Question:
6-Month Physician Supervised Weight Loss Insurance Hoops

I have just begun the process. I've been to a seminar, a support group, seen my Primary Care Physician for the "first" visit, and also seen the Dietician associated with the Dr. who will do the surgery. She told me I should be eating every 3 hours, and that 75% of my food should be protien and 25% complex carbs - no white stuff like rice, potatoes, pasta, etc. And only two high fat (>8 gms) per day. How do you do it? Is there a list somewhere of suggestions to follow? I'm just not hungry that often... and find it hard to eat when I'm not hungry.... even worse, trying to get in the required 64 ounces of water. I can drink the flavored waters, but even then, maybe two cups per day....    — Erica Alikchihoo (posted on September 24, 2008)

September 24, 2008
She probably meant you should eat every three hours after surgery. You better work on getting in the required fluids tho, if you think it's hard now just wait. And not drinking enough can make you feel awful and get really sick. I hope you have a speedy way to your surgery day! It's so wonderful, to have control of my weight for the first time in 20 yrs.
   — lesleigh07

September 25, 2008
The dietician at the physician's office gave me a list of foods to look at. It even had the amount of protein in each. Perhaps you could ask for this. I was given a whole packet of things to help me understand the diet from beginning to 3 months post op. It has been really helpful for me to read this and understand it and be able to question her. Perhaps you can request something. They will surely have some examples to help. She also told me that you should aim for a minimum 70g of protein per day. She said look at the nutrition label and if it has more fat than protein leave it alone. I have one more visit for my preop program then my final meeting with the surgeon. I feel having had all this much info early on has been a huge help because it has been educational. I suggest asking for these things so that you are not in the dark.
   — bcrobey

September 25, 2008
The nutritonist typically has you start eating now the way you will have to after surgery: it makes it much easier to do post-surgery if you have already been doing it pre-surgery. The focus she is giving you is building protein: have 2-4 oz of protein every 3-4 hours. Low-fat cheese sticks, peanutbutter, nuts (only once a day 'cause nuts are high in fat), chicken, rolled deli-meat that is low-fat are all good sources of protein. I used the South Beach wraps for my lunches and took cheese, nuts, and lunch meat as my other "meals" when I was at work. It took some planning, but it really worked well. You can also put protein powder in sugar free pudding or soups to give you that extra protein. Best of luck in your journey.
   — sandra17