Question:
What should my diet consist of?. I haven't a clue what I should be eating for continued success.

I live in Rep of Ireland and I had open RNY surgery on 5th July 2000 in UK, it has not been done in this country yet. As of 10 weeks post op I am down 70lbs (was 373-now 303), I am delighted with this but I think I've had my free ride, so to speak now, from the surgery, and I realise I must work with this tool now, but I haven't a clue what I should be eating for continued success. My surgeon was very good technically but when it came to after surgery eating the advice given was "eat what you can, when you can, you won't be able to eat much anyway so there's no need to count anything". I've done that until now and got away with it. But now I'm able to eat quite a bit more than a few weeks ago of course, so I'd like to know of any advice on exercise and how much I should be doing, how much protein/cals/carbs/fat etc. I wouldn't have known that I should be doing this until I read all the great feedback from people in USA on this site.If anyone knows of any literature and low cal protein shake mixes that I can buy online I'd be so grateful. There are no support groups anywhere in this country nor can I find any informative reading matter on this. Many thanks for this excellent site. Helen Burton email [email protected]    — Helen B. (posted on September 19, 2000)

September 19, 2000
Helen, Hi and congrats on a wonderful start! Well my opinion is that your total calories every day should break down like this: 50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% fat. That's basically what I do and have good results. At 10 weeks post-op you should walk 1 hour hard every single day. Come home and drink water. I believe strongly if you're going to put on your gym shoes and go do it right and do it long. You'll be so proud of yourself for the calories you burn. At 303 lbs. you will burn 600 calories if you walk 1 hour. Isn't that exciting? You can find protein shakes at Michelle Curran's profile on AMOS. A good book is Living a Lighter Lifestyle, by Gaye Andrews. I think she has a website. Try the keyword Gaye Andrews. It's very comprehensive. Try to get the knack for 75 grams of protein a day because not only do you need it but also it cuts sugar cravings and other food cravings. Good luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 19, 2000
Helen, you will find a number of answers from members of AMOS on this question. I am fortunate enough to have a registered dietician at the hospital where I had my surgery that works w/ gastric bypass patients post op. I can access her at anytime I have a question. She told me that NOW is the time to learn "good eating habits" so that when we are able to eat more, we will be eating the right kinds of foods. Foods that do not make us get fat, again. I told her about the concept at AMOS that we are to get 60 grams of protein a day. She said that is not necessarily so. She said that each person is different. She told me to concentrate on getting in food from all food groups. Of course, I can't do much of that now as I am 2 months post op. I mainly make sure I get in some protein in the form of chicken, fish, beef, poached eggs, soy nuts, protein bars, etc. Then I eat a "little" veggies like corn, broccoli green beans, carrots, potatoes (baked has lots of potassium). I eat a "pinch" of salad, too. I used dry beans like kidney, northern, pinto, etc and puree them, then eat a little. There is LOTS OF PROTEIN in beans! I experiment and make my own recipes like: chopped sauteed onion, chopped tomato, chopped green pepper, and then I use a little cooked, chopped chicken breast, or chipped roast beef from the deli chopped, or ground turkey meat. I mix it all together and let it simmer for about ten minutes. It is VERY GOOD!! I might put some salsa in it while cooking, too. Sometimes I melt mozzarella cheese (low fat) on top when it is done. Sometimes, I even put a little "dab" of low fat sour cream on top before I eat it. I divide it in to 2 oz portions. I freeze each 2 oz portion til I am ready to eat it. I warm it up in the microwave for about a minute, then eat. I have a few other recipes that I made up that are loaded w/ nutrients and mainly protein if you'd like them. You can email me at: [email protected] Also, peanut butter on a cracker is loaded w/ protein. I eat 2 oz. I measure it out first. I usually have enough to spread on 2 crackers. Low fat cheeses like mozarella, farmer's cheese, etc are all good for protein, too. I have to take 2 Kids Flintstone Vitamins a day, 3 Tums for calcium, liquid vitamin B 12, and iron. I have to take these for the rest of my life after WLS. It is important to get regular blood work done to see if your levels of potassium, etc are normal. I also take potassium given by my physician as my potassium level was very low after surgery. There are foods that give you potassium like bananas, kiwi fruit, baked potatoes, orange juice (diluted 75% water to 25% orange juice). If your potassium level is low you will feel it. It makes you feel really bad. Good luck, Helen! Write anytime you'd like. I'd like a wls friend from Ireland.
   — kathy S.

September 19, 2000
Helen! My son lives in Ireland! Very much congrats on your wt loss! I am very much pro-protein suppelment. But that comes of seeing many sick people or those who never got the full wt loss. Also, since my recent diagnosis with osteoporosis, I don't believe Tums provide enough (if any) calcium in an absorbable form. AND we cannot absorb ferrous sulfate, so I am hoping you can find a more absorbable iron in your parts. I am willing to do some digging to see if I can find a reputable dealer in the types of absorbable supplements we need for long term health, wt loss and wt maintenance. Since our needs are very specific for the maximum utilization of our pouch space and money, it's important that you take the supplements in the most absorbable forms. As for our food rules as given from my doctor: no milk, no sugar, no grazing and no drinking with meals! We eat 5-6 meals of 1-2 oz until goal wt is reached. Since you are past the "break in period", I won't go into the liquid phase and all that. Hopefully we can find you everything you need (locally to you) to cover all your nutritional bases long before you ever experience any shortages at all!
   — vitalady