Question:
Can anyone tell me what to eat at 4 1/2 months post op?

I had my surgery on July 31 and I have lost pretty slow compared to most people, but that isn't bothering me too much now. My question is can anyone tell me if what I am eating is WLS "normal" and if there is anything that I am doing that may make it harder to lose? Here is an example of what I eat: protein bar, beef jerky (2 pieces), 1/2 Weight Watchers meal, and mainly protein for dinner, like omelet or meat, sometimes I have baked tortilla chips and salsa or cheese for a snack. I always get in 70 grams of protein and 64 ounces of water. I do about 2 miles on the Gazelle 5 days a week and stay pretty busy on the weekends. Am I doing anything wrong?    — Lisa D. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
Lisa, It sounds like you're doing reat by all means, The exercise is kick butt !!, What I found out was at about 4 months post op I was able to eat allot more, I was trying to get in my protien but in the midst of doing so I increased the calories, went way over 1900 calories a couple of days. What I found most helpful was the Fitday.com website, it allows me to list everything I put in my mouth to see and show me exactly what I'm eating...... It's helped me out allot, it's got me back on the road. and I can see the light up ahead.... If anything I would try to up your protien. Gotta love that beef jerky, I'm addicted to it. Had a girlfriend make me some chinese home made beef jerky, talk about melt in your mouth.... Good luck and god bless. Post op 6 months down 100 pounds, still have about 40 to goal
   — tannedtigress

December 4, 2002
I had surgery on 7/29/02 and so we are in the same range - sounds like you are doing fine - just watch your carbs. I am a slow loser also - 67pounds down - but I must admit I am not the greatest at doing my exercise. I want a Gazelle so bad - I'm buying one with my christmas bonus - can't wait. My husband doesn't believe I will use it that much - but he is surprised how good I am doing with the WLS. Good luck and keep in touch - it's nice to relate to people in your own time frame - although I love hearing everyones stories.
   — Sharon O.

December 4, 2002
Hi Lisa: You sound to me as if you are doing all of the right things. I am right there with you. I lost 40 pounds in 11 weeks. It can get downright depressing to read of how much others have lost. You don't say what your BMI was when you started, but if it is lower than many, it seems you usually lose slower. For myself, after the initial 25 pound loss the first month, I have lost only 1 pound many weeks. The most I lost after that first month is 5 pounds. That happened only one week. I know that I will probably not be a person who ever drops multiple pounds overnight. Continue with what you are doing. You will be pleasantly surprised how these little losses add up to quite a bit after 6 months. Love Grace
   — Grace H.

December 4, 2002
I'll admit.. you eat more carbs than I do... I try to keep mine fairly low during the day... and my fat... typically.. I eat.. low fat/no fat cheese, turkey -- ground breast or breast filets, chicken breasts, low fat no meat products, watermelon (about every other day), whole wheat soft tortiall (about once a week), my own low fat ground turkey chili, a few little salad leaves, egg whites, one whole protein drink each day, beef or turkey jerky, soy nuts, a few other nuts, a few cooked veggies, a very occasional whole wheat waffle, sometimes turkey noodle soup.. but I remove the noodles, low fat mushroom soup occasionally... that's about it basically.. I also have a protein drink in the morning for breakfast... it seems the best time to get it down for me... I take all my vitamins etc.. and I get about 64-80 oz of water a day... that's my life... LOL.. I also get about 80-100 grams of protein a day..
   — Lisa C.

December 5, 2002
Lisa, I agree with the other posters... it sounds like you are doing great! I personally realize the HARDEST thing not to do is to compare myself with others. I am a slow loser, 99% of the reason why I had this surgery in the first place. You already know all of this, but.... Follow the rules, eat your protein and drink your water. And enjoy the fact that you are losing weight instead of gaining. Hang in there... This WILL work for you!! Best wishes!!
   — Tricia C.

December 5, 2002
If you'd like, you can look on my profile. I have listed what I ate on a typical day for 4 1/2 months, 9 months, and 18 months out. Sounds to me like you are doing great!
   — ctyst