Question:
I promised myself I wasn't going to do this

I am so scared that I am eating too much. I will be 4 weeks post op this Friday. I will give you a sample of my day and please I would love feed back from post ops. I had a protein shakes this morning at 7:30, 1/2 cup of grits which I never finish at 10:30, 1/2 cup of yogurt at 1:30, 1/3 to almost 1/2 cup never a whole 1/2 cup of fat free refried beans at 4:30, either 1/2 cup of chicken noodle soup or cream of mushroom @ 7:30 and at 10:30 another protein shake or carnation instant breakfast. My doctor said 6 mini meals a day, please let me know if this is too much. Thanks.    — Ronika D. (posted on June 3, 2003)

June 3, 2003
It sounds like you are doing just fine. You are getting in plenty of protein which is good. Make sure you make room for water. You need to get atleast 48 oz in each day. Some believe that this should be even higher.
   — Jane S.

June 3, 2003
I don't think that's too much! How many calories and grams of protein did you eat? That's how I gauge my day. I try to get between 700-850 calories and between 70-80g protein per day, at 6 weeks out (but I've been doing this for a few weeks now).
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 3, 2003
I dont think it is too much, does your MD still have you on soft foods? grits, yogurt, beans, soup, protien drinks- all soft liquidy protein- Can you have eggs, tuna, soft white fish, shrimp yet? You can probably get more protein for your calorie buck when you can tolerate denser foods- Good Luck
   — ~~Stacie~~

June 3, 2003
My doctor suggested three meals a day with a 'snack' three times a day. BUT the 'snack' was 8 oz of skim milk. YUK! I do a protein shake for breakfast, most of a lean cuisine entree for lunch, and 1 or 2 ounces of meat, salad or veggies and sometimes a bite of potato or rice for dinner. I drink water alllllllll day. There are days I really CRAVE something sweet. I will do a half of an Atkins Pralines n Cream protein bar mid afternoon or evening. I am SO afraid of getting into the snacking syndrome. For me, it could be dangerous. (Open RNY 10/30/02 down 152 lbs.)
   — Ginger M.

June 3, 2003
You really have to check with the diet your doctor wants you to follow....I am just 8 weeks out and still on soft food until Friday...and 99% protein only...we are not to eat carbs until we have lost about 50% of our weight. Now I do have a bite or two of vegetables...but no fruits - starches- breads, etc....and my doctor wants us to eat 3 meals a day, with only things like sf jello or sf pops for a snack...nutritionist says its a habit to get into. BUT..as I mentioned...follow your doctor's and nutritionist's recommendations... and you will be fine.
   — pat C.

June 4, 2003
Hope you won't mind advice from another post-op with no medical training. Given the program that I was given to follow, at 4 weeks post-op, I could not have eaten what you are. First, you would seem to be getting too many carbs in the grits and the beans (although at about 5 weeks out, I would have about 1/4c. of chili every other day). Secondly, you could probably get more protein/carb from the soup if you switched to a broth. Lastly, I think that the carnation instant breakfast is great for protein and vitamins but having it so close to bedtime only reinforces a bad habit of eating right before (or at) bedtime. Like everyone else who posts his/her experiences, I do so b/c mine worked for me: 220 pounds in less than 8 mos with only 30 more to lose before I reach my goal. Talk to your surgeon-- go over the menu with him.
   — SteveColarossi

June 5, 2003
You should follow the directions of your program first, whatever they may be. Then you should do what works for you. Some people can't tolerate what their program recommends and find other ways to get in the required amounts of nutrients. At 4 wks out, I was down 28-30..others have lost more/less in the same time. I also was in no way able to eat 6 times a day, nor did I want to. Yes, I was supposed to but couldn't. Now I eat 4-6 times a day. I have found that the more often I eat, the more I lose. You will also find people who swear you should limit your soup intake. I love soups. I've just learned to drain most/all of the broth. Watch what works for you and continue to do that (assuming it's healthy). And by all means...talk to your doctor/nutritionist (it's what you paid for). Good luck!
   — Diane S.