Please critique a normal days meal plan

[Tommy1969]

HI All,

I am almost 6 months out and down 86 pounds so far. Unfortunately, this weight loss has pretty much come from diet alone. I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both hips which hinders my mobility. However, I am walking more and recently got back into my pool.

What I would like to know is what those who are at least 6 months out think of my typical daily intake & food routine:

Typical day:

Breakfast:
Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon Sandwich from Starbucks - 230 calories
Iced Green Tea - 1 splenda

Mid morning snack:
Low Sodium V8 - 70 Calories

Lunch:
Chicken Breast on green salad with feta cheese, small portion of olives, onions and light greek dressing. I'm guessing < 500 calories

Mid afternoon Snack:

Premier Protein Shake - 160 calories

Dinner:

2-3 eggs with a small portion of fat & protein. Either meat or cheese. I'm guessing < 500 calories

Evening Snack:
Oikos's Triple Zero Yogurt mixed with low fat cottage cheese - 230 calories.

Extras:

Daily multi vitamins
B12 Spray
Calcium
Fluids - Push to get 100 ounces.

I have been averaging about 1-2 a week doing the above.

Any suggestions or does this look pretty good?

Meeting with specialist soon regarding my hips. Hope to get injections or something to help with mobility but more than likely will need hip replacement in both down the road. Trying to put that off as long as possible as I am only 48 years old.

All comments are welcome! The good, the bad and the ugly.

Thank you

[Christie13]

Since you are losing 1-2 lbs a week doing that then I really wouldn't mess with it too much. Now if you stall then it's time to shake it up. You're doing great!! Definitely take advantage of the pool for exercise.

[ghost_ryder]

Don't fret the replacement, I had my knee done at 45 and am so happy I had it done. My quality of life exploded (for the good) afterwards. I am now 50 and with the WLS I am doing things I haven't done since my early 20's. I can say that recover at a younger age is improved because your body is better able to commit to the rehab. Don't rule it out, especially if your mobility is severely retarded due to your hips. In the near future when your weight loss slows your exercise levels will be essential to continue to lose.

As for the diet, that seems like it would be ok. If possible, add in some protein. I imagine at your size you should be around 110-120 grams per day. something like swapping the V8 for another Protein shake or bar. But if this is working for you then keep at it. 1-2 lbs per week at 6 months out is still really good.

[Donald G]

I am not a fan of drinking proteins. I would suggest ditching the shake and instead eat some good protein dense foods as a sack. I like chicken breast for mine but you could do just about anything. Fluids are not really a filler so drinking your protein at the stage you are post op is not giving you the punch your body probably needs. Also ask your NUT if you should be in taking the guestimate of 1700 calories you noted above a day. I just spoke with mine yesterday and she suggested for me no more then 1500 daily and that's with her understanding of my workout routine.

[Pam G]

1. stop "guessing". Start tracking and know for sure, then, once you got it down pat, you can slack off or stop completely.

2. theres nothing wrong with losing weight by eating sensibly. I tried to walk this past week and my knees do not like me anymore...walking uphill was fine, walking downhill is a bitch. Of course, for health reasons, a bit of activity is an good thing. In terms of weight loss, do what works, IMO