Question:
What type of diet are we actually suppose to be on?

I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op and I have lost 33 pounds and then I haven't lost anymore. Am I doing something wrong? I read the Q&A board and I see people talking about the Atkins diet. Should we be eating high protein/low carb. Neither my doctor or nutrionist didn't really say. Please let me know because I feel like a big failure that I haven't lost anymore wait.    — msferret6 (posted on October 17, 2002)

October 17, 2002
My suggestion to you would be that you go call your doctor and ask what it is that you should be eating. My surgeon has an established protocol that is given to all of his patients, if you don't have anything like that, you should be asking your doctor, surgeon or nutritionist to head you in the right direction! Good luck to you!!
   — Carla B.

October 17, 2002
I think you are doing great! I'm 9 weeks out and have lost 44lbs. I had some plateaus already and sounds like you are on one. Be patient and you will lose again in just a few days. Your body has to re-adjust sometimes. The high protein/low carb diet is good for us because we need all the protein we can get in our diets and carbs are just empty calories. Like everyone on here says...Protein first, then other good choices Plus lots of water. I personally, try to eat as much protein as I can, but also have the occasional few Sun Chips or Pringles. I don't eat them every day. You've got to live as normally as you can. Sure, eating a strict diet everyday is better but most folks want to feel as unrestricted as possible. One thing I keep telling myself is....the weight will come off, maybe not as fast as I would like, but with the WLS tool, it will happen.
   — mbradley35

October 17, 2002
First of all, I think you are doing a great job. But as far as your question, I am just trying to eat like a normal person. I try very hard to stay away from things that I know are "bad" like sugar (cuz of dumping) and really greasy high fat food (cuz they aren't good for ANYONE). But if I really want like a cookie or something, I just have a little bit. I personally think that the best way to "re-learn" your eating habits is to learn to eat in moderation. My nutritionist says that I definitly need to get in my protein, and I need to try to stay away from foods that don't benefit me (sugar and fat). Other than that, I am free to eat what I want. I would definitly tell your nutritionist that you are confused about what you should be eating. I would think they would have some suggestions. Good luck :o)
   — fropunka

October 17, 2002
You're ahead of me the first month. You'll get about 100,000 opinions on what the ideal diet is. Most of the ones I see posted here are high sugar, low protein & general nutrition, low fat, few large meals. Mine was totally different. Ultra high protein, high nutrition level, no sugars, normal fats, many tiny meals. See? All different. The nutrients you need to get outside food are: protein, iron, calcium, A, D, E, zinc, B12 and for some, potassium & magnesium.
   — vitalady

October 17, 2002
Kelly it's true that high protien low low carb is best for the rny type surgeries and the banded kind im not sure about ds surgeries but think they are the same.....A good rule of thumb is to get between 800 and 1200 calories a day......most of it from protiens then veggies then complex carbs,, anything "white" food is considered bad for us flour pasta sugar ect. make sure to get 64 ounces of water a day too at least.....and most people say from 60 to 100 grams of protien a day is the best......sooo meats cheeses, seafoods, eggs, tofu,beans,,,those are good protiens to start and eat the most of each meal i hope this explains it a little clearer.......bbd p.s. Michele Currin is like famous here she KNOWS her stuff so listen to michele always
   — BBD

October 17, 2002
I didn't read any of the responses, so I'm sorry if I repeat anything. First of all, it is PERFECTLY NORMAL to be on a plateau this early. I was on a plateau for a few days. Some people get on it right out of the hospital, others later on in their journey. Some can last a few days, others a few weeks or months. Everyone's weight loss is different. You really can't compare yourself to others or you WILL get discouraged. I was told by my surgeon that you basically have to be on a low-carb, high protien diet. When you sit down for a meal, eat your protien first, then your fruit and vegetables (vitamins) and then if you have room, eat some carbs. My surgeon says it is reccommended to just omit them if you can. There are a few reasons for this. One, because of malabsorption of nutrients, you have to eat your protiens and vitamins first so you don't fill your small pouch up with foods that don't give you much nutrition (carbs). Secondly, it takes longer for us to digest protien. It doesn't take that long to digest carbs. Thus making you eat more, and be hungry faster after eating. So, if you have a meal that is chicken, with green beans and fruit and then maybe a saltine cracker or 2, it is much better than having a big sandwich with 2 slices of bread with potato chips. It is tempting, but you have to stay away from it. I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me. I would be more than happy to answer them.
   — sammygirlwpc