Search the Community

Does anyone else here feel really hungry when they are bored? I am not busy at my job so I get really bored sitting at my desk for 8 hours every day. When I have nothing to occupy me, I find myself thinking about all the foods I can't have then I feel insatiable hunger. I know this is just head hunger but it feels so real. I try to find things to do like go for a walk or whatnot but I'm pretty limited on things to keep me busy. My doctor has a pretty strict post-op diet which doesn't allow soft foods until Day 36. I'm on day 23 and found myself eating some tiny cubes of soft cheese earlier just because I felt so hungry. I've tried snacking on healthier things like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese but it seems like my hunger isn't satisfied unless my taste buds are satisfied. This is exactly the kind of behavior that made me overweight in the first place. I don't think three tiny cubes of cheese will hurt me but I just don't want to fall back into old habits so soon. Any tips on how to combat this fake hunger and how to make healthier choices? PS I only experience these feelings at work when I'm so bored and stuck for 8 hours. When I'm home or out and about, I have no trouble sticking to my diet.

So I just wanted to give a 25 day update to help people like myself who almost backed out of surgery. I am feeling pretty good and I am only on the soft food stage of my post op diet. I eat brocolli cheese Soup & yogurt daily along with unjury chicken soup Protein. I have lost 35lbs. as of today and have dropped from a 54" waist to a 48" waist already. I am a big muscular guy so my weight was 384 at surgery and today 349 and already getting compliments. The 1st picture was the final straw that made me look into gastric sleeve & the 2nd picture was taking today at work.

I'm just starting full liquids today so I don't have a lot of experience to give but I plan on using protein shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt and possibly trying out protein pudding. I was able to get in about 6 tablespoons of protein shake this morning before I felt really uncomfortable. I think it's gas/period pain but I didn't want to push it. I've had a few sips of water over the last 45 min and the pain seems to be subsiding. My advise would be to stick to easy proteins and try things like chicken in a week or two and see how it goes. It's almost like feeding a baby food for the first time. Doesn't always go well, try again after some time has passed. Good luck! Sent from my LM-Q910 using BariatricPal mobile app

I started gaining weight in my late teens and was never able to control it no matter what I did. My PCP had encouraged me to have bariatric surgery for the last five years or so, and I finally decided that I'd done everything else I could possibly do. The sleeve seemed like the best option for me, so I went to Dr. Alexander Abkin in Florham Park, NJ, who's one of the best doctors in the NJ-NY-CT area. After months of classes, tests, etc., I finally had my procedure two weeks ago. It's been a struggle to get down enough Protein, and Clear liquids have to be within a very narrow temperature range not to upset my stomach (the gurgling is loud enough to be heard from across the room if my drink is two degrees too warm or too cool), so I've had to be creative. I was told to go to full liquids as soon as full digestive function had returned, so the third day after surgery heralded the return of milk, yogurt. farina and Soups. Nine days post-op when I had my check-up I was told to progress to Phase III, and I've been adding cheese, fish and other items gradually. My highest weight was 304, and it was 295 the morning of my surgery. Shifting those few pounds was sheer misery, even though I never really ate much nor had much of an appetite. After the surgery the weight has truly fallen off: this morning the scale read 272, a drop of 23 pounds in 14 days. It will be great to lose weight and look better, but I'm really looking forward to being healthy enough to be able to see my grandchildren grow up. My son and his wife just told us that they're trying for their first, so by this time next year we may have a little one and his or her future is of vital importance to me.

I'll check out that protein! I mix my shakes with coconut milk at the moment! I have tried the VEGA brand from GNC. I looked into isopure, but it uses hydrolyzed whey protein. I'll check out syntrax! My Dr's program is a 4 week long liquid diet (including yogurt/pudding) after surgery before moving into soft foods, and adding foods in as tolerated at one month out. There is no puree phase or anything so I have to find a solution for the next three weeks lol

You know, I am 100% Greek and I have never had Greek yogurt. Do you find it with all the rest of the yogurt? We don't have Trader Joes here, just Safeway and Walmart.

I've been making a shake with fat free/sugar free frozen vanilla yogurt, 1% skim milk, 1/2 banana sliced, 1 tbsp peanut butter...and you can throw in a scoop of protein powder. delish...

Tomorrow will be day 8 for me and I was told that I could move on to baby food consistancy. At any rate, as boring as it was, I have been drinking fruity flavored protein drinks, apple juice with ice chips, sugar-free jello, and sugar-free popsicles. Every time my kids ate something that smelled good and made my mouth water, I have grabbed a popsicle. It's been helping. Looking forward to whipped yogurt tomorrow.

I love jay robb protien. Well, as much as one can love protien :lol4: More so the egg white than whey. It is good mixed with Greek yogurt.

See I'm at a loss... This isn't my first winter, but truthfully last winter I was still healing. So much easier. I got really used to my routine over the summer and changes scare me (if its not broke don't fix it) Today is a fast day for me so I'll have to change up my extra cold yogurt for something that is warm and won't blow my calories for the day. It's more of the feeling of wanting to burrow and eat that I think I'm dealing with. Perhaps in the past I felt I could cover up and hide the extra food...

Sleeved 8/23/16 - HW 271.5 (4/16) SW 246.9 CW 205.1 From size 20-22 pants to size 14-12 right now. About 50 pounds to goal. If you are not already using it, use My Fitness Pal and track every ounce of food and Water that goes into your body. It keeps you honest. I weigh myself daily. (Some people do weekly but I find daily keeps me honest.) Make sure you have healthy options in the house so you never have to be looking around for a snack. Try different kinds of Protein powders now in the small sample sizes to see which ones you like or don't like and start experimenting with shakes. Pre-surgery for three months I did a Protein shake every morning for Breakfast -- and worked on playing with flavors, fruit, coffee-house syrups, etc. Start exercising - walk around the block, swim, join a gym. move your body and schedule time for it. Plan rewards for various weight goals -- 25 pounds - new lipstick? 50 pounds - new dress? Start a private pinterest board with fashions you want to try as you get thinner Research thrift and consignment shops in your area - you are going to need them. If you don't have a good scale, buy one. (I have a Withings, which sends my weight directly to My Fitness Pal. Consider purchasing a fitness tracker. (I use a Garmin Vivosmart HR and love it. I think it's much better than the Fitbit models.) Get your head in the right place - the surgery isn't going to solve any problem you may have with emotional eating - if that's part of your issue, get help now - work with a therapist or other counselor. Get a good pair of sneakers. Start by walking a little more now. Park 15 spaces away from the grocery store this week. 25 spaces next week. It's all incremental. Protein is your friend. Start counting your grams of protein. After surgery, your rules will likely be protein first, everything else after. I average 60-90 grams of protein a day and I eat about 800 calories a day now. Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt and Fairlife Skim Milk are your friends. I'm at the point now where I can eat anything, even bread, but I don't. Sometimes I'll have half a slice of whole wheat toast. Barilla makes a high protein Pasta (yellow box) which is really good. Once you get a surgery date, find a group here on BP to chat with that are all having surgery in the same month. Attend your hospital or clinic's support group meetings regularly. Best of luck with finding the new you. I wish I had done this 15 years ago.

@frust8 I've been doing really well! Today is day 7 post-op, and only today did my incision stop hurting with every little movement, now it only hurts with very specific movements. I was able to spring clean my make up collection, and get back to my skincare routine. I lost 14 pounds so far, and I am feeling great! I remember 14 pounds taking me two months of strict calorie counting, using the scale, and meal prep... I am definitely getting into the hype of WLS right now lol! I am regaining my energy a little bit at a time. But the hunger has been real. It could be my stomach acid but each morning I wake up with this gnawing hunger. Liquids, tea, broth, and yogurt help me keep it down by a lot. I am on the full liquids phase (can't have even blended soup! Just strained broth) till Sunday. My NUT is so strict but I think that's for the better. All the patients end up not vomiting even once. I simply can't wait to have my thai butternut squash soup, and sweet potato curry soup, mmmmm!

This will be my third winter post-op. Some of my warm favs: sugar free hot cider mix Soy Latte (mix Starbucks instant decaf with hot soy milk) I still eat yogurt, but in the winter, I mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice Soups, chili, and Beans Apple slices cooked down with a little splenda and spices (I put them in a fry pan with a little water) costco Roast chicken Laura, if you also eat meat with Breakfast does the hot Cereal stay with you better? I have to have some Protein at breakfast.

I am right there with you guys. I had a fill last Monday and it seems like I can't eat anything. This is really wierd but I can tolerate crunchy things better than soft things. I can tolerate yogurt though. I have been wondering if I am too tight but I don't feel bad all of the time and not everything gets stuck so I am hoping it will just level itself out soon. I haven't really known restriction until now I don't think so I am figuring it is just me...

Sorry you are having a hard time. First about the pre op diet. Not everyone is the same. I had a liquid diet for 2 weeks, no food whatsoever! Then 2 weeks clear/full liquids after surgery. I am 3 days shy of a month out. I am on real food, but only fish and eggs. I dont like cottage cheese or yogurt. Is it hard? YES! But this is where we need to retrain ourselves. I have cooked for my family since the pre op diet. At first it bothered me, not now. Yes there is hunger, but i choose to drink my water especially if I ate recently.I haven't had any problems as of yet, which is an amazing blessing, and shows no 2 people are alike. You kind of scare people who come here wanting helpful information. You have to take the good with the bad, as this is not an easy thing for anyone. I am looking long term, not dwelling in right now. If i'm having a hard day I just see what I did this for, to be healthy!!

@cantstop1977 I completely understand. My sleeve was on 02/02 and all the meetings and appointments did not prepare me for the gas pain. The bloating is insane, it causes chest pain, back pain, and shoulder pain. It was so bad I didnt wa t to drink anything. I will say after day 3 it does get significantly better. I find that the more I fart the more it helps, I got a little gassy day 4 and much gassier day 5. I will also add today is the first day I ate and I had 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt so that may have played a part. You can do this! It does get better! Hang tight. Tomorrow will be much better! Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

That is quite good to know (the pushing of a yogurt rich diet). Depending upon the brand and such, they can have an extremely varied microbe content. I suppose an interesting test would be to break down post surgical success based upon which yogurt brands (and in turn, which microbes) lead to the most desirable outcome. That experiment would be much further down the line however LOL. Speaking with my mother, she remembers being pushed into an extremely high protein diet post bypass, and told to avoid fruits and vegetables. I had forgotten that fact. Thanks for the insight, Brad We are all encouraged to eat a high protein/low carb diet. Yogurt is a great option immediately post op because of it's soft consistency. Some of us are even allowed it in the "liquid" phases. It remains a good option later on as well, due to its high protein content and low carbs/sugar. Another thing that might be interesting to explore is the prebiotic Fiber content of many high Protein Bars. Many use isomalto-oligosaccharides and a major brand, Quest, just switched to soluble corn fiber. I was an avid Quest Bar eater until the switch and my gut bacteria definitely didn't take the switch well. I became HORRIBLY bloated and flatulent. I couldn't even be in the same room with myself it was so bad. I had to switch to another brand that was still using isomalto-oligosaccharides.

You can definitely enjoy treats like ice cream post-op. Not immediately post-op, obviously, but certainly by the time you are in maintenance. I had half a piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake last night! The most important things post-op will be Protein and Water. You need need need to put protein first. But if you are meeting your protein goals, then a little ice cream or mashed potatoes or whatever once in a while is fine. I think right now, pre-op, there are some things you can work on that will make your post-op life easier. Start going ahead and putting protein first. Eat your protein before your starches or vegetables at each meal. Start working on finding high protein Snacks you can enjoy (greek yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, nuts, Jerky, turkey sticks, etc.). Start tracking your protein. Ideally you will want to get up to 100 grams a day. Start getting a sense of how much protein is in the foods you eat regularly. Start cutting back on carbs. Your pre-op diet will likely be a no-carb diet. So it will only help you to kick that carb habit sooner than later! If you smoke, quit now! You will be required to quit prior to surgery and giving up smoking AND food at the same time will be too much to handle. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol too. You won't be allowed any of either for at least 30 days post-op by most plans, so again, easier to phase it out now than have to go cold turkey at the time of your surgery. Start eating slowly and trying to not eat and drink at the same time. The not eating and drinking at the same time thing will seem impossible at first. For me, I had to just not even have a beverage within reach while eating, otherwise I would drink it without even thinking about it. As for eating slowly... chew each bite as thoroughly as possible and set your fork down between bites.

Hi...I was banded in Monterey, MX by Dr. Sanchez. I could not be banded in the US at that time because I was not considered "morbidly obese". I did the yo yo with my weight most of my adult life and was never able to maintain a constant healthy weight. At that time the lap band was very new and a lot of people were going to MX for placement. I have not had a fill in over 10 years and still have restriction. I still have to eat slow, chew well and am not able to eat certain foods unless I have had a drink or two (which loosens the band...relaxes me). I still have a difficult time eating out .... I eat much better at home. I can't eat in the mornings and have carnation instant usually. I try to get my protein in with cottage cheese, yogurt, organic chicken and eggs (eggs don't always do well). I juice occasionally to get my veggies and fruits. I am considering removing my band this next year because I would like to be able to eat salads and fruit naturally and I do have to work at getting my nutrients in. Unfortunately, ice cream, candy and white russians go through very well, lol. I know I would lose another ten pounds if I would cut out the sugar. I still slime a lot and that concerns me. Im not really sure what I will do. I am not being followed by a doctor and have not been for 10 years. I do have a lot of heart burn and am sure it is because of the sliming. I am going to see a doc to get checked out this year for that. I do not regret getting the band as it has helped me in the long run. The band is the boss as you all know. Any questions, feel free to ask. Also, I had a tummy tuck in Monterey with Dr Cardenas about a year after my weight loss and that was the best thing I ever did for ME....

Eggs were too much in the first few weeks. Even now they can be too heavy. So I did egg whites in soft food stage. The whole liquid and soft food stages just suck. I tried to eat certain foods and had the slime and throw up. Nothing fancy but some foods seem like they will be soft and the sleeve says no. Keep it boring. Greek yogurt, soups, refried beans and ricotta cheese. It's so hard. I'm six or seven months now and yogurt, fruit and salads are my favorite.

Hi all, I finally did it. I got sleeved yesterday. I flew all the way over the ocean to Mexico Tijuana to have my procedure done by dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon Palomares in the Int Hospital. Ill try do breakdown my journey up to this moment (Excusez moi mon French, English is not my primary language. Neither is French :-) ) Transportion. Like i said a had to fly in cause i don't live in the USA. Beautiful country though i vacation here as much as possible. I flew into San Diego and got picked up by the Drs. driver, named Sandra. She got there a little late, but i kept my cool. She is a happy chatty girl, so if you ever get to have a ride with her, you will surely not get bored. The drive from San Diego to Tijuana takes about 20 minutes. Clinic/hospital My surgery was performed at INT Hospital. Please do not be alarmed by the size of the establishment. It is not a large facility but squeeky clean. The nurses are such a doll, they check up on you like constantly. Every 20 minutes someone is knocking on my door to check my stats or the drain or give me my medication. They genuinely seem to care about their patients. when i got there, they checked me in, i had to sign all kind of waivers and give my emergency contacts, after that i was off to the labs to take blood. Every turned out ok, with the exception of my blood pressure. it was very high (which surprised me cause i really had no sign or inconvenience at all, but again i hardly go to my gp so god knows how long i have been walking around with my elevated blood pressure. They gave me meds to regulate it, and told my as soon as i got home i had to pay my doctor a visit to have it monitored. But they assured me it will get most probably regulate when my weight drops. Ponce de Leon He is a very kind man, he only speaks Spanish though so for the ones that don't speak Spanish this may be a language barrier, he explained the procedure to me and took his time to answer my questions. Why did i choose him? I spend a lot of time researching, he comes highly acclaimed by his peers, he has a good record and teaches other surgeons, just google his name and tijuana, and his results should come right up. I was hesitant between him and Cordoba, i choose Ponce because of the prices. I paid 4700 USd for the procedure, with meds , 2 nights at the clinic and 1 night at the hotel. After that his assistant came by, very jolly man, great smile he answered all my questions again, took a selfie with me and sped of the prepare for surgery. After that the internest/lab doctor give me ok for the procedure so off i went to the surgery room Surgery they got my a surgery robe with my big behind hanging out, very embarrassing, but again, all is fair in war, love and surgery land. they hooked me up to my IV and rolled me to surgery waiting room. when i got there a man just came out and was crying like a new born baby which scared me a little bit.. but again, women are much stronger than men so i know i got this.. :-) The anaestatist came by to greet, very jolly, singing and cracking jokes, he explained the procedure again and promised me to not let me die on the operating table. He hook me up with a tranquilizer, after that i dozed off. they woke me up and i had to walk like 10 steps to the surgery room, they put me on a surgical bed with my arms spread like our savior Jesus christ and after that i remember nothing. I woke up in the recovery room feeling extraordinary well, only very sleepy. After a while they rolled my bed to my room and since then I've been here, sleeping, walking a lot to get rid of these gasses, with a very empty stomach i havent eaten in nearly 4 days. Im only allowed to sip on ice. Ponce de Leon and his assistant check up on my daily and explained they took a good 80% of my stomach. Tomorrow the will perform a leak test. and if everything goes will i can move to the hotel. The nurses keep coming in to check on me and to make sure im comfortable, all this with a genuine smile. They really seem to enjoy their work. I have nothing but praise for their job. I had my first shower today. it was heavens. i got my diet for the next 30 days, it seems im only allowed to drink water, broth, yogurt, premier protein shakes and juices.. no wonder i will lose weight :-). i alse got a cd rom with my surgery video on it, but i have a MAC so i can't insert it in my computer. hopefully i can watch it tomorrow in the hotel Greetings Macy

I use Pure Protein Vanilla Creme & mix it with s/f jello, puddings and/or flavorings...25 g of protein per scoop..sometimes add a Greek Yogurt 14 g & 1/3 cup of dry milk 8 g...A good start in your daily protein.

What is your protein goal? When I was on clear and full liquids I didn't go to bed until I finished all my protein for the day. If you are short of your goal by all means have another shake or yogurt. Do what it takes to meet your goal.

I know we are suppose to eat Proteins first to help with the feeling of satiety. Truthfully I haven't really applied this except for dinners. Breakfast is usually yogurt - so no solid Protein there- lunch is salads, Soups, or egg beaters, or veggies/fruit so limited solid proteins. What proteins to you eat first for breakfast, lunch, and dinners? Does it really make a difference getting proteins in first?

I'm 2+ years out. I've lost 95% of my excess weight. I have not had plastics - which would account for that last 5%. I eat a high protein, low carb diet and exercise 7 days a week. I eat roughly 1500 calories a day. I exercise at least 1 hour each day. A typical day is: Morning - coffee - black, greek yogurt (Skyr Icelandic provisions), 2 tablespoons of granola Mid morning - protein shake (1 cup fairlife skim milk, 1 scoop protein, handful frozen fruit in blender) Lunch - 3-5 ounces of chicken/turkey/beef, 2 cups of green salad mix, 1 tablespoon balsamic dressing mid afternoon - 2-3 ounces cheddar or other hard cheese Dinner - 3-5 ounces meat, salad or green veg and 1/4 c of a starch. I have had to increase my carbs to about 110 g daily due to my exercise load. I fence (en garde) 6-8 hours a week, do Cross Fit 3 hours a week and pilates and strength training another 1-3 hours a week. I eat about 110 g protein daily. I eat protein first. I drink close to a gallon of water a day. If I want a glass of wine or a cocktail, I have one. At my high point, I was over 300. I now sit around 152 with 29% bodyfat. I can deadlift 250 pounds and squat 235. I'm nationally ranked as a fencer in my age group. How well you do it up to you and your commitment to it. I've gone from a size 24 to a size 6.