Question:
For all of you RNYites out there, what was your typical diet like at this stage?

Im always concerned that Im eating too much. Im probably doing just fine, it's just a concern for me. I dont want to have gone through all of this only to have it fail. For example, depending on the type of food, somedays I can eat about 1/2 to a cup of food and sometimes I only have a few bites and then Im done. Today for lunch, I went to Subway and had about 1/2 of a six inch sub. For dinner, Ill usually have about 1/2 of a boneless skinless chicken breast or 1/2 of a boneless pork chop (grilled) and maybe 2-3 bites of rice, or if we have Hamburger Helper, about 1/2 to a cup of that. Maybe Im worrying too much. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!    — Kris T. (posted on May 13, 2003)

May 13, 2003
Kris, By what you wrote you're doing fine, I was counting my calories back then and am doing now, I'm almost 12 months post op down 130 pounds, at about 4 months post op I was getting in about 800-1000 calories a day, I was only eating when I was hungry and I was still supplementing with shakes, I'm still doing the shakes, and protein bars. I try to up my protein as much as possible, as I don't want to loose any muscle in the process of loosing the fat. Don't worry about eating too much what I would start doing is counting the calories from this point on, write down everything you, In the beginning I was using the Fitday.com site, now I've gone with the Dietpower.com site, it's totally awesome and works wonders. Keeps me at bay and puts a limit on what I can and cannot do. You'll find in the next couple of months that on some days you'll be able to eat more, you'll be scared or even frieghten that you've stretched something, don't worry it's normal, your tummy has begun to heal and as bad as Idon't want to tell you it's going to expand a little more, don't worry thow this is where we need to start using the tool to the best of it's ability, it's tricky as long as you remember protein first, as it'll fill you up the fastest. Best of luck many hugs,
   — tannedtigress

May 13, 2003
At 4 months post-op, I was eating just about everything I eat now, just in smaller amounts. I could have managed the 3 inch sub at Subway, but with some of the bread removed, or 1/2 a meat sandwich with the top part of the bread removed. Breakfast was 1 large scrambled egg with cheese in it most mornings and sometimes I could eat the whole egg, sometimes leave a bite or two behind. Dinner sounds about right too - a few ounces of grilled meat/poultry with a few bites of something else (veggie or carb). Sounds like you are doing OK-just remember to concentrate on protein first at meals, or supplement with the protein shakes to keep the protein up there. You don't mention water, so hopefully you are getting in at least 64 oz of water a day and ensuring that you do not drink with or right after meals. Exercise? Vitamins? Final ingredients.
   — Cindy R.

May 13, 2003
I am 4 months post op in 2 days and today I had 3 ounces of tuna, a hard boiled egg and half of a uturn bar. Later I will have a shake and some chicken with a small salad. I also get in about 60 ounces of fluid a day and a minimum of 75 grams of protein. I average about 800 calories per day. I notice the same thing that you do. Some days I can eat what feels like a ton and others I can barely get in 2 ounces of protein at a time. Weird but as long as the weight loss keeps going I am not going to argue. Generally when you eat carbs you can eat a greater quantity at a sitting. Good Luck!
   — Carol S.

May 13, 2003
At 4 months post op I was consuming about 600 calories a day. At almost 8 months post op I am now averaging about 900 calories a day. About half of the calories came from non fat milk at 4 months out. I had a hard time eating in the begining so the milk really helped me keep my protien intake up. Like you I had days where I could eat larger portions and some days where I couldn't. For me it seemed as though I couldnt eat what I needed to if I didnt drink enough fluids early in the day. If you are still losing weight I wouldn't worry too much but try to stay away from pre-packaged and processed foods. They have a ton of carbs and fat in them and they will make you twice as hungry. Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02 down 121 lbs
   — lovemonterey

May 13, 2003
At 10 weeks post-op, my surgeon told me to eat AT LEAST 1000 calories a day. I was only consuming about 500 and he was very upset. If I were you, though, I'd be careful of the sandwiches, rice and pasta. The "white" carbs are dangerous - they make you crave more and more food. When I go to Subway (rarely), I eat the meat and veggies and leave the bread. I don't eat pasta at all as it makes me very ill and the last time I had rice, I ended up in the hospital after being nauseated for a week and not eating and drinking. I limit potatos too. My diet consists mostly of meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit and salad. I do eat nuts, jerky, cheese, yogurt, occasionally, sugar free ice cream for a treat, and crackers. By the way, I am 17 months post-op and have lost 181 pounds. I lost 120 of this in 6 months and never had a bite of bread the entire six months.
   — Patty_Butler

May 13, 2003
I'm not as good as Patty...I always recommend that people avoid white starchy foods as much as possible, but I do have a love affair with them (sigh...). Your volume sounds about right per meal, but imagine how many more grams of protein and fiber you'd have gotten by eating an extra inch or two of the sub if you'd skip the bread on it - or at least half the bread on it. I love burgers but take off one slice of the bun. Doesn't kill that burger flavor and cuts the starch/carbs. Personally I chose veggies to fill up whatever room the protein didn't take 90% of the time. Even at 9+ months out there are days I can eat a cup and other days I can only eat a few bites. Sometimes it varies by meal, sometimes by days. It's weird to be sure. Oh and congrats on better than 59 pounds gone!
   — [Deactivated Member]