How long after a meal can you eat a snack?

how long after a meal can i have a snack. I wouldn't want to stretch my new pouch.

Thank you in advance

I don't really snack too much these days. I'm five years out from my RNY and usually only eat two real meals a day--lunch and dinner--with a protein shake for breakfast.

If you don't feel hungry, don't force yourself to eat because you feel like you ought to be. I've heard of some programs insisting on three measured meals and 2 snacks, but if you're not feeling it, then don't do it.

I don't know when you had your surgery, but it can take quite a while for true hunger cues to return. Go carefully!

Jen

2-3 hours is how long I wait between a meal and a snack.

Same here, minimally 2 hours.

My plan is 3 meals a day, no snacks, so my answer would be... don't?

I plan my favorite hot tea mixture 3 hours after lunch, I only add a protein snack(string cheese, jerky) if absolutely necessary(true physical hunger).

You will never "stretch" your pouch or sleeve, it will relax after time, but will not "stretch":-)

How long after a meal CAN you have a snack? Or how long after a meal SHOULD you have a snack.

You probably CAN eat a snack about 30 minutes after a meal, because that's about how long it takes to empty a pouch of a dense meal.\

But really, you shouldn't be snacking, at all.

Eating too often is referred to as grazing, and it's about the worst habit we can pick up after surgery.

Listen to your body,..it may depend on if you actually ate enough protein, ect...and it has had time to begin absorbtion/utilization..( if not you may have a drop in blood sugar - could affect your energy., within 45 min of a meal). ...

if you are going to eat you need to be especially careful, of not recieving fluids within 30 min either side of the time you are to snack. If you can find one you like, a high protein shake might be a better choice and it would not interfere with getting your fluids in. would help get the nutrition in you NEED. I used sugar free hot cocoa and high protein powder , made it up in 6 oz and the hot liquids moves thru the intestine quicker than cold fluids...ad stimulates gastric motility.

Getting fluids in is the most serious need besides your proteins.

Your surgeon gave you a MINIMUM of water. remember that is the very least you need.

Be sure to follow all of surgeons rules to protect your pouch. It sounds like you are conscious of this and that is your first and best impulse. If in doubt wait. You have this. Good job!