Question:
Are you suppose to eat 3 meals aday or 5 ?

I was wondering if you are suppose to be eating 3 meals a day including the protein shakes, or 5 meals a day? Which is better for you? Thanks    — Melodee S. (posted on April 26, 2003)

April 26, 2003
I did 5 small meals before surgery after reading extensively on the subject (the Zone, Larry North, Body for Life and some others all explain the advantages of more frequent, smaller meals) so I was thrilled when my surgeon recommended 5 small meals a day as well. One of my meals is a shake and sometimes one is a bar as well but I try for 4 "real food" meals. I track my food on fitday.com to make sure I am getting the right balances of protein, carbs and fat.
   — susanje

April 26, 2003
I also do 5-6 meals a day - that's what I was doing pre-op because of my diabetes and that's what the nutritionist recommends for post-ops at HUP's Bariatric Program because it helps to keep the blood sugar more level throughout the day. I don't do shakes at this point (although I am thinking of trying that new Nectar protein powder) but I do eat Detour/U-Turn bars - max of 1 per day (and not every day)...JR (open RNY 07/17/02 -172 pounds)
   — John Rushton

April 26, 2003
I'd say 5 or 6. I could'nt last for three meals a day... I just get to hungry. And by having many small meals a day, you will keep your metabolism up. Seems like the logical thing to do. And I never used shakes. I ate mostly meat and cheese and had an extremely high protein level without those shitty shakes.
   — Danmark

April 26, 2003
WHATEVER YOUR DOC TELLS YOU. My doc and nutritionist said three meals a day and no snacks until a certain percentage of our excess weight is gone.
   — Delores S.

April 26, 2003
The dietician I had to see before I could make an appointment with my surgeon was very insistent on only 3 meals a day and no snacks. She also was emphatic about not using protein shakes. However, I have done 3 meals and 2 snacks for many years, since I have insulin dependent diabetes and find that it works better for me to do that. I agree that doing 5 smaller meals keeps the hunger at bay better, for me anyway, than 3 meals and no snacks. Like so many other things, individuals vary in their needs as post-ops. You may have to experiment a bit to see what works for you. However, as an immediate post-op, you should do whatever your doctor directs. Once you get further out, you can then see what is most effective for you.
   — garw

April 26, 2003
If I eat only 3 times a day I suffer from hypoglycemic symptoms (dizziness, faintness, shakes, weakness, etc.) and find I must have a small something between meals. Everybody is different though. What's your doc recommend?
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 26, 2003
I did 5-6 tinymeals at first, only 1-2 oz each. NOW (8+ yrs postie), I do 4 per day, 6 or more protein drinks. My blood sugar tends to wander if I leave too much space, among other things. I dont' count the protein drinks as anything but protein grams. I use water, so no extra sugars or empty calories there.
   — vitalady

April 26, 2003
According to my surgeon we are supposed to "eat" 3 meals a day and if we supplement protein with shakes those are not counted as meals. I actually eat 2 meals a day, meaning I sit down to eat, and then 2-3 protein supplements. Usually one shake and one bar and sometimes 2 shakes. I find that 4-5 times a day is more comfortable for me, I have more energy and alertness.
   — Carol S.