Question:
I know we can't have Fats or more than 2gms of suger per meal, so what can we have?

There is suger in Catsup, mayoniase, bread and sounds like many things will be of limits. I would like to find out some of the foods I can have, so I could start working on a menu. I've purchased a blender and a food processor but I don't know what I'll be putting in them. I have an obsession with preplanning. Thank you so much for your help.    — Mary B. (posted on October 7, 2000)

October 7, 2000
Is that from the advice of your Doctor? My Doctor did not put a "limit" of sugar per meal, and I go with what is comfortable for me, same goes with fat (not too high) and milk. I was warned that these items in excess will cause me certain repercussions, so I am very very "easy" on all of them- so I avoid dumping, so everything I choose is LOW fat or LOW in sugar or NO added sugar. The only advice my Doctor did insist on me keeping to was, 60 grams of protein and 64 oz of water a day. The real point (3 mos out) is that I don't like to eat a whole heck of a lot, I am not ever hungry. So, I figure what I can get in, is what I can get in... Once I graduate to higher amounts of food (which seems impossible) I will follow their suggested long term eating plan- which they gave me before surgery- and include more greens and a occaisional grain. I more than likely be more cautious of fat, but I really don't think you need to be too radical as far as the these things go, unless it causes you discomfort. I am not suggesting you grab a snickers and call it lunch, but for instance a container of nonfat, aspartame sweetened yogurt has approx. 11 grams of sugar (depending on brand) in it, and I seem to be OK, within the 10-11 grams area.... A glass of milk (has sugar) w/ my protein (no sugar) suppement, makes me very content, and it is disgusting with water, so that is not a option for me. Check again with your Doctor, and see if he has his own "guidelines"... GOOD LUCK
   — Karen R.

October 7, 2000
Hi Mary! Since I've had to limit my sugar, I went-a-searching for sugar free foods! I found a LOT at my local health food store (cereal, catsup, etc) and even found some at grocery stores!!! Including, get this, sugar-free honey!! Of course that's "man-made"!! haha!! Of course, it costs a bit more, but if you're like me, you still want that taste!! The products I've found are very good!! My best to you!! :) take care! [email protected]
   — Dawne H.

October 7, 2000
I just want to comment on using milk in protein mixes. Remember athletes use milk to gain weight and I have found mixes that taste great in water. One is called Extreme Pure Pro and it comes in Grape or Tropical Punch. You cna buy samples for $1.50 from the www.vitalady.com I have also tried several other mixes and they are really good. The owner is Michelle Curran and she has had WLS. you can check out her profile on this site.
   — TJSmith

October 7, 2000
Hey, a person after my own obsessive heart! I'm too lazy to use a real blender, but my hand blender is CONSTANTLY in use. I use it for gravy, sauce, dressings, milk substitute, protein supplement, eggs... Yes, those things have sugar, but eensy amts. And figure YOUR portion. I do have a smear of catsup on my burger (OK, part of burger) and I am very fond of mayo, but I do not use fat free as it is higher in sugar. As was said, milk is appallingly high in sugar, so I even avoid dressings and such with milk. Besides, it does NOT agree with me. Our rule of thumb has always been 6g of sugar PER MEAL, so that would include the 1g in peas, 12g in No Sugar Added Applesauce, 1g in potatoes and so on. Don't be fooled by NSA! It only means "not as much". You may or may not dump, but if you are casual with sugar, you WILL mess with your wt loss. Remember to read all your labels and figure YOUR portion. We most often stumble with fruit juices and milk, not thinking of those health foods are being saboteurs of our WLS. Prune juice, for example, has 46g of sugar in a serving. You can cut that in half, dilute with water and it is STILL 23g of sugar, or 4 meals worth! I have become MUCH more skilled in math in the last 6 yrs! Pick a single digit sugar g limit and HOLD to it and you will be OK. For starters, there's s/f jello, popsicles, juices and many docs consider V8 to be a "clear liquid". The full liquid stage is harder, being all milk based. But there are pureed soups and all kinds of things that you can blend to your heart's content!
   — vitalady

October 7, 2000
Please be specific lest people who are just now educating themselves be confused. After an RNY you can only have that much fat or sugar. There are no such restrictions on DS-type surgery.
   — merri B.

October 7, 2000
When I had my surgery I was told if it had a mother could eat it like beef, cheese, chicken and so forth. I had problems eat most foods until I bought a pressure cooker and then I had no problems after that except when I ate too fast. The pressure cooker make all the meats that come out of it moist I make chicken salad once a week in it and the chicken stays moist and doesn't make me sick. I have since made coen beef, pot roast, pork loin roast, you name it I have made it and all of it I can eat without problems and it stays moist for days in the icebox. Hope this helps
   — Catherine P.

October 8, 2000
I had RNY and no such guidelines from my surgeon. I eat very little and watch what I eat, however I eat almost anything I want but in very small amounts. In 5 months I have dropped 90m lbs and feel great. I tend to look at this as a complete lifestyle change in eating patterns, bt so not deprive my self of things in very small amounts. This way I have found I do not have the "diet mentality" and do not crave things. I feel great and wnet from sixe 22/24 to 10/12.
   — rosemary I.

October 8, 2000
There are alot of opinions posted here and I hope I don't insult anyone but please remember that while we all can offer advice to you, please do what your physician tells you to. Everyone here is different, how I lose weight and how Michelle loses weight is totally different from how you lose weight. If your doctor says drink milk, then by all means do. I drink milk everyday and have absolutely no sugar cravings or weight loss problems. Listen to your doctor first and foremost and you will be ok.
   — christine L.