So Confused About Food!

I have just started to weight loss surgery process.  The last thing I have to do is the psychiatric evaluation and then it will go from there.  My problem is food!  I am having such a hard time picking out foods.  I know that I should be preparing to eat low fat, low carb and high protein but what does that all mean?  I am so confused!  Does anybody have any helpful suggestions?  I want to get my health eating started now so it won't be so hard but going to the grocery store gives me a headache.  Please somebody help!!!!  I am so confused.

Good am, I'm not clear on what your confusion is regarding food. Could you be a little more specific as to what concerns you have about choosing foods?

For me, its meant choosing foods low in fat, sugar, carbs content and choosing healthier versions of the dishes I like. I eat a lot of seafood grilled and seasoned with flavors I enjoy, I eat 93-97% reduced fat ground beef and sometimes Morning Star meat, I also enjoy 97% fat free soups and/or make them myself in the crockpot.

I eat double fiber wheat bread instead of white bread. I enjoy red potatoes instead of white higher carb/starchy ones. I eat a lot of veggies and fruits and enjoy reduced fat cheeses, salad dressings and yogurts. These seem like big changes at first but trust me when I say they are wonderful changes and you'll embrace them if you start NOW. 

If you are looking for more specifics please let us know. Everyone loves different things!

I am just confused about everything at this point.  Maybe some healthier  suggestions on side dishes and snacks.  All they told me at my consultation is that I should be eating low fat, low carb, high protein. That was all that I get until everything clears and I start going to the classes. Going to the grocery store is a nightmare because I have no idea what I should be eating or should not be eating.  I am so stuck with the old me that the me that wants to come out can't get free. 


I am sorry if I confused you....I am still so confused myself .

You should be eating 3 meals a day.. no snacking...  t

Suggest Adkins or South Beach Diets - if you need examples.....    My dr erequired modified adkins diet -  30 grams of carbs (some get as high as 60 grams)  70 grams protien - no sugar.

example  1 slice of whole wheat bread can be 15 to 20 grams of carbs.  read the labels... 

I will tell you if you do not loose the weight, Dr may not do the surgery... I have lost 30 lbs2 months as par t of my  pre-op requirements..   I did not starve, just read the labels and followed the diet..   The modivation was to have the surgery and it showed me what I need to do post surgery.  Not saying it was easy, but I want this to work..

You have to do you homework.. Its a lot of imformation.   Are you going to see the nutritionist as part of your requirements for surgery?     

This is a lifetime committment...  Do your homework.  Good luck

Hi!  I'm a patient of Dr Maher (same practice as Dr. Kellum).  I assume you've had your initial consultation?  I was asked to lose 14lbs as a "good faith effort" and show my seriousness of having surgery.  I did that by making changes in portion control and cutting out the fast food.  At that time, I also did not know the right things to choose.  I suggest that you start utilizing the nutritionists to help you.  I have Kasturi's email if you would like it.  PM me your email and I will forward you last months newsletter with her and Nurse Coordinator Jill Meador's email, which I find is more effective than calling them on the phone - they are quicker to respond.  They are my two best resources for help between appts.  :)  GOOD LUCK and if I can help along the way let me know.  You will be attending a nutritionist class that will help and also you will get a book very close to surgery with many suggestions on your pre-op liquid and post op diet.

Awesome!  Thank you so much for the information. 

I actually believe that we met at Septembers support meeting.  Any help is helpful to me.  I just feel like until everything is completed I have just been put on hold.  My email is [email protected] . 


Thank you again!

Hello again!  I'm not sure which person you were, but good to see you found our little online home!  :)  I'll email that to you now.  :)

Learning all the new things that your life is going to require can be overwhelming.  Try to relax and breathe.  All of us here are willing to help & support you and I am sure your surgeon's team will too.  Once you get approved & into the process you will receive a lot more information and details.

Low fat meats (chicken, seafood, lean ground beef, ground turkey) are great ways to start.  Ideas for sides and all would be more veggies (not cooked with lots of butter, etc.) salads, fruits, sweet potatoes, etc.  Swith to whole grains (breads, pastas, cereal, etc.)  Low fat dairy products (skim milk, low fat cheeses, etc.) are great ways to start.  Try to cut out all sodas, caffiene, and up your water intake.  Sugar is out too, work  on splenda, equal, sweet n low or something for your coffee or tea (decaf if you can).

If you need to snack, make it something healthy.  Protein drinks or bars are good.

Best to you as you begin your journey & remember you are not alone.