X-Post...Suggestions needed

 I’ve concluded the 6 months required supervised nutritional visits, during that time my NUT was preparing me for life post-op. Some of the things I’ve done to prepare was increase my protein, take vitamins, not eating and drinking at the same time, eat 4-5 small meals a day and a slew of others.  

Of all the changes I have made, I still having the trouble with eating 4-5 smaller meals a day. I’ve gone as far as setting Outlook reminders, mobile reminders; I even purchased a watch so I can set alarms to remind me to eat.  The problem is most of the time I don’t feel hungry so I just ignore the reminders and I never get in the proper amount of meals, so I end up eating big meals to get in my protein.

Anyone have any ideas that might help me with getting in 4-5 meals? I currently feel like a failure, because this task didn’t seem too challenging compared to others.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated 

It doesn't have to be a "meal" pursay...just a piece of cheese or a yogurt is all.  It helps keep your metabolism steady.  I know about not feeling hungry...sometimes I just have a sf Jell-o!

 Thanks Emmie, I'll try that

How big are the meals you're eating?

Can you try making your fourth meal something very light, like a cup of yogurt?  Have it at night before bedtime?

This might get easier for you after surgery.  I eat about six times a day, but I can't eat a big meal because my pouch just won't hold a lot of food.  When you're post op and you're eating one cup of chili for dinner and that's it, you'll be hungry for a snack later in the evening.  I don't think you're a failure at all.  You anatomy is currently designed to allow you to eat fairly large meals and then not need to eat again for several hours.

Thanks Kelly, I’m hoping it will get easier to follow once I have surgery. I just wanted to have a schedule already in progress beforehand. I’m waiting for insurance approval; hope to hear something this week.

I understand wanting to have a schedule in place, but you know, I'm guessing after surgery you'll have to experiment to find the schedule that works best for you and it may be a different schedule than what works now.  I've found that I've had to change my schedule several times since surgery, as the amount and type of food I can eat has changed.

the 4-5 meals don't actually have to be meals.  you can eat breakfast, and have a protein bar for a snack, then have a small lunch and dinner. don't have a big meal at the end of the day trying to get all of your protein because you will end up stretching your pouch.  one of the snacks can be a protein shake.  which will also give you your liquid intake too.  it's hard enough for us to get 64oz of water and then get enough protein, because we have to wait before and after drinking before we can eat anything, and before you know it, the day is gone.  so a shake would go towards your 64oz of water. 

 Thanks Kiki, I haven't had surgery yet (currently waiting on insurance approval) , but I'll try the protein bar idea