Question:
Diet issue question - 9 weeks post op!
Hello: Let me start out that I am 9 weeks out, and have lost 40 lbs (was exactly 100lbs overweight to begin with). So I know that I will lose slower. Anyway, I really need help with my diet. Prior to surgery, I only ate once a day. And now, I'm going back to my old habits. I eat once a day (about 1-3oz chicken, etc.., and stop when I feel full) and drink about 30oz of liquid a day. I can't tolerate protein shakes (ugh) but do take my vitamins. I can't even imagine eating 6-8 times a day and drinking 64oz of water! If I only lost 40lbs eating once a day, then who's the say that I won't gain all of the weight back if I increase that to 6 times a day! HELP!!! — jengrz (posted on January 24, 2003)
January 24, 2003
Do what your doctor tells you to do. I'm not one to preach, because I get
yelled at all the time because I don't exercise, take my vitamins
regularly, or drink my protein shakes. It's hard, but eating once a day is
a joke. You won't have your energy or your nutrition. Open RNy 8/9/02;
295/203/199. Billi
— [Deactivated Member]
January 24, 2003
Jennifer, what you are doing is slowly starving yourself. And eventually
the body is going to stop losing weight because it recognizes what you are
doing and will fight to hold onto it. Its crazy, I know, but the more you
eat, the more you lose. Eating 3,4, or 6 small mini meals a day keeps the
body fueled and the body needs constant fuel to burn those calories and the
fat. If you deny it, then the body will lose muscle and not fat, and that
weakens the bones and leads to all sorts of problems. Right now, you
probably don't have an appetite and that is why you only eat once a
day-that will change eventually, but in the meantime you must force
yourself to either eat more protein several times a day or to find a
supplement shake or liquid or powder that you can tolerate. Be kind to
yourself-you didn't have this surgery to get self-destructive, but to get
healthy.
— Cindy R.
January 24, 2003
My couple of cents worth is to experiment a little more with supplements.
Your local gym will have single servings of lots of things, and you can try
things until you find what you like. When I was 9 wks post I couldn't even
bear the thought of drinking one of those 'bad cake mix' drinks. There are
a bunch out there now that are like juice instead. Also, try to change your
thinking about eating, you don't have to sit down to a plate of food. Have
a string cheese or a few nuts. Try portable foods that are easy to eat and
don't take alot of fuss. You are still very early postop and have a long
time to learn your new ways with food and supplements, so try things, be
patient, and give yourself the chance to succeed. OH, don't forget to
exercise! Good Luck to you.
— Cara F.
January 24, 2003
A mathematician, that's who's to say! First, I have to say that I think
your ideals on food are a little warped. I think you need to get educated
about food, calories and nutrition and perhaps starting with a Nutritionist
will help that. Even any health book will educate you for that matter.
Simply figure out what is going in your mouth, vs. what you are burning and
that will tell you what you will lose/gain. It takes a certain amount of
calories to gain, and a certain amount to lose. It is very possible that
even though you eat one meal- it will screw up your metabolism (if you
haven't already) because you've been telling your body - "you only get
this one meal" so your body holds onto that food as HARD as it can
(can you say plateau?). It is no wonder you are a slow loser. Also, you
NEED that water. You can get dehydrated and sick. You could very well
die, if not affect all your organs adversely in the meantime. Please don't
start making your own "rules" for your pouch. You are in new
territory here and the old rules do not apply. There are very good reasons
behind Doctors' advice and intruction and you are playing a game of Russian
Roulette with your health.
— Karen R.
January 24, 2003
I'd like to take back that "slow loser" comment- you are losing
just FINE for 9 weeks, and it sounded a little harsh and it wasn't intended
that way.
— Karen R.
January 24, 2003
Jennifer, the answer to your question is in the question itself. Eating
once a day kept you obese, before you had the surgery. Therefore, you've
already learned (and your body's already been trained) that eating once a
day screws up your metabolism and doesn't help you lose weight -- it can
help you gain it. Sounds crazy, but it's true and you're living proof of
it. :) In contrast, eating several small meals throughout the day will
keep you burning your fuel (food) more efficiently. It's like exercise --
you burn calories while you do it, but even when you're not exercising
during the rest of the day, your metabolism is running more efficiently due
to the fact you exercised earlier. Think of your body as an engine, and
food and water as fuel. It'll purr along much better if it doesn't get
fuel in fits and starts -- regular doses are much better!
— Suzy C.
January 25, 2003
Jennifer, if you are comfortable eating only once a day, you need to find a
protein shake that works for you and drink it twice a day. You must get
60gm of protein per day and your body can only absorb about 30gm (if even)
at a time. You may want to order some samples from vitalady.com and change
your habits now, before you end up with malnutrition and dehydration!
— JoAnn B.
January 25, 2003
I also suggest vitalady for samples of somethig that you can tolerate.
Protein is essential. Do some internet research on protein amounts in
foods to see which ones you like. If you haven't yet, read Oprah's Make The
Connection book. It really explains how your metabolism can be boosted by
exercise and diet. Use this time after your surgery to CHANGE those old
ways!! Best of luck to you!
— kcarie
January 25, 2003
One meal a day? I think you are heading for deep trouble.
Let me explain. I weighed 123 in high school and ate like a horse. Once I
got out of school and did'nt play sports all the time, I continued to eat
alot. Then by the time I was about 20 years old I weighed 147 and wanted to
lose about 20 lbs to get in the Air Force. Anyway, I then ate one meal a
day (supper) for 500 calories. I did this for about a year (both 500
calories a day and then going overboard on eating). I was a walking
zoombie. Yeah I lost around 18 pounds but my metabolism was shot. Then add
to this mistake I did alot of fasting for 7-10 days each (over around a 20
year period). I was ravously hungery for those weeks. (Don't anyone ever
tell me I don't have will power- fasting was one of the hardest things I've
ever done). When I first started fasting I'd lose 1-2 pounds a day. Then
after a weeks time I could'nt even lose 1 pound! I am NOT lying ether. So
between those "one meal a day for 500 calories" and the fasting,
I really "F"ed up my metabolism. And even though I did Weight
Watchers (a very good program) my body would not let me lose fat. God
forbid if any of us, LIKE YOU, should do this foolish 500 calorie diet...
how will you ever lose if you screw up WLS? What else is left? You best get
some decent calories in your body. I fear for you.
— Danmark
January 25, 2003
Don't do what I did and starve. I didn't have an appetite and /or forgot to
eat on most occassions in that first year. My metabolism is on the ground.
I gain very easily now being almost 3 years out. I've held my own, but it's
hard work. You need to eat healthy regular meals so your body doesn't think
its starving.
— ZZ S.
January 25, 2003
Jennifer.......I am a lot like you except I eat two meals a day now. I
really have to struggle to make myself eat and drink. I do however make
sure that I consume at least 60 grams of protein a day. I usually average
around 600 calories a day and the Dr. said I was doing just fine. The
thing that will make you run to the protein is when your hair begins to
fall out by the handfuls. Trust me it is going to happen and that should
both remind you and inspire you to eat!!!!!!!!!! Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02
down 88lbs
— lovemonterey
January 25, 2003
Hi. Just wanted to tell you that I am very proud of you! You have lost
40lds wh/ is great considering you did'nt have much to loose. I was a 1
meal a day person b/4 surgery. After surgery I barely ate anything just b/c
I could not tolerate the smell of food & I was not hungery. I am 1yr 2
days post op & have lost 185lbs. I do not drink protein shakes as I can
not tolerate them and I cannot have soy products. (They all contain soy
protein). I am also allergic to Nutra Sweet/Aspertame. Finding Healthy Fodd
can be a chore,so here's what I do. I was only do 1 meal a day thing for
about the first 3-4 months--lack of wanting/hunger. You have to force
yourself to eat. Start slow. I like the flavored Quaker Oats oatmeal and I
have that for breakfast. I usually don't eat lunch, but I do have a 1oz bag
of Whales over the course of the afternoon. For dinner I try to have a high
protein meal. However I do find myself (alot) only eating one meal a day.
Everyone is different & only you can find what is best for you. I know
I am healthy and I usually only have the Whales (like goldfish) &
sometimes fruit over the course of the day, But I eat a good dinner. When
you get full (after a few bites), wait a few minutes, then eat some more. I
find that if I drink (water or tea) w/ my my meals, it helps the food move
through better, and I am able to eat like I should. Again, I am very proud
of you, and only you can find what works for you & your body!
— Pamela S.
January 25, 2003
Hi Jennifer. I also wanted to add that I do get my water in. Soups are a
good way to get your liquid in. Also cheese is a good way to get in the
protein. The Mozzarella sticks that you can peel and eat are a great way to
get in the protein. Ignore what anyone says about the fat content of
cheese, the cheese is a good source. I also use that during the day as does
my sister who is post op 1yr 1 1/2mo and has lost 192lbs. Work on the
fluids!! BECAREFUL w/ fruit juice--high in sugar low in healthy. Soup,
chili, skim milk=fluid. Also my sister recommends 1cup skim milk + 1cup
raisin bran is 14grms of protein + great source of vit & fiber. If not
able to eat the 1c at first, try a 1/2c. Again you are doing great w/ the
weight loss. In my support meetings I know people that have 3 times the amt
to loose & have only lost about 25-30lbs. You are averaging 7-8lbs a wk
wh/ is great!!
— Pamela S.
January 25, 2003
To everyone who has posted, thank you for your assistance and guidance -
it's greatly appreciated! Jennifer Smith
— jengrz
January 26, 2003
9weeks out -40
You are about where I was
I had 120 to lose
you will find your appitite increases over the next few months..
if you can stick to once a day
go for it
just up your protein intake to 60 grams
and that might be hard on 1 meal a day with out the shakes..
you will not be a slow loser
if your BMI is on the lower end
of course your going to lose a bit slower then those on the higher end
but I have had friends on the lower end whose weight loss stopped because
of sugars
be careful of sugars and liquid calories
good luck
Kathy
— Kathleen M.
January 26, 2003
Pre surgery your body was in a starvation mode as it didnt get fed enough
to release fat... one meal a day people really screw up their metabolism. I
was one of them. You had major surgery to have a tool to lose weight... and
now you must follow through to be successful. If you werent planning to
dedicate yourself to going 100% you shouldnt have had the surgery. Sorry
but this is true. I say the same thing to all the folks who eat sugar and
carbs. Save the insurance company money for people who are going to do what
it takes. Now, having said that... lets assume you just need some help, no
one said that this was going to be easy. Nothing good comes easy. You have
done well in spite of your not doing what you are supposed to do because in
the first few months it is impossible to screw this up, but if you are
going to be successful long term and get to goal you need to start being
smart about this. First you must find a protein shake that you like...
they all suck unless you fix them up a bit. Add a 2 inch chunk of banana
and some vanilla extract. Add a couple of sugar free oreo cookies and a
glop of cool whip. Add a few chunks of unsweetened canned pineapple and
some coconut extract. Add some Nutrasweet and some Dutch process cocoa and
a few almonds. Try Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla... it is the best.
Make sure any shake mix you buy is the low carb kind. Start eating little
amounts of protein, rolled up deli turkey or ham, a piece of string cheese,
a little ground beef chili, some chicken salad, some tuna salad, scrambled
eggs with cheese... you must get in at least 800 calories in order for your
body to start letting go of its fat reserves. Make up your mind that not
everything in life is whipped cream and roses... some times you have to do
what you have to do to achieve results. This is one of those times. Follow
your surgeons instructions! ciao, suze
— SusanMaria
January 28, 2003
For those of you who are way 'out there'...like over a year and
struggling...do you not feel full easily anymore? Why is that? Do you
think, after regaining your good taste in most foods, you over ate until
you stretched out your new stomach? What happens to us when we get out
there? Why is it such a struggle? Open RNY October 30, 2002 and down 75
lbs. I still cannot eat a lot of stuff. Meats in particular.
— Ginger M.
January 29, 2003
"I'm going back to my old habits" says a lot. Don't let yourself
go there. Eating 1 meal(what you are eating is no where a "meal"
at 9 weeks) a day will screw up your metabolism big time and is probably a
major cause of your obesity. "I can't even imagine eating 6-8 times a
day and drinking 64oz of water". Didn't you know BEFORE SURGERY that
you would be required to do this in order to lose safely and to be healthy?
I agree with the other replies with regards to eating small meals every few
hours and water inbetween. If you want to be healthy and lose weight in a
steady and safe mannor then you need to follow your doctors's and
nutritionist's eating plan. We can't make up our own rules for eating, our
past choices weren't very good were they.
— mary ann T.
Click Here to Return