Question:
4 Weeks Post Op Weight/Diet

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op from Lap RNY. At 3 1/2 weeks, I had lost 39 pounds. I weighed today (4 1/2 weeks) and I gained a pound from last week. I am eating good foods and have not touched any sweets or junk food. My typical daily diet is: breakfast - Carnation No Sugar Added Instant Breakfast with a cup of 1% milk, snack - 1/4 protein bar (10g protein in 1/4), lunch - tuna fish with 2 crackers or 1/2 a fat free hot dog, snack - 1 string cheese, dinner - 4 or 5 bites of chicken and broccoli or pasta or non-fried fish sticks (depending on what my husband wants). I get in nearly all my water every day. Why did I gain weight? Am I eating the normal amount for 1 month post-op? Also, how much fat and carbs is too much at a meal? You feedback is greatly appreciated!    — Julie Rich (posted on April 17, 2004)

April 17, 2004
Julie, Don't stress over the 1 lb gain.. It's very normal... It's probably just water weight... Believe me, your weight is going to flutuate frequently during your journey, but you will always be losing weight.. I know it's hard to see the scale move up any amount, but I promise it'll come right off along with a couple more :-)... What you are eating is awesome and you are doing great! I myself am 10lbs from goal and from very early on my weight has always gone up or down a 1-3lbs and then the next week I'd drop 10lbs.. As far as calories, fat, carbs, and protein. I was told to eat no more than 1,000 calories a day while I am still trying to lose weight, to get between 60-90 grams of protein daily and up to 125 grams of carbs a day (my surgeon does not require low carb at all).. As far as fat, I didn't have to start to watch my fat intake until 2 weeks ago when I was diagnosised with GERD (acid reflux), but I do know that lower fat food tends to have less calories. Take Care
   — baybekmbrly

April 17, 2004
Yes it is normal to flex back and forth a few pounds because of body fluids and residuals from surgery. I suggest you stop weighing yourself until you are 6-7 weeks Post-Op. The swelling should be gone by then - after that find a day, weekly or monthly schedule for weighing in at the same time each day, otherwise you will drive yourself nuts. GOOD LUCK LOSER!
   — Anna M.

April 18, 2004
Hello, Carnation Instant Breakfast is not a very good source of protein, in fact, it is seriously dangerous to rely on it for your source of protein. You need to drink protein shakes with much more protein in them --- and lots more of it. If you drank 100 grams of protein a day, you would jump-start you weight loss. Let's put it this way, you need at LEAST 60 grams of protein a day min. Go to Vitalady at http://www.vitalady.com/products-protein.htm and look at the protein mixes there. The Champion Chocolate shakes are full of protein and they really do taste the best among chocolate shakes. Champion has several other flavors too... and there are many brands of proteins to choose from. No matter what you choose, get rid of the CIB, you will be malnourished AND gaining weight at the same time. I also have to say, that you have to cook what YOU<--- need in addition to what hubby needs to eat. Don't let what others 'want' to eat to dictate to you what you eat. You food and nourishment intake needs are ENTIRELY different from anyone in your house. You must realize this now, or like I said before, you are going to suffer for it, bigtime. Perhaps joining an online group would help you to understand the magnitude of the importance of protein. Here is a group devoted entirely to the importance of protein to a WLS patient: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/?yguid=176680876 Spyder
   — SpyderS

April 18, 2004
PS.. in the URL I provided in the post below this one, it says: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/?yguid=176680876 Spyder. I wanted you to know, that my name, Spyder, is NOT a part of the URL. Here is the URL to copy and paste into your browser: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/?yguid=176680876 <a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/?yguid=176680876">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/?yguid=176680876</a>
   — SpyderS