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There are sweet biscuits in my pantry 😱. First time in four years. My five younger nieces & nephew (almost 6-13) are having a sleepover this weekend so I bought the biscuits as an afternoon snack. Can’t expect them to eat my snacks - lol! Though I did buy frozen edamame we could also share … if they like it. 😁 Supermarket brand: 82 calories & 1g of protein. They’ll be taking them home on Sunday if there are any left (probably won’t be).

That’’s much like why I don’t like to use the word ‘diet’. I hare people asking what diet I’m on. Sure I was on a diet while I was losing but now this is just how I eat. It works for me but it may not work for anyone else. I prefer to say ‘a way of eating’ instead of diet because to me there are too many negative connotations with the word diet. Restriction, punishment, limitations & failure. And much like @The Greater Fool, how I eat now is very much like I ate when I was getting closer to maintenance based upon what I learnt about my needs & preferences as I was losing & adding & trialing foods. Slightly larger portions than then of course & more snacks, but still predominately low processed, lowish carbs, lowish fats, very low sugar, still hitting protein & fluid goals.

It was a recipe recommended by the dietitian and in the plan. I started at 348 and am down to 295. I was 303 day of surgery. I'm also 66 yrs old and at that age everything moves slower. I'm following my plan 100% with reco food items but can't eat as much as I'm supposed to. Eating 6 times a day via pureed or protein drinks is a struggle. All I can manage is 2 Protein drinks and 1.5 meals whether chicken salad puree or tiny meatballs with spag sauce puree plus 48 on H2O. I'm day 15 post op and keep improving everyday. I can't wait to see 210 - I'll get there sooner or later. Wishing you great success!

My surgery was on August 15 and my weight loss has been super slow too. I’m following the plan to the . Isopure protein drinks 1-2 premeir protein drinks and 64oz of water a day. My starting weight was 210 and I’m barely at 197 now. Maybe some of us lose more slowly at different stages. I agree though, that blended meals like the one mentioned in the original posting is way soon to try a meal and sounds too heavy for a bariatric patient… at least this early on.

Protein Ramen! Well it was not for me but I did have the broth so I’m counting 30 cals but 1200mg of sodium 😂

Hi Penny, I ended up with low potassium after surgery and had to stay in the hospital on those awful beds and few extra days and then told to go see my primary care doc, who is great. Love my PCP. Eating is hard - just had chicken salad puree for lunch - it's all I can do to stomach it. Kind of gross. I hope you can get your thyroid under control and soon. I would think it would play a big part in weight loss. I only feel better when I drink my protein shakes otherwise I have no brain function nor energy. I actually felt good yesterday with extra energy, I was shocked. Today I'm a bit laggy because for whatever reason I'm not longer getting past 5 or 6 hours of sleep at night. I'm lucky because at 66, I'm retired and my hubby is very neat so there isn't much demand on me. I am trying to get back into crafting but that's hardly demanding lol. I have a end of Nov show to build stock for. I can take my time. Wishing you well and not to hard of days at work. Just think a year from now we'll be a lot smaller and for me new knees!!!

So I got my surgery on June 22nd - about nine weeks ago. I am 5'8", 35F, and started out at 320, I'm currently 288 for a loss of 32 pounds over about two months. Is that okay? For the last week or so, I've had a really rough stall and barely been losing anything. Some days I'll even gain a pound. This is my second stall. I normally eat between 600 and 1000 calories (mostly about 800) and almost entirely protein really. Is there an issue with me? Is my weight loss rate okay or is it too slow? I feel like I should have lost like 50 pounds by now. What about this stall?

I think I misspoke, I did lose 3 lbs week one (plus the 6 lbs of water weight from 4 days of IV fluids) and 5 lbs week 2 in total 14 lbs but really I shouldn't count the water so 8lbs. My sister reminded me this very morning that an 8 lb loss in 2 weeks is amazing. I always want to hurry up and wait. As for the meatball recipe it was 1 of 4 recommended recipes except I added the ricotta trying to get my protein up. I'm supposed to be eating 5 to 6 servings of 2 oz of meat a day and I can't seem to get past 1 1/2. So far I can do one meal and 2 protein shakes or visa versa. I fear my metabolism will stall if I can't get more in but for now it's day by day. I appreciate the input though. Everyone is so helpful in this group and I'm loving it.

Most post-op diet plans I see here seem like standard weight loss diets. Some of them seem quite draconian. My surgeon's philosophy was different. From the very beginning he stressed that I was learning a new way of eating. This was a new way for me, but most rational people would view as "healthy" and nothing much out of the ordinary. This would be for the rest of my life. As I said in my previous post, I didn't count things in my plan beyond basic meal planning: Protein first then some veggies. I started at what most here would call a "maintenance diet." In the first 6 weeks, it was no different than my most recent 6 weeks, other than the food was pureed. When I reached goal, nothing changed. I had no desire nor inclination to live the rest of my life dieting. Good luck, Tek

Day 1 of the liquid diet for me too. So far I've forgotten my box of liquid IV and all my little water flavoring packets. I did stop and pick up a box of crystal light along with some sugar-free jello since I'm allowed to have that as well. I'm making due with some of the protein I bought for after surgery until I can get to Sams this afternoon and get premade shakes because my approved list for pre-op liquid diet is tiny. I'm supposed to drink two 8oz glasses of regular OJ everyday, and I drank the first one and yeah, that hit me like a lead balloon. I think I lost about 1/2 of the 22 lbs you were talking about earlier hahaha but serously! I hope everyone's getting excited. Counting down the days and praying they go as quickly as the last few weeks have gone. Just trying to figure out how I'm going to make it all work with no PTO to cover my surgery days. I only have 20 hours left and that won't cover much considering I have to go to Mayo this Friday for 3 appointments so there's anther 5+ hours gone since Mayo is 6 hours away. I'll be driving all day. YUCK! And I'm supposed to cut out caffeine completely too? Somethings just aren't fair hahaha

I’ll be 5 years post op in October, and I was (and still am) an avid tracker so I log everything I eat, and my app figures out the cals and macros. During weight loss phase I focused on being ultra-low carb (under 25g NET carbs a day). I also went low-calorie but this sorta happened on its own cuz I didn’t really want to eat much anyway…I.e., by the time I got to goal, I was consuming sub-800 cals a day. lost all the weight I wanted plus a bit more, and looked like death’s older sister lolzzzzz. i eventually got over my fear of carbs during maintenance and by around 2-3 years post-op, was eating whatever carbs I want (not just good carbs, but the not-so-great ones as well…I’m looking at dessert and chips!) BUT I still make sure to stay within my maintenance calorie range1800-ish cals a day normally, 2300+ cals when I’m in an exercising phase. Its worth noting that I actually weigh LESS today (119 lbs) than I did when I was death’s sibling after reaching goal (127 lbs) yet I look waaaaaaay healthier (not so gaunt) now. I think it’s the carbs. While I really liked how my body looked back then when I was low-carbing, my face really suffered. Now, though my body looks less fit and “softer”, my face is also looking “softer” and is quite pleasing to look at in the mirror lolololzzzzzz. long story short, weight loss is ultimately down to calories in and calories out, however way those calories are comprised (carb, fat, or proteins). Stay under your maintenance calories and you WILL lose weight. The trick is finding out what your maintenance calories are at ANY GIVEN POINT IN TIME because it isn’t static and changes with age, activity level, health status, sleep patterns, stress levels, etc….which is why I’m a big proponent of food/body weight/activity tracking cuz all that data helps to figure out patterns and stuff. i get it’s not for everybody though. But I totally credit tracking to me staying under goal weight this entire time (5 years post in October). Good Luck!❤️

I didn’t have to count carbs or calories either. Just told to keep my carbs (sugar, fat) low & given a list of carbs to avoid (bread, pasta, rice, etc. - anything low processed). Portion size was what I had to focus on (& protein & fluids of course). 1/4-1/3 cup from purée increasing to a cup at about 6 months. I still watch my portion sizes. I used to randomly check calories just out of my own interest while I was losing & I still do this. Simply because if you are consuming more calories than your body needs to function effectively you will gain weight. (An additional 100 calories a day equates to 10lbs over a year 😱 yikes!) But yes working out calories for complex meals like salads, soups, stews, etc. you cook yourself can be challenging & never completely accurate. I tend to focus on the protein content only then. I check the weight of the protein in the soup, casserole, etc. & work out about how many portions that would be of the finished meal. Hard to weigh meats with bones to work out the calories too. I go to recommended serving sizes then to help guide my portion. To eat carbs or not in the long term is really up to you and what works for you in regard to what types, how often, how much. I only ate rolled oats while losing and then could start adding other whole or multi grains carbs from maintenance. The carbs in vegetables & fruit were always okay & were a free pass. I only eat two serves of multi/whole grain carbs a day & still don’t eat bread & similar products, pasta, rice. They sit heavily. Don’t miss them & I do feel better without them - no bloating, less wind, etc. but that’s me. There’s nothing stopping you counting your own carbs & keeping them at a level you’re happy with while you’re losing if you want. As long as you monitor, the best you can, the calories your team is asking for. Remember once you work out the calories for a specific salad, soup, etc, you don’t have to do it every time you eat those recipes. As long as your portion remains the same (adjusting for the increase in portions as you progress) the calories will be pretty accurate.

Oh I love labneh. It’s a middle eastern soft cheese made from yoghurt. It’s easy to make your own though a little messy. Mix a good pinch of salt in a tub of Greek yoghurt (500g/2cups full fat) & then tip into cheesecloth (I use a large chux cloth). Knot over the handle of a large spoon & suspend over a bowl in the fridge for 24hrs or so. Use it as a spread or a dip, in salads, etc. https://www.loveandlemons.com/labneh-recipe/ Yes, peanut paste is peanut butter. I buy my roasted fava beans or chick peas but it’s an Australian company. There are likely US companies as others have mentioned them too. My nieces & nephews are staying over this weekend so they’ll probably eat all the ones I have at the moment - they love them. 😁 You can make them yourself too & add your favourite flavours. I’d do them in an air fryer if you have one so less oil. The ones I buy are salted & 110 calories per 25g (0.8oz) & 6.8g protein. https://www.fearlessdining.com/roasted-fava-beans-recipe/

I do both. Actually, I log my calories, carbs, protein, and fat. I'm so used to it at this point that it's second nature. One week I'll work out 5 days and rest 2. Then the next week I'll work out 4 days and rest 3. I also stick to my routine, but switch up the actual exercises within the routine so I "confuse" my body and what I'm doing continues to work. Workout days (alternate between heavy cardio, weight training, core/strength training, wall/beginner pilates): Calories: 1200-1300 (depending on what I'm doing that day) Carbs: 35-40 Protein: 90g Fat: 45-50g NON workout days (rest days): Calories: 900-1000 Carbs: 20-25 Protein: 60-70g Fat: 30-35g

I do both. I use the Baritastic app, and I set my calorie and carb goals and try not to exceed them. I think some people take issue with carb counting because there's good carbs and really, really bad carbs. For me, carbs are really important to monitor because I really don't like vegetables. I can eat a bit of fresh salad, but that's about it because I have texture issues. I can't stand cooked veggies, to me it's inedible slime. Lol! Obviously, good carbs are necessary for vitamins and minerals and proper digestion, but carbs with no nutritional value (junk food) only "nurture" us emotionally. Ironically, after we eat crap that makes us feel good momentarily, we start to feel like crap, emotionally (guilt, mood swings) and physically (joint/muscle pain). I stand by my carb detoxes. I never realized how mood-altering crap food can be. I was starting to use junk food like I was using alcohol, just for instant gratification and distraction, alcohol and carb hangovers be damned. However, I was extremely frustrated, and easily irritated all.the.time. My joints hurt when I eat crap. My sleep suffers too. Once I went below 50 carbs a day, my whole attitude changed. I felt better physically and emotionally. Very healthy proteins are moderately high in calories (beef, chicken, seafood), but protein is very necessary with our bariatric surgeries. This is why I give myself more leeway with calories than carbs.Bad carbs, on the other hand, offer nothing but momentary satisfaction. Momentary satisfaction is good once in a while, but the problem with loading up on bad carbs again is that, like a drug, the more we ingest it, the more we crave it. The less we have it in our system, the less it calls our attention. People think I'm being dramatic, but I know how I feel when I detox from carbs and when I start eating crap again. It just snowballs, and eating junk becomes more and more "important" as the day progresses. Using the app really helps me keep a realistic awareness of my nutritional goals. Because I'm only 3 months out, my goal settings right now are 750-800 cal, 70-80g protein, and <50 carbs. I have good days when I hit only 600 cals, 30 carbs, but 85+g protein. I also have my bad days when I consume 875 cals, 60 carbs, but only 65g protein. I think they really go hand in hand because the more carbs I eat, the more calories I'm consuming (and the less protein I get). I worry more about my carb intake because when I go over on my carbs, I know it's because I had bites here and there of junk food (not good carbs). At the end of the day, it really all comes down to what kind of carb intake you have. If your carbs are coming from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, then it's great! But if not, then maybe take stock of them. Either way, I wish you the best always on your continued weight loss journey! P.S. Prior to my surgery, my doc wanted me to lose weight (so he could help me lose weight) so I did a semi-liquid, hyper-low carb diet and lost 32 lbs in 38 days. Didn't count or give a flip about calories. I only drank 3 shakes a day, they wanted me to drink 5. Tan locos! I couldn't drink 5. I did 3 shakes and a hearty all protein dinner.

Hi, I am six days post op and feeling okay (except a little dizzy). I still have over a week of liquid diet let per doctor's plan--- but getting so sick of the sweet protein shake options. I have ordered a bunch of protein soups. Hope everyone one in August is doing well!

I’m still in pre op and my nutrition team want us to focus on protein first and build our meal around protein and portion control. They do not want us to focus on calorie counting.

I never counted calories or carbs or much of anything else. Well, that's not true. I counted meals: 3. Each of which were 3oz protein + 1oz veggies. Most every plan has as the first rule: Focus on protein first. It's the rest that seems to vary. I often think that following your surgeon's plan is more important than what is in the plan. It's about learning to eat again with some form of discipline. In the early months you get the positive reinforcement of losing weight, which makes continuing the plan easier. Let's face it, doing it our way didn't work. Do it your medical teams' way. Good luck, Tek

I've done good doing both ...eons ago I lost 40 pounds counting calories and the year before surgery I've lost 30 pounds counting carbs. I gained back the weight counting calories , but not counting carbs. My team always stresses calorie counts .... and when I mentioned I count carbs,they kinda looked at me like I have 2 heads and went on talking about calories. LOL It's so hard to count calories,especially if there's an item with alot of ingredients in it . Ex; Broccoli salad " broccoli,sunflower seeds,cherry tomatoes,green onions,green peppers etc. " Dietician said weigh every ingredient ,add up calories and divide by servings. No thank you . I don't want to feel like I'm back in math class LOL. What do you count ? Have you done either and lost doing it ? I want to count carbs and protein ,but they have me questioning my choice.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of bariatric friendly Hot and Cold Breakfast options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast Here are some popular options: Protein Cereal: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_cereal Protein Oatmeal: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_oatmeal Protein Omelet: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_omelet Protein Pancake Mix: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_pancake-mix Protein Waffle Mix: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_waffle-mix

I'm almost 2 weeks post surgery. I'm feeling much better and starting to tolerate food somewhat. I managed to find a protein powder made with stevia and none of the sucralose which throws my joints into chaos. As long as I drink my protein 3 times a day I'll feel alive the following day. Yesterday I ate something besides mashed potato's. Meatballs, spag sauce, ricotta and parm cheese all pureed into runny much. It was delish. Could only get 1/4 cup down at 10am and I stayed full the rest of the day. Tried to force another "feeding" in at 3pm and managed to bloat. Maybe ate 1/8 cup and had to quit. I hate the bloating. Burping seems a luxury these days. I have 2 more weeks of the puree stage. Weight loss is super slow at this point. I know that'll get better too especially as I can increase my "feedings". I look forward to a new life with new knees (I'm already halfway to new knees YAY).

So I have an appointment with my nutritionist on the 29th. I will make sure to make this a priority question on my list for discussion. I know the “manual” and Google says no snacking. But meals and protein shakes are getting old with me REAL fast. And before I force myself to eat a meal or shake and feel crappy after? Id rather a snack like fruit or chickpeas makes me feel better and accomplished for the day. I seem to be doing really good with cabbage beans and peas. Seafood such as shrimp and salmon. And fruit such as melon. My current prepackaged snack items have been babybel cheese protein yogurt pickles sugar free pudding and jello. I recently added probiotic soda poppi. I open it and wait for it to get flat so I can safely drink it without the gas problems that follow it.

I just had my surgery Thurs 8/24/23. I'm still new to all yhis but started a very small support group as well in IG at #thesleevesuite. My goal is to show before , during the healing process and any tips or tricks that can help others. Personally I'll. Be upset if I have to get another surgery bcus I def was in pain but mostly from the air. I do notice that it's like all Drs GUVE diff advice which I find odd. I'm going to do some rewatch in the actual organization if these surgeries so I can see their guidelines. Bcus if can get confusing. I've just been recouping and like I can't sleep. I have insomnia. But idk if I can sip some zquil. I don't want to take the pain meds and /or Xanax if I don't have tok. So if anyone wants to post on the ig I literally just started and haven't posted thd pics yet I'd love to get any input or help to support this journey of mine. Now iv one of my sons can just show me a few more things ( like cutting my head and face off the pics to uploads Or like I never knew they fill us s air which truthfully caused my pain. But I feel like any support given and recurved is fear. I could never now drunk 3 full protein shakes plus all the whydratio so im grateful my son got me the 39 mg protein shakes. I am craving food but I feel full I'm just already sick of 3 days of this no flavor stuff which is why I'm so happy I found this site. It appears to have a lot of variety and Monday I'm going to order a little but if as much as I can afford. I'll leave reviews on here. Idk if I can on my IG w out permission from the company but if you want me to add your tips and tricks just leave me a message on #Thesleevesuite. We are all in this journey together. Anyone who thinks this is the easy way out is def clueless. I'm happy to see such variety avail on here. I can't wait til Monday to order some items but I'm in a tight budget. Any suggestion I need ideas for salty snacks when im iff the protein /clear liquids. Oh yea and I'm located in the Us but I didn't have to do a ord op diet except moo after. Midnight before surgery and my oysche even struggled w that and I snuck and ice cream sandwich!! But my surgery wasn't until like 1:3o pm. It's def a very odd feeling though to FEEL full but STILL HAVE CRAVINGS. HOPEFULLY THIS PART PASSES. MY KIDS DIED LAUGHING CUS I 1/2 joked that I'd love to just lick a pizza. Lol I'm so scared of this dumping thing though I'm going to ply it safe for sure. I will be passing this site in to my sister who has full bariatric June 8th. They have great items on here. Thank you!

The lethargy can really knock you about & it can come & go at various stages along the way too. An electrolyte drink can be very helpful. I sipped diluted hydralite (to make it taste less sweet) when I needed the extra boost. There are lots of other brand options available (just watch the sugar content of some). Check with your team in case they have preferences or recommendations. Great job on hitting your protein goal out of the park!

I found these at Walmart. They're in a lot of different stores. I have some in my classroom desk as a "just in case" (if I forget my lunch or don't have time to eat my regular lunch). They are VERY filling. I can only eat half at a time. Just an option you can consider. The chocolate peanut butter ones are really good too.