Question:
4 yrs out RNY am gaining weight. How many calories should I be using/carbs and ect.

I am constantly hungry and eating more bread than I should. How many calories should I have a day? Is it feasiable to joing Weight Watchers or another group. No support groups in our small town. Now they are only doing lapbands and have no answers for gastric bypass RNY open surgery    — libbysutton2005 (posted on September 19, 2009)

September 19, 2009
If you truly feel constantly hungry, and not just head hunger, I'd consult with your surgeon. Maybe you stretched out the pouch, maybe there's some other medical or mechanical reason. There is a breath test my Dr. did to determine my caloric needs but it cost like $35 several years ago and I think he's stopped using it. Check online under google for daily caloric needs, Maybe OH has a tool for this! (Not sure; I'm kind of new here.) But joining weight watchers is something I've heard many people do when there's no support group. It's a good idea. Lots of luck. Don't forget; you're worth it. Talk with your surgeon!!
   — Rebecca T.

September 19, 2009
There's a back on track forum here that I'm sure will have plenty of help and answers to your question. Caloric intake is determined primarily on height and affected by activity level. I'm 5'-7" and my NUT outlined in my eating plan that for maintenance I should have 1,200 calories/day. Mind you that's with regular, moderate exercise. From my GBP Nutrition Guide it states: The 25/50/25 ratio, meaning 25% calories from fat (20-30% at all times from fat, complying with the American Heart Association), 50% calories from carbs (not net carbs, total carbs), and 25% calories from protein. Protein is eaten first ALWAYS. Minimum protein intake of 60 grams per day. Minimum of 64 oz. fluid per day. Stop drinking 30 min. before meals; no drinking for 1-1.5 hrs AFTER meals. Never exceed 1 cup total by volume. The constant hunger is what we all fear. You've probably read already that carbs are notorious for promoting hunger so that's the first thing you need to cut out of your diet. The simple carbs like bread, pasta, flour and rice need to be replaced with whole grain breads, brown rice, etc. You can have these things but like anything in life....in moderation. Rule of thumb is if it's white, don't eat it. Not counting cauliflower or cream cheese of course. Also, do you journal your food? If not, start back. And yes it is perfectly feasible to join a weight loss group like Weight Watchers. That's just more education on healthy eating. If you should go that route then let your WW leader know about your surgery so they can help tailor your menus to accomodate your post surgical dietary needs. Another thing so often said here on OH is that they didn't do surgery on heads. I fear the hunger monster too. Hang in there. Don't let hunger undo your hard work.
   — Arkin10

September 21, 2009
You need to get off the carbs they will add weight fast. Lots of protien and little veg. Be sure to take your vitamins. It is harder all the time. If once you do a week off the carbs you are still hungry all the time you may need a revision. Weight Watchers is good but they will not emphasis the protien. You will have to make that your number one goal. Many people in our group said it is not calorie count. That you should eat small amounts and keep the protien high then you will do fine. I hope this h
   — trible

September 21, 2009
I'm not but in my first year, but I have decided to go back to weight watcher. To still teach me how to eat right.
   — kaybusk