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I LOVE Bananas Foster! I've even had it at Brennan's in New Orleans where it was invented. There is a good recipe for bananas foster French toast on www.bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com. I've made it twice and tweaked it by using vanilla Protein powder in the batter in place of the vanilla extract and Splenda. It's a super yummy treat.

And even though I don't, it might be a good idea to track for awhile so you have a good idea of where you stand

More protein. More calories. Way more water. You are definitely starving your body.

So what are you eating? My surgeon gave me basic rules and never mentioned calories. In 11 months since surgery I haven't had a single postop visit with a nut or my surgeon. I don't count calories or track or measure my food. I pretty much just follow the basic guidelines....minimum 60g Protein (I get more like 80-100g), minimum 64oz Water and all my Vitamins. Everything else is based on healthy food choices. I eat veggies, fruit and whole grains and avoid "white carbs" (rice, Pasta, bread, alcohol, sugar) but still have them a few times/month. A lot of people do better when they track and count everything, it's just not something I've done postop (besides keeping rough track of protein and water in my head) I just do better keeping things simple and not feeling restricted by rules and restrictions. You really just need to find what works for you. If what you're doing isn't working, try more calories/less calories/more protein/less carbs....etc. if you need to count and track, then count and track. You don't necessarily need a nut to tell you what to eat. You know what's healthy and what's not and there's tons of good food ideas on these forums.

I was able to get 50-60g in from the very beginning, thanks to Protein shakes and not eating anything that wasn't protein. After about 7 months when my restriction relaxed a little I am easily able to get 80-100g everyday... at least 40-50g from a protein smoothie and a Quest or other Protein Bar. The rest comes from food....fish, elk meat, burger, steak, roasts, tuna fish, egg salad, omelets, edamame, Greek yogurt, Kashi Go Lean Cereal (13g protein+ 4-6 from the milk), crab cakes, split pea Soup, bean soup, pumpkin seeds, beef Jerky, mixed nuts, turkey, chicken, cheese (any kind...not just string), bratwurst, sausage, smoked pork loin, baked Beans, scallops, shrimp, homemade protein pancakes, milk, cottage cheese, Peanut Butter..... And yes, and I usually do eat at least 6 times/day.

Were you prescribed a PPI? My surgeon had me on 40mg omeprazole mandatory for 2 months because excess acid and reflux is such a common issue postop.

I prefer whole food based vitamins. They have micronutrients and cofactors that just can't be duplicated with synthesized vitamins. It's like eating an orange vs taking a vitamin C tablet. I take a 1/2 dose of Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women everyday plus Vitamin D 5000iu and B12 500mcg sublingual 3 days/week. I used to also take iron and calcium, but my 6 months labs showed these levels were high so I stopped those supplements. Everything else was spot on.

Ok, so it probably didn't. But I've had abnormal PAPs for the last 7 years. I get checked twice/year and it ranges from From atypical to high grade. I've had 4 LEEPS, 5 biopsies and a conization. I can't believe I even have a cervix left after all the bits and pieces that have been removed. Two years ago I finally said fuckit....unless it comes back high grade again or precancerous, I'm not having anymore procedures...obviously the aren't working. Well I just got my most resent PAP result and it was normal! My OB/Gyn emailed me herself she was so excited. I'm chalking it up to outstanding nutrition over the last 10 months since surgery. Very nice NSV!

For the first 3-4 months plain water and artificial sweeteners both hurt my sleeve. I drank a lot of milk, diluted 100% fruit juice, diluted regular lifewater, diluted pedialyte and diluted Powderade. I still dislike the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I drink regular everything...not sugar free. At least plain water doesn't hurt anymore, so that's usualy what I drink.

In my case, my goal weight chose me. I am 5'5" and started at 238 pounds. My doctor's goal weight was 160. My personal goal weight was 150. This is what I Weighed in my 20's when I was active and fit. Despite increasing calories and carbs and fat as I reached my doctors goal, I kept losing even past my personal goal. I've bounced around between 137 and 141 for the last 3 months so I assume I'm done. I did try and stop at 150, but apparently this is where my body wants to be. As for maintenance, I'm not doing anything special. I drink a protein/fiber smoothie with 30-40g Protein everyday. I drink at least 64oz of Water and take my Vitamins. Other than that I don't count calories, track or measure. I pretty much just eat healthy balanced meals and Snacks including protein, fruit, veggies and whole grains. I eat when I'm hungry which is every 3 hours or so. I graze like crazy on the weekends, and have alcohol, deserts and white carbs (bread, Pasta, rice, sugar) several times/month. I'm definitely thinner than I had hoped for and have truly lost my curves, but I am perfectly happy to be where I am at this point. I figure I'm in a good place in case I do gain some back as I get farther out.

I told close friends and family before surgery. Everyone was very supportive. Once I Started losing weight I got comments multiple times everyday (I see at least 8-10 clients everyday). If I'm asked how I'm losing weight, I tell them about my surgery. I've had hundreds of positive comments and exactly 2 negative ones. (One was from a friend who's terrified of doctors and surgery in general, and the other was being a smartass and pulled out the old "easy way out" line). But I have no regrets about being open. I just wouldn't feel comfortable letting everyone think it was just diet and exercise. And hopefully educating people about this surgery and everything involved with being successful will help reduce some of the stigma attached with WLS. And I know at least 2 people that have gone ahead with WLS after hearing about mine. But you have to go what you feel comfortable with. I've learned from previous threads on this subject that my friends, family and acquaintances are more accepting and less judgmental than a lot of others I've read about. And like Leepers said, if you choose not to tell about your surgery, be prepared with a story because once you start losing, people will start asking questions.

Sounds like a perfect recovery. I never been nauseous or had reflux or slimed or dumped, but it took me 3-4 months to feel really good. And I can eat whatever I want, too. Doesn't mean I do. Consider yourself blessed. What kind of "side effects" were you hoping for?

I flew 2 hours and then drove 1 hour on day 3. I drove 5 hours in a snowstorm on day 4. I could have driven the day after surgery, but I had no reason to. Of course I was not on any pain meds, so that may dictate your driving status.

Not that it's strange, but probably the worst bad thing I ate preop is chocolate chip cookie dough. I'd make a whole batch but never actually turn the oven on! A friend was making cookies a couple weeks ago while I was visiting and that brought back ALL those old, out of control cravings I haven't experienced in almost a year. And yes, I had some...only 2 spoonfuls, though. And it made my tummy a little sore. But mmmmmmmm.......

I'm 11 months out and I do have a large (24-32oz) protein/fiber smoothie everyday. I'm getting 30-40g Protein from that so I DONT have to think about what I eat the rest of the day. I am free to eat healthy, balanced meals and Snacks, basically whatever I'm in the mood for, whether it's protein or fruit or veggies or whole grains. I also fill a 32 oz Water bottle in the morning and make sure it's gone before I go to bed so between that and the smoothie, I'm not thinking about fluids, either. Anything else I drink during the day (coffee, tea, juice, Vitamin water, etc) is just bonus. Personally, I like creating new flavors with all my shake powders, Torani syrups, and fruit....rarely have the same thing more than a couple times/month. But if you aren't a fan of the drinks, how about adding a Quest bar into your day? That's 20g protein with just one snack. Or if you are easily able to get in enough liquid, how about adding GENEPRO protein to whatever it is you're drinking? I have never used it, but people rave about how well it mixes in anything and has zero taste. In any case, it sounds like you've had luck losing weight, now you just need to find a way to maintain and still remain healthy (and happy). Finding a way to make postop life simple and easy = long term success.

I'm a 2-3 hour feeder, too. Have been from the beginning. Really no distinction between meals and Snacks.

Ditto to bufflehead. I had No appetite first 3-4 months. Hunger definitely kicked in about 7-8 months, but protein and veggies fill me up pretty quick. Head hunger and old cravings started about 10 months, but so far so good at satisfying those with healthy options.

Thanks for sharing. It's great to see that this science is finally being taken seriously. Ironically, we've been doing fecal transplants and rumen transfaunations in animals for decades. I was very fortunate to have a PCP and gastroenterologist that were familiar and comfortable with fecal transplants. My PCP actually said that's what i should do the very day I came back positive for C. diff. But we went through the motions of traditional antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks since my insurance wouldn't pay for the transplant. After needing IV fluids 3 times for dehydration from the severe diarrhea I finally said screw it, here's my credit card....bring on the poo. My gastro had already done about three dozen of them, so he had the routine down pat. I had to find my own donor and also had to supply my own blender since the surgical center doesn't have any "official" FMT equipment. Still, not bad medical care for rural Idaho!

Ditto. I had a wonderful experience in TJ. Everyone I met was very friendly....more so than a typical US city, for sure. I had no concerns walking around with my sister, shopping and even catching a taxi when I got tired. (The OCC driver recommended a particular taxi company to use when he dropped us off at avenude Revolucion) And the guys at Walmart were a hoot. They gave us tips for converting pesos/dollars and we helped them practice their English with us. My aunt and uncle live in Texas and have been traveling to Mexico for dental and medical care for decades. This made my decision to go to Mexico for my surgery very easy. I thought my parents would freak out, but they thought going to a skilled, experienced surgeon in Mexico was a much better plan than trying to bargain shop here in the US. But you do need to do what you are most comfortable with. If you have found a surgeon you like in the US and it takes a little longer to save up then that's what you should do. Peace of mind and feeling safe is as important as anything. GOOD LUCK!

Ordered it online from their website. But there are other unflavored powders you may be able to find locally at GNC or other health food store while waiting for it to ship. I also ate a lot of Greek Yogurt. Plain Fage or Chobani flavored with Torani SF syrup or vanilla Protein powder.

I'm well below goal and in maintenance, so I had a pretty normal Thanksgiving at Grandmas. Ate a little bit of everything... Deviled egg and shrimp appetizers, then turkey, mashed taters and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, salad and jello. Washed it all down with 2 glasses of wine and had 1/2 piece of pumpkin pie smothered in whipped cream for desert. Granted, This all took about 3 hours to consume, and I was not one of the ones groaning on the couch afterwards. Even came home and nibbled on some leftovers that evening. Friday Holiday Challenge weigh in was right on track.

For the first month or two I felt very bloated after even a couple tablespoons. In fact, food would make me so miserable, I could barely even drink for hours. I got to the point that I wouldnt even have my first bite of food until the middle of the afternoon after I already had gotten the majority of my Protein and liquid in from shakes. I also added unflavored Protein powder to every kind of broth and cream Soup I could find. I had to eat standing up and did a lot of walking. GasX helped, too. I'd say take it slow and stick with liquids for as long as you need to. I extended all of my food stages by weeks. I finally felt normal after 3-4 months. But it's totally worth it!

I added Un jury unflavored Protein powder to every broth and cream Soup I could find. Used milk instead of Water to mix my protein powders because it adds an extra g of protein for every oz you use. Once in pureed stage, I Did eggs, refried Beans, pureed split pea and bean Soups, pureed tuna fish, and still kept adding unflavored Protein Powder to everything else including mashed potatoes, hummus and guacamole. Getting enough liquid and protein was my full time job from waking up to bedtime. I couldn't eat more than a couple tablespoons at a time for at least the first month, but still managed to get 60g protein everyday from shakes and powder. I had a lot of bloating everytime I ate, so did a lot of walking to help move things through. Even at 11 months out I drink a 24-32oz protein smoothie with 30-40g protein everyday in order to meet goals.

Have you tried things besides water? Are you drinking protein shakes? I couldn't tolerate plain water or artificial sweeteners for 3-4 months. I drank a lot of skim milk, diluted fruit juice, diluted pedialyte, diluted vitamin water, etc. And warm liquids like decaf herbal teas and cream soups and broth with unflavored protein powder added were life savers. I had to sip from the time I woke up until I went to bed to even get close to 64oz. For other people, cold things worked better. SF popsicles or even frozen protein drinks might work.

Started at 238. BMI 40 16 day preop....lost 22 pounds doing 3 Protein shakes/day and unlimited leafy green veggies Months 1-3.....lost 30 pounds. Always Protein first, then some veggies. Minimum 60g protein/64 oz Water everyday. Months 4-6.....lost 26 pounds. Same as above but started eating more fruit and whole grains as I got close to surgeon's goal. Months 7-9....lost 20 pounds and have maintained between 137-141 (BMI 23) for almost 3 months. This is about 10 pounds below my personal goal. I still have a 30-40g protein smoothie everyday and eat healthy balanced meals and Snacks including protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains. Mostly avoid white carbs (Pasta, rice, bread, sugar) but still indulge occasionally. I Eat when I'm hungry (about every 3 hours) and just until satisfied, not full. I never tracked or measured my food but a couple "spot checks" of my calories showed about 1000 calories at 2 months, 1200 calories at 6 months and maintaining with 1400-1600 calories. I am diligent about taking my Vitamin supplements and my bloodwork has been great. I have a physical job and very active lifestyle, so I haven't done any formal exercise. Basically just living a normal life at this point. My biggest advice, though is to stay off the scale (unless you are aware of and accept the fact that stalls are normal) and don't compare yourself to others. "My way" is certainly not the norm, and may not work for someone else. Just stick with your plan, find what works for YOU, be patient, and enjoy your NSV's.