed for constipation.  A lot of protein bars have good fibre, but I'd rather not rely on them every day.

I take two to four Citrucel fiber tablets a day.  I cannot get enough fiber from food and maintain my weight loss.  People who have had RNY are going to need fiber supplements to prevent loose bowel movements and prevent constipation. 

I use Citurcel because it does not cause gas.

Whoever told you no fiber supplements is someone who just does not understand what RNY does to our bodies.

Amen to that -Whoever told you no fiber supplements is someone who just does not understand what RNY does to our bodies.

I've never been given a fiber goal, or carbs, or fat. 

Id easily agree fiber is the culprit as to why your carbs run high. Im one who allows for more carbs than most typically do, but hitting 80-100 every day would make even me antsy. Those are usually my atypical days. 

I dOnt have issues with constipation or diarrhea so monitoring the # and/or taking supplements is just not necessary in my world. Personally I'd only address it if it was an issue. 

I know that everyone is different... but there is no way I could have eaten 800 calories a day at 6 weeks out.  As for fibre/fiber, at the risk of offending your doctor, screw that.  High protein.  High healthy fats.  Low carbs.  Use benefiber, metamucil or other commercial laxatives if you need them (honestly, the magnesium supplements I take seem to handle that problem well). 

This is your prime weight loss time thanks to malabsorption.  Don't miss the boat. 

And if you don't believe me, read what the experts say: https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Audrey

I take Miralax every morning. I stir it into my coffee. I also eat plenty of healthy fats. I'm not in the losing phase anymore, but still do not want my carb count going over 60 on a carby day. Protein bars are usually the culprit for my higher carb days. 

I only had protein and fluid goals.  Honestly 55g of protein is on the low end. The recommendation is 60-80g and most people aim for higher.

I look at carbs of individual items but generally don't tally for the day. I do occasionally use My Fitness Pal and am not over the 50-60g mark on  a normal day.

During my weightloss, especially in the beginning, I was eating between 550-750 calories a day...for a very long time. That is why for me I stopped doing My fitness Pal regularly because I found I would eat just because I thought I hadn't eaten enough. If I get my protein and fluids in.. then I've eaten enough. I was allowed to eat up to 5-6 times a day, usually had a shake and ate 3 times... but some days needed more.

I had no problem with constipation in the beginning. Now I do and take Miralax daily in my morning coffee. I like it better than colace stool softener. Sometimes I need to take something extra.

Whether I have a lot of fiber from protein bars or not, I still need the Miralax. Things have been much better since I have been taking it regularly.

Edited to add: I think they may be concerned with something like Metamucil as it creates bulk and if you aren't drinking enough fluids can make things worse. That is true with any fiber, but I guess with the bulk ones there could be a fear of blockage. -just a thought.

my center recommend benifiber. 

I'm just over 2 months out - and still only have protein and fluid goals. When I ASKED, I was told I should be eating between 800-1200 cal a day, but not to worry about that for now, as long as I'm following all nutritional guidelines.

I have the disadvantage of having been diagnosed with diverticulosis in the days following RNY. I was told to not depend on red meat for protein, and to make sure I'm eating vegetables at least once a day- but no celery. After the colonoscopy in August, I'll get a new eating plan to follow that will combine the two contradicting diet recommendations (high protein/low fiber and high fiber/low protein).

I'm 6 months out from RNY, and we were advised explicitly NOT to count anything other than water.  We are explicitly told NOT weigh or measure food, too.  And they definitely do not want us using protein bars & shakes regularly once we are past the first few months of post-op.

They want us to learn to listen to our bodies so that we will have the best chance of long-term success, after the "honeymoon" period has worn off.  Our test results will easily show them if we aren't getting enough protein or other nutrients.

Our nutritionist recommends that we eat plenty of foods with fiber.  Not only does it satiate you, it keeps you regular (as long as you are drinking enough water).  In general I eat lots of fruit, some veggies daily, and often have potatoes or quinoa. My main source of protein is beans, which are high in fiber & carbs (fiber IS a carb, by the way.  The carbs everyone needs to avoid are simple sugars & refined flour).

For constipation, they recommend checking our diet first to make sure we aren't getting too much protein, too little water, or too little fiber (all of which are constipating).  If dietary changes aren't enough or if we need "immediate relief" they recommend Mira-Lax (though I've found eating a few boiled prunes works as well & is a great sweet treat).  I've found that taking a small magnesium supplement at night helps offset the constipating effect of calcium, though I don't think it would have been enough during the first month or so post-op.