Ask Amy, RD

Post Date: 6/18/09 5:25 am
Hello All,

My name is Amy and I'm the Registered Dietitian with Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco.  I'd like to offer my assistance to those who have any diet questions throughout your weight loss journey (pre and post surgery).   

Once a week, I will post an "Ask Amy" which will cover a topic based on frequently asked questions I receive.  You can ask questions by replying to the post. Please remember that this is strictly for nutritional education, and should no way replace your physician's directions.

Nice to meet you all!

Amy Ingols, RD

Hi Amy!

Folks, Amy is a fantastic NUT so we should definitely take advantage of her.

Well I for one will, seeing as the one I saw at my doctors office almost 3 years ago didn't do anything to help me.  I got all the help for WL through the wonderful people on this site.

Amy, you will be a welcomed addition.

Diane

Hi Amy,

I have a question:

I am currently on soft after my RNY on 08/04/2009.  I grew up in a vegaterian home and eat meat sparingly ( 2 to 3 times a week). I am not very fond of sweets either so protien shakes and shots are getting to me after one month.  How can I get my daily 60 to 80 grams of protien with such restrictions.  I do like lentils and beans but since the surgery just 2 to 3 spoons make me gassy.  I would love some ideas.  Thanks. 

Hi there,

Fortunately there are some great sources out there other than meats.  Since you are on soft foods, you can get your protein through eggs (soft boiled/scrambled), non fat cottage cheese, light yogurt (Greek yogurt is great), tofu, and you can even mash up or puree some canned tuna or canned chicken. 

Once you start more solid foods, seafood and soy products, along with the items I previously listed are all good source of protein.  Yes lentils and beans do have protein in them but also can be high in carbohydrates.  Morning Star farms has some great veggie patties, breakfast  sausages, etc.  All veggie burgers are made with a soy base so they still contain protein.

I often hear about the sweet protein shakes getting old.  If the protein shakes are getting sweet, try diluting them; putting them in a blender with some ice; or adding a little non fat milk or soy milk to a chocolate or vanilla flavor.  You can find unflavored protein powders to add to soups or yogurts to boost the protein.

I hope this gives you some guidance and more ideas to work with, 

Best wishes, 

Amy Ingols, RD  

Hello Amy,

Question:

I had lap band surgery on 7/27 and my first fill on 8/25 the paper work my Dr gave me said that I should be eating 1/4 cup of food each meal. Does this mean 1/4 cup from each food group or does it mean my full meal should fit in 1/4 cup?  How many calories should I consume in a day? starting weight was 300 cwt- 280 5'11 height.

Thanks

Andrea

Hi Andrea,

They mean 1/4 cup total at each meal.  So if you picture 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, that would be what you would eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  We generally have our patients shoot for <800 calories/day.  Focus mostly on protein at meal times such as eggs, light yogurt, non-fat cottage cheese, fish, chicken, turkey, tofu, pork and meats, though pork, meats and/or dry chicken can be more difficult to tolerate.  Make sure these foods are nice and moist; take small bites; chew very thoroughly!  You can also add vegetables into meals as well. 

I hope this helps,