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Hey! I had the bypass, so I am just going to copy & paste the information that my nutritionist & medical team gave me regarding vitamins etc, because I also obsessed over it! A-Z Multivitamin and Minerals containing 2mg of copper. This means if you are lucky enough to get Forceval on prescription, you only need 1 Forceval tablet a day. You will still need to take the other supplements detailed below. For most other shop bought options, you will need to take 2 A-Z tablets a day (even though the packet says one a day). Remember the crucial bit is getting one that says A-Z. Options include: Dissolvable · https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/multivitamins/young-adults/effervescent-multivitamins-a-z-fizzy/ · https://www.boots.com/boots-multivitamin-effervescent-orange-20-tablets-10274999 Chewable · https://www.bassettsvitamins.co.uk/bassetts-vitamins/multivitamins-rb-pomegranate-flavour · https://solgar.co.uk/products/solgar-kangavites-bouncing-berry-complete-multivitamin-and-mineral-formula-chewable-tablets · https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/multivitamins/multivitamins-for-kids-teens/tasty-chews/ · https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/304373156 · https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/304385770 Tablets · https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/285513527 · https://www.boots.com/boots-a-z-multivitamin--live-friendly-bacteria-30-capsules-10274964 Calcium: You need at least 1200mg calcium in your diet each day. Count each portion of dairy as about 300mg (such as a yoghurt, a matchbox size piece of cheese or a glass of milk). If you aren’t getting enough calcium, you should top up. You can get Adcal D3 or something similar on prescription from your GP or shop bought options include: · https://solaray.co.uk/products/calcium-citrate-1000mg · https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/solgar-calcium-citrate-with-vitamin-d3-tablets-60001382 Vitamin D : Most people need 50-75ug or 2000-3000IU to keep their levels in the healthy range after surgery. · https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/betteryou-d3000-vitamin-d-daily-oral-spray-60012895 · https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-vitamin-d3-tablets-25ug-60099316 Iron: Most people need 45-60mg total iron a day (each multivitamin contains 14mg so 2 a day plus your diet may mean you don’t need extra). Women who menstruate should aim for 100mg so could get one on prescription from your doctor. If you suffer with constipation, try a gentle iron like Spatone or Floradix. · https://www.boots.com/boots-iron-14mg-60-tablets-10292905 · https://www.vitabiotics.com/products/feroglobin-capsules?variant=29079594991685&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe9Z32aqlWYVdfZqyMPLnCP8nuZDgbwMS3xpj4nGXzaGIg46GQ0SjgRoCwV8QAvD_BwE Vitamin B12: You may get injections every 3 months from your GP or you can use a spray / sublingual drops. Don’t rely on tablets where possible as the absorption isn’t as good as the liquid. Try: · https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/betteryou-pure-energy-b12-boost-oral-spray-60099160 · https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-b-complex-sublingual-liquid-60002871 · https://solgar.co.uk/products/solgar-liquid-b12-2000-with-b-complex-59-ml

Today is my 7 year surgiversary 🎉 I can’t believe it’s been that long but my lifestyle does have a lived in feel to it. My weight is stable-ish with a current BMI of ~25. I have no problem finding safe things to eat while out but this year I cooked the major of my meals. That means I accidentally began meal prepping because of cooking foods only I seem to want to eat twice in a row. I’m ok with this as I actually like eating the same things, ad nauseum 🤣. I drink hot tea every morning and most nights. I have fully returned to carbonated water, kombucha and pre/probiotic drinks. Some highlights of this year includes sending my last child off to college, my first colonoscopy, started reading spicy books (thanks ACOTAR) and a few bucket list trips (The Space Coast to visit Kennedy Space center, Grand Canyon and the New Mexico hot air balloon festival). I’m still very satisfied with the outcome of WLS and all of the new advancements in obesity medicine.

Soooooo healthy fats, always have been scared of peanut butter but omgsh I found this nut butter called Nuttzo and its AMAZING!!! I made PB balls with Nuttzo, pure maple syrup, unsweetened shredded coconut and rolled oats. let me tell you these things are the most amazing snack (usually post workout for me. Anyone else have any other recipes they like with nut butter they want to share? I have been eating it 2x a day. In the morning with my keto bread only tsp and half a banana, but I would like to find other stuff to do with it. Thanks!

Hi, my name is Krislynn, Kris, or just K., I'm new to this forum. I found it researching more about the duodenal switch. I turned 42 in July this year, and my highest weight before my first surgery was 536. I had the gastric sleeve in June 2017. The first year was a great learning experience in learning about healthy foods, changing my mindset, and what I needed to do to get healthy. That first year, I lost 221 lbs. But, then when I went back for the 2-year check-up, the surgeon that took care of me, had left the hospital and program and they informed me they had no one for me to see. But, then Covid hit shortly after that-- then I lost my job and ended up sitting home 2 years and gained close to 200 lbs back of what I lost and that was crippling to me because all my old health problems came right back. during all this happening, my mom and I chose to move from California to Indiana to be closer to my sister, I decided I couldn't take care of my mom who has declining health because of her weight too, has been type 2 diabetic for more than 20+ years at this rate with my health starting to decline again too. So I reached out to the weight loss doctors here, I spent 6 months Feb-Aug '24 taking off 70+ lbs by following their 1200 calorie diet, getting back into a healthy mindset. It's a struggle at times, and sometimes I take two big steps forward, and then I end up taking a big step backward, it's a daily walk. once I completed the mandatory 6-month medical weigh-ins, things moved quickly, I got approved by the psychologist, and then the insurance approved me to have the Duodenal Switch or SADIS surgery quickly, within a week I heard back. My new surgeon who's great, got me scheduled quickly after I finished all the required testing, and preop classes, this Monday, the 11th at 7 AM. I am feeling nervous because even though every test they've made me do has come back normal and negative, I am 7 years older and worry that something might possibly happen. I keep reminding myself, that I've already had the sleeve, so I won't be under that long, just long enough for him to do the switch. so basically, I'm going to go to sleep and then wake up on the other side of it. Can anyone who has had this surgery, give some advice or maybe just let me what to expect after this kind of surgery? The last time I woke up the only thing I remember is the immense pressure I felt on my chest from them feeling my stomach with gas to do the surgery. And The surgeon told me unfortunately I would be dealing with that again because it's something unavoidable. So, I'm prepared for that. Love to everyone, Krislynn☺️💜

it took me 4 months (and ~15 lbs) to figure out my maintenance calories were. i also had to get over my fear of gaining all my weight back and actually start eating MORE. maintenance level calories are VERY individual, and vary greatly from person to person. and even then, it varies greatly form time to time for the SAME person. 4-ish months after achieving goal, i finally figured out that i needed 1800 cals a day to stop losing weight... AT THAT TIME. over the years, this amount has changed depending on my activity level. luckily, i am anal and i track my food intake and weight DAILY so i am armed with data to figure out what i need at any point in time. i am 6 years post op now, and these days i need about 2300-2500 to maintain my current weight (i exercise alot). had i continued to stay at 1800 cals from the before days i would have shrunk beyond what i wanted. soooooo....long story short: your maintenance calories will change depending on your output and input, on your sleep patterns, overall health, stress levels, age, genetics, etc....its up to you to notice what affects you and act upon it. so, so, so, so, many times i read folks on here saying "i gained/lost weight and i just don't know why!". the answer is PAY ATTENTION....you will know why. P.S. i do know that "normal" people don't need this level of attention to stay at a healthy weight. i also know that i am NOT a "normal" person. i mean, i got to a BMI of 43 (from BMI 23), in 10 years. it takes more "effort" for me to stay at a healthy weight that a "regular" person. so i do what i am willing to do.

as others have touched on above, it depends on what you call a "normal sized meal". can i eat my "normal sized" pre-wls meal from my obesity heyday? hecks no. but, let's be real, those meals were bigger (and not as often-consumed) as the meal sizes of not-obese people. now...can i eat enough food to maintain my current weight, feel satisfied AND not feel like i'm depriving myself? yecks, YEAH. from the outside and to those not in the know, it probably looks like i don't eat enough, but its enough for ME. my restriction is still very much in effect, so i don't eat alot in VOLUME at one sitting. but i did* manage to get my 2300+ calories in by eating often, and choosing higher calorie foods. (NOTE: i exercise ALOT, so my caloric needs are probably higher for your average 5'2" person, but still) *clarification (and to go off on tangent): i WAS able to do this, but lately am not eating as often - for other reasons** - so my average calorie count has been dropping, but i'm working on it.... ** i got braces and my pure HATRED and annoyance of having to clean my teeth after eating ANYTHING has effectively stopped me from eating. it's in my head, i know. i'm working on it....

I also couldn't eat without something to do. I think a timer is the best option. I've had one meeting with a psychologist after my surgery who told us about mindful eating and taking the time to appreciate the food and eat it slowly and really enjoy it, but purees and soft stage foods aren't much to wrote home about so I struggle with that part

I wish I could say from experience but I never made it to the maintenance phase with my sleeve and I’m early out from my revision. From being on the boards though it seems what most people do is to add like 100 healthy calories at a time and wait and see if that makes them gain and keep upping it until they find what their body is happy with. Of course if you level of activity or type of calories changes you may have to adjust so I think if you don’t choose to log your food daily you may want to at least spot check it like once a week just so you can see if your habits change gradually and keep on track for what works for your body. Congratulations on nearing maintenance!!

Not that familiar with the switch surgery but I presume it would be the same for all surgeries in that after the surgery there is a new "standard" to meal sizes. If you went back to eating what would be a normal size meal pre-op you would probably make yourself ill and uncomfortable as you can't fit the food in. I am almost a year and a half out (sleeve) and if I had to have a sandwich I would have half per meal but I am trying to stay away from bread/pasta/rice as much as possible as they take up space in my smaller stomach that should have proteins as the priority. I was in the US recently and was happy to see that Pret did half portions so I just got their one half chicken and avocado to have when on the go. For me I still find that for breakfast a yogurt, for lunch and dinner 150ml/3oz of food with a small snack a while later is sufficient for me main meal wise. I think have protein drink or bar as snacks if needed. When eating out I usually just have a starter and would not always finish. If ordering a main course I usually manage 1/3, or 1/2 if it is a small one, and bring the rest home.

Exactly as others have reacted. What is your definition of a normal size? I can eat about a recommended portion size and that took me well into my 3rd year. Sometimes it depends on what I’m eating or if I’m feeling hungry & then I can’t eat the whole portion. Not unusual to have leftovers in my fridge. As an example I can eat about 3ozs of protein plus a cup of vegetables for dinner, 2 golf ball size rissoles/meat balls & cup of vegetables, about 2/3 of 2 scrambled eggs, a tub of yoghurt, 1/2 a large apple, 8 macadamia nuts, 8-10 grapes. If I go out to eat I can eat about 3/4 of a main meal in a fine dining restaurant when meals are pretty much recommended portion sizes. In Australia our servings aren’t as large as some of the American servings though they are getting larger in the casual eating places. For example, I ordered a small salt & pepper calamari meal at a pub & took half home for dinner. This is an Australian site (below) but I’m sure there’ll be US sites about recommended portion sizes to give you an idea. However, you need to work out what size portions will provide you with the appropriate nutrients and calories your body needs to function effectively and for you to maintain your weight. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/how-much-do-we-need-each-day/serve-sizes Your nutritionalist will help advise you on this too.

So, there's a normal meal and then there's what you get in a restaurant or what we've been taught to think is a normal meal. At about 8 months out, I can eat a full serving of chicken breast. That's defined as being between 3-4 oz. And in the same sitting, I can also eat a serving of broccoli, which is about 1 cup. I don't tend to eat grains often, but if someone gave me a serving of brown rice, which is 1/2 cup cooked, along with the chicken and the broccoli, I could probably eat about half of that on a good day, but not touch it on a day when I have a smaller appetite. Personally, I would be more likely to substitute a second veg or a fruit. What I've just listed would be considered a "standard" meal by a nutrition expert. It has about 280 calories and 24 g protein, and provides balanced nutrition from several food groups, along with fiber. But most people would probably think it was way too small, and if you went to a restaurant, you would get 4x that much food, plus half a gallon of fat and sugar laden sauce on top. And probably cheese, just for good measure. Could I eat that? No. And hopefully I will never be able to. A sandwich is tricky because of bread. I find bread too filling. I was out this weekend at a sports stadium and had to order my lunch from a food truck. I chose the grilled chicken pita wrap and ate all of the insides but treated the pita like a plate that got thrown away at the end. I do the same with a soup and half sandwich combo from a restaurant, eating the sandwich filling and the soup but ditching the bread.

The answer to that question is it is different for everyone. It depends on how your metabolism responded to the surgery, how much exercise you get, your body composition (fat compared to muscle), and even what kinds of foods you eat. Some people must maintain at a lower than average caloric intake while others can eat much closer to a "normal" amount and do just fine. It's very much a trial and error process to find what works for you, and you may need to make adjustments as time goes on, too.

My husband grew up with a mom who made him take "no thank you" bites; he is still pretty picky, but he at least had to try it before he said "No thanks. I don't like it" with all his food. It so smart because sometimes kids think they don't like something until they try it, but forcing a kid to eat is never the right way. So good job being a great mom @Starwarsandcupcakes

I hope you get cleared for purée too but if not Core power shakes are thinner and smoother tasting to me. You can also thin the ones you used to like with milk (probably 2% if your requirements are like mine were). For the puree I didn’t like puree mean. The thought of that grossed me out too much but I did do puree egg salad and that wasn’t bad.

This is hopefully something I’m doing right with my kids. Several have sensory issues around food so I don’t push it. My youngest has “exploration” bites and if he doesn’t like it then I’ll make him a pb&j which is a safe food for him. But I constantly remind my kids that if they’re done eating they don’t need to eat more and that listening to their body is the best thing they can do for themselves.

been on a sugar binge the last couple days. 1) yesterday's afternoon snack: 1 cup of silken tofu with 1 tbsp of maple syrup: 235 cals, ate it all (no dumping effects) 2) yesterday's dinner party's dessert: 64g NY cheesecake with 1 tbsp of salted egg yolk puree: 236 cals for it all, ate about ½ the cake, and all the yolk (dumping effect: fell asleep on couch for 45-60 mins and went to bed early to promptly fall asleep again) 2) todays first food of day (i was lazy AND hungry, ha!): 1 homemade oatmeal cookie my niece made and 1/2 an apple fritter: 265 cals, ate it all (dumping effect: tbd...) mr. always chastises me for eating sugar and asks me why i do it if i know i'll likely be put out of commission...my answer: because its DELICIOUS, and because i CAN (sort of, ha).

I've been eating it on it's own since it's good puree - soft food texture so it works both ways. Also added it to a tomato soup to give texture and protein. I used to like it all the time when I was in the US, but since moving over to the UK, I didn't like it because the texture was different. Now, I can keep it down and it's a good protein so I eat it all the time. But, my local supermarket sells it mixed with pineapple, or one with Italian Herbs. I wouldn't eat either of those, but it might be a good suggestion for someone.

I think it’s because they think you’ll be so absorbed in what you’re watching you’ll just shovel the food in. It’s the reverse for me & get totally distracted from my eating by what I’m watching. 10 minutes can easily pass between bites. But if it doesn’t work for you best to avoid tv watching. I’m like @ms.sss in that I too can eat more or eat more quickly when eating with others. I have to very consciously be aware of putting my cutlery down & sitting back between bites and giving my full attention to those around me.

Hi. What if you buy a portion control plate maybe it will help you keep your solid food under control 🤔

i too watch tv alot of the time while i'm eating at home. oddly enough, i tend to eat more when i'm at a proper table (and sitting with others). when i'm in front of the tv, i have a finite amount of food that i have with me, when its done, its done (if i finish it), when i'm at a table with others, there is a whole lotta other food going on, with more added as the time goes on at said table. and i'll keep taking bites as my stomach allows. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have made this a few times and really like it (without the pasta accompaniment) https://motivation.ie/recipes/dinner-recipes/smoked-paprika-goulash-motivation-recipe/ Some other ideas you might like (all of which I have tested and gone back to again and again); https://www.bariatricfoodcoach.com/lasagna-stew/ - I do not do the pre-slow cooker browning https://skinnyfitalicious.com/crockpot-chicken-shawarma/#recipe - Love, make using chicken breast cubes/strips https://bakingqueen74.co.uk/slow-cooker-spicy-bean-stew/ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spiced-carrot-lentil-soup - I don't do the pre-slow cooker step, just bang it all in the slow cooker. I do keep back one carrot though and add it in after blending but sill with about 30 minutes left on the cook so there are some soft bites, I also add a lot more chili but that is to my taste. https://www.bariatricfoodie.com/crockpot-curry-chicken/ - I skip step 1 https://www.bariatricfoodsource.com/blogs/bariatric-friendly-recipes/pureed-chicken-soup-bariatric-phase-3-soft-food - I just put all in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I have added chili sometimes or other herbs. https://motivation.ie/recipes/lentil-soup-with-crispy-bacon/ - again I just put all the ingredients (skip the oil & bacon) into the slow cooker.

I would probably hold off a bit. I mean if you strain everything out I guess it would still have a bit of the flavor but I don’t remember the broth being super flavorful. I confess it’s not a fave though so it’s been a while. I found a soup at Walmart that had a pretty flavorful broth. It was their Marketside brand chicken tortilla. It’s over near the deli where they have the Panera soups. Of course you need to strain with a very fine strainer. Their tomato bisque wasn’t bad either for purée stage. It’s pretty high in fat though. Not sure if that’s true of all tomato soups. You can just search deli soup or panara soup and see the options and view the nutrition labels. I spent a lot of time viewing labels and adding stuff to my cart that I could have on puree and added to my saved for later for the soft food stage while I was just laid up in bed. I bought WAY too much food but when I got to soft food I cooked every night and I froze a ton of food so it was nice when I started to exercise because when I get home late from a class I had stuff I pulled out of the freezer and put in fridge the night before. Now I intentionally Cook double batches of stuff so I don’t have to cook as often but I always have home cooked nutritious food.

Most nutritionists hate hearing that you watch TV while practicing "mindful eating." I get it though.. I always watch TV when eating at home too. It is possible to do both for some but the NUTs don't agree. And you can probably guess how I chose my name for this forum. I literally bought a baby spoon and used it. For a time. It really slows you down as opposed to using a big spoon (pre-op) that allows us to shovel the food in faster. I've known many overweight people who consume a meal so fast they don't even properly taste what they are eating. (finger pointing back at me) Put the spoon down after each bite. Chew the 22 x's. Use a timer if needed. Don't drink with your meals. Taste what you are actually eating. If you tell her you now actually try to pick out the different spices in each recipe. Garlic, chili powder, onion, etc. and do all the rest, you'll pass with flying colors. I would hesitate to bring up the TV watching though. LOL GL

I had to do the liver shrinking diet pre-op for 2 weeks. 2 shakes a day then I ate a bag of frozen stir fry vegetables with 3 ounces of lean chicken or beef season fried in soy sauce for my evening meal. It was delish. I lost weight. High volume, low calorie. I'd enjoy the food while you can. JS

I was too but don't be. Just practice mindful eating. I learned rather quickly after just a few bites how that meal was going to go. I would stop and push the plate away if need be. If you don't, you will pay for it. I had to learn that lesson a few times. I thought because the nutritionist OK'd a food for a particular phase, it would be OK. But it wasn't for me. Certain textures are my problem. Not from eating too much or too fast. YMMV I still struggle with stir fry (semi cooked) and raw vegetables which is sad for me because I love veggies and salads. Also heavy meats like steak and chicken unless it is cooked to the point of falling apart. In a soup cooked soft is best so I lived on stews etc. for quite awhile and still enjoy them. Find the foods within your program that you enjoy and go well with you and your sensitive tummy. In the beginning, I made the mistake of trying everything allowed to me at the different phases but a lot just made me sick. I knew at some point I would enjoy those foods again in the future. Some I may never. But I like to concentrate on the healthy things I can have as opposed to what I can't. GL.. you will do fine. And don't be scared. {{hugs}}