After all is said and done, we can look back to remember our main goal for having weight loss surgery (as far as our diet is concerned) is to resume a normal healthy eating plan.

Your diet at this point, during maintenance, can consist of approximately 1,200 - 1,500 calories (this calorie count is for inactive, 1500+ as your activity increases.  Your calorie counts are actually more accurately calculated based on age, height and weight).  Below is just an example of what a maintenance diet might look like.  

Food Servings

3 oz of protein (225 calories) 2 servings a day

(protein will always be important to RNY patients, eating protein first ensure you won't get too full on other foods before getting it in)

vegetables  3 servings a day

fruit 2 servings a day

healthy fats

low glycemic index carbohydrates

Low glycemic fruit and veggies will ensure your getting a healthy diet. 

Early on while your in the healing process, you may be told to not do too much fiber, but after you're pouch is mature you should be able to resume a regular diet of natural fiber foods and veggies.  Remember each surgeon is different and has reasons for giving you guidelines.  

It is very important to stay connected to your nutritional counselor until you have become efficient in maintaining your weight loss.  Your surgeon can help provide additional personal evaluations based on your lab work each year.  Let's stay on tract with good health, equipped with vital information and assume responsibility for our most priceless gift, our health. 

Tips: Avoid the white stuff...which are refined carbs. The less refined carbs you eat, the less craving you will have. Refined carbs are foods with sugar and white flour. Stay with more natural whole foods and less processed foods. Artificial sweetners will not only make you hunger but can also cause sugar cravings. For more information on carbs see post from the blog.