Hi folks,

I'm sure this question is probably answered somewhere in this vast sea of topics. Forgive me if I'm repeating it here. Had my 2nd fill yesterday. Still not sure I'm getting much restriction, but instead of whining about it and using it as an excuse, I've decided it's time to just "act as if" until it kicks in (next fill in 4 weeks). When I go in for a fill, I have a questionaire to fill out. It asks how much Water and Protein I'm getting per day, if I'm snacking between meals and if I'm hungry. Then, when I get my release paperwork on the way out, there is a list - says to get 60 grms. protein, eat 3 meals a day with no Snacks. (Also lists water, but that's not a problem). Here is my questions about this:

• Is 60 grms of protein a day normal?
  
• What does "hungry" mean? No no - I'm not stupid. But if I eat lunch at 12 (say a protein shake), and dinner around 6, I'm getting hungry about 4! I'd consider that pretty normal!
  

I just wonder what the right answer is. For those of you who have found your sweet spot, when you eat until you are full - even if it's 1/2 cup of something - how long does that last you? When are you hungry again? Right now, with little restriction, I'm having a yogurt - then feeling kinda hungry again in a couple of hours.

I will check with my dietician later this week, but wonder what you guys do. Thanks in advance!

Mary

Sixty grams of Protein is the recommendation of my surgeon and in general, the USRDA. The USRDA recommends 40-50 for females and 55-70 for males. Things like weight, sex, activity levels and health conditions determine the exact number. So sixty is not so excessive as some would have you believe.

I think hunger is really hard for many of us to determine. We have head hunger and we all know what that is. There is also that empty feeling that you get when you are dehydrated or lacking something, usually Water, a Protein Drink, juice or milk help me with that feeling. For me, I try to shoot for that tummy rumbling- hunger pain hunger to eat a meal. How long depends on my current restriction, what and how much I had for my last meal and my activity level since my last meal but 4-6 hours is normal for me. Generally yogurt is not going to keep you full as long as a solid protein and veggie meal will.