When to start logging food?

[StephanieS0208 39]

Hi. I was wondering when you all started logging foods via a tracker if you were not given instructions to do so?

The nutritionist has not mentioned it being necessary and they pretty much have covered everything I needed to know as I progress through the stages. I'm on full liquids now and starting "pureed" next Thursday. By the following Monday, I will be on solids. They know I have had issues with tracking before and suggested the half veggies/half Protein with a fruit for pre-surgery servings. I currently log amounts of liquid, exercise, Protein, and meals on a paper form from the office. I don't track carbs, calories, fats, etc.

I suspect I start logging my food at the solids phase as that is my last appointment until February. Though, I'd be cool with not tracking too. I'll ask at my next visit. I may just need to continue to track via the paper form.

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[_Kate_ 2,224]

I have always found tracking food really helpful. It keeps me focused and I can learn a lot from it. Initially I did it to learn about nutriants and boy did I !! Some things I thought were really healthy are full of carbs and I stuck with low carbs for the first year or so. Now I do carb cycling and tracking really helps with that

I use myfitnesspal and started tracking everything from when I went onto full liquids and pureed foods. It's never too early to start (IMO).

Congrats on the surgery !!

Kate

[CarenL 35]

Hi Stephanie. I had me WLS on 10/20 and did not start logging my food until two days ago. I am currently on puréed foods until next Tuesday. I use MyFitnessPal app. It was eye opening to see that I'm not eating enough.

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[StephanieS0208 39]

Hi Stephanie. I had me WLS on 10/20 and did not start logging my food until two days ago. I am currently on puréed foods until next Tuesday. I use MyFitnessPal app. It was eye opening to see that I'm not eating enough.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm concerned that will be my issue too.

How are you surviving pureed? I am not "allowed" cheese and I was so pumped about a ricotta bake.

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[StephanieS0208 39]

@@_Kate_ I think I will start tracking next Thursday when pureed starts. Thanks for your kind words!

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[blizair09 3,250]

I started logging everything the day I began my six-month pre-op diet in March. And I have continued that post-op.

Edited November 14, 2016 by blizair09

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

@@StephanieS0208

I think ASAP. food tracking is so helpful in so many ways. It makes you more mindful of the calories and macros in food. It also helps you learn that having on thing isn't the end of the world. Like one small piece of chocolate, doesn't ruin your day if it is just one piece and you eat on plan the rest of the time.

I think food tracking is the key to healthy eating and weight loss. It is good habit to form, the sooner the better.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

Tracking intake doesn't need instructions from a medical office. It's for your benefit, so go for it.

The time to start is now. You'll get into the habit and have time to learn whichever program you choose.

Edited November 14, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[StephanieS0208 39]

Tracking intake doesn't need instructions from a medical office. It's for your benefit, so go for it.

The time to start is now. You'll get into the habit and have time to learn whichever program you choose.

This is a good point. For the past few months I've just been following what the bariatric center asked. It's become my security blanket admittedly.

I now realize that my mandated weekly group visits are coming to an end. No more weekly accountability.

The strange thing is that a month or so ago, I would have said "I am so done with these bariatric appointments. I'm so ready for December. I'm ready to not feel like I am having my every move accounted for." The process moved fast even though in that time period it felt like time was dragging.

But once I looked at my health portal today and saw I had no "surgery" appointments this week I felt a little like a bird getting kicked out of the nest. The center now has new people beginning and working through their protocols and I'm left to my own devices.

I have been given "the tool" from them and now it's time to build my toolbox up.

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[Bufflehead 6,358]

I started on my pre-op diet and continued doing it basically as soon as I woke up from surgery. No reason not to, and it is incredibly helpful.

[stacyrg2 350]

I started prior to my surgery and haven't missed a single day. I had to convert from VSG to RNY to cure my severe GERD and I logged the Protein Shakes and broth I consumed in the hospital. It helps keep me accountable.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Hi Stephanie. I had me WLS on 10/20 and did not start logging my food until two days ago. I am currently on puréed foods until next Tuesday. I use MyFitnessPal app. It was eye opening to see that I'm not eating enough.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It will always show you are not eating enough especially earlier on and it still does for me now (calorie wise). Im 15 months out and can't get 1500 (good) calories a day in.

Congratulations on your surgery !!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

I started logging everything the day I begun my six-month pre-op diet in March. And I have continued that post-op.

I'm going public now. I'm crazy for you. Every word you post in BP is smart, to the point, cheerful, supportive and positive. If you were older, single and local, I'd be looking you up and down.

This is a good point. For the past few months I've just been following what the bariatric center asked. It's become my security blanket admittedly.....

I felt a little like a bird getting kicked out of the nest. The center now has new people beginning and working through their protocols and I'm left to my own devices.

I have been given "the tool" from them and now it's time to build my toolbox up.

It can easily feel that way at first, but you've got strong wings and your common sense wasn't removed during surgery. You're good. Better than good.

[Aggiemae 739]

I started 6 months before surgery.

It's very helpful post op.

I write my meal plan on the left page and what I actual eat and drink on right side page. Also log Vitamins. I add up the Protein and Water in the evening. Some days are better than others but I have managed 90 grams of protein on all but three days in the past two weeks.

[OzRoo 1,492]

I started logging food in MFP during my Soft/Mushy stage.

My dietician helped me to program MFP for my personal guide, so I was given a % of Proteins, Carbs and Fats, and

800 cal limit per day. I programmed this info into My Goals

Yes, MFP jumps up and down when the caloric intake is less than 1000 cal per day, but I ignore it.

When I succumbed to some slider foods, it showed me how many empty calories I consumed ......

And it shows me how much Protein I have each day.

Some fruit that I love, like Water melon is very high in sugar, carbs and calories, so I have it with bit of rock melon, cottage cheese and custard.

There were few months in the past when I was very stressed, had no appetite, and I was lucky to consume 550 calories per day.

Not anymore, appetite is back.

So, for me, the My Fitness Pal has been very useful.