Please Look at my Diary... Help!

Ok, so number 1 I had Gastric Bypass 7 months ago, so my intake is going to be very low! I am not perfect, but I have really tried to make better food choices. I cannot easily hit 900 cals a day. I have to set a timer on my phone to remind me to eat. I seem to have gained 2 lbs in the last week, and can't figure out why. My weight loss is slow for bypass patients. I need more protein I know, but how??? I'm not a huge meat eater. Please be kind, but I would love some feed back. At most I have lost 101 lbs, 22 are pre surgery so of those, 79 are post surgery. I have now had my fist gain...2 lbs. In the last 8 weeks I have really increased exercise though in the last 5 days I have not. I have 65+ more pounds to go, and feel like I am really struggling. Is it caloric intake? Protein? too many carbs though many come from fruits? Help please but BE NICE!!! :bigsmile:
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Replies

  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    Do you eat any easily digestible proteins, such as fish (preferably sashimi, but that's harder to get at most grocers)? Try fish. Tilapia, any flaky white fish, actually, has a high protein per gram ratio. My sister had gastric by-pass, and she ate a lot of flaky fish. Jack Links might have too much sodium, and cured meats are not that easy to digest. You can also try juicing veggies, adding aloe to your diet for digestion, and maybe add spirulina or seaweed. These all have great nutrients that won't take forever to digest.
  • silverbelle69
    silverbelle69 Posts: 14 Member
    Do you like eggs and cheese? I like Egg Beaters with reduced fat shredded cheddar. Low/no carbs and higher in protein. You'll just have to experiment with what foods you enjoy that are high protein/low carb/low sugar/low fat.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    Do you eat any easily digestible proteins, such as fish (preferably sashimi, but that's harder to get at most grocers)? Try fish. Tilapia, any flaky white fish, actually, has a high protein per gram ratio. My sister had gastric by-pass, and she ate a lot of flaky fish. Jack Links might have too much sodium, and cured meats are not that easy to digest. You can also try juicing veggies, adding aloe to your diet for digestion, and maybe add spirulina or seaweed. These all have great nutrients that won't take forever to digest.

    I have never been much of a fish eater, but there are a few that I enjoy, salmon, (not flaky and white), and some others, but in very small amounts as it makes me queasy. i do really like crab, but who can afford that daily. Juicing would be completely new to me, but it is worth a try. Thanks.
  • Melo1966
    Melo1966 Posts: 881 Member
    When I decided to up my calories and protein I started adding protein whey to my coffee, the chocolate flavor is awesome. Shrimp and tuna are good protein sources too.
  • victoriannsays
    victoriannsays Posts: 568 Member
    I am a senior nursing student and during a recent clinical experiene I got to work on a post-op bariatric surgery floor. So,I gained a ton of knowledge on discharge teaching regarding diet & exercise for these patients.

    First questions - do you walk or do any physical activity? Are you diabetic?

    Your diet should come mostly from protein, fruits, and veggies. Because your caloric intake is so restricted - you need to get the most nutrients out of your food to fit the small space in your stomach. I absolutely encourage you to really increase your protein intake. Milk, eggs, fish, ground turkey, chicken breast, greek yogurt are important things to include. Expand your horizons and try new things. You went through a life changing surgery - take full advantage of the gift you received :)

    Cut down on the carbs - and the ones you do have - keep them complex. Skip the spaghetti & mashed potatoes. Fill your body with needed nutrients. Of course, every once in a while a little bit is okay :)

    You can do it :) If you have anymore questions, you can PM me and I am willing to help.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    Do you like eggs and cheese? I like Egg Beaters with reduced fat shredded cheddar. Low/no carbs and higher in protein. You'll just have to experiment with what foods you enjoy that are high protein/low carb/low sugar/low fat.

    Immediately following surgery until 2 weeks ago, I was unable to eat eggs. If you look at my diary, I have more and more eggs. Thanks.
  • mtabh
    mtabh Posts: 128 Member
    I'd cut out the jerky, eat more veggies and add more protein.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    I am a senior nursing student and during a recent clinical experiene I got to work on a post-op bariatric surgery floor. So,I gained a ton of knowledge on discharge teaching regarding diet & exercise for these patients.

    First questions - do you walk or do any physical activity? Are you diabetic?

    Your diet should come mostly from protein, fruits, and veggies. Because your caloric intake is so restricted - you need to get the most nutrients out of your food to fit the small space in your stomach. I absolutely encourage you to really increase your protein intake. Milk, eggs, fish, ground turkey, chicken breast, greek yogurt are important things to include. Expand your horizons and try new things. You went through a life changing surgery - take full advantage of the gift you received :)

    Cut down on the carbs - and the ones you do have - keep them complex. Skip the spaghetti & mashed potatoes. Fill your body with needed nutrients. Of course, every once in a while a little bit is okay :)

    You can do it :) If you have anymore questions, you can PM me and I am willing to help.


    Thanks. I am really trying to eat more protein. I don't usually eat the noodle stuff that is fairly new to my diet. But your are right, I really need to up my protein. This is hard but I will get it thanks for your time.
  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    2 lbs in one week is within a normal range of fluctuation due to fluid retention. Unless you have exceeded your calories by 7000 cals, it's not fat. 3500 cals = 1 lb of fat.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    I'd cut out the jerky, eat more veggies and add more protein.

    I do the jerky for the protein. it is very high in protein though it is also high in sodium...
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    When I decided to up my calories and protein I started adding protein whey to my coffee, the chocolate flavor is awesome. Shrimp and tuna are good protein sources too.

    I'll have to try this.
  • mtabh
    mtabh Posts: 128 Member
    Also, skip the eating out. Try to eat whole foods, meaning closest to it's original form. Avoid lots of processed meals like the jimmy dean breakfast stuff....
  • mtabh
    mtabh Posts: 128 Member
    Can you eat chicken? Tuna? Beans, Nuts? There are better ways to get protein. Jerky isn't a good option, IMO.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    Also, skip the eating out. Try to eat whole foods, meaning closest to it's original form. Avoid lots of processed meals like the jimmy dean breakfast stuff....

    Is the Jimmy dean stuff really that bad? The bacon isn't lean, I get that, but frozen bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, with eggs. Is that not a good quick easy alternative? I truly am asking because I would love to better understand. So Thanks.
  • BeetleChe13
    BeetleChe13 Posts: 498 Member
    Lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and greek yogurt are great non-meat protein alternatives. I'm not a big fan of meat either, though I do eat some once or twice a week. There's plenty of alternatives out there.
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    I'd cut out the jerky, eat more veggies and add more protein.

    I do the jerky for the protein. it is very high in protein though it is also high in sodium...

    you know instead of eatting processed meat why not have a small serving of actual meat? Processed foods "diet" foods in particular seem to add a ton of sodium
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    Lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and greek yogurt are great non-meat protein alternatives. I'm not a big fan of meat either, though I do eat some once or twice a week. There's plenty of alternatives out there.

    thats an awesome thought!
  • water...unless you are drinking but not logging....
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    Can you eat chicken? Tuna? Beans, Nuts? There are better ways to get protein. Jerky isn't a good option, IMO.

    I agree I need to eat out less as you said in the previous. And yes I can eat those things. Jerky is easy to eat behind my desk. At the risk of sounding like I am making excuses, I tell you that I choose some foods like the fruit, and jerky because the are easy when I work 60+ hours a week and have a family of 5. So it is how I short cut. Do you have other short cut ideas for me. I have to remember the nuts though, Those are good behind the desk things too. thanks.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    water...unless you are drinking but not logging....

    I don't log my water, but I get about 32 ounces a day.
  • mtabh
    mtabh Posts: 128 Member
    Bad is a relative term. In general though to get proper nutrients you need to eat whole foods. Bad depends on how serious you are about your health. Personally I wouldn't eat them on a regular basis. Everything is fine in moderation. But an egg white and banana for breakfast would be better. You can always chop onion and pepper and cook them with your egg. Do the prep once a week and keep a baggie in the fridge. It would be cheaper in the long run, too.
  • NoahandPresleysMom
    NoahandPresleysMom Posts: 763 Member
    Ok, so number 1 I had Gastric Bypass 7 months ago, so my intake is going to be very low! I am not perfect, but I have really tried to make better food choices. I cannot easily hit 900 cals a day. I have to set a timer on my phone to remind me to eat. I seem to have gained 2 lbs in the last week, and can't figure out why. My weight loss is slow for bypass patients. I need more protein I know, but how??? I'm not a huge meat eater. Please be kind, but I would love some feed back. At most I have lost 101 lbs, 22 are pre surgery so of those, 79 are post surgery. I have now had my fist gain...2 lbs. In the last 8 weeks I have really increased exercise though in the last 5 days I have not. I have 65+ more pounds to go, and feel like I am really struggling. Is it caloric intake? Protein? too many carbs though many come from fruits? Help please but BE NICE!!! :bigsmile:

    have u ever tried protein shakes. I know you cant drink alot of one, but maybe try sipping on it throughout the day??
  • kd80538
    kd80538 Posts: 97 Member
    I think the Jerky and the Jimmy Dean will both have higher sodium contents, which can cause you to retain water...and overall, a lot of the nutrients just aren't as good as if you get them from unprocessed foods.

    As for protein, I found that if I eat some nuts, have some greek yogurt as well as my lean meats, I come close to my goals. What normally pushes me to meet my goal for protein is a protein shake. I haven't found a powder I like, but EAS Advantedge tastes good to me and has 17g of protein in each shake and is 100 calories. You can find it at Wal-Mart and most grocery chains.

    Hang in there, you can do this. It's all about adjusting and finding what works for you!
  • RachelSRoach1
    RachelSRoach1 Posts: 435 Member
    For someone who recently had the surgery done you are looking really good in the diary. There is always room for improvement of course but my dad had this surgery and it was EXTREMELY hard on his body. As a matter of fact, in order to reach the proper amount of protein, he had to go to GNC a lot and drink a ton of protein drinks and have a lot of protein puddings and all that stuff. That was the only way he seemed to function right because he would get sick so often. Not sure if that helps but it has been almost 7 years since his surgery and he has put on about 20 lbs. Not great, but much better than the 340 lbs he was before. I have a lot of memories of him having to get sick all the time, it got to the point of us just going about daily life... like he would be driving... then would just open the door at an intersection and throw up... then go on like it never happened. Anyway, if you are concerned about this I know that there are plenty of support groups and people who have been going through the same thing who might be able to know exactly what is going on with you. And of course your doctor should have answers also.
  • BeetleChe13
    BeetleChe13 Posts: 498 Member
    Lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and greek yogurt are great non-meat protein alternatives. I'm not a big fan of meat either, though I do eat some once or twice a week. There's plenty of alternatives out there.

    thats an awesome thought!

    Hey thanks. :flowerforyou: I should also say that those are pretty cheap options too, compared to meat. That's the main reason I eat them. Green lentils are about $0.10/serving with 16 servings/1lb bag. They're also very high in fiber, so you feel full.
  • mhorn2142
    mhorn2142 Posts: 319 Member
    Lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and greek yogurt are great non-meat protein alternatives. I'm not a big fan of meat either, though I do eat some once or twice a week. There's plenty of alternatives out there.

    I love edamame! I will have to experiment with the others as I am sad to say, i don't think I have ever had them.
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    Ok so this is an eat on the run thing.. Why not try this take a small amount of walnuts, almonds, and raisins and put them in a little sandwich bag and store them in your desk :)
  • mtabh
    mtabh Posts: 128 Member
    Can you eat chicken? Tuna? Beans, Nuts? There are better ways to get protein. Jerky isn't a good option, IMO.

    I agree I need to eat out less as you said in the previous. And yes I can eat those things. Jerky is easy to eat behind my desk. At the risk of sounding like I am making excuses, I tell you that I choose some foods like the fruit, and jerky because the are easy when I work 60+ hours a week and have a family of 5. So it is how I short cut. Do you have other short cut ideas for me. I have to remember the nuts though, Those are good behind the desk things too. thanks.

    Do you have access to a fridge and microwave? Pack things that can be heated? I know it's hard work, but when you cook a meal with meat, save some for lunch the next day. KWIM? It's just better than jerky, is all. If you can't do something reheated, get tuna. DH takes tuna for lunch quite often and I chop veggies for him to put in there with relish and mustard - no mayo because he is still trying to lose and it's too high in fat and calories.
  • RobynMWilson
    RobynMWilson Posts: 1,540 Member
    Ok...I just took a quick glance, but beef jerky is high in sodium. If you eat that a lot, you could be retaining water. Also, maybe instead of the cheez its, you coulda had a Greek yogurt, which would give you 12-14g of protein, depending on the brand.

    You have to change that relationship with food, or else your surgery woulda been for nil. Cheez its and beef jerky are not fuel. You gotta change your mindset to look at food as fuel to keep you energized throughout the day rather than pleasure. Before deciding what to eat, ask yourself "how will this make me feel? Will I get energy from it? Will it help reduce post-workout soreness?" I decide what I'm gonna eat based on those questions, cept for when I allow myself a treat a couple nights per week lol
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    Lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and greek yogurt are great non-meat protein alternatives. I'm not a big fan of meat either, though I do eat some once or twice a week. There's plenty of alternatives out there.

    thats an awesome thought!

    Hey thanks. :flowerforyou: I should also say that those are pretty cheap options too, compared to meat. That's the main reason I eat them. Green lentils are about $0.10/serving with 16 servings/1lb bag. They're also very high in fiber, so you feel full.

    Also Chickpea popcorn is to die for have you tried that? just take some cooked chickpea and season them with your fav no sodium italian seasons and put them in the oven for about 20 mins its really a nice crunchy snack