Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 by dms75

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 by Arabesque

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×