Tips

Don’t Forget…

• Protein foods first.
• Eat three meals per day
• No skipped meals
• Eat slowly and take small bites.
• Use teaspoon, toothpick or baby fork.
• Chew food until it is of pureed consistency.
• Stop eating or drinking with the first sensation of fullness.
• No snacking between meals except for the protein supplements.
• Take your vitamin or mineral supplements as directed by your surgeon or dietitian.
• Do not drink fluids with meals. Wait 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating to drink.
• Drink water or sugar-free liquids between meals. Aim for 1-2 cups per hour. (64 ounces a day at the very least!)
• Avoid high fat meats like sausage or bacon, and fried items…these are NOT good protein sources.

Amount of Protein in Foods

1 oz chicken, fish, turkey, beef, pork = 7 g protein
1 oz low fat/reduced fat cheese = 8 g protein
6 oz lite/fat free yogurt = 8 g protein
½ cup low fat cottage cheese = 13 g protein
1 oz nuts = ~4-6 g protein
½ cup beans = 6-7 g protein
1 string cheese = 8 g protein
¼ cup reduced fat shredded cheese = 8 g protein
½ cup soy crumbles = 13 g protein
½ cup tofu = 10 g protein

DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…

DON’T EVER GIVE UP.