No snacking post VSG - Really??

[Luann]

I've been reading a bit re: post gastric sleeve diet. Have come across several references that state; 3 meals a day, NO SNACKING!
My best friend had this surgery, she can only eat a few bites at each sitting. But she has a little to eat frequently - I don't know how she would not have wasted away to nothing by now considering the amount of weight she has lost even eating frequently. She has lost all the weight she wanted to and then some.

Is this truly how people are supposed to eat Post sleeve? I know the goal is to lose weight, but I don't see how any of us could have got in the situation of considering bariatric surgery if we were able to never snack on anything.

[Kimpossible318]

I have heard that and I've also heard 3 meals plus 2 snacks. I think the thing we are most "warned" about is grazing all day long - technically speaking, our tool will fill us up relatively quickly, but then after a while the the food has moved from the pouch and you could technically eat again. If someone were to graze all day long, they could find themselves right back in the same trouble that got us all to the point of needing surgery. I think you should plan on playing it by ear depending on how much you are able to eat and in accordance to what your doctor says - if you have a hard time getting in your protein and calories with 3 meals, I'm sure they would encourage you to have a small snack or two because they definitely don't want you going into starvation mode.

[while.im.still.young]

I have never been a snacker. Heck, I didn't always even eat 3 meals a day. There are a lot of factors that go into why one becomes overweight and obese and not all of them have anything to do with snacking. I didn't snack throughout the day but when I did eat my two meals a day, I overate and because I wasn't much into exercise, my body just held on to all of the calories and fat that it possibly could.

[Truffles]

I generally eat 6-8 times per day. I don't call it snacking because they are all small meals, really. I can't imagine trying to get my necessary protein/caloric intake with only being able to eat 3 times per day. How is that even possible?

I guess, if I didn't concentrate on protein and just carb-loaded, I could probably do it but it would just be calories. But why would I want to? *eek*

[Luann]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. It really worried me to read that, because if I could stick to a very tiny meal 3x a day & never have a snack I don't think I would be considering this surgery in the first place. I don't snack all day long, but whatever I do eat just sits with me now that health problems keep me from working out like I used to.

[lemonpoppyseed]

I agree with Truffles....I have 3 meals...and small ones at that a day.I do have snacks but I try and make them protein so at least they fill you up..like an egg,cheese stick etc.

[luke]

I ate 3 meals plus 2 snacks for the first few months post-op, but eventually went to just three meals. You get used to it and what used to be "tiny meals" are now just "meals". You start to realize that the "tiny" part isn't really tiny. It's normal. So you don't really feel the need to snack once that happens. You do need to make sure you get enough protein and water though, so if you can't get it all in with three meals, you should do it with a couple snacks as well.

[pack89]

I'm a year out, and I still have my small meals. I start my day around 7ish with a protein shake just because I have never been much of a breakfast eater. Unfortunately that doesn't tide me over long, so generally by 10:30-11:00 I eat a salad. Some days I'll then eat lunch, but sometimes not. Supper is normally around 6-7. I believe as long as you stay within your calorie range and concentrate on protein first, the 3 meals plus 2 snacks is fine, ESPECIALLY in the beginning when you can only eat a tiny bit at a time.

[reading mom]

I agree with what others have said. Grazing is what we must avoid! One or 2 well planned snacks can be important to meet your protein total for the day. I eat my 3 meals a day whether I feel hungry or not, but I only have a snack if I'm hungry. Once you are sleeved this will make more sense.

[NancyN]

Luann, none of us would be needing to have this surgery if we could follow any reasonable diet and FEEL satisfied/full. The surgery is going to give us a small stomach so eating that way will be a doable thing. It's still up to us to make the right choices, so snacks should be protein, not chips or candy. Hopefully the first few weeks post op will help break the habit of mindless eating so by the time you can physically eat food, you will be making healthier choices, and be satisfied.

[Peggy D]

Every doctor has their own regimen for their patients whether it's pre-op or post-op. Some do say only three meals a day, others say 6 or so small meals. You need to follow your surgeon's plan, not what others say they do or their doctor says they can do.

[Ladyinwaiting]

I think the word snack is what is hanging you up. I am about 7 weeks out. I eat very small meals and do eat in between. They are protein or fruit or vegee, not a snack like cookies. I still can only eat about 1-2 ozs at a serving so I have to eat in between. But, I only do so if I am really hungry. I agree, it will make more sense once your sleeved.

[Luann]

Thank you to everyone - that all makes sense. I was thinking "they want me to eat 4 bites of food 3x a day and that is it!" I have not been stuffing my face with cake or cookies - I hardly ever have a dessert and have been of a thin to normal weight most of my life. But have had 2 major back surgeries. The first time I gained 20 pounds so quickly, in 6 months. I was able to take it off with south beach diet. This last surgery I have gone back up & gained back the 20 I had lost plus an additional 15. I'm able to stick to south beach for a couple weeks but not beyond that. Seems like every back surgery is equal to at least another 20 pounds. I think a combination of being unable to do my typical work outs, stress & age are working against me. Also likely killed my metabolism from a lifetime of extreme dieting for dance. I'm not huge but every ounce goes to my midsection - apple shape.

[Augie]

It all depends on the surgeon...

[Scubagecko]

It should also be noted what you are eating and what is meant by snacking. I have the same 3 and 2 plan that most others do but if my "snacks" were cookies, M&M's, Jelly beans, cake, chips, nachos, or other high calorie low nutrient food stuff is the stuff to avoid now and forever. Outside of an indulgence occasionally realizing that this is a treat and not an excuse to do it daily. That type of snacking that many of us lived with before the sleeve is one of the reasons we needed the sleeve in the first place and is not going to be helpful in reaching our goals. However, a mid-afternoon greek yogurt, piece of fruit or other healthy high protein snack is a great tool to help you stay on track and get the nutrients we need to succeed.