Question:
I need food suggestions please

I am 10 weeks post op of an opne RNY. My doc is very conservative, and didn't allow me to "eat" untill 8 weeks out. Yes I had soups and protein drinks, but I just started real food ( no beef or pork per him ) 2 weeks ago. I don't think, well infact I know I am not eating enough. I am a nurse and work 12 plus hours 3 days a week. I get up each morning and have a glass of V8 along with my vitamins. I usually eat , if possible, between 12 and 2 maybe 2 ounces of pasta or soup or salad, something like that. When I get home around 8pm I don't want to eat. I have water with me constantly during the sday so I get in fluids. I have only lost 49 lbs so far. Is this because of my lack of food? As for exercise I, not only am I constantly running all day long at work, I walk my 2 big dogs around the block everynight. Thats about it on a consistant basis. I am worried as is my friends that I am hurting myself. I must still be in that "honeymoon" stage as I have absolutly no hunger what so ever. Any suggestions?? thanks so much.    — Gina D. (posted on July 23, 2002)

July 23, 2002
My diet is totally high protein, very low carbs. I am 6 weeks post op, and I've been eating meat since week 2. The pasta is really not what your body needs. I think if you try to eat protein first, then a vegetable, it would be best. Good luck to you.
   — eahutchins

July 23, 2002
Could you eat cottage cheese, or refried beans, or peanut butter on crackers, or cheese and crackers? These were some of my early post op foods? Are you keeping up with your protein shakes? How about egg beaters (I could not tolerate eggs for 4-5 months post op?). Can you try tunafish with a little mayo? How about fruits? Watermelon, cantaloupe, applesauce, diced canned in juice peaches or pears? Don't know about weight loss though. Yours seems fantastic compared to my 60 or so at 5 months post op.
   — Linda V.

July 23, 2002
I am 8 weeks out as of today, and I enjoy string cheese, Hummus or re-fried beans on crackers or baked tostitos, chicken catchatore (sp?), wendy's chili, scallops sauteed in olive oil and garlic, chickpea and cheese salad, shredded chicken w/ bbq sauce, and I always have turkey bacon ready as a quick on the go meal/snack, and I carry a pack of peanuts in my purse. ~~~Heather -45 lbs, 8 weeks
   — hrussinko

July 23, 2002
Hi, I feel for you. I'm 7 weeks and just went back to work, today I tried to eat at work and ended up feeling ill b/c I ate too fast. It is hard during the work day to get in foods, eat slowly enough etc. You might try eating something in the morning, dry cheerios work well for me, I can munch them in the car on the way to work and they have 2 proteins. How about doing a protein drink during the day that will help and maybe scheduling a fifteen minute break and eating some nuts, turkey jerky, or peanut butter crackers. Then for dinner either something like a piece of fish or chicken or whatever and nothing else? I've lost 42 lbs and I'm worried about managing my work and eating but for me if I don't eat every three hours I get nauseous so that does remind me to eat. Good luck! Hope this was somewhat helpful
   — Tabatha M.

July 24, 2002
Gina, what do you mean "only lost 49 pounds so far"? 49 in 10 weeks is very good. But I noticed that you are definitely not getting in enough protein if you are only eating twice a day. Even though you aren't hungry you must force yourself to eat good protein. And, a lack of food, especially a lack of good protein, will result in muscle weight loss and not fat weight loss. We want to get rid of fat and not muscle. Others have suggested some good protein foods and good protein snacks to eat on the go at work, so check it out. I have found chicken to be the best source of protein. You can cook up boneless chicken breasts and just take that to work with you-munch on it alone or shred it over a salad, or mix it into a soup or chili. Moist is best. Good luck
   — Cindy R.

July 25, 2002
Gina - Sounds like you are not getting enough protein. I am also 10 weeks and thought my doc was tough. Liquids for 2 weeks, Soft Diet (cheese, eggs, peanut butter, grits) from 2 - 6 weeks. At 6 weeks got seafood and toast and at 8 weeks chicken, turkey and pasta. Nothing new until 3 months. As you can see, there are no fruits or veggies. I eat almost 100% protein. Sometimes I will have my tuna or chicken salad on toast. The pasta has not worked for me yet, to heavy I guess. Good Luck
   — Sharon H.

July 25, 2002
Hi, I am the one who posted this questions and I just wanted to thank all of you who answered me. You have helped me out so much. I have written down your suggestions and will change what I eat. Now I get it.....PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN !! Thanks wish me luck...Gina
   — Gina D.