Question about portions and the Honeymoon period
Hmmm, plans sure do vary! I was at about 2 oz of solid dense protein once I was cleared (2 weeks after RNY) and I weighed it on my kitchen scale and often couldn't fini**** I started with egg salad, tuna salad, chicken burgers, chicken sausage, ground turkey with taco seasoning, flaky white fish. Then I graduated up to 3 oz maybe around month 3? I was always aiming for 60 g+ protein per day and less than 30 carbs. I also did a shake every single day for breakfast - my pouch didn't love solid food first thing, so for a good 1.5 years I had a Chike iced coffee protein shake for 20 g of protein (check on Amazon). I am always confused why programs are so anti-protein drinks. Now granted, a protein drink won't keep you full like dense protein will - so people who have regain and decided to go a five day liquid test, well I think that's nutso since I would be so hungry! Now, even almost 4 years out, I feel definite restriction when I eat dense protein like chicken breast and I can eat virtually unlimited amounts of slider foods like crackers and popcorn. Stick to protein, with a bite or two of veggies, weigh it out, and it will fall into place. Your calories may be 500, they may be 600, but if you focus on dense protein and low carbs, you will do great!
My surgeon's rules:
1-3 months post op:
60-80g protein from shakes (3-8oz shakes a day)
2 "meals" per day soft foods, MAX 2oz TOTAL per meal of protein/veggies
Limit carbs to less than 30g per day
3-6months post op:
60-80g protein from shakes (3-8oz shakes a day)
2 "meals" per day soft foods, MAX 4oz TOTAL per meal of protein/veggies
Limit carbs to less than 30g per day
6-9 months post op:
60-80g protein from shakes (3-8oz shakes a day)
2 "meals" per day soft foods, MAX 6oz TOTAL per meal of protein/veggies
Limit carbs to less than 40g per day
for the rest of forever:
60-80g protein from shakes (3-8oz shakes a day)
2 "meals" per day soft foods, MAX 8oz TOTAL per meal of protein/veggies
Limit carbs to less than 50g per day
Note: my surgeon has also said that after a year you can ditch some of the protein shakes for a third meal so long as you keep your total protein up to 80g. After a year or so our bodies begin to be able to absorb things better. She also has said for very active folks they need to add in some additional snacks- to help them fuel themselves through the day but- they should be protein forward and after a year the total calories per day for maintenance should be between 1000-1200 calories
Just remember those numbers are maximums and there was no way at 1 month post op that I could comfortably have 2oz of food- even refried beans. You work up to the maximums. At 6months out I cannot eat 6oz of food unless it is a salad, without being uncomfortable. But I also have to add in a snack on days when I run because I feel sick if I don't. As you progress you will find ways to read your body and give it what it needs. I hope post op is treating you well :)
I don't take my snacks off the ounces for my normal meals becuase when I need a snack I need extra protein/calories to fuel me in addition to what I normally eat to keep from feeling bad. I usually have a double (16oz) protein shake for breakfast, a lunch, a dinner and a regular (8oz) shake an hour or so before bed. Sometimes I'll divide up my morning shakes though instead of adding a snack. Like if I'm going I run in the morning I'll have 8oz before I go and the 8oz when I get back and not need a snack that day.
I will be 14 years post op Sept 18th and my reaction is OMG are you kidding me. My surgeon at Mayo in Rochester MN never ever mention food to me. He did my surgery, checked my incision etc. The nutritionalist had me eat 3--1 ounces of food 3 times a day. Later I went to 1/2 cup 3 times a day. I never did a single protein shake. Guess they are all different but 1 ounce a day????
