Hello all, I am writing because I am concerned that I am eating to much. My surgery was Aprl 16, 2010 and I feel hungry so much. It is like gnawing feeling, I don't know if boredom has anything to do with or what. I need someone to give me a general idea of how much I should be consuming for breakfast lunch and dinner. Am I allowed to have snacks during the day? What kind of schedule do you guys use for eating?

Struggling and trying not to be disappointed.

Jo:scared0:

What guidelines did your surgeon give you? My doc and dietician recommend meals that are 2-4 ounces in size (depending on what stage ie, mushies, soft foods, etc) with a Protein goal of at least 60 grams per day. I always eat my protein first and then maybe a bite or two of something else, if I have room. More often than not, I don't. I'm in the mushy/pureed food stage at almost 4 weeks out, so about 2 ounces is about all I can manage at this point. I supplement with a Protein Drink for Snacks.

I use fatsecret.com and their app for my mobile phone to keep track of everything I eat during the day.

Here is a link to a good guide at bariatriceating.com if you need some more ideas:

BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition - The Bariatric Eating Plan

Are you sure you don't have reflux? Are you on any meds for that? Reflux can give you that gnawing feeling that gets confused for hunger.

I am going to have surgery in two weeks. I have no idea what to expect food wise.

What is a normal diet for all of you..month 1, month 2, month 3, month 4, etc?

What will a typical breakfast be?

lunch?

dinner?

Thanks again. This is a great site!

When i'm not eating, i'm waiting my allotted time to drink again, and back and forth all day long....exhausting trying to get in all my protein and liquids. Protein bars help boost things and do go down really easy compared to some foods.

Roshov,

I understand it is exhausting - is it something that will get better?? I feel exhausted just being large and exhausted that I already constantly think about what I'm putting into my mouth - how does it compare? Better or worse? I am in the very beginning and just curious so I know what to expect...........

I am 8 weeks postop tomorrow. Today I ate:

Breakfast (I can't eat much that early before work):

- coffee

- string cheese

Lunch:

- fruit juice box

- small cobb salad (mostly ate the chicken, bacon, egg, a little lettuce)

Afternoon:

- sugar free popsicles

Dinner:

- cheese/chicken omelette

I just got some new Protein powders to try as I know I don't eat enough protein currently. I need to drink more Water too - today I was in class all day so didn't drink much apart from some juice at lunch.

Here’s a quick summary of what to expect for your short- and long-term post-gastric sleeve diet:

Immediately following surgery:

• Strictly regimented by your dietitian or nutritionist
  
• Liquids only for the first few days, starting with only about an ounce
  
• Introduce powdered Protein for a week or two
  
• Slowly transition to thicker foods through week 6 or so (completely pureed – NO solid foods)
  
• Solid foods usually begin between 6 and 8 weeks out, after which your “normal” long-term diet will begin
  

Long-term bariatric diet after gastric sleeve surgery:

• Consists of three 4 ounce meals per day
  
• Learn and avoid foods that will cause problems, including difficulty swallowing, poop problems and/or vomiting
  
• Must “eat healthy” – only natural foods cooked with healthy ingredients
  
• Daily protein must come first – you’ll need a lot of it
  
• Avoid simple carbs and eat “good carbs” in small portions to keep your blood sugar steady
  
• Drink a lot of Water (about ½ gallon), but don’t drink during or after meals
  
• Don't snack unless it's a scheduled part of your diet
  

Staying on track can be difficult, so it’s best to find and religiously use a good food journal to plan and track your diet. FitDay and MyFoodDiary are two good options.

Good luck!

Jeff

Source: Bariatric Diet, Bariatric Eating, the Top 5 Long-Term Success Factors and 12 Tips to Keep You on Track