J San

So for those of you that are starting this stage and those of you who have gone through it, What are/were you eating at the beginning of this stage? I am a week in and have not been able to make my protein goal 85g or my water goal 80oz. I saw my NUT on Tuesday and she suggested sipping a protein shake between meals. I tried this the last two days and it's worse. I'm having breakfast then making a shake to sip on. Had to skip lunch and had about 1/2oz of chicken for dinner both days. Have not had anything else other than water and vitamins. I'm just to full. Before I saw her (my NUT) I was having a shake for breakfast, 2oz of either chicken or lean steak for lunch and a shake for dinner. Was closer to hitting my protein goal, about 70 to 75g. Closer with water intake as well. I know in time it will get easier but I was just wondering who was able to meet goals or come close and what they were doing not to get so full? Thanks for the feed back in advance.

Those both look amazing!!!

That's genius. I was using Protein2O up until about 2 weeks ago. I ran out and just forgot to resupply. Damn why did I forget about that. Thank you!!!!

Congrats on reaching your day. Best of luck to you getting over your nerves. Whether you get meds to calm you or not there really is no need to be nervous. Everything will be fine and you'll wonder why you were so nervous to begin with.

I don't know anything about an air fryer but it sounds interesting. I can tell you though that once you start pureed foods you will feel fullness. I felt the same way. At the end of both liquid stages I was having absolutely no issues getting my liquids in. In the "for life" stage and still have an issue eating more than a few bites of anything without discomfort. I have been able to get in more as time has gone by but not much. Good luck on your air fryer purchase as it sounds like you've made up your mind.

I weigh myself every morning as part of my tracking. Just like I track my intake of food I track my weight. They go hand in hand in my eyes. Gain weight, look back at what you ate the day before...Lose weight, look back at what you ate the day before. It allows me to see what is doing what and where or if I need to make adjustments. I know some people lose their sh*t when they don't lose but if you don't know that eating certain foods made you gain the weight how will you know what to change. It may not work for others but for me it's what I need to do. Really sucks that the scale affects you this way. Make sure you do what works for you physically and mentally. If looking in the mirror and watching the results works more power to you. I however cannot see a difference in the mirror. I take pictures of my reflection every few weeks in the same poses and compare them and honestly just don't see any difference. That frustrates me. Good luck to you on your journey!!!!!

Maybe pick up some flavorless protein powder and add it to your broth. Extra protein and will fill you up for a portion of the day. Or drink protein waters, I used Protein2O. SF jello and SF ice pops were a life saver as well. Good luck to you.

Congrat's to you. That is a great accomplishment. I hope to one day do the same but just walking still kills my back now. Will hopefully work up to it one day. Good luck to you on training for the 5K.

I've been noticing the same lately and it has been increasing. Was once a day every few days, since last week or so it's been daily and at times multiple times a day and after I've taken my BP meds that day. I was put on 2 different meds to control it. I have been taking my BP and it has been within a normal range even hours after I've taken my meds I'll put a call into my PCP as I don't see her for another 2 months. Glad this topic came up. Thanks for all the responses

I've always made my protein shakes with powdered whey protein. 2nd week I would make my shake with low fat Greek yogurt. If you use pre-made shakes you can do the same with those. I just didn't like the fake sugar taste of what I tried so prefer to make my own and adjust the taste with water.

I look at labels and if carbs are the biggest number or just to high I don't use/eat it. I don't necessarily track carbs but they are tracked in My Fitness Pal and I do watch that they do not get high. My program doesn't have me tracking them, at least it hasn't been mentioned yet. Like most have said your already watching that you eat healthier choices and by default carbs and sugars etc. are low. As long as you stick with the program you shouldn't let it get you in a panic. At times it can all be overwhelming but know we've all been through it and what we don't know we can easily learn from those that have been through it already. Good luck to you and much success!!!!

That is EPIC. What a great statement!!!!! Silly I know, but I now wish I had someone close that was not supportive so I could use a similar line. GENIUS!!!! @pugmom234 It's tough having a close family member/friend that is not supportive. Having "a close family member... they want me to be completely unhealthy in every way" and it being your mother is way beyond. Why?!?!?!? is all I can think. It doesn't make any kind of sense to. I can only agree with many others and say you have to do what is in your best interest and what will make you a happier person. Tell and argue your case or just do it without letting her or anyone else that is not supportive know. That's a tough one and I sincerely wish you the best in this situation. Stay strong and if you want this DO IT.

So happy for you. Out of everyone on this forum I think you deserve it the most!!!! A cheerful spirit, A positive soul and an all around GREAT human. Let the countdown begin. CONGRATS!!!!

This is a great topic to read on. Nothing better than reading success stories. Congrats on killing it. I too hope to one day say the same thing. CONGRATS!!!!!!

My Fitness Pal or similar app is so much easier than figuring out everything on your own. You can use My Fitness Pal as an app on your phone and also login on your laptop or PC (for me easier to navigate). All you have to do is do a search, type the food and pick the one that best fits what you ate. Once you add a food it's goes into a Recent and Frequent catagory. You can add recipes and if a food is not in the database you can add that as well with all the nutritional information. It automatically calculates the nutritional values and at any point in the day you can look at your Nutrient Intake, Calorie Intake with Percentages and your daily Macros. Having the meal and it's nutritional info on hand also helps with future meal prep or when your in a bind and can't figure out what to eat. Just look at past days info and your good.

This made me laugh. What a great statement. I feel exactly the same way. hahahaha Congrats to you @Paul Clarke , way to be a great inspiration. Best of luck to you and keep doing GREAT!!!!!

Thanx @GreenTealael , I do intend to try them eventually. I'm just not at the point where I can eat much without feeling stuffed so right now I try only to eat protein rich solids. I guess I can add flavorless protein into the recipe but I'm still going to wait a bit.

Congrats!! That's great that you are feeling so good this early out. I stopped my pain meds (tylenol with codeine) 3 days post op, 2nd day home. I did take them a few times after for back and joint pain (nothing to do with WLS) because it worked so well for it. I wonder why you cannot tolerate the broth, is it a taste thing? Hope it doesn't last long.

Have you tried protein powder for shakes instead of the premixed shakes. I only use powder because I can adjust the taste. Less water more flavor from the powder. If i'm not in the mood for the full flavor/sweetness I can add more water to it. The 3 small bites and full problem is normal. I'm a month out and still have the same problem though at times (later in the day) I'm able to eat a bit more. Really frustrating as I really want to enjoy the meal than after a few bites I'm full and not as satisfied as I was in my head before eating it. As of right now I am consuming 1 sometimes 2 meals that consist of a meat for protein but because I can only take in so little, the amount of protein I get is very small. I saw my NUT yesterday and she suggested instead of substituting 2 meals with protein shakes only do one as a substitute and sip a second shake throughout the day between meals. Hope this may help some of you and good luck!!!!

I find I can take in less in the am than later in the day. I'll have a scrambled egg for breakfast and only be able to eat 3-4 bites. Later for lunch will have another scrambled and able to eat more than that. Wondering if maybe our stomachs get tighter while we sleep and stretch as we eat and drink during the day?

Congrats @markuspak !!! Glad to hear your feeling fine. That's cool that they took pics for you. I had wanted to ask my surgeon if they had any photos but forgot. Maybe I'll remember on my next visit. Hope you have continued success on your recovery bud!!!!! Good Luck!!!

I guess you don't suggest cloud bread or zucchini breads. I have recipes for them and other types. Plan on trying them but have not yet. I did make a "pizza crust" recipe with chicken and parm cheese. It was good but dry. Dogs loved it though. I doubt any of these "frankenfoods" breads can take the place of "normal" bread but nothing about this new life is normal. Who knows I may find something I really enjoy that's a healthy alternative.....

Welcome @ellie123 . Havn't read your revision story yet but there are others here that have gotten revisions. Don't worry about getting support, you'll find it here for sure. You have joined a group of wonderful supportive WLS'rs always willing to help others. Good luck to you!!!!

Congrats!!!! Glad your doing well. You'll hear it a million times, but walk those gas pains away.

Maybe it's the difference between liquids and solids, well puree. You may need some time to get used to it. If it bothers you quite a bit you should call your surgery team and ask about it.