So was wondering if anyone "grazed" in the beginning? I can't seem to get over 500 calories - today at lunch I made 2 meatballs - but could only eat half of one. So I nibbled the remaining half for the next 1-2 hours.

I know grazing is a big no no because you can eat around your sleeve. Anyone else have this issue? The last thing I want to do is learn bad habits, but I'm struggling.

That's not grazing that's trying to get your Protein in. This should not concern you until you're eating more. Do what you have to do to get your nutrition in.

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I see grazing as eating unneeded snacks after you've hit all your nutritional goals. Many vets still have to eat very small meals (every 2 or 3 hrs) from what I've read/heard. For myself, from the time I wake up until about 6 pm, I eat every 1-3 hrs to get my protein in.

It may take more than 3 meals to get everything in however, eating on one thing longer than a 30 minute time period is grazing. I have a shake for bkfst, lunch, snack of protein in afternoon on some days, and dinner. Food goes away from me after 30 minutes if I have not finished it. I manage to get all liquids in and meet protein goals at almost 4 mt.

I wasn't allowed grazing on my plan, so I didn't do it. Any protein that I needed in addition to my three small meals per day (no more than half hour per meal) I got through protein shakes.

Beyond getting in enough protein and fat to be healthy, you don't need to worry about calories or getting "enough" calories IMO.

I can't get protein in. Or calories, hence the issue. I certainly don't want empty calories just to get the number up to where my surgeon wants. This is after my 1mo postop where they weren't thrilled with my 50g protein and 500cal a day.

It is hard to get protein in however supplement with protein shames, powders, waters, etc. It is nearly impossible to reach goals with food alone. And, as has been mentioned, stop eating after 30 minutes. Eating on a meatball for 2 hrs is grazing and doesn't help much protein wise.

I ate every 2 hours the first year. Now at 2 years out it's more like every 3. That's worked for me so far. When it doesn't, I'll change it.

Do what works for you.

It is hard to get protein in however supplement with protein shames, powders, waters, etc. It is nearly impossible to reach goals with food alone. And, as has been mentioned, stop eating after 30 minutes. Eating on a meatball for 2 hrs is grazing and doesn't help much protein wise.

Yes, it's shocking how little protein come from meat. I'm trying every protein shake/water on the market. I'll get there!

I ate every 2 hours the first year. Now at 2 years out it's more like every 3. That's worked for me so far. When it doesn't, I'll change it.

Do what works for you.

Thanks. Seems like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place - as many of us are. One more step on the journey

I received a paper at my hospital discharge, that in my 3rd stage ,I have something to eat or drink every hour .

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Like a protein drink though, correct?

I am 3.5 years out and my restriction is still VERY tight. I can't eat more than 1/2 cup or so at a sitting (2 or 3 oz of protien and nothing else) so I still eat every 2-3 hours. I've always been a snacker, so eating "real meals" has never been important to me.

It works for me. I make great choices 50% of the time, good choices 40% of the time and crappy choices 10% of the time. It levels out.

I am 3.5 years out and my restriction is still VERY tight. I can't eat more than 1/2 cup or so at a sitting (2 or 3 oz of protien and nothing else) so I still eat every 2-3 hours. I've always been a snacker, so eating "real meals" has never been important to me.

It works for me. I make great choices 50% of the time, good choices 40% of the time and crappy choices 10% of the time. It levels out.

Thanks. Seems like there's more than one way to skin a cat, and do it properly!