What do you watch? Cal, carbs, sugars or proteins?

I am a year and a half out of RNY  I am right where I want to be but am terrified that I will gain some back if I don'****ch it.  I feel really good and my stomach is rarely upset so it is easier to make poor choices and resume old habits.  I don't feel like I get a lot of guidance from the doctor's staff.  I know I can have about 7 ounces per meal.  Should I be counting calories, carbs., proteins or sugars or all of the above.  Mostly I am careful to get 60-70 gm protein and nothing that has over 18 grams of sugar.  I have never been encouraged to count calories.  What do you do?
Cheryl

Yes, we do have to "watch it"! 
I think all surgeons and/or nutritionist have different rules.  Everyone has a different number they follow as far as calories.
I try to stay between 1200 and 1300 calories, no more than 100 carbs and at least 100 grams of protein. I don't eat much sugar but when I do, it's in moderation. My carbs are usually fruits, veggies and yogurt.

Me too..I try and make sure I have at least 30% protein each day. That's usually about 120 grams. 1600 calories keeps me maintained..I count calories and protein mostly. After that I make sure I don't get too much sugar. usually 1/4 or so.

I feel exactly the same way I am so scared about gaining and I keep fluctuating about 3-5lbs and it's freaking me out.  I count calories and protein, I'm still trying to find the number of calories to maintain and I try to get over 100g of protein.  It's all so confusing when you start with the carbs/sugars etc especially now that I'm supposed to be maintaining.  I made an extra appt with the NUT so I can discuss this with her, I need a limit/guideline for calories.  They don't like to set a specific number because every ones different but I think if I have one I'll feel better.

Thanks to everyone *****sponded to this.  I think I will make a call in to the doctor and the nut today and see if I can pin someone down a bit better.   I end up eating a lot of pork tenderloin and vegetables.  How do you know how many proteins are in that?  I was never given any kind of guide for determining that.  If it is not on the packaging, how do you know?
I pass along any info I get back.

Several free web sites are available where you can track your food and it will calculate grams protien, fat, carbs and calories. I have used sparkpeople.com but others are out there like fit day.com and the daily plate.

Sher

Hello Hopper@@,

I can so relate to what you are saying...Its been 3 years since I was trying to 1st figure out maintenance and truthfully I'm still mastering it, but now have a pretty good idea what my personal program needs to be to stay in a range I am comfortable with...

My surgeon only ever asks about protein ( he advocates 80+ a day ) ...My nut is more about calories and fat and in contrast to the surgeon says 80 is the most protein I need to consume in a day...Its very confusing and everyone you talk to is going to tell you something different...Best I can suggest is keep working the program, play around a little up and down on all the factors cals, carbs, fat, protein and sugars to see what your body can take and not just pack on the lbs...Track it all for a while (2-3months at least) so you have visuals of the numbers you need to settle on...And finally know that what keeps you in maintenance now may be different in a year - 3yrs - 5 yrs, I know my numbers have changed twice since I started "maintaining"...

Also I have been told a great way to determine at least you perfect calorie range is to have a professional test of your RMR an BMR, these personalize your metabolic rates to give you a calorie range for maintaining...Unfortunately for me there is not a place within a 100 miles of where I live that does these, so it is still on my horizon to get one, BUT I'm told by many who have it done it was a great investment ( cost about $100 ) and really has helped them to know how to proceed...

Good Luck and congratulations...

I count protein grams IN (180g in supps) and sugar g OUT. Single digit PER MEAL. So, no milk, it's double digit. That's everything added together. SUGARS. I dont' count carbs, as such.

I don't understand your reply.  In/out?  single digit per meal?

Sorry, my computer took a few days off for itself. Nice.

I don't do more than 9g sugar per meal. That's everything in the meal total.

I count every g of protein i drink in supps. I don't count protein in food.