Question:
HELP WHAT IS EXACTLY GOOD OR BAD TO EAT?

I RECENTLY WAS TALKING TO A PEER AND I GOT KIND OF UPSET. SHE TOLD ME I WAS NOT EATING THE RIGHT THINGS, AND SOME OF THE THINGS I HAVE BEEN EATING IS BAD. I AM 2 MOS POST OP. I TRY REALLY HARD, I DON'T EAT SWEETS, NO SODA, JUICE, ALCOHOL, BUT I HAVE HAD A TACO FROM TACO BELL AND PASTA GOES DOWN REALLY GOOD? SHE SAYS SHE ONLY ATE PROTEIN AT MY STAGE, I DON'T KNOW IF WHAT IM EATING IS RIGHT. I PRETTY MUCH TOLERATE ANYTHING. IM SO FRUSTRATED.    — Dana R. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 22, 2002
Dana, dear Dana, why would you get upset at just one other person's opinion? Please note the very WIDE diversity of doctor's and nutritionist's instructions about post-op diets. It depends on the type of surgery, your personal constitution and taste preferences and your docs recommendations. The one (ok, two) consistent things I have heard here is eat your protein first and get at least 50-60 grams of protein in per day. Beyond that, everyone with an opinion think's their an expert. Go gentle, girlfriend. Educate yourself by reading in the library here on post-op diets. And be prepared to do ALOT of eye-rollling when you read some of the 'expert' opinions in this Q&A section, my own included. Critical thinking skills and judging for yourself what is right for you is important. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

May 22, 2002
Tell your friend to chill. I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op and at 10 days my doctor told me to eat anything I could tolerate as long as by the end of the day I had 50-60 grams of protein consumed. I eat eats, BBQ chicken, chili, tacos, etc. and have continued to lose. You're doing great. Plus, the more variety the better your metabolism and energy level.
   — stacey L.

May 23, 2002
Personally, I will NEVER again label food as good or bad. It's what got me morbidly obese!!! Do not let someone lay a guilt trip on you. Every doctor's plan is different. It kills me when people think their way is the ONLY way! There is no right or wrong way to do this. Taco bell tacos were my saving food at about 2 months out. My surgeon thought they were perfectly fine to eat. Don't let someone else's comments lead you to second guess yourself or your surgeon. I will never diet again. I am 16 months post op and have lost 144 lbs. I have eaten what I want. I've been this weight now for about 6 months. I am in a size 4/6. I got here by not labeling foods and by not feeling guilty. This is the most liberating feeling!!! You'll get here, too. Shelley
   — Shelley.

May 23, 2002
Don't let the hardliners get to you. You are doing the right things. Just make sure you get your protein in. My dr also told me to eat whatever I could tolerate, but that protein should come first at every meal. I followed his advice and reached goal in 7 months. I also ate taco bell and pasta--after my protein of course. =) I don't deny myself ANY food. If I want it, I have it in moderation. If it makes me sick, well then I won't want it anymore, will I? The bottom line is as long as you are following the basic rules (high protein, low sugar, frequent meals, don't drink with meals, drink plenty of water, etc.) the rest is up to you. You didn't have the surgery to make yourself miserable--you deserve a normal life! I don't think I could tolerate an ALL protein diet. I mean, how many dry chicken breasts can you eat? LOL
   — ctyst

May 23, 2002
Going against the tide here, I do label foods good & bad, or things that will hurt me, things that won't, things that will help me and things that don't help or hurt. I use protein supps for a number of reasons, one of which is that I'm not too fond of protein foods anyway. I avoid milk & sugar per my doc's instructions, but also because when I've deviated, (no milk, not ever), it has cost me weight gain. There was the "written" rules and then there's real life down the road a piece. I CAN do whatever I want. They still sell the ingredients for hot choc chip cookies, I still have an oven and they still sell milk. I COULD indulge that desire, but I don't. The cost is too great for a 3 minute thrill. Eventually you can sort all that out, and leave the whole guilt thing behind. If I "cheat", my pants are tight. So simple. There is no "getting away with" and then feeling guilty for me. The body set the rules, so I'd be just stupid not to follow.
   — vitalady

May 23, 2002
The ONLY rule to remember is...."everyone is different." Other than that listen to your doctor, your body and learn to eat properly. Be good to yourself just don't spoil yourself. :)
   — Oldsoul

May 23, 2002
I agree with the other posters when they have said not to let anyone put any type of guilt trip on you. I've known people who have turned their entire eating habits around and only ate healthy, healthy foods or pure protein or only this or that and they did great. I also know of a few people who have not made those same choices, in fact, on day 3 or 4, they were sneaking and chewing bites of stuff just to get the taste of it and then spit it out - they've eaten what they want after their protein was in and guess what...they've done good too. It's in extreme moderation and they're still exercising somewhat and getting around...and they've reached goal. My surgeon has stressed to me NOT to think as this new way of life as a diet - he said this is the furthest thing from what we've known as "dieting" before....this is our way of life and we'll adjust accordingly. Your body will ABSOLUTELY let you know when you've crossed the line and I guarantee you probably won't touch the foods/drinks that upset your body - it hurts too much. Best of luck to you !!
   — Lisa J.