3x a day oe 3x a day with snacks?

[katie78 0]

My doc said that i should eat 3x a day and thats it? Breakfast lund and dinner and maybe a snack inbetween. DOes that sound right? He said that the people that come to him that haven't lost any weight, he says that they eat 3x a day and snack and/or graze all day long?, but I kinda thought eating throughout the day would be better? Keeping the metabolism up? IDK what do you all do?

[ajoneen 0]

Its all calories. However you get them just don't have to many. If you're going to make it many small meals then keep track of the calorie count-religiously.

[MerryHearted 20]

Yes, it does all come down to the # of calories.

But the way the Band works, you should be fine with 3 meals and a snack. If you eat 3 oz solid Protein and 1/2 C of veggies at lunch, for example, then you shouldn't feel hungry for a good 3-4 hrs. If not, you probably don't have enough fill.

One way people end up "eating around the Band" is by grazing. If you eat too slowly, it doesn't help you with your Portion Control like it does when you sit down and purposefully eat a meal and then walk away from food until your next meal.

Also: you cannot drink for at least an hour after eating with the Band, or you'll wash the food right through and get hungry too soon. So if you are grazing, it's harder to get adequate amounts of Water in unless you are chugging it.

Eat a meal. Wait an hour. Then bring out the Water, tea, Crystal Light, Propel, unsweetened iced tea, or whatever other low or non caloric drink you prefer to drink... that can keep you satisfied until your next meal.

Like ajoneen/Amanda said, if you do decide to graze, you need to religiously count those calories to make sure you're not getting in too many.

[snowbird 2]

General lap band wisdom is three meals a day. The band is supposed to work by limiting portion size. If you graze, it just isn't going to stop you in time. You will be able to eat more than you should because you will not be filling your upper stomach and stopping due to the band.

[trystelle 3]

I am a strong advocate of the 6 meal a day plan. You are right, a lapband meal should last 3-4 hours. So say three and you are up 16-18 hours a day then that is 5-6 meals.

Calories are calories, but the combination of six small meals and regular exercise has made it easier to lose weight Even when I reach goal I plan to continue to eat this way.

Of course you should try both and see what works for you!