Food Portions

[Paola 62]

My doctor told me I could have 3 to 4 oz of food 5 times a day while I am on my loosing phase. I asked how many calories a day I should shoot for, but I was told not to worry about it because of the small portions. I don't really like that vague answer, I like to have solid number, so I think I will shoot for less than 850-900. What do you all think? I would also like to know what other doctor tell you about your meal portions.

[SleeveDreamer 383]

My doctor started me out at 800 calories max and 4 oz. Every three hours. Nowhe has moved me to 800-1,000 and 8 oz., and three meals a day and two Snacks, but I can' t do 8 oz. cuz I feel too full, but I am trying to get my calories up by having a dense Quest Protein Bar each day. He's right that you really don't need to worry about calories until you get to regular foods since you are eating so little. Just need to watch your carbs and watch that you don't have alot of sugar. Go sugar-free as much as you can. It is very hard for me to get in 800-1,000 without the Protein bar.

[IowaAndy 95]

I see that you are about 1 month post sleeve. At that point I think that I was maybe getting around 700 - 800 calories. I was having more difficulty getting enough Protein and fluids in. I was still drinking a lot of Protein Shakes and had also bought a protein flavored fruit punch that was higher in protein. My diet at that point did not include a lot of regular food choices. I guess that I would be mostly concerned about getting your required protein and fluids. Did you receive a diet plan from your surgeon or NUT that gives you foods that you could be eating at 4 weeks and then add certain things at different intervals? I also would not worry too much about your calories as long as you are getting everything else. Just stay away from sugars and carbs.

[Paola 62]

I see that you are about 1 month post sleeve. At that point I think that I was maybe getting around 700 - 800 calories. I was having more difficulty getting enough Protein and fluids in. I was still drinking a lot of Protein shakes and had also bought a protein flavored fruit punch that was higher in protein. My diet at that point did not include a lot of regular food choices. I guess that I would be mostly concerned about getting your required protein and fluids. Did you receive a diet plan from your surgeon or NUT that gives you foods that you could be eating at 4 weeks and then add certain things at different intervals? I also would not worry too much about your calories as long as you are getting everything else. Just stay away from sugars and carbs.

I did receive a diet plan, according to my doctor I can eat now almost anything, the only thing he mentioned I should avoid was beef for now. I have been in ketosis since July 2011, the only carbs I eat come from vegetables and Beans. I have been very good with my protein and Water intake. I just don't like not having a definite number of calories.

[IowaAndy 95]

Wow....your diet plan is much more generous than mine. I have things that I am not supposed to eat for 4 - 6 months. Obviously if you are able to eat that many things then you should be able to get all of your Protein needs. I guess I would play the calories by ear and see how many your are consuming and see how your weight does. Best of luck on your travels to your goal.

[clk 3,519]

At this point in the game I'd be amazed if you manage to get even close to 1,000 calories in a day, anyway! It took me until about four months to be able to consistently hit 700-800 calories a day and to even get close to my nutritional goals.

I'm often in the minority here, but my belief is that we should eat as much like normal people as we can. So restrict your calories and set nutritional goals (mine was 90+ grams Protein, 800-900 calories a day, 75-100 carbs) and worry about meeting them. I cannot deny that eating only 40 grams of carbs and 500 calories a day will provide fast results, but I don't think it's any healthier than going on a crazy fad diet, either. You can either restrict like crazy out of the gate and learn to eat like a regular person with no food issues later, or you can slowly learn the ropes from the get go.

I'd personally aim for 800 calories a day, at least 75 grams of Protein and a reasonable amount of carbohydrates. You may not lose weight as quickly but you won't have the bounce back or food issues once you get to goal, either.

The best way to know what to do is to track everything that goes in your mouth religiously and adjust as needed if you aren't seeing results. Be wary of drastically changing your diet if you hit a slow month or a stall, though. You just had a major surgery and removed most of your stomach. Short of eating gallons of ice cream a day, there isn't exactly much you can do to make yourself NOT lose, now is there?

Good luck,

~Cheri