Question:
What would a typical daily menu be for a 2-4 month Post Op?

I am a bit more than 1 month Post Op and have been given the go to eat anything as long as I chew, chew, chew. I have been not losing any weight for the past 2 weeks however and am VERY frustrated. I have to admit, I haven't been really exercising in the true sense of the word, other than my daily activities of working as a school teacher and being a mom to a 6 and 2 year old, as well as doing housework. I also have to admit that I haven't been good at taking my 2 Flintstones because of having problems gagging at chewing them. I'm not one of the many "They taste soooo good" advocates. I have been doing my best at drinking LOTS of liquids (water and Crystal Lite mostly) and I really truly don't think I'm over eating. If anything, I'm thinking I may not be eating enough. So my questions: 1) Is it possible my body is in starvation mode and I'm not eating enough? 2) Is it because I'm not taking my vitamins and not exercising? 3) Am I just unlucky and already on a plateau? 4) Could there be something wrong? ---- What I would like are these questions answered and for you Post Ops to please post what you typically eat for a day's menu. Thanks sooooo much !!!    — Lynne D. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
I too hit a plateau after my 1st month when I was approved to begin the regular diet. I found that I could not get the required protein from food only. At 3mo Post I find that meat is still iffy for me. Some days I do ok and others I throw it back up. Last month I began to concentrate on getting in my protein, water and vitamins. Last month I only lost 8lbs but this month I was back on track and lost a little over 16. At 3mo I tend to have a Protein Shake for Breakfast and Dinner and try to eat something high in protein for lunch such as tuna or deli meat and cheese. I will then have a couple of peanut butter crackers, a cheese stick or yogurt in between meals for a snack. It seems to be working for me. It's not perfect because I do cheat sometimes by eating a cookie or something else that I know that I do not need. I also know that I need to stay away from Ice Tea (sweetened w/ sugar). I find that none of the vitamins are super great but I take Nature's Plus Adult Chewable (pinapple flavor) from the Vitamin Shoppe and Gummy Vites which is a children's complete multiple. Also I read an article which said that if you're not getting the required calcium, that will cause your body to also hold onto the weight. Don't forget to make sure that you are taking a Calcium Citrate. I learned my lesson the hard way in the form of intense pain in my thighs by trying to take Viactiv Chews as my calcium suppliment. It is Carbonate. Good Luck to you! MizD/13wksPost-55
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 5, 2003
I am 2 months out and still loosing 3-5 lbs. a week. My diet usually consists of breakfast: 1 cup milk then half a protein bar or 1 banana. morning snack: 1 cheese stick. lunch: 1 chicken leg or 1/4 cup tuna and a piece of fruit. dinner: chicken, small potatoe, maybe a cheese stick. sometimes I have an afternoon or evening snack of a piece of turkey jerky. My doctor says if I want to try it try it so once or twice a week I try something new. If you eat too little your body will think it is being starved and you will not lose much. Have you tried Centrum chewables, they have an orange flavor and are not as chalky when you chew them as some. I know that some people hit plateaus quickly then all of a sudden start to lose again. Try eating a little more protein and see if that helps. Good luck.
   — tazfan

November 5, 2003
You did not say in your post if you are taking a protien supplement or not. I hope you are because there is no way to eat enough protein at this point and it is so important. If you can't stand the Flintstone Vit. find a new one it is so important to get in all the nutrients you can. You are looking at serious problems long term if you don't take your Vitamin and you Calcium. I really don't think it is possible that you are eating too much. My physician has told us that he does not even care if we eat at all as long as we are getting in the Protein we need and the Vitamin/Calcium. I am 6 weeks out and some days I eat and some days it is just liquid and protein drinks and I must say I feel great. I loose approx. a pound or so a day at this point. If you can get in some weight lifting time during the day that would probably help get you jump started as well. It is very important to maintain the muscle mass you have and not loose it. Remember muscle burns more calories than fat. Good luck
   — danagates

November 5, 2003
Not losing weight for 2 or more weeks seems to be very normal so don't worry! I'll go 2 weeks with no weightloss and then BAM in 2 days I'll drop 5-10lbs... I am 2 months out and eat anywhere from 800-1,000 calories a day... I eat about 4-5 mini meals.. I measure my meals out in a 1/2 cup serving.. Depending on what I eat I can either finish the 1/2 cup or only eat half of it... I drink only water and every now and then will have about 3oz of orange juice... I don't drink protien supplements and I take One a Day weight smart Vitamins... I couldn't stand the chewables either so I just started to take regular vitamins... I usually take 2 tablets a day, along with liquid B-12... Also Track your calories and protein on a website like www.fitday.com... It has helped me with not putting my body into starvation mode and making sure I get in enough protein... EXERCISE! It's so importnant.. You don't even have to do strenous things.. I walk 5 days a week for 30 min's.. Sometimes I take my 4yr old and 18 month old with me or I get up early and walk alone... I feel so good afterwards, and then I am ready for my hectic day with the kids and house cleaning.. TYPICAL MENU: 9am 1 egg with 1/2 slice of cheese. 11am 1/2 cup of bean and cheese with 6-12 baked tortilla chips. 2pm 6 crackers with peanut butter. 5pm broiled chicken breast and with broccoli. 7pm carrots, celery, cucumber with cheese cheddar and salad dressing.
   — baybekmbrly