Nutrition requirements different than what I thought!

 So my surgeon did a nutrition class last night and I was suprised at some of the things he said. He said he wanted us to eat 1200 calories and AT LEAST every 2-3 hours, which is SO opposite of everything I've read. He also said he didn't really think we needed to worry TOO much about sugar because he wants us to learn moderation, not deprivation so he's not big on sugar free stuff because he doesn't like the artificial sweeteners (which many people don't). He said there is no way we will consume what we used to so he doesn't really see a need to eliminate it completely. He just seemed generally pretty liberal about what we eat. Also, we are on purees right away when we leave the hospital, and he didn't mention much at all about protein drinks, only that he wanted us to get protein from eating it rather than drinking it. 

So, obviously I can do what I'm comfortable with, but I guess what I don't understand is why his recommendations are so different from everything else. I suppose I will ask him more about this when I have my next appointment in a week. Did anyone else have similar guidelines? 

 The thing that concerns me about you eating sugar is that your body will burn the sugar BEFORE the fat .. so what calories you are burning isn't going to be fat until all the sugar is gone .. if that makes sense?  That's the idea of not eating many carbs as well.  That all gets burned off before the fat does, ultimately slowing your loss.   It also sounds like he is relying too much on just the surgery doing all the work and not changing your thoughts about food.  The surgery is a tool but its up to us to do the work.  While some people may be able to get away with just eating less, I certainly am not one of them.  I used to gain weight just by looking at a soda.  

There are many people that have regained their weight because they sit down and eat a bag of recces peanut butter cups.  They too were relying on the surgery to do all the work and not change their mindset.  It's true you cant eat what you used to .. but people still gain all their weight back regardless of that fact.  We can find ways to eat around our sleeve if we don't modify our behaviors.  Also, with the VSG there is no malabsorption so we absorb everything we eat.  It doesn't go right through us like bypass patients so we have to be even more strict with our diet then they do.

There is more then one way to get through this journey I'm sure (thinking back to the epic post about McDonalds Breakfast Bagels) but they say if you want to be a millionaire, do what millionaires do .. 

I'm trying to stick with what works for most people.

That's what I thought. The interesting thing is that he also said that simple sugars are the reason for the obesity epidemic in his opinion, so I am actually a little confused. Maybe he just meant natural sugar, like in fruit? I don't know. Maybe I misunderstood him. That calorie amount and the frequency of eating is what has me more concerned. I am worried that I won't reach my goal if I'm eating that much and also that I could end up with snacking issues if I'm constantly eating. So I really don't see myself going that route. I definitely don't want to just go against his advice so this will definitely require more discussion, I'm just curious if others out there eat that way and have still been able to reach and maintain goal. 

 Oh, and PS, now I'm going to go search for that breakfast bagel thing!

There are some discussions here about why moderation doesnt work for most people.  Enjoy...

   http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4528449/McDonalds-Baco n-Egg-and-Cheese-Bagel-UPDATE/action,replies/topic_id,452844 9/page,1/

 I had some after thoughts and edited my original reply but I wish you the best of luck in this sometimes .. confusing .. journey we are taking.

 Every doc has his own plan. Follow it. 

If you stick to the protein first rule, it'll be months before you have room for anything else anyway. Sugar is not my weakness, so I've never worried about it. With all of the diet plans, you have to know yourself. If there's something you know you can't eat in moderation, then stay away from it. 

There are several folks on the "no less than 1200 calorie" plan and doing well with it. Again, early out, you won't be able to get that much in. 

I didn't get, well couldn't fit in, more than 800 calories a day from food sources until I was around 8-9 months out and below goal. I guess I could have drank my calories, but that is a big no no for most programs, especially mine.

It just wasn't happening for me. My guidelines are vastly different. If I could have lost weight with just moderation and portions control pre-op, there would have not been the need to alter my guts. It works really well for some, others not so much.

If it does work for an individual, I celebrate it and cheer them on. It just isn't the "right" plan for my body and my personal food issues.

1200 calories sounds great.....for maintenance. Sounds too high for losing phase. Morbidly obese people are different in what it takes to lose weight. What I did, from advice of the gurus on this board ( like Frisco, Elina, Ruggie, etc) is 600-800 calories, 40 grams or less carbs, close to 100 grams protein. This worked for me, and many others. My doctor was sort of vague on what to eat. When you head into maintenance slowly increase until you find the right balance. I also at 17 mo out still drink one or two protein shakes. I want my protein high and can't always eat enough volume to do so. I also eliminated artificial sweeteners and other processed crap from my diet, as much as possible.
I am not a doctor or health care professional. This is simply what works for me.
Good luck on your journey!

I'm with USAF Wife.....I'm five months out and I would have to literally suck down milkshakes to get 1200 calories right now.

If I eat what I am supposed to....meaning dense protein, vegetables, salad, small amounts of fruit, some beans, etc.  I am LUCKY if i get to 800 calories.  It's usually around 500-600.

And Khess brought up the problem with sugar.....your body will burn that first instead of fat and then the real bad part....it makes you crave more sugar...and more.  It's biology and sugar is an addictive substance.

You don't tell a crack addict that crack is ok in moderation do you?  I'm sorry if thats harsh but its true.

I disagree with your surgeon.