Flying Blind with no nutritionist. Getting bored

I am posting, not really for advice, more of a gripe.  I know I can visit several sites to get ideas for recipes, but I am confused.

My surgeon does not have a nutritionist on staff.  We recieved a booklet before surgery with our "rules" for eating, drinking, progressing to stages.  Basically, once you hit your 6 weeks, the booklet says eat "low fat, high protein".  No steak or chicken breast until 3 months.  That's it.  I'm used to a diet being a little more "structured" so I find myself a little lost right now.  Last night at dinner time I was back and forth from the refridgerator, freezer, and pantry at least 5 times, because nothing sounded good but I was actually hungry and needed to eat.  So, I sort of grazed, not good.  I was hoping something would satisfy.  Didn't happen.  I nuked a boca burger and ate about three bites and gave up. 

That particular behavior is very bad for me!  So, today I have to resolve myself to come up with a few "flavorful" dishes to keep me satisfied.  Wish me luck!!!

Although I received very detailed info in my surgeon's post-op binder on what to eat (and what NOT to eat) post-op, my "nutritionist" support consisted of someone calling to cancel my 6 months appt (because one of the people had quit) and spending 5 minutes on the phone with me!  After that, nothing.  So you are not alone in not ahving that support.

I suppose that if I had encountered a serious question of some kind, I could have called, but I received such good info from the surgeon herself, and there are so many knowledgeable people here, that I really did not miss that.  Besides, when I read about some of the really bad advice given to people here by their "nutritionists" (often just dieticians), I think I was better off without one!

I eat a lot of the same foods... and am almost 4 years out... so I don't really have any suggestions to offer, but wanted to encourage you to continue to be mindful of your eating habits.  Your insight from yesterday is good... so keep it up and remember that this really IS about developing healthy new habits for the long term (and we all occasionally stumble as we learn along the way).

Lora

Lora,
You stated that there was bad advice by "nutritionists" (oftenn just dieticians). I think you have it backwards. Dieticians are the ones who actually have degree and accredation while nutritionists (or NUTS as they are called here) is anyone who claims to be an expert. This is why I am mystified by the use of the term NUT on this site when I assme/hope most people are dealing with a dietitian (who would be offended if you called her/him a nutritionist).

Very interesting.  The one "nutritionist" I know (who does not work for a bariatric program, BTW) actually has a Master's degree in addition to her BS in Nutrition (which is required to become a RD) and corrects people if she is called a "dietician"!

Yes, to be a dietician, one needs a degree... and most of the people who work with bariatric programs are degreed,registered dieticians... but most of them know still know VERY little about the actual mechanics of how vitamins and protein are absorbed.

Lora

I've pretty much changed my attitude from "what do I want" to "what does my body need."

The answer is protein first (every meal and planned snack), vegetables, fruit & whole grain.

Like Lora, I often eat the same foods daily.  Focus on protein (greek yogurt, boiled eggs, cheese, shrimp, ground meat, protein shakes, some chicken - for me).

I try to eat organic veggies & fruit and don't eat much processed food.

Get rid of white flour, white sugar, white rice, pasta, junk food.  Get it out of the house.  Use the first 18 months of maximum malabsorption to re-learn how to eat for health & nutrition.

I also cut out fast food as it has hormones, pesticides, extra sugar, fat & salt.  Nothing good for me there.

Find some wholesome foods your "pouch" likes and have them on hand.
Simplify.

Best wishes.

 If you feel like a visit to a nutritionist would do you good, if only to have someone to be accountable to face-to-face, see if another surgeon in your area recommends one. My surgeon is 1.5hrs away and I (and she) do not agree with their NUT at the hospital so I have a local one that is much more educated and has a better plan - only costs around $30 a visit to see her.

I need to be better prepared.  I looked up some recipes after posting this morning and found a quiche, lamb chop, and chicked cabob recipe that sounds good.  I am fine eating the same things for breakfast and lunch day after day, it's dinnertime that I crave flavor.  I don't mind leftovers, so when I make something, it's fine if I eat it a few days in a row. 

Off to the store!!!

I'm 6weeks out, with a great and supportive nutritionist, but I'm looking for more spice & creativity. I've made myself some great bean dishes, roasted chicken stripped of skin and with good spice rubs, and veggie fritattas and souffles. You can do it, it just requires some creativity.