I am 11 weeks post op and things are going ok, but I'm having a hard time dealing with my physical hunger. I'm getting about 900 calories a day and feel like that's just not enough! The doctor said I should be getting 750-850 calories per day, but I'm struggling to stick to that. Here's a typical day:

Breakfast: Protein shake 160 calories

Lunch: salad with chicken, tomato, mushroom, goat cheese, and vinaigrette 325

Dinner: Turkey meatballs and a stuffed Portobello mushroom cap 410

Total calories: 895

I'm also having a stall right now, which is maddening. Any suggestions on what I can do to manage my hunger?

I do 3 meals and 2 Snacks a day at 900 calories. I don't really get hungry but maybe spreading out the calories might help if you had a small snack high in Protein between meals? That might quiet the hunger and the feeling of waiting so long to eat again. Also make sure you are getting in your fluids in.

Good luck, it really can be a struggle!

I was initially doing 3 meals and 2 Snacks or 5 mini-meals, and at my last check up, they told me 2 meals per day and a shake.

I guess I want to know if there is any point that you stop following their direction and do what you think is best for you?

Edited September 9, 201511 yr by her1981

How many grams of protein are you getting in? Maybe add two protein only snacks in between? Like 2 oz chicken, tuna etc so the calories are minimal & its protein to keep you full, I recently started eating the tuna packets, they have a few flavors that have no sugar or less than 1 carb, about 2.5 oz so perfect size too, hope this helps ????

Thanks! I may try that.

My protein goal is 100 grams a day, so I have to eat more than three times a day to get it all in. I agree that you may need to plan for a couple of protein-rich snacks.

My plan called for a minimum of 60 grams of Protein for the first few weeks and now 80. My nutritionist told me not to count calories, count protein. Protein is more filling also. But I'm supposed to stay under 60 carbs a day. I space my eating out. I eat a mini baby bel cheese as a snack (50 calories FYI) and I find it very filling. Cottage cheese is also a good snack for me.

I had my surgery August 5, 2015 and right now I have lost 50 lbs., am wanting to lose more but my doctor said I should have 65 to 70 grams of protein but it seems so difficult to reach that because I can tell when I am full I get sick if I eat too much. Any suggestions?

@@Kristin Irvine it is hard! I had my surgery August 5 too.

I'm still having to supplement with Protein powders or drinks to get enough. I put protein in my Water -- either part of a New whey bullet or 1/2 a package of unjury strawberry with some Crystal light.

I get really full on things like grilled salmon or tuna steaks (I'm a pescatarian -- don't eat read meat, pork, or poultry.)

So, I'm eating a lot of those foil pouches of tuna, which are packed with protein. I have one of those almost every day for lunch or cottage cheese, which is another good source for me, and of course Greek yogurt. And tofu. I'm weird, I know, but I love tofu, and it's really easy for me to digest.

Are you following the rule to eat protein first? That's the most important thing, I find. That way, I don't fill up on other foods first. (As a result, I'm probably not getting enough Fiber. Sigh.)

I try to eat Protein first but I can't seem to get enough... but thank you for the suggestions.

Sorry, I posted here in the wrong place. Just carry on.

Well, since I'm here, I might as well contribute...............................

I would suggest fish with high Protein and low calories, like salmon and tilapia. Also, I drink black coffee (it has to be black to get the antioxidants) to help control my appetite. It really helps when I have a cup in the late afternoon. Research has backed this notion that black coffee reduces appetite. You may want to give it a try between meals?

Once you can eat green vegetables, they also can help control the appetite between meals. I will eat a cucumber or a bowel of spinach with Walden 0 calorie dressing. This is a snack that is less than 25 calories and high in Water content. Plus, you can eat it whenever you fell like. Yeah, it use to make me feel like I was grazing at times, but it works for me.

Edited September 19, 201510 yr by WL WARRIOR

I'd add a tablespoon of nut butter or even a tiny bit of rolled oats to the Protein shake. Just mix the whole thing up in the blender or nutra bullet. The nut butter is a healthy fat and rolls oats have protein and Fiber. Both will keep you fuller longer. For lunch, I'd swap the goat cheese for a hard boiled egg. Again good protein and a food that sticks with you. If you use salsa instead of the vinaigrette you'll save a few calories without sacrificing flavor. Instead of meatballs and mushroom caps try a cup of Italian wedding Soup. The broth will help fill you up.

Cucumbers as an afternoon snack is a great idea. I marinate mine in a lime/sriracha mix. It's a great crunch and filling.

Thank you for the suggestions, I just wonder about them because I don't eat at all the amount I used to without getting sick. My husband has been fixing my meals because I have a disease called spino-cerebellar ataxia ( it affects my standing and walking) which is the reason I had the surgery because I was so heavy(in my mind) that I was hoping it would help my mobility.

The amount of food drastically reduces. I'm a year out and still only eat between 850 - 1,050 calories a day. Up until month 9 I was only eating 750 - 850. It's one of the reasons why it's important that we have regular bloodwork to make sure we are getting the proper Vitamins and nutrients.

I am not a calorie counter but I don't even think I eat that many calories. Can you eat lettuce? I love salad but I as was told that it wasn't a good item for digestion?

I am five months out and still don't do lettuce well. I am more likely to add sliced tomato and/or cucumber to my meal than to eat a salad. To me lettuce just adds bulk that takes away from room for Protein.

If you are having trouble getting in your protein, then you definitely need to focus on eating protein first and avoiding fillers. Eating protein first will also help you feel more satisfied.