Eating Habits Post Operatively

My name is Traci and I had RNY Gastric Bypass surgery in October of 2007. Eating post operatively for me is a huge change from my life prior to surgery.

I am a person who follows my program guidelines and I work hard daily not to verve off that path. Protein is always my main concern during any meal followed by vegetables. Lean meats that are moist and not fried are my personal preferences.

What works best for me are 3 solid meals a day that are packed full of protein to give my body the nutrients/fuel that I need. I don’t snack everyday but the times when I feel like my energy is low and I need something my typical choices are: Nuts (big chunks of TVP mixed with nuts is also a protein packed choice), yogurt with something crunchy on top like Fiber One, TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein small granulated type), string cheese, protein bars that are low sugar/low carb, protein shakes, or some cottage cheese with pineapple chunks.

A typical day for me looks like this:

Breakfast – 1 egg omelet with turkey/cheese or 1 packet of low cal/low sugar oatmeal and a banana

Lunch – Salad with, turkey, cheese, egg, sunflower kernels, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cottage cheese or yogurt

Dinner – Chicken breast (grilled/baked) vegetable and cottage cheese

During the day I am constantly drinking to keep myself hydrated. I do not drink with my meals and there is a 30 minute window after I eat before I start to drink again.

Above is what my typical day looks like at 3 1/2 years out from surgery. In the early stages my pouch did not tolerate solid foods so I consumed protein drinks for a long time to ensure that I was getting enough nutrients along with keeping myself hydrated. One thing I learned was to try things slowly and if it doesn’t work then give it a few days or a week and try it again.

It is normal for me that I can eat something one week and the next week I can have the exact same thing and my pouch does not tolerate it. My taste buds definitely changed after surgery and what is amazing to me is the type of food that I thoroughly enjoy now that I never would have tried prior to surgery.

My bariatric belly is a sensitive prime piece of real estate and I do my best every day to take care of it!!