Question: How do you know if your getting enough food in a day?

[Med1862 41]

My Surgery was on 9/11 and I'm down about 24lbs. Today I'm feeling kind of weak and drained. I'm a pretty active guy and think I over do it on most days. I have been having a Protein Shake for Breakfast and some Tomato / cheese Soup or mashed potatoes for lunch & dinner. I'm drinking my Water throughout the day. I question if I'm getting enough food or calories? Last week I was trying some different foods and probably trying some soft foods to soon so I backed off even though I tolerated most if what I tried. I have my first follow up with my surgeon, RN, and nutritionist tomorrow and supposed to return to work on Tuesday. I will need more energy for I can tell that. Just looking for some advice and opinions from you. Not a lot of men on here compared to women and I wonder the gender difference makes???

[oldoneyoungagain 200]

My Surgery was on 9/11 and I'm down about 24lbs. Today I'm feeling kind of weak and drained. I'm a pretty active guy and think I over do it on most days. I have been having a Protein Shake for Breakfast and some Tomato / cheese Soup or mashed potatoes for lunch & dinner. I'm drinking my Water throughout the day. I question if I'm getting enough food or calories? Last week I was trying some different foods and probably trying some soft foods to soon so I backed off even though I tolerated most if what I tried. I have my first follow up with my surgeon, RN, and nutritionist tomorrow and supposed to return to work on Tuesday. I will need more energy for I can tell that. Just looking for some advice and opinions from you. Not a lot of men on here compared to women and I wonder the gender difference makes???

Had surgery same day. On my follow up I was allowed to start with soft eggs, refried Beans, cream of wheat or rice, malt o meal, low fat or non fat cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, canned fruit unsweetened and make sure it is peeled, sf pudding, laughing cow cheese. I try to keep more to the Protein side, and I make sure I get at least 60 gms of protein, protein for you though should be higher. Starting now, I can have string cheese, deli meat, baked, broiled, grilled fish or seafood, water packed tuna, light or reduced calorie yogurt. I'm actually taking this from my nutrition guidelines provided by my clinic. They give up a notebook, outlining what to expect, what to eat, where we can get it. Great reference. I still try to avoid potatoes as it causes my BS to raise, but have tried some. Also states in the book to have only about 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup, also I see soft cooked green beans and soft cooked carrots. Deli meat is 1 oz. Tuna is 2 tablespoons with light mayo or miracle whip. Hope this gives you some idea and helps. Just make sure to stay hydrated that is the most important, without Fluid you are gone in about 10 days, without food it is about 30 days.

[McCormick4062 7]

Are you getting 90 grams of Protein per day? If you are only having one Protein Shake a day, maybe you should get some unflavored Protein Powder, like Unjury brand, and put some in your Soup or soft food. Be careful not to make your soup or food too hot as it can change the consistency of the protein. I think it can't exceed 140 degrees F.

[Pr1ncessJulee 116]

Best advice I have been given was to use my fitness pal. I so love that app. Really helps me track all my intake including carbs and Protein.

Preop weight 389 current weight 304...that's 85 lbs lost since RNY 6/11/13

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

Best advice I have been given was to use my fitness pal. I so love that app. Really helps me track all my intake including carbs and Protein. Preop weight 389 current weight 304...that's 85 lbs lost since RNY 6/11/13

I second logging......knowing is power!

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

[Cnote 4]

My Surgery was on 9/11 and I'm down about 24lbs. Today I'm feeling kind of weak and drained. I'm a pretty active guy and think I over do it on most days. I have been having a Protein shake for Breakfast and some Tomato / cheese Soup or mashed potatoes for lunch & dinner. I'm drinking my Water throughout the day. I question if I'm getting enough food or calories? Last week I was trying some different foods and probably trying some soft foods to soon so I backed off even though I tolerated most if what I tried. I have my first follow up with my surgeon' date=' RN, and nutritionist tomorrow and supposed to return to work on Tuesday. I will need more energy for I can tell that. Just looking for some advice and opinions from you. Not a lot of men on here compared to women and I wonder the gender difference makes???[/quote']

Are you allowed to take your Vitamins yet? My surgery was 9/10 and they told me ok to and must start taking Vitamins at my follow up on the 24th. Helped my energy level immediately! Also I know it sounds contradictory but exercising, walking helps with energy levels. Protein is what the most important nutrient is besides Water. Is what they told me. If you were in the program at my docs you would be told to get at least 75g of protein/day since you are a guy. I have to get 65. Supplement the protein by adding unflavored or flavored protein powder to your food and drinks.

[Med1862 41]

Thanks for the advice, I will see my doc and nut today, I bet they tell me what you guys did... lol. This is going to be hell of a journey!

[oldoneyoungagain 200]

Thanks for the advice, I will see my doc and nut today, I bet they tell me what you guys did... lol. This is going to be hell of a journey!

But oh it is going to be worth it.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

Thanks for the advice' date=' I will see my doc and nut today, I bet they tell me what you guys did... lol. This is going to be hell of a journey![/quote']

It is what you make it! If you obsess about every pound and inch it gets frustrating quickly. If you Celebrate your successes (and as far as I'm concerned every pound lost is a success!) it's pretty darn awesome. The trial an error with foods can get frustrating, the stalls will drive you crazy (how can you eat 800 calories a day and not lose weight???? It's just so wrong!) but in the end it is so worth it.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I third maintaining a food log. My Fitness Pal is excellent and my personal choice but Sparkpeople is highly recommended by many forum members. Commit to logging everything you eat for 90 days and you'll never stop. You will be amazed at the amount of information your log gives you. Logging gives you control and it's all about control, not denial. You'll discover how relatively easy it is to make adjustments in your diet to ensure that you're getting enough Protein and a healthy number of calories. And you can make minor adjustments in your calorie intake until you find the perfect number that works best for you. Your confidence will soar.

Carbs are king when it comes to energy. On a normal, solid food diet, about 60% of your energy needs come from carbs. But when you're on a low carb diet, Protein becomes your best friend. Your body will metabolize protein for energy in place of carbs. Most doctors will recommend 80g to 100g a day for men. Since you are very active, you probably would benefit from aiming for the high end.

Get all of your doctor's recommended protein and maintain a food log - you're gonna love the new you!!

[kristy3k 1,133]

I forth on the logging... Lol or I guess I concur!!! Log every thing you put on your mouth then there is no guess work involved in what you are getting

date of surgery 02/21/12 surgery weight 340 lbs. current weight 146 lbs

[Med1862 41]

Thanks ladies, I will start my logging. I met with my doctor and nut today. I'm doing very good, but I'm only getting about half the Protein I need. My nut really wants me to kick it into gear. I need to keep my calories to 400-500 a day and get at least 70-80g of protein. The weight I have lost was all fat so that felt good. I can add ground meats and fish to my diet so that should help. I'm excited for the future me and don't want to screw it up.

[kinsse 171]

Thanks ladies' date=' I will start my logging. I met with my doctor and nut today. I'm doing very good, but I'm only getting about half the Protein I need. My nut really wants me to kick it into gear. I need to keep my calories to 400-500 a day and get at least 70-80g of Protein. The weight I have lost was all fat so that felt good. I can add ground meats and fish to my diet so that should help. I'm excited for the future me and don't want to screw it up.[/quote']

Heres some info that I finally found out. I was having a hard time as to Wat was enough food to, too much food. So wen u eat focus wen u feel that pressure at the top of ur stomach inbetween ur ribs. That's wen u have ate enough.

Hope this helps.

[kinsse 171]

Thanks ladies' date=' I will start my logging. I met with my doctor and nut today. I'm doing very good, but I'm only getting about half the Protein I need. My nut really wants me to kick it into gear. I need to keep my calories to 400-500 a day and get at least 70-80g of Protein. The weight I have lost was all fat so that felt good. I can add ground meats and fish to my diet so that should help. I'm excited for the future me and don't want to screw it up.[/quote']

Thank you for the info about knowing wen I have had enough food. It has really helped me alot. I have passed it in to others to.

[music1618 879]

Thanks ladies' date=' I will start my logging. I met with my doctor and nut today. I'm doing very good, but I'm only getting about half the Protein I need. My nut really wants me to kick it into gear. I need to keep my calories to 400-500 a day and get at least 70-80g of Protein. The weight I have lost was all fat so that felt good. I can add ground meats and fish to my diet so that should help. I'm excited for the future me and don't want to screw it up.[/quote']

That calorie and protein ratio will be tough to keep. There are 4 calories to every gram of protein. So at 80 grams that is 320 calories. It really does not leave much more to eat. I would suggest worrying about your protein and the calories will fall into to place. My nut says eat lean and clean an don't worry about the calories.