Question:
I think I'm not eating enough?!

I am now 4 weeks post-op from an open RnY proximal. I have lost 36 lbs. the problem is yesterday I had a pain in the pit of my stomach for 3 hours before I realized it was hunger. (I guess I haven't been hungry too much of my life) When I knew I was hungry I debated with my self about what I could eat. I wanted only high protein , low carbs, sugar, fat, & calories. I ended up eating a 1/3 of a protein bar which did fit my criteria. Of course then I became scared that I was messing up and added my calories for the day. They didn't even total 250!!! I eat a poached egg for breakfast, 1/2 of a "Charlie's" 2 oz. tuna lunch kit for lunch and either 2 oz. of plain tuna or 2/3 cup of tomato soup for supper. I've been paranoid about eating too much, but if I'm correct, 250 calories is not enough. I always get my 64 oz. of H20 in. Today I added a protein supplement mid-morning and ate all of my 2 oz tuna kit at lunch. I don't have the hunger pain right now. So tonight I'll eat 2 oz. of tuna and not more. I'd like to heat the tuna and add a slice of cheese, but am afraid of the fat calories in the cheese. Someone tell me if I'm really paranoid and messed up and about how many calories is too much. I go to my doctor next week for my 5 week and I will ask him some specifics. However, right now I'm worried and could use some of you all's suggestions. Thanks alot!!    — jami G. (posted on January 11, 2001)

January 11, 2001
Just to give you an idea of what I was eating about 4 weeks post op. Remember every Dr has different instructions AM - 10-12 oz glass of skim milk (chocolate - I can't stand white.) Breakfast - 1 egg and 1 oz (1 piece) string cheese...only 5 g of fat in it. Lunch - 2 oz cottage cheese or maybe ham, 1 oz veg/fruit Dinner - 2 oz ham/turkey lunch meat, 1 oz veg/fruit PM - 10-12 oz glass of milk Liquid - Water/tea off and on throughout the day When I went to see the nutritionist 1 month post op, we figured I was getting almost 70 grams of proteink, and only about 700 calories a day.....she thought all of this was great. I am now about 12 weeks post op and down about 55 lbs. At this time, per my nutritionist, I have increased my meals to about 4-5 oz for breakfast, and 6-7 oz for lunch and dinner, plus I still drink the milk in the a.m., and sometimes at night. Good Luck!!
   — tlg6056

January 11, 2001
jami, I had the exact same concern at 4 weeks. A quick call to my nutrionist helped me. she explained that I needed to be getting in at least 700-800 calories a day, which would include of course the 60 grams of protien. she said if I ate less it might trigger my body to hold on to what it has. At any rate, this is per my own dr.'s advice, and heaven knows, they all recommend something different. But I'd say, try eating a little more, from good foods, and don't panic about the fat, we need a certain amount of that for our system.
   — Marnie K.

January 11, 2001
Jamie: You can relax, this will work and your extra weight will disappear! You need 600 to 800 calories. Add cheese, just don't eat a whole lot of it all by itself because you could "dump" on it. I did this early on when I cut off a big chunk (over 2 ounces) of regular cheddar and ate it alone. Now, I know to mix it with other food (veggies or meat -- even a cracker). And, your body may quit losing weight if you continue as you are -- an anti-starvation reaction. Congrats on getting all your water in. I think the protein supplement was also a good idea. It is funny, isn't it, to experience actual hunger? LOL! Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

January 11, 2001
I am a little over 9 weeks post op and not eating very much as of yet but i didn't worry and my Doctor said not to worry either he said with in a few months i would be eating more all the time and i was not going to die of Malnutrition in such a short time Just work on the Protein and the rest will come Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

January 11, 2001
Jami, Jami, Jami. The best part of having obsesity surgery is gaining the incredible freedom to eat what your body needs, what you are hungry for, and what you would enjoy - without having to feel guilty or obsess about it! At this early stage post-op, you are going to continue to lose weight no matter what you do, unless you make a habit of eating really really stupid things like lots of ice cream. You do not have to worry about eating too much. Believe your doctor when he tells you to make sure you get the protein you need, and don't worry about the rest right now. He is right. You don't need to give a second thought to eating too much healthy food for at least six more months, and maybe forever. By the way, cheese is a healthy food for you, especially right now because you are still eating soft foods. I am almost 3 years post-op, and have only gained 5 pounds from my all-time low. And that I gained over a 3 or 4 month period a year ago before I realized how much my capacity for food eaten at a single sitting had increased, therefore negating my need to eat 5 times a day! As soon as I dropped back to 3 meals and one snack, my weight has stayed totally constant. I stay away from ice cream, limit my sweets to reasonable amounts (I eat one small dessert every day), and am happy, healthy, and a size 8. So quit worrying, eat everything healthy you want as often as you want, and enjoy this incredible gift you have given yourself! Best wishes, Debbie
   — [Anonymous]

January 11, 2001
Jami, I think alot of us (or some of us) really start obsessing after surgery. We so desperately WANT this to work and we have failed at other tries so often. I didn't obsess with the food, but I definately obsessed with the exercise. I can honestly tell you that each of these great answers are correct. There is no way that you are getting in enough calories and your body will eventually shut down. What do you do then? Cut down to 100 calories a day? No, you do what all the people on here have said. Increase the calories alittle bit to at least 500 a day for now. If you have to, increase your activity level to make you feel better. I found that after plateauing for weeks, as soon as I stopped obsessing about food and ate just whatever I wanted (this was a few months post op), the plateau ended just as quickly. I am not saying to go pig out but I am saying that you had this surgery so you didn't have to worry as much. It's a tool hon and it works if you work with it. Don't starve yourself. It does no good. You will get there if you listen to these wonderful knowledgable people. They have been there and done that and are a wealth of information. I got more from people on here than I ever did at the doctor's office. Good luck to you, Barbara BPD/DS 6/99
   — Barbara H.