I was just wondering when everyone had the time, or room, for fruit. I know I need to eat more fruits and veggies, but after eating Protein and a few bites of veggies, I'm full. I'm going for my first fill next Wednesday and if I'm getting full now...

I'm just concerned I'm not getting enough Fiber as I'm having a small issue in the BM area. I'm not supposed to have lettuce until after my first fill so salads are out right now. What does everyone else do?

Hi, I haven't had my first fill yet and so far I can eat tangerines, salad, veggies etc. I am just starting to get my appetite back and so that is why I think I am ready for a fill also. From what I gather, it seems, for the most part, we will be eating very little fruit and veggies. Since I like both, I am going to try to have a Protein drink every am for Breakfast and then some veggies/fruit with lunch and supper. The Protein Drink with high protein/low fat milk will account for over 50 grams of protein - so I'm hoping that between that and some fish and/or meat I will be getting enough protein to keep the weight loss going. We shall see. I'll be interested to see how you do also.

Helen

Your dietician needs to help you. Always eat protein first, then veggies, then fruit. Fruit is the last thing you add to your diet. I keep my fruit as a snack. Benefiber for the BM, I had colon surgery 3 years ago, so this was an issue with me to. It has changed since my lapband. Maybe 1 to 2 times a week is all, I use to go at least 1 per day. Please dont worry about it, Just drink lots of water Very important!! Best wishes

Why no Snacks? If you are eating only 3 meals a day, there is likely too large of a gap between two of those meals. For me, that gap is between lunch and dinner: 6-7 hrs. So I plan an afternoon snack, which is what my doc recommends.

Also, once you reach your sweet spot, you are probably not going to get enough calories in with just the three meals, unless you choose high cal foods or soft foods.

I guess it varies from doctor to doctor. I suppose when it comes down to it, if you are getting adequate fiber and taking a Multivitamin, fruit is not a necessary food during your weight loss phase. I prefer not to give it up, though. I'm rather fond.

I was told to take two bites of protein then one bite of fruit or veg that way I dont just fill up on all protein before I get thru the whole meal.

I blend some berries or Weight Watchers Fruit salad with skim milk and use that milk to make my oatmeal for breakfast. Yummy.

I also mush up some WW apricots or peaches with some LF custard and have that for supper.

You could try mixing some fruit with cottage cheese for a healthy snack also.

I always make sure I have at least 70 grams Protein a day, and my mid morning and afternoon "snack" is a cup of wholesome homemade vegetable Soup. For me, its important to have 2 serves fruit a day.

I haven't had fill yet, so it may be challenging for me to get all this in after the fill. I try to have at least 1100 calories a day.

Edited May 4, 200818 yr by Luscious

The idea of high protein/low carb is very popular with many posters and seems to be much more prevalent in the US but it is not emphasised here in Aus. I get advised to eat a much more balanced diet - meat, veges, fruit and dairy - just cut back/down on the processed carbs (white breads, rice) and fatty/sugary foods.

I usually eat a dozen pitted prunes as my mid-morning snack, to help with constipation.

That's why I think protein first is a croc. I just eat everything on my plate in equal proporitions - I usually include fruit for breakfast, and maybe a snack. I only eat a snack if I'm hungry though.

My surgeon said not to snack just 3 meals a day, but most days i have 1 or two healthy snacks,other banisters have been told to snack. My surgeon said do not eat breakfast if not hungry, other surgeons say you must have something at breakfast.

I typically get my fruit in during breakfast. Protein shake w/half a banana; fiber cereal w/berries, yogurt w/fruit & granola - there was a recipe this wk for cold oatmeal that i plan on making today, has dried fruit etc.

On occassion my snack might be a small apple w/some peanut butter.

My doc said to use the 3-1-1 formula. 3 bites protein, 1 bite veggie, 1 bite carb until you're full, or eat your 4 oz. or protein, then veggie, then carb. 1/2 cup protein, 1/4 cup veggie, 1/4 cup carb. A carb can be brown rice, sweet potato, corn, etc. OR since fruit is high in carbs, you can eat the fruit with your meal instead. This seems to work for me except on the mornings when I eat yogurt or oatmeal or cream of wheat. It doesn't quite come out that way. I buy Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal and add half a scoop of unflavored protein powder. If I do that I usually have like 3 strawberries or 3 - 4 peeled sections of grapefruit or a narrow slice of melon. If I don't eat fruit, I don't have a BM. Period. I personally couldn't go without eating it.

I love fresh strawberries and black raspberries, so I have one scrambled egg and a few berries for breakfast, I take berries in my car as a snack so I won't buy junk, and I have a few at night as my end of meal. It only takes a few to satisfy me. This of course is not every day. haha. It has worked fine and my Dr. is good with it.

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions and advice. This is still new to me and I'm sure I'll eventually figure out what works for me. I try to have a small thing of applesauce with other fruit added like blueberries, mango, etc. I'm just tired of it already and want to branch out. I'll try some of the things you all have suggested. It's just going to take some time to get used to this and I now know I have to make an effort to get a variety of foods. Thanks again!

Hello everyone,

I keep getting emails about the 3 meals a day no Snacks etc. I didn't post any question about that. A lady named Bea did and I responded to her. Please address your answers to her.

Thanks, Helen

Helen,

Anytime you post at all you will get e-mails every time there is activity on that thread unless you change it in your profile options.

I don't snack either, and I eat fruit. It's all about ratio's. Because it is so important to get enough protein, you should always eat that first. I was taught to eat 3 bites of protein, then 1 bite of vegetable then, if I had room, some fruit. It doesn't always work out to eat that way, obviously, that is just a guideline. Remember there are lots of ways to get fiber without fruit, too~ I eat a lot of vegetables and legumes and that helps get the fiber in. One of my favorite breakfasts is fruit (especially berries) with Greek yogurt. It has 20 grams of protein in a cup and no fat! I sprinkle a little splenda on it to sweeten it up a bit and it makes a good high fiber breakfast. That takes care of the fruit, the fiber and the protein.