I was just wondering how people are eating throughout the day. I am almost 5 months out and am down 80 lbs. I feel like am only losing about 2 lbs a week now. Was wondering if snacking between meals is ok or if we should strictly be having 3 meals? I usually have a protein shake in the morning and then some nuts or a piece of fruit in between and then some protein (chicken) for lunch and them a snack such as fruit or cheese in between lunch and dinner and them some sort of protein and veggies for dinner. Is this normal? Need help

According to my surgeon's office, until I have reached goal, I am not suppose to snack in between my 3 meals a day.

Now that does not include protein shakes, they say if I am hungry between meals, I need to have a protein shake.

I was just wondering how people are eating throughout the day. I am almost 5 months out and am down 80 lbs. I feel like am only losing about 2 lbs a week now. Was wondering if snacking between meals is ok or if we should strictly be having 3 meals? I usually have a protein shake in the morning and then some nuts or a piece of fruit in between and then some protein (chicken) for lunch and them a snack such as fruit or cheese in between lunch and dinner and them some sort of protein and veggies for dinner. Is this normal? Need help

My understanding is that it is okay to snack but not graze (that's different)). We're not talking a cheeseburger, but something sensible. A protein shake, or say string cheese wrapped in a thin slice of ham (100 cals or so).

Most people seem to be getting along with five or so mini-meals, and 5-6 feedings is a common program recommendation. Some programs emphasize three meals a day only, and then parenthetically mention a couple of snacks as well - the main concern that some of those programs are trying to avoid is grazing - just munching all day long, and it can sometimes be a fine line between frequent meal/snacks and grazing. It's awfully hard for most to get in the nutrition that we need (primarily protein early on,) with our small stomachs on just three meals a day.

The best thing is usually to have specific meal times and serve up only the amount that is consistent with our sleeve's capacity to avoid getting too full.

I started out with six meals a day that were roughly equal calorically (that wasn't a firm rule or goal, but just the way it usually worked out,) and dropped one meal after a month or two as my capacity and meal sizes increased some - there wasn't all that much time between my breakfast and lunch times to fit in that extra meal, though in maintenance I have added that extra snack back in as I usually need the extra calories and nutrition to maintain a stable weight.

I believe if you are tracking the calories, carbs and protein and keeping the numbers in the proper ranges for you it doesn't really matter how frequently you eat. My impression has always been that grazing is when you are walking through the kitchen and grab a handful of something shove it your mouth and don't even consider the calories and such from it. By tracking everything you make sure you are not over eating. Good Luck.

There will be varied opinions on this, best bet is to do what your doctor recommended. Mine wants 3 meals and 2 - 3 snacks. She wants me having something every few hours, but always high protein/low fat/low carb. I stick with Fruit, cheese sticks, nuts or a good quality protein bar (but I limit them to a max of 1 a day)

Good luck!