Question:
Post Ops, What Are Your Food Rituals?

I am five months post op and have noticed that the more "ritualistic" I can make eating the happier I am. In other words, I always eat at the same time, always prepare my lunch for the next day as soon as I get home, as much as possible eat the same things (dull, I know!), make up a new protein shake to keep in the fridge as soon as I drink the last one, drink precisely 12 oz. of water on the way in to work, etc. The only problem with this is that I kind of freak out when my routine is disrupted, but I try to keep that to a minimum. What are your food rituals? Do you find having a routine helps you or makes you bored?    — gamboge (posted on June 25, 2003)

June 25, 2003
Heck, I'd die inside if I had to live by a ritual! I'm to much of a free spirit. I eat when and if I'm hungry. If that is twice a day, fine. If six times, then that is fine too. I never could make it to goal, however, thankfully I must be doing something right as I'm maintaining my weight. If the ritual works good for you, GO FOR IT! We are all different. I'm glad you found something that works FOR YOU. ;)
   — Danmark

June 25, 2003
I have heard that a greater proportion of overweight people have a tendancy to have obsessive/compulsive behavior, which is what you've described. As long as it's not interfering with your life, then I wouldn't consider it a problem. However, if it does get in the way, or you become overly upset when the routine is disturbed, then you should probably seek assistance. Obsessive/compulsive behavior can become very difficult to control if it gets out of hand. Also, you may want to change the ritual about pre-mixing your next protein shake. The protein starts to break down within about a 1/2 hour of being mixed. If you're making the shake hours ahead of time then you're losing some portion of the protein benefit.
   — Vespa R.

June 25, 2003
I think that having a routine is just fine at your stage, you are learning how to start all over. As babies, we were on a schedule for the most part and grew into a larger variety of food as it was tolerable. You will probably notice your menu choices expanding over the next few months. I feel safe around food again, I eat to live now, not LIVE TO EAT! I think that each of us need to find what works for us, and if what you are doing is working, you go girl! But (now you knew that was coming didn't you?) The only thing I noticed that didn't sound right was your protien shakes. Did you say that you are pre-mixing your protein shakes? Most protein shakes start breaking down once they are mixed. There is no way to tell how much it breaks down, but it usually starts breaking down within 1/2 hour or so, so if you can mix your protein drink at the time you need it, that would be much better. I stopped by Target and picked up a few Tupperware shakers and keep one at work, that way I can just shake it up and drink. Good luck!
   — Dana B.

June 25, 2003
OH NO! How did I get this far without knowing that protein breaks down after mixing!?! I just checked the info from my surgeon to be sure-- this info isn't in there. Darn it. This makes me wonder what else I wasn't told! Okay, well, there's one "ritual" I'll have to change...thank you for setting me straight on this! See, I always learn something from you folks. And to set your minds at ease, I realized after I sent it that my post made me sound obsessive-compulsive...I have been treated for that disorder, and while I am definitely sort of anal-retentive about my post-op eating stuff, I think it's more about learning to eat/learning how my body reacts to food than about anything else. However, I can see how it could easily become an unhealthy fixation--especially if I weighed myself all the time. Cheers-
   — gamboge

June 25, 2003
I am the same way but it is loosening up over time. I eat the same stuff everyday and drink at the same times everyday. It may sound nutty to some people but I never made a good food choice in my life before now and this is the way that I am retraining my body to want food. I am trying to learn to trust my choices and know what my body needs. I would bet that you are doing great with the weight loss. My nutritionist calls me the poster child for post op eating. She thinks I am nuts but she sees it working. I find that the routine helps tremendously and can also be boring at the same time. When I feel the urge to say "$@*& it!" I make a new food plan and stick to that for as long as I can. I too feel somewhat lost if I get off track but that is what the nutritionist is there for as well as the support groups and post op friends I have made. I don't know about anyone else but I was addicted to food and cannot comprehend that others have surgery and they never worry again. I know that is just me being a freak but I don't get it! Oh to be a free spirit!!!! Maybe someday! Hee Hee! :)
   — Carol S.

June 25, 2003
I don't think it's obsessive/compulsive. I think it's smart to discover what works for you and then follow it. I'm a fairly ritualistic eater myself. It keeps me from having to think about food and make a new decision every time I eat. I know what I'm going to eat and when I'm going to eat it. However, I also have a "Plan B" and a "Plan C" in the back of my mind for the times when my "Plan A" isn't possible. That way I don't get rattled when my choices aren't available or my schedule gets weird. The other thing is that I notice that I get on food kicks and want something every day for a while. Then I'm done with that and ready to move on to some new thing that I'll want every day for a while. It's weird but it works for me. hugs, Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 25, 2003
Hi Lisa-- I can totally understand where you're coming from!! I'm usually the Queen of Anal-rententiveness but right now I'm visiting my mom for a week and my usual eating/drinking/vitamin/exercise ritual has been torn to shreds! And it's driving me CRAZY! I can't wait to go home and get back on track!! It's not that I'm eating the wrong stuff so much (although I am eating some more bread, and I had some chips and dip at a party) but it's so hot here that I just want to lie down with the AC on full blast. My food rituals: I keep a food/exercise record in my Dietminders book, which really helps me track what's going on. You can order it online at Amazon. I also have a liter of water before each meal, as well as a small banana every morning. I tend to eat the same kinds of food (chicken breast, seafood) for the main part of my meals but I just prepare it different ways. I think this type of thing works for me as it helps keep me honest. If it works for you, then do it. I'm down 83 pounds, 4 months post lap RNY.
   — lizinPA

June 25, 2003
I don't really get into the scedules and counting calories. Every once in awhile I will for a week just to check and see how I am doing. the only thing I do faithfully is take half a Real Meals mid morning for my protein and extra vitamins. Also, to keep me from snacking on sweets at work. Then half a shake before bed. One chewable Bariatric Lifestyle vitamin in the morning and one before bed. As far as protein breaking down after a half hour, I used to think the same thing. I had heard it several times. I questioned the manufacturer of Real Meals about it. And was told that it is a myth. You just need to keep it refridgerated or frozen to prevent bacteria. I figure he is a pretty good source for the information. He is the one that pioneered the technology to make protein supplements back in the seventies and formulates many different kinds in addition to the Real Meals.
   — Linda A.