Hi all! So I’m in need of some info.. are we low cal, low fat or low carb? See the reason I ask is because low carb is high fat, high protein.. but I thought fat was not good for us… now that I am almost 6 weeks out (Friday makes exactly 6 weeks) I’m feeling hungrier. I eat 5 small meals, but if I actually eat I’m looking at more calories. I’ve been creeping upwards around 950 calories a day. When I used to do keto, I never looked at calories. Help!

Every program is different. Common wisdom on this board is to follow YOUR program.

I suspect you'll get many similar answers, but I'll go ahead and say it - follow your surgeons' plan. They should have given you some dietary guidelines to follow and its incredibly important to do so. They have their own programs for a reason, regardless of differences, and its best to follow as best you can.

That being said, a general rule for bariatric patients is protein first. You need to be hitting your protein goal (set by your program) as consistently as possible using high quality proteins when possible (more whole foods, less supplements). Doing so leaves very little room for carbs or fat. It takes time, but that is the goal.

plans are all different. Many are low carb, but some are balanced. Your clinic will give you their preferred plan.

My clinic's nutritionist was on board the low-cal train—and I actually stopped losing weight for a while because of it (not just the 3-week stall). It all came to a head (there's a post elsewhere on here about this) and I fired her. My new nutritionist has me on a balanced diet of proteins, carbs, and fats, based on my activity level (active). I intake 1000-1400 cals a day depending on actual activity level; most programs are far less. And I feel like all I do is eat and drink ?

I will say this: fats are essential for hormone regulation, ESPECIALLY for people for whom estrogen is the primary hormone.

My program focuses on balance, and not necessarily being low carb or even super low calorie for the long term. At my 2 month appt, they were pushing me to get to at least 1000 calories. That struggle is still real for me and I just closed out month 3. I'm hitting that calorie goal some days, and not so much other days.

If you are losing weight and feeling good, I wouldn't worry about changing something that is working. Have you spoken with your surgeon's office to get their advice? That's where I would start.

The answer is: Yes! All of the above.

Low cal, low fat and low carb. At least low complex carbs (like bread, cake, rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.). Simple carbs, like vegetables and fruits are welcome.

One suggestion: eat 3 "big" meals instead of 5 small meals. And by "big" I mean until you feel your stomach full. Then don't drink any fluids for an hour (I go up to two hours) and that will stave off the feeling of "hungry", because you're not flushing the food out of your stomach. The point is to fill your little stomach to capacity (not over!) and keep it full for as long as possible. If you eat small meals, you'll always feel hungry, and may end up eating 6, 7, 10.... small meals, which add up to more calories than 3 full meals.

IMHO, at 6 weeks, you should be cleared for raw veggies and fruits, so have 3-4 oz of meat each meal, then fill up on salads and fruit. Then stop. No snacking in between meals, because you still feel full. Should shoot for 600-700 calories a day at this stage, all included.

Edited November 17, 20214 yr by dms75

As everyone said, there are as many different eating plans as there are surgeons. My doctor's plan was lowish-carb (not keto low, but controlled). It emphasized protein first, then veggies and not pushing my restriction. He said if I did that calories would take care of themselves and it did work out that way. I tracked (and still do) everything I eat so that I am aware of how many calories I am taking in and what the macros are.

I actually also eat about 6 mini-meals per day rather than 3 "big" meals. But if eating that way isn't working for you, try the more traditional 3 meals per day approach. Low-fat has never worked for me as it leaves me hungry, but your body might react well to it. Different bodies thrive on different approaches. At 6 weeks out, you are still very early in the process. Ask your bariatric program what they recommend and then adjust as needed to accommodate your body's needs.

Some plans provide caloric goal, others portion size & some a combination of both. Mine was just portion size (1/4 cup to begin increasing to less than a cup at 6 months & goal) & low carb, low fat, low sugar & high protein. There were days all I ate was protein & nothing else to begin. I slowly added vegetables to one meal a day (about a tablespoon) & gradually increased the amount & added some fresh fruit as the weeks & months passed.

In maintenance, I’m still careful about portion size, keep an eye on my calories, avoid processed foods & keep to lowish fats, lowish carbs (only complex whole & multi grain carbs) & low sugar.

As most have said above, it is always best to follow your plan unless you can’t & then work out an alternative plan with your dietician. Also ask them for more direction & recommendations around calories, nutritional advice, etc. It’s important you feel comfortable & confident about your eating plan.

Edited November 18, 20214 yr by Arabesque

My program is protein, veggies/fruit, and some carbs. Stay 5 grams of fat or less per serving. No added sugar. I don’t count calories. Eat till comfortable, no more. Keto foods are tricky because some are great, but some contain too much fat. Seems to be working and doable long term.

On 11/17/2021 at 8:55 PM, Queen ApisM said:

If you are losing weight and feeling good, I wouldn't worry about changing something that is working. Have you spoken with your surgeon's office to get their advice? That's where I would start.

Yeah, everyone is different. Personally I focus on calorie counting because its what I know.

If youre feeling hungry all the time, its cause you need more protein and veggies (at least thats what my dietician told me.)