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

How much do you eat?/Drinking during or after your meal...



Recommended Posts

I was banded 09/08 and have my first fill on 10/07. I've been doing pretty good, but I'm having trouble knowing how much food I should be eating. I don't snack in between meals, so I know when I've gone long enough without food, my stomach starts growling really loud. It's kindof embarrasing, but thank goodness I haven't been talking to anyone at work when it happened.

I eat a small amount of food, but keep wondering how much is too much. Do you weigh your piece of chicken/fish and then measure out a vegetable? If you have your Protein, then how much other food can you have? I have not felt over-full after eating, just so-so. I normally think about how much more I want to eat, but am mindful that I can only eat a little.

I also want to know what your doctors have told you about drinking with meals. I'm pretty sure I was told not to drink with meals, because it would wash the food down and might make me eat more and that I should wait 30 minutes after a meal, before drinking something.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The 30 minute rule for drinking seems pretty standard. However, I was told 15 minutes and it's been working for me. Sounds like you are eating just fine. I believe it's ok to eyeball the amount of food. A lot of measuring and weighing seems kind of anal to me. However, I know it works for some people. If it makes you feel comfortable do it. You are sticking with protien first and that is good. When I was loosing I would eat about 4 oz of lean meat and about 1/2c veggies. Hope this helps and good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I eat 4oz of meat, and then add veggies. I only eat 1 cup of food at a time for a meal. So far, I have not been hungry between meals. I don't drink 20-30 mins. before eating and then 60 mins. afterwards, but there are sometimes I do have a sip or 2 of Water when eating, I told my doctor this and he said that is fine, just don't drink a whole glass while you are eating.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks, vlp1968 and Ocnlvr. I think after I get my first fill on Thursday, I might be eating a little less.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have reached restriction, so I don't always weigh my Protein. I would recommend that you do, at this point. When I was where you are, I was "allowed" 2.5-3 ounces of Protein. It wasn't enough! I was hungry, but I stuck to that amount (and therefore lost even before I had restriction).

Now that I have restriction, I can now "hold" between 2-3 oz. of solid protein and 1/2 cup or so of nonstarchy veggies per meal.

If I'm having something like chili, I usually can tolerate 4-6 Fluid ounces. A thinner Soup, maybe a cup.

You're right, the sensation of FULL is totally different now. It really is a so-so feeling, like you've described. You're not hungry. You're not stuffed. ("FULL" is a really unpleasant feeling for me now--and one bite too many can mean the difference between just right and ill.) What you're aiming for is a state in which you have that so-so feeling (which you will come to recognize as being satisfied) for a period of a few hours before you are again hungry. When you reach that point, you will be approaching good restriction :smile2:

You will get used to this--but it is a real adjustment, psychologically. It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job adjusting to the new feelings, though.

As for the drinking rule--I am "allowed" to drink right up until I start eating, but my doctor recommends not drinking until 90 minutes after eating. I do try to adhere to this--it does help prolong satiety for me. But if I am exercising or very thirsty, I sometimes cut it a bit short.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've always measured my food from the get-go and have had excellent weight loss. I'm told 3oz of Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies. To be honest, at first I did 4oz of Protein because I was SMO and 3oz just wasn't enough. I did cut back to 3oz as I lost.

If I'm somewhere I can't measure, the guidelines I was given for estimation was meat (chicken, fish, beef, whathaveyou) the dimensions of a deck of cards or about the palm of your hand. Veggies should be about the size of a tennis ball. I avoid starchy carbs if at all possible.

As to how much other food you can have... I'm told that if I finish my protein & veggies and am still hungry after 20 minutes I can have more veggies (provided they're not covered in some high calorie sauce or drowning in butter).

I'm also allowed "healthy" Snacks between meals if I need them. Things like an apple and a cheese stick. Wasa cracker & laughing cow cheese. Cup of yogurt. Something with protein and I try to keep it under 150 calories.

I was told not to drink 30 minutes on either side of a meal. I followed those directions for a long time. But as I've learned how my band works for me.. I've gradually gone to drinking right up to the first bite, then stop drinking with my meal. I try to wait an hour after eating to drink.

I've asked about sipping Water during meal if I need to and my nurses say that's ok, just not to drink a lot. Or to rinse my mouth and spit it out if I'm somewhere that can be done. If you get a bite of something too spicy, a spoonful of dairy (yogurt comes to mind) will cut the heat better than Water.< /p>

It's a learning process. As time goes on, you will learn what works best for you and your weight loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tried to take a few gulps of ribena with my meal yesterday as well as trying to cram in one more mouthful of delicious dinner and i knew something was wrong i legged it into my kitchen where i threw up in my sink in front of my whole entire family! as i heaved and gagged i heard comments of that's disgusting coming from the table, never before have i been more embarrassed, and all for one more bite and a gulp of ribena... i shoulda listened to my doctor!

Im stickin to the rules these days :)

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

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • RacMag  »  bhogue925

      Hi, I’m new here. I’m currently on the liver shrinking diet. So far so good, but I have to say I haven’t found a protein shake I like. Anyone have any suggestions please? My surgery date is September 17th. 
      · 2 replies
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Fairlife Core are by far the best. They taste just as they are - chocolate milk. You can either get the 26 grams or the 42 grams (harder to find and more expensive). For straight protein look at Bulksuppliments.com ..they have really good whey proteins and offer auto ship plus they test for purity. No taste or smell...

      2. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Fairlife has strawberry, vanilla and of course chocolate. No more calories than other protein drinks. Stay away from Premiere, they're dealing with lawsuits due to not being honest about protein content.

  • 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

    ×