protein bars and weight gain

I had my RNY surgery in May 06. I never really used the protein shakes, I couldn't drink them. So I never used protein. I lost 150 lbs. Now, I can eat whatever I want and have no problems. I eat a bagel with cream cheese every morning and a coffee with equal. I have a protein bar for lunch, and for dinner I eat whatever Iam making for the family. It usually consists of meat , noodle and veggie. Then at bedtime I eat a whole bag of microwave light popcorn. I jsut started eating the protein bars in the afternoon, thinking it would help somehow, but I have gained a couple of pounds in the past months. I dont drink water either. I only drink coffee and diet sierra mist at dinner time. Can someone help me? I cant figure out why I am able to eat anything I want. Thanks for any help.

It is not unusual for many wls patients at your stage to be able to eat anything and not be bothered by it. But, that being said does not mean we should..  If you are starting to regain some weight I would suggest that  you do not drink with your meals, make sure you have adequate protien intake each day (60-80 grams) and start off your day with a protien at breakfast instead of that bagle. Try to get in  at least 8 glasses of zero calorie fluids each day, if you do not ,like water add crystal lite or another sf flavoring to it.  At bedtime if you need a snack make it a protien snack, also be careful of the amount of sugar and calories that you take in with your protien bars. You have done amazing losing 150lbs, congratulations and best of luck in the future. Sher

thanks for your post. i have lost 175 lbs and recenctly gained a few. i am going to stop drinking with meals. i did not know that would make much of a difference. i am in a slump not feeling good anymore. i am comming up on 2 years jan 18th and when i get on the scale nothing changes. i would stil like to loose 40 lbs but nothing is happening. so thanks for the kinda pep talk you helped without even realizing it.

Drinking with meals makes a HUGE difference IMO. Right now I am having problems with my gall bladder and sugery isnt for another 3 weeks, I have been waiting 3 already (long story!!)... I have to drink with my meals right now otherwise I am in horrible pain - for the past 1.5 years I have NEVER drank with my meals. Now that I am forced to, for the time being, I notice I can eat a lot more at the meal... and most importantly - I am hungry a whole lot sooner than I would be if I didnt eat/drink. The water washes the food right out of the pouch. I cant wait to go back to my normal routine!

I've been looking at the protein bars today in the stores thinking of buying some, but ended up not.  I decided that they are far too many calories for the protein, and they would take my calorie intake way over my needs.  Maybe that is what has been happening to you.  Do you have any idea how many calories you had been eating and are now eating? I too can eat anything and I hate it as I am so scared that I will gain all my weight and more.  But we dont' need to, as we know how to work the program.  You have taken the first step and realise dthat you have gained weight.  Keep a check on it and I am sure you will be fine.

I do protein drinks and bars myself.  It's important if you are still trying to loose to keep that protein up and the carbs down.  I still havent touched bread, rice and other carbs. I beleive  it has made the difference for me.  Dont drink with your meals... it allows you to eat more.  You are also drinking soda.. Soda reduces your absorbtion of minerals and vitamins.  So you are loosing a lot during you evening meal if you are drinking and drinking soda with your meals...   So up your protein, get rid of the bagel in the morning, dont drink with meals,  increase your fluids during the day and input your daily intake to see how you are doing.  It will make the difference and allow you to see what you need to adjust to get it done. Carla

Complex carbs are starchy or fibrous so the starchy carbs are the ones most people think of as carbs yet forget the greens, spinach, green beans, broccoli and similar veggies are also carbs and these are what should be the bulk of your carb intake! It is starchy carbs that need monitoring but are crucial for the diet and should be ingested as whole grains only, avoiding enriched flour products. Things like brown rice, quinoa, oats, yams, carrots, squash and legumes are all starchy carbs and should be included as part of your carb intake. Taking these foods in as whole food and trying not to destroy the properties by overcooking or eating only canned items is also a tip you may want to heed!

Ok, before I start, I am not being mean.  I am being FIRM. This moment that you've come to should be a wake up call.  I never made it to goal and part of the reason is because I THOUGHT I could eat what I wanted also. No we can't.  Just becase we can handle it doesn't mean we SHOULD be eating it. And I am saying this from experience, not arrogance. Currently over the last few months I had a 17 lb creep up.  After trying on some winter clothes that I could wear last year didn't fit this year I said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I took a look at what I was putting in my mouth and 3 things screamed out at me: 1. stop grazing/snacking.  Man, to me this was public enemy #1, a little chip here, some chocolate there, all of a sudden an extra 300+ calories a day. 2. wasn't drinking the 64oz a day I used to and was throwing in a Dt Coke here and there. 3.  Carbs Carbs Carbs. (the anti Christ)  need I say more. So since November 19th I've lost 5lbs and I am dedicated to making 15 go away by Feb 1st. The other thing I have refocused on is exersice.  It helps in so many ways, especially when we get of the straight and narrow. Please let my mistakes help you and keep up the good fight! Tmac