I am at 5 weeks from my surgery date and am trying very hard to eat alot more and not depend on shakes as much. But I am so overwhelmed by what I should be watching. My diet shows to watch calories, but in the past I have always lost the best when watching carbs and listening to most people on the blog that do the same. So, should I be watching calories, fat, carbs? I am so confused and I hope that I am doing this right. I haven't lost any weight in two weeks and I am concerned that I am not doing it right. Also, how in the world can you get in 800 calories in a day. I am struggling with that. I am getting my protein and water everyday but am not meeting the calorie intake. Can anyone give me suggestions as to how to do this. I so want to get past this stall and lose during this 1st six months. Also, can you give me some of your daily menus so that I might be able to incorporate them into my daily lifestyle. Any help is much appreciated.

I'm one month post-op and I intend to clarify the whole caloric intake thing with my surgeon and nutritionist, but in the interim, these are the things I try to apply to my daily life (both before and after surgery!)-

Water is my friend.

Protein is my BEST FRIEND!

Low-fat is where it's at.

Plain, fat-free Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, mayo AND ice cream. You can add no-calorie sweetener to sweeten it and spices to make it savory. It is also great for thickening sauces! (Think beef stroganoff)

Lemons, cucumbers, and mint leaves combined with water make a great fat burning, anti-oxidant drink that's calorie free.

Stick to the outer edges of the grocery store. It's been said over and over but it is so true! Even at one month post-op I'm finding ways to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into my new lifestyle. The edge of the grocery store have treasures far greater than the middle aisles!

The Internet has great sites where you can find terrific recipes, such as Ricotta Bake (Google 'The World According To Eggface') and Baked Black Beans (lost the site!) they're high in protein but low in calories.

MyFitnessPal is awesome! Not just as a tool but as a community/networking hub.

Hope this gives you an idea of where I personally am at one month out.

Just put lemon and cucumber slices in the water? Hmmmm...

all these tips are great, and now i have great ideals again. I will follow slowly your tips. I'm now 100 pounds down and i would like to have my tummy tuck. I couldn't have my surgery due to my job. I believe when i have my tummy tuck i will feel better about dieting everyday.

Just put lemon and cucumber slices in the Water? Hmmmm...

I slice one large lemon, one medium cucumber, and a pinch of mint leaves (sometimes- I like it better without!) and add them to half a pitcher of hot water. I then fill the remainder of the pitcher with crushed ice or ice cubes and refrigerate for two hours.

For people who don't like plain water or want a change once in a while, maybe this will do the trick. Oh and instead of lemons in my water, sometimes I fix a pitcher of water and add slices of tangerines, grapefruit, or kiwi. (Only lemon slices taste good with cucumber slices, in my opinion though!)

I slice one large lemon' date=' one medium cucumber, and a pinch of mint leaves (sometimes- I like it better without!) and add them to half a pitcher of hot water. I then fill the remainder of the pitcher with crushed ice or ice cubes and refrigerate for two hours.

For people who don't like plain water or want a change once in a while, maybe this will do the trick. Oh and instead of lemons in my water, sometimes I fix a pitcher of water and add slices of tangerines, grapefruit, or kiwi. (Only lemon slices taste good with cucumber slices, in my opinion though!)[/quote']

Thanks! I HATE plain water, always have, but I worry about having so much Crystal Light (artificial sweeteners). I'll try this.

Well today i drunk protein shake and two cups of coffee with non fat dairy cream. The coffee cream is 1 tps per 10 calorie.

My nutritionist told me to ignore everything I ever heard bad about carbs. That you need carbs. So I eat my carbs and try to reach my protein goal. It's nice to have potatos with out worrying about it lol

My nutritionist told me to ignore everything I ever heard bad about carbs. That you need carbs. So I eat my carbs and try to reach my protein goal. It's nice to have potatos with out worrying about it lol

It's crazy how diff everyone is. My NUT has me only counting carbs and not worrying about anything else.

In her defense, I agree w her. My body is very insulin resistant and when I go above 20 grams I not only don't lose weight, but I start craving carbs. So i really think it's how each individual reacts to carbs, because we are all different!!

My nutritionist told me to ignore everything I ever heard bad about carbs. That you need carbs. So I eat my carbs and try to reach my protein goal. It's nice to have potatos with out worrying about it lol

This? This is what makes me crazy. My nutritionist and doctor appear to be sworn mortal enemies... Each one says the other is crazy and to "ignore what he/she said"... I want to slam my head into a wall sometimes because I just cannot get a straight answer...they are supposed to be working together but their non communication/agreement is making this so much harder than it needs to be.

Ok nov 7th was my surgery. Have lost 28lbs and very happy. I went to a nutritionist today and she basically said protein first...always eat it first. 3 oz of protein like tuna, chicken, beef...ect. Then eat what else is on your plate. Tonight I made the chicken parm cups - recipe on emilybites.com and spinach and cut up cucumbers. I had the chicken then a tablespoon of spinach and one cucumber. I was full ! I ate two hours ago and I'm still full. She also said do not drink 20 min before you eat and 20 min after.

She wants me o have 60 g of protein, 20 g of fat and 60 to 70 g of carbs a day. No pasta, rice or bread. If I want a crunch she suggests rice crackers or wasa crackers

Unjury unflavored protein powder can be added to oatmeal, cream if wheat

Start. 277 today 248

Thanks twinsmama05 for checking.

Wait I wrote I ate one cucumber! Make that one SLICE of cucumber. Lol !!!