How many times per day do you eat?

Just curious on this one because my nutritionist at my surgeon's office said three 3-oz meals per day and absolutely no snacking but I've noticed many many pple here who hav 5 or 6 mini meals throughout the day.

I've added some small snacks in there and my weight loss has slowed considerably....surely snacking isn't the culprit? I NEVER go over 750 calories (my nut.'s guide) and never over 35 carbs per day.

Thoughts?

I am just 5 months post op and I have stuck with the 3 meals per day.  I don't snack in between meals because I am trying to get into a good habit of eating 3 small meals per day.  One of these days, my "honeymoon" period will be over and I intend for this to be a life time change.  I don't want to be a WLS patient that gains their weight back.  I do have 1 snack in the evening after dinner, 1 sugar free popsicle.  I am addicted!

Hope this hleps.

Keep in mind that I am 2 years out and have been at or below goal since 9 months out...that said...I eat at least 6-8 times a day, 150-250 calories per mini-meal. I have found this the best way to keep my blood sugars level, I am never hungry, and my weight has remained stable since reaching goal. I don't count carbs or fats (but I am mindful of not over-indulging), focusing mainly on taking in sufficient protein.

Also, I increased my calorie intake at regular intervals of about 3 months apart...going from 800 to 1000 at 6 months, then to 1100 at 9 months, then to 1200 at one year, then to 1400 at 15 months. I now stand anywhere from 1500 to 2000 a day. Again, you must use your own best judgment and the advice of your nutritional team...I, however, haven't seen a nutritionist since my pre-op required visit, so it was up to me to figure out what worked for me.

This way of eating isn't for everyone, but it works like a charm for me. It will take some time to figure out what works best for your body.

~Suz

I am almost 9 months out and I have stuck to my program's plan of 3 meals per day, at this point I am allowed to be up to 1/2 cup- 1 cup of food per meal but I don't measure to be exactly sure.  I find this completely satisfying and have felt no need to snack and have continued to average 1-2 pounds/week weigh tloss.

Rebecca

My Nut had us start on 3 meals per day and 3 protein shakes per day (as snacks between meals).  I now eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks (some food-based, some supplements).  

I need to eat 1400 calories a day... there is NO way I could do that with only 3 meals per day with my small pouch.  But even when I was eating 800 calories a day, I still needed 5-6 meals to get all my nutrients in everyday.


Here's my eating schedule:

7am -- protein shake or bar
10am - breakfast
1pm - lunch
4:30pm - snack
7:30pm - dinner
10pm - snack (sometimes)

My doctor and nutritionists plan is 3 snacks per day/3 meals per day. At least 800 calories a day, at least 60-80g of protein per day.

I usually have 1-2 protein shakes or a protein hot chocolate each day. It helps bump up my protein.

http://www.luveysblog.blogspot.com/

Your weight loss will slow naturally. It will start and stop with no rhyme or reason.
I originally ate 3 meals with a snack at night. Later on, I changed that to eating more calories, because long term extreme low calories will screw your metabolism up, and you will gain on low calories. I now eat 3 small meals and a couple of snacks or 3.
So I get as much protein as I can, add in veggies, and some carbs. I count calories occasionally to know where I am, but I don't obsess too much because I still eat small portions. I eat all the SF jello, SF popcicles, raw veggies, cheese, any meat, and fats, as much as I want. I make sure not to become too full, and I use common sense.
I'm 3 yrs and 7 months out.