Question:
A question about the diet

I am 31/2 weeks post-op and I have a question about our diet. I understand that protein is our main objective in our diet, and the reasons why it is important, but doesn't our bodies need other nutrients found in vegetables, fruits and carbs? I am proximal RNY and do supplement my diet with protein drinks and vitamins but there are times that I feel like I am not eating "healthy". Does anyone else feel this way?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 3, 2001)

February 3, 2001
That is why it is important to take your multivit and calcium daily. The reason for the high protein is because you body is breaking down tissue as you are losing weight , unfirtunately we also lose lean muscle mass as well as fat, Protein helps to minimize this loss and help with the healing process. The other advantage with the protein is that it stabilizes your blood sugar, whish in turn will decrease cravings for the sweets and carbs. I am 4 weeks post-op and I feel your pain! I am at the experimental stage, seeing what stays down and what doesn't. Keep reading this webpage, the info has been invaluable when it comes to "tricks of the trade" Good Luck!
   — Margaret S.

February 3, 2001
I supplement all the 8 missing elements and get frequent labs studies. I get plenty of protein by supplement, so do not waste pouch space "trying" to get more. That leaves me space for the stuff we do absorb via food. So, I'm supplementing the basics and getting the REST of the balance via food. I only completely exclude the milk (but not the rest of the dairy) and sugar family. I know sugar is a basic food group, but not for me! It was odd at first, to do this, but after I lost the weight and maintained my goal wt and good labs all these years, I am perfectly happy to do it this way.
   — vitalady

February 3, 2001
I'm glad you asked this question because I've been wondering the very same thing. I'm also 3-1/2 weeks post-op, RNY proximal. Even with the vitamins and protein, I still think we need veggies ... I guess this comes from my Weight Watcher days. I hope you get more answers so I can get a better understanding too.
   — Betty Todd

February 3, 2001
Yes, I believe our bodies also need fruits and vegetables. By the way, these are carbohydrates (anything is a carbohydrate if it isn't a protein or a fat). However, we do not need to eat starches -- the 'bad' carbs! Just make sure you aren't eating your fruits and veggies before you get in the needed protein.
   — Cindy H.