my surgeon says no snacking and only 3 meals

[TES 858]

Does anyone else's surgeon say 3 meals, no snacking? I have been paying attention to people who are successful in the long-term who post here, and most seem to have 4 to 5 mini-meals per day. I'm sure my surgeon doesn't want us to get in the habit of grazing, but at the same time, most of my "meals" are only about 150 calories, and I feel that I need to eat more than 450 calories a day or I feel a bit light-headed and can't concentrate on work (my stomach isn't growling but my body seems to need a bit more fuel).

I feel best at 600-700 calories, 60-70 grams/protein, at least 64 oz of Fluid (more when possible), and a 30-minute walk per day (which I will increase when I am farther out post-op). I am 3 weeks post-op and on purees.

If I were only eating 450 calories a day, I'm not convinced that I would be losing faster, but maybe. I lost 16 lbs in a 6-MONTH 1200-calorie/day pre-op diet (I am hypothyroid and have always been a slow loser with low caloric needs). Since surgery, I gained and lost 18 lbs in fluid and now have lost another 12 pounds. That may be slower than some, but I tell myself if I lose a few more pounds by 4 weeks out, I will have lost as much as I lost in 6 months pre-op! A six-time faster weight loss following a food plan that makes me feel good isn't too shabby! :-)

The PA also told me that they do not want us to use Protein Shakes anymore, for Snacks or for meals. I really feel that I need at least one per day, especially bc I am a vegetarian so some of my Protein sources contain carbs, and I want to keep my carbs to about 50 g when possible.

I'm so torn bc I'm so rules-oriented and want to follow my surgeon's recommendations, but at the same time this needs to be livable and I need to be able to concentrate on work and I want to get in all of my protein--etc.

Any advice? Thanks!

[Sarah78_RN 66]

Does anyone else's surgeon say 3 meals' date=' no snacking? I have been paying attention to people who are successful in the long-term who post here, and most seem to have 4 to 5 mini-meals per day. I'm sure my surgeon doesn't want us to get in the habit of grazing, but at the same time, most of my "meals" are only about 150 calories, and I feel that I need to eat more than 450 calories a day or I feel a bit light-headed and can't concentrate on work (my stomach isn't growling but my body seems to need a bit more fuel).

I feel best at 600-700 calories, 60-70 grams/protein, at least 64 oz of Fluid (more when possible), and a 30-minute walk per day (which I will increase when I am farther out post-op). I am 3 weeks post-op and on purees.

If I were only eating 450 calories a day, I'm not convinced that I would be losing faster, but maybe. I lost 16 lbs in a 6-MONTH 1200-calorie/day pre-op diet (I am hypothyroid and have always been a slow loser with low caloric needs). Since surgery, I gained and lost 18 lbs in Fluid and now have lost another 12 pounds. That may be slower than some, but I tell myself if I lose a few more pounds by 4 weeks out, I will have lost as much as I lost in 6 months pre-op! A six-time faster weight loss following a food plan that makes me feel good isn't too shabby! :-)

The PA also told me that they do not want us to use Protein shakes anymore, for Snacks or for meals. I really feel that I need at least one per day, especially bc I am a vegetarian so some of my Protein sources contain carbs, and I want to keep my carbs to about 50 g when possible.

I'm so torn bc I'm so rules-oriented and want to follow my surgeon's recommendations, but at the same time this needs to be livable and I need to be able to concentrate on work and I want to get in all of my protein--etc.

Any advice? Thanks![/quote']

My surgeon advocates the same diet. And honestly I noticed I had better weight loss pre surgery when I stuck to 3 meals and no snacking.

[Sassygirl06 962]

I have to eat every 3 hours or I literally feel sick. I don't eat full meals, but I have something, like a piece of cheese or a few slices of deli meat. I eat about 1000 calories a day or so...don't really keep track. I have lost 141 pounds so far. I also exercise regularly. I think the exercise is more important then anything. I lose so much more when I get it in regularly. Good luck.

[RedCardinal 13]

3 meals a day, no snacking is what my doctor recommends as well. Right now, I'm only 3 weeks out, and I can't eat enough at meals to get enough proteing/calories in. I've been told to supplement with Protein Shakes until I can eat 3-4oz of Protein at a time. I expect in a few more weeks, I'll be able to get in the nutrients I need, and cut down on the supplements.< /p>

[TES 858]

3 meals a day, no snacking is what my doctor recommends as well. Right now, I'm only 3 weeks out, and I can't eat enough at meals to get enough proteing/calories in. I've been told to supplement with Protein shakes until I can eat 3-4oz of Protein at a time. I expect in a few more weeks, I'll be able to get in the nutrients I need, and cut down on the supplements.

I think this seems reasonable and something I have sort of been doing--but we can't have liquid calories, including Protein Shakes, once we start purees. Part of my dilemma!

[TES 858]

My surgeon advocates the same diet. And honestly I noticed I had better weight loss pre surgery when I stuck to 3 meals and no snacking.

But when you are pre-op, you are eating more than 150 calories/meal....

[TES 858]

I have to eat every 3 hours or I literally feel sick. I don't eat full meals, but I have something, like a piece of cheese or a few slices of deli meat. I eat about 1000 calories a day or so...don't really keep track. I have lost 141 pounds so far. I also exercise regularly. I think the exercise is more important then anything. I lose so much more when I get it in regularly. Good luck.

Sassygirl, that's very impressive! Congratulations! What is your favorite type of exercise?

[jen1211 203]

I don't know...this doesn't seem very reasonable to me but I guess a lot of it depends on your level of restriction. I am only able to eat about 2 ounces at a time, so 3 meals and no Protein supplements just doesn't work for me. My nut even said that I need to set an alarm on my phone to eat every 2 hours or so, which would put me at maybe 6 meals a day? I think it also depends on the person and how they feel post-op. I am not really big on eating anymore, nothing tastes the same and I am slightly afraid of trying new foods. I have not been a limit or sleeve tester at all. I say try the doc's way and if you are having negative effects or not losing then try your own?

[TES 858]

I don't know...this doesn't seem very reasonable to me but I guess a lot of it depends on your level of restriction. I am only able to eat about 2 ounces at a time, so 3 meals and no Protein supplements just doesn't work for me. My nut even said that I need to set an alarm on my phone to eat every 2 hours or so, which would put me at maybe 6 meals a day? I think it also depends on the person and how they feel post-op. I am not really big on eating anymore, nothing tastes the same and I am slightly afraid of trying new foods. I have not been a limit or sleeve tester at all. I say try the doc's way and if you are having negative effects or not losing then try your own?

I can eat about 1/3 of a cup of dense Protein (like vegetarian chili or veggie meatballs with cheese and sauce), which is only about 150 calories/meal. If I could get in more per meal, I think maybe the no Snacks restriction wouldn't be bad. And as a vegetarian, there aren't many protein sources that I eat that don't at least have a few carbs. So protein shakes as a snack are a good way to keep the protein up and carbs down. I also like Fage yogurt thinned out with some Protein powder and PB2 stirred in right before bed--I feel like it helps me lose weight if I eat before bed for some reason (protein boost during the time that I am going longest without food). I am meeting with the RD on Thursday so I will definitely ask her about this. Sometimes she and the PA have different advice--and I love my RD bc she is a vegetarian too!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Eh, no. I get terribly light headed if I miss eating every 3 hours. Feed me. Feeeeed me. Feeeeeeed me. Heheehe.

[kyllfalcon 768]

I don't see how one is supposed to take in enough calories, nutrients and Protein with three meals a day and no snacking, given the severe restriction at first. Just doesn't make sense.

I know I started off with a lower BMI than some at almost 40, but I eat all day long and have since day one, lost weight rapidly, never hit a stall, and I have yet to hit the first lick of exercise. Maybe what works for some won't for others, but I had to find my own way and eating small portions all day works very well for me.

My doctors suggestions were three meals, two Snacks. But he is/was not rigid about it.

[Sarah78_RN 66]

But when you are pre-op' date=' you are eating more than 150 calories/meal....[/quote']

That's true. So have you talked with your NUT about how the low calories are making you feel? Maybe they will have some suggestions.

[TES 858]

I don't see how one is supposed to take in enough calories, nutrients and Protein with three meals a day and no snacking, given the severe restriction at first. Just doesn't make sense.

I know I started off with a lower BMI than some at almost 40, but I eat all day long and have since day one, lost weight rapidly, never hit a stall, and I have yet to hit the first lick of exercise. Maybe what works for some won't for others, but I had to find my own way and eating small portions all day works very well for me.

My doctors suggestions were three meals, two Snacks. But he is/was not rigid about it.

I want to have what you're having! I'm very happy this has worked well for you!!

[TES 858]

That's true. So have you talked with your NUT about how the low calories are making you feel? Maybe they will have some suggestions.

I am meeting with her Thursday--she is awesome!

[TES 858]

Eh, no. I get terribly light headed if I miss eating every 3 hours. Feed me. Feeeeed me. Feeeeeeed me. Heheehe.

LOL Fiddleman!