Eating and Menus

I completed  class 6 yesterday concerning reading labels and making menus.  It was very discouraging.  The instructor went so fast it was difficult to absorb everything she was trying to get across.  She said 85% of us will have dumping.  She said "count on it."  She was telling us we are to start writing menus and following them.  It is to prepare us for after surgery.  I have cut back on what I eat and have been counting calories.  I haven't lost as much as I would have liked.  I do exercise too.  Is there a book or information available so we can teach ourselves how this is done?   I need sample menus and some better instructions. I want so badly to be successful.

To begin with, she is wrong.  Only about 30% of RNY folks dump.  So do not count on it.  Know it's a possibility, but do not count on it to keep you in line.  Plan to make good food choices regardless of whether you dump on not.

Now, menu planning is a good idea.  It will help you stay on track after surgery. 

You know how many calories you're supposed to get in a day, right?  And how many times a day do you eat?  Let's say you want to eat three meals plus a bedtime snack.  And let's say you are supposed to get 1500 calories a day.  Divide that up over your meals.  Like, you could do 400 calories for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then do 300 calories for your bedtime snack.

Your meals don't have to equal exactly 400 calories.  Make them around that, though.  So sit down and figure out some different meals that have about 400 calories.  Some breakfasts, some lunches, some dinners.  And some 300 calorie snacks.  Or divide them up some other way, if you prefer.

Look at labels to see what a serving size is, how many calories things have, and make sure you're picking stuff without a lot of sugar or fat.

Is the instructor available if you need assistance?  Or are you working with a registered dietician?

I want to thank you so much for your support and encouragement.  You have given so many people great and helpfulinformation.  Our teacher is the dietician.  This was the second class regarding diet and nutrition that she has headed.  She told us all we could buy a cookbook at the bookstore on site to help us.  We were given a booklet that I will have to really study that does have some helpful information.  I have tried breaking up the calories as you have suggested and that does make it a little easier.

Can you give her a call if you have more questions?  It's very normal to need more assistance on reading labels and planning menus than just one class.  You'd think those labels would be easier to understand but I think some companies make them tricky on purpose.  And we hear so much on TV and online and stuff about what's good to eat and what's not, it gets confusing.

I am amazed sometimes how some Dr's seem to set their patients up to fail. I was lucky my Dr and staff set me up with great information in writing because it is overwhelming. They helped me with affordable vitamins, gave me tons of sample protein mixes, a book of recipes and menu ideas. My dietician can be reached by phone or e-mail she sends out new recipes which I have tried several. I am learning new ways to get proteins and 250 miles from my surgeon and dietician there is a support group at our local hospital that has really helped me. Not to mention this sight which I THANK  GOD for honest helpful support.
I think because you are in the learning process and seem motivated you will do just fine. I have only dumped once and it was my own fault I thought a little piece of corn bread would be good with my chili. I can tell you IT WAS NOT!
I have at times ate too fast or too much... Sometimes milk or cheese bothers me I'm trying lactose free milk now for my protein drinks which seems better. I think there are too many variables to say for sure you will dump. I do keep it in my mind though so I stay away from sugar. I was worried about Chobani yogurt because it has 20g of sugar but I did okay and appreciate the high protein just to thick for me to eat the whole 6 oz at once which was weird because I can do 6oz of cottage cheese. But I try not to stretch my pouch I'm still early out.
I know people that have failed their RNY so it is important to educate yourself and follow the rules until you've made new healthy habits out of them. I enjoy food now for what it does for my body before it was all about greasy grossness that I told myself was good. I enjoy the taste of my new menus I'm really suprised how my mind has changed. I use to hate peas and chick peas now I love them.

Thank you for your telling me about your experiences.  Believe it or not it does help to know how others are getting along.  They have given very little help regarding the vitamins.  I must be doing ok though because all my tests came back good.  I just finished Class 6 (out of 12 classes) and hope the waiting list for surgery isn't too long once I finish that last class on January 11th.  I kind of worry about getting enough protein after surgery.  I know drinking the shakes will help.  I have only tried one shake brand and it was ok.  I know I will get more information after the surgery.  The health care provider won't let us join the support group until surgery has been done.  Now if I can just get the exercise routine stepped up a little.  I know exercise is important.  Thank you very much for your reply.