Do you still do 6 meals a day?

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

So I do understand post the surgery, we are asked to eat 6 meals a day - Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 3 Snacks. I would think this is definitely important may be in the first year Post Op, but do you have to follow 6 meals lifestyle throughout the life? Or does it get little lenient as years go by?

[Sunnyway 345]

No, only some doctors suggest six meals a day. The majority do not. I recommend you a book or two about WLS, for example these:

[Arabesque 7,604]

There are many different plans with different requirements for how frequently you should eat, how much you should eat, etc. I was to eat only three meals but as I progressed & my caloric intake & portion size continued to be low (couldn’t eat much at a meal) I was advised to add a snack or two - I added yoghurt & or fruit.

While trying to sort out my maintenance plan I was adding 4-5 Snacks. Now I’ve stabilised, & can eat more at a meal, I usually only eat 3 snacks. Eating this often helps me get the calories in I need to maintain (about 1300) & to meet my Protein goals.

You may be totally different & that is a big thing to understand. What worked/s for me may not work for you. Best place to begin is with your surgeon’s plan then continue to have discussions with your dietician, surgeon & GP to work out your best way forward.

Good luck.

Edited November 26, 2021 by Arabesque

[Smanky 757]

The whole idea behind my nutritionist's 6-meals-per-day plan is to gradually increase the quantity per meal so that eventually I'll be able to eat one cup of food per meal three times a day. The six meals are 1/4 cup each, building up to 1/2 cup and so forth. I don't think any post-surgery plan is forever, they're all meant to shepherd you into your new normal.

And plans vary wildly between surgeons, as mentioned above. There's no one rule beyond sticking to the plan your surgeon gives you.

[AjaSlimtone 34]

I'm almost 2 months post-op and I already eat 6oz in volume each meal, so no. I just stick to my main 3 meals, and even then, I don't eat breakfast most of the time.

Edited November 26, 2021 by AjaSlimtone

[Spinoza 1,524]

6 hours ago, AjaSlimtone said:

I'm almost 2 months post-op and I already eat 6oz in volume each meal, so no. I just stick to my main 3 meals, and even then, I don't eat Breakfast most of the time.

I wondered about this. I have never eaten breakfast but my dietician is absolutely adamant that I must now - no idea how that's gonna work out and it's good to hear some people can manage without.

[Tony B - NJ 644]

I have never done 6 meals. I do 3 meals with a small afternoon snack like a cheese stick or some nuts.

[Sunnyway 345]

5 hours ago, Spinoza said:

I have never eaten Breakfast but my dietician is absolutely adamant that I must now - no idea how that's gonna work out and it's good to hear some people can manage without.

I usually have 1/2 to 3/4 c fat-free greek yogurt or fat-free cottage cheese with some 1/4 c fresh or frozen berries and a little artificial sweetener. It's a quick light breakfast but contains Protein and Fiber and is satisfying. With a good breakfast I'm not tempted to snack during the day.

Other days I have oatmeal cooked in the microwave (1/2 c rolled oats, 1 c water) with some chia or flax seeds and chopped pecans or almonds. Nuke for 3 minutes and serve with fat-free milk or plant-milk. A little cinnamon and artificial sweetener make this a sweet treat that is filling and helps keep me regular. There is lots of fiber in the oatmeal, seeds, and nuts. Do not use instant oatmeal--it's full of sugar.

[ms.sss 15,834]

On 11/25/2021 at 6:14 PM, DaisyAndSunshine said:

So I do understand post the surgery, we are asked to eat 6 meals a day - Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 3 Snacks. I would think this is definitely important may be in the first year Post Op, but do you have to follow 6 meals lifestyle throughout the life? Or does it get little lenient as years go by?

I’m one of those that DIDN’T do 6 meals a day during weight loss phase (or after).

I was a grazer (still am) as i just couldn’t eat alot at one sitting. I would fix myself something and eat it throughout the day (often over multiple days).

I was also not (never was, still not) a breakfast eater. I normally have my first food of the day at noon.

As time goes by, you will figure out what works for you, until it doesn’t anymore and then you’ll have to figure out a new MO.

Good Luck! ❤️