I’m still in the preop phase before RNY, but at a recent support group I was told something I’ve been somewhat puzzled about. My program leader, at least over education, really promoted being mindful and eating by Portion Control not so much calories, etc. They do emphasize getting all the protein requirements and give guidelines, but were more concerned we learn portions than calorie counting or tracking for all the macros. This is a new concept to me and I’m wondering for those of you who’ve had surgery and been some years out what actually works best for the long haul? I’ve always learned or thought we would keep up our macros, calories, all that to the last dot everyday by way of a tracker or journal.

I started out logging calories. Now I pretty well know what meals fit within that calorie range and I can eat any of those measured meals without having to think about it. But if I have anything new or out if the ordinary I have to figure it out. Measuring and counting is the only way I have ever lost calories. My intuition must be defective lol.

I love mindful eating. Or as another way to say it, I hate counting calories.

I could not stay on programs like weight watchers very long, or use calorie counting apps, because I would get obsessed with it. I would think about it all day, and at night when I had used up my points or calories for the day, I would sit around anxiously thinking how I’m hungry and I wasn’t allowed any more food. Deprivation.

So as someone posted above, this whole experience has been freedom. Finally, I really am satisfied after I eat, and I know that when I get hungry again, I can have more food. I just keep it within the parameters set by the nutritionist, and count protein. (although by now, I have a food routine, and don’t need to count) I do not eat foods that contain more than 5 g of fat, and I do not eat added sugar. Good luck!