Not eating enough1

[Katherine Durkee 9]

Heavens, I never thought I would have this problem! I am 13 weeks out from RNY. I started the preop at 249 and am now 197, but the scale hasn't moved in two weeks. I finally emailed my dietician and she looked at my food journal and I am not eating enough. I'm only getting 200 to 400 cals a day. i try hard to focus on Protein and Water, but my issue is that I am terrified of getting sick. I have not vomited since surgery at all. Once at three weeks out I ate some Soup too fast and was miserable for one night but that is it. I am also having a hard time fixing food that I know I will only eat a few bites of. I am single, live alone so I don't have to cook for anyone else.

I started yesterday with some Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers dinners. I figure that is better than nothing. I managed to get in 541 cals today with 42 grams of protein.

If anyone has some words of wisdom or suggestions on simple easy things to eat, I'd appreciate it. I wouldn't mind making stuff on weekends that I can just reheat all week. Oh and let's talk Breakfast. I like my Dannon Light and Fit (tried Greek -ugh), but truthfully, it doesn't fill me up anymore. I take half a cup. I see some people eat oatmeal. Now I used to use the flavored instant oatmeals - I am guessing they are out? Low calorie instant? other ideas for breakfast?

Thanks!

[Jonathan Blue 311]

There are several sugar free or no sugar added instant oatmeals that are worth a shot. The other big recommendation is definitely to perhaps cook on the weekends or just prepare a normal size meal during the week and then put into pre-portioned tupperwear containers. They make little half cup and cup size containers so just buy a bunch and you can package several at a time and know you are on the right track. I would strongly suggest you check out my blog. I have begun putting up recipes and cooking demos on there and there may be something there you would enjoy. Two of my early on favorites were the Protein fruit smoothie and the pureed cauliflower- alfredo style. The link is below my signature.

If there is anything else I can do to help, or you need more recipes, and have additional questions, please let me know. I am here for you!

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I buy the precooked chicken and steak strips for fajitas (they're in the meat section of my grocery store). That way, I always have an option of just pulling out a couple of ounces of them to heat up for a "meal". There are also beef tips in gravy that are precooked, you can just take out a portion and heat them. Fat free refried Beans are one of my favorites -- especially with some salsa mixed in. I also buy individually wrapped tilapia filets -- put a little pat of butter and some blackened seasoning on them and microwave for about 1-1/2 minutes.

You've definitely got to get more Protein in or you are going to lose muscle mass and hair. I usually drink a Protein shake for Breakfast. Muscle milk 100 is my favorite and it's perfect for in the car on the way to work. I also eat a lot of almonds... I counted out 24 in a handful, so I know exactly how to count it. Days I'm home I eat leftovers for breakfast -- just finished 2 chicken on a stick skewers from the Chinese food place last night.

On another note... I've only thrown up once since surgery and this may sound funny, but it wasn't as bad as I was afraid of and it actually wasn't as bad as throwing up pre-surgery. Maybe you don't have as much stomach to heave or whatever but it was over quick. Sorry if TMI!