Does anyone else's surgeon say 3 meals, no snacking? I have been paying attention to people who are successful in the long-term who post here, and most seem to have 4 to 5 mini-meals per day. I'm sure my surgeon doesn't want us to get in the habit of grazing, but at the same time, most of my "meals" are only about 150 calories, and I feel that I need to eat more than 450 calories a day or I feel a bit light-headed and can't concentrate on work (my stomach isn't growling but my body seems to need a bit more fuel).

I feel best at 600-700 calories, 60-70 grams/protein, at least 64 oz of Fluid (more when possible), and a 30-minute walk per day (which I will increase when I am farther out post-op). I am 3 weeks post-op and on purees.

If I were only eating 450 calories a day, I'm not convinced that I would be losing faster, but maybe. I lost 16 lbs in a 6-MONTH 1200-calorie/day pre-op diet (I am hypothyroid and have always been a slow loser with low caloric needs). Since surgery, I gained and lost 18 lbs in fluid and now have lost another 12 pounds. That may be slower than some, but I tell myself if I lose a few more pounds by 4 weeks out, I will have lost as much as I lost in 6 months pre-op! A six-time faster weight loss following a food plan that makes me feel good isn't too shabby! :-)

The PA also told me that they do not want us to use Protein shakes anymore, for Snacks or for meals. I really feel that I need at least one per day, especially bc I am a vegetarian so some of my protein sources contain carbs, and I want to keep my carbs to about 50 g when possible.

I'm so torn bc I'm so rules-oriented and want to follow my surgeon's recommendations, but at the same time this needs to be livable and I need to be able to concentrate on work and I want to get in all of my protein--etc.

Any advice? Thanks!

Sorry I missed your earlier post where you said you were meeting with her Sounds like you have a good relationship and maybe she will have some suggestions for ya. How far out are you?

3 weeks--still on purees. Moving to soft foods next week. Maybe that will help with getting in more foods at mealtime?

My doctor is the same 3 meals. I dont follow that though at 4 months out because she wants me on 3/4 of a cup already which I cant do. So I have 1/2 cup lunch and 1/4 cup snack. Same thing isnt it? The 3 meals def helps get all your fluids in.

I eat 6 times a day.

I don't feel hunger anymore like I once did. After 3 hours I get an empty feeling in my stomach and I know I should eat something. I'm currently having about 900 - 1000 cals a day.

That's what works for me. Maybe your doctor is giving you this advice because of your medical issue?

One thing I will say is that I wouldn't make any decisions on this, based on what we all say. You have a surgeon who knows you better than we do and you should take their advice.

If it were me I'd arm myself with information (including some from VST) and go and speak to your surgeon. I would want to get them to agree before I made any changes.

Good luck,

Deano

Oh - I meant to say also I don't consider eating 6 times a day grazing.

For me grazing equates to mindless eating all day.

I know what I'm going to eat at my 6 'meals'. I vary the amount depending on my needs at the time.

Deano

What kind of snacks is everyone talking about?

I still do 5 to 6 small meals & I'm 16 months out. I'm maintaining with 1000 - 1200 calorie intake.

What kind of Snacks is everyone talking about?

Tuna and some whole grain crisp bread. Jerky. Protein shake. Yoghurt. A measured amount of nuts occasionally. A Protein Bar very occasionally. Sliced lean deli meat in lettuce wraps. Homemade bliss balls (some good recipes on the net). Left over protein from last nights dinner.

I just try to have something with a protein focus.

Oh! And dips with carrot sticks. My wife makes a killer hommus and a Greek yoghurt dip.

I eat 6 times a day.

I don't feel hunger anymore like I once did. After 3 hours I get an empty feeling in my stomach and I know I should eat something. I'm currently having about 900 - 1000 cals a day.

That's what works for me. Maybe your doctor is giving you this advice because of your medical issue?

One thing I will say is that I wouldn't make any decisions on this, based on what we all say. You have a surgeon who knows you better than we do and you should take their advice.

If it were me I'd arm myself with information (including some from VST) and go and speak to your surgeon. I would want to get them to agree before I made any changes.

Good luck,

Deano

I don't have any comorbidities with my weight (amazingly no HBP, dyslipidemia or diabetes--probably bc I've been a vegetarian for so long), so I don't think it's that. Plus it's blanket advice he gives to everyone. I'm meeting with my RD on Thurs and am going to talk to her about it. She had already said before that I might still need some Protein powder or drinks as a vegetarian. PA doesn't agree but I trust the RD over the PA when it comes to nutritional advice. Everyone should stick to his/her specialty area IMO when it comes to a multidisciplinary medical practice.

Oh! And dips with carrot sticks. My wife makes a killer hommus and a Greek yoghurt dip.

When I was pre-op, my fav low-cal snack was 6 ounces of 0% Fage or Chobani with dill dip mix stirred in. Soo good. I've been eating some of this on my pureed vegetarian chili and it's really good. I make up a container and leave in the fridge and use 1/8 to 1/4 cup at a time. Can't wait till I can eat veggies again!

Dean, great point about grazing vs planned mini-meals. I think there's a BIG difference. Thank you for your advice! It seems to be working well for you.

When I was pre-op, my fav low-cal snack was 6 ounces of 0% Fage or Chobani with dill dip mix stirred in. Soo good. I've been eating some of this on my pureed vegetarian chili and it's really good. I make up a container and leave in the fridge and use 1/8 to 1/4 cup at a time. Can't wait till I can eat veggies again!

Dean, great point about grazing vs planned mini-meals. I think there's a BIG difference. Thank you for your advice! It seems to be working well for you.

Thanks. Knowing what I'm going to be eating for the day makes a big difference for me. Pre op I would just midlessly eat (graze) all day if I could!

Sassygirl, that's very impressive! Congratulations! What is your favorite type of exercise?

Sorry, i just saw your question. I love kickboxing the most. I get all of my aggression out on the bags, and it has taught me how to defend myself. I don't know if any of you ladies feel this way....but when I was bigger I didn't worry about anyone trying to rape me, or victimize me in any way.....plus I was so big that I could really hurt someone if I wanted to. Now that I am smaller I get really nervous about those things that I didn't worry about before. I feel scared in situations that I would not have been scared in when I was bigger. So doing the kickboxing has helped relieve some of my anxiety.