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Vegan calzones with diced onion, baby bellas, and green bell peppers mixed with chopped up vegan breakfast sausage and marinara in homemade dough. It made 8. I’m eating 1, meal prepping 2 for lunches this week, and freezing the rest.

You mention that you're struggling financially to buy healthy groceries, so apply for food stamps if you can. With that said, bc your stomach is smaller and you're eating less calories, you can make more expensive nutrient dense foods last longer/more meals. It says you live in CA, so try Food 4 Less, the 99 cent stores, Aldi's and Trader Joe's, they all have good prices. You don't mention your age or height or level of activity or the amount of fluids you're drinking, but here's my experience: I'm 5'4 (female) and 35 years old. I had surgery on 1/11/23. started at 252 and I'm now 211.... 42 lbs down and down 6 inches on my waist. Fluids: at LEAST 32oz + 12oz protein shake, so 44... I try so hard to drink more water but cold & room temp liquids make me super nauseous since the surgery. Activity: Since and including the day after surgery I've strived to walk a MINIMUM of 5,000 steps a day. I live in a tiny apartment, and for the first 3 weeks after surgery I was still able to hit this goal simply by walking back and forth in my small apt for 5-10 minutes every hour. For the past 3-4 weeks, I've made it a priority to go to the gym and do cardio for 30-60 minutes 3-4/week. Some days I don't have time but will still force myself to do at least 10 minutes of incline walking on the treadmill. If you can't afford a gym, go walking, preferably somewhere with hills or stairs. (Walking flat is great but it doesn't get your heart rate up high enough). If you can't find/drive to hills, throw a backpack on and load it up with books (or weights) to add weight to your flat walks. Diet: 800-1300 calories (the 1300 end is if I workout really hard and my body needs to refuel) .. I am LAZY (I like cooking but hate dishes), but also a busy non-traditional college student with lots to do. So simple, quick, easy foods have been essential to my success thus far. I'm still basically eating the same as I was when I was on the soft foods diet but now I eat chicken and beef here and there. My go to food staples are: Cottage cheese 1%, OWYN - elite pro 32g protein shake, Simple Mills Almond flour crackers, soft/hard boiled eggs, small omelet, whole grain toast with avocado on it, refried beans, homemade turkey chili with beans, shrimp, turkey bacon, Sargento reduced fat string cheese (it had the lowest fat compared to the other string cheeses in my store). Example of my day: Every morning I have either 1-2 eggs, or 1/2 cup-1 cup of cottage cheese, then mid-morning/lunch I have the protein shake, then lunch/mid-afternoon I have 2-3 string cheese sticks, then for mid-afternoon/dinner I either have cottage cheese again, or 1 slice toast with tuna or chicken salad (I use either mayo or avocado mashed up), or shrimp and avocado slices, or rotisserie chicken and carrots/brussels/string beans. After dinner if I'm still hungry I have crackers. If I'm hitting my protein and still hungry, then I know I need more dense carbs and I'll have 1/4 cup-1/2 cup of sweet potatoes/mashed potatoes, etc. I don't SNACK anymore. I eat if I'm hungry. If I'm not hungry then I don't eat just to eat and have a snack bc I want to, that's what got me fat in the first place. If you're not physically hungry-don't eat. If you haven't already, learning the difference between physical hunger, thirst, and mental hunger/boredom/filling a void is essential to success. On Easter I had like 8 snack-sized kit-kat bars as a meal lol... I'm not advising it, but I've still lost weight since then. Don't beat yourself up over 1 day or 1 meal, it's not gonna completely kill your progress. Just make sure it's not every day or even every week. A lot of this journey is learning what YOUR body needs, not just what is written on a diet plan.

Please go to the er. I had a great recovery. No gas pain or pain at all. But on day 15 I had horrible pain on my right side. I felt a constant pull and burning inside. Worst pain ever. I ripped an internal stitch and was on bed rest for 2 weeks. Please just make sure you are ok. Feel better. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello guys, It's my 20th day post gastric sleeve and I am still struggling with the incision pain, especially around my biggest incision. It's been difficult for me ever since the surgery with little to no improvement, but this week I came back to work (sedentary office job) and it's getting absolutely ridiculous. I can't bend over, I can't sleep on either of my sides, getting dressed in the morning takes three times longer than it should. If I move just right, the pain gets so big it makes me want to scream. I had a GP appointment a few days ago and she said everything looks to be in order. Didn't diagnose any incisional hernias or other stuff. My appointment with my operating team is scheduled for 19th of May and there is nothing I can do to schedule it sooner. I guess what frustrates me the most is of course the pain, as well as no visible improvement in the last week or two. Did anyone of you struggle with incision/scar tissue pain for such a long time? Do you have any tips on how to manage the pain/burning/tugging sensation? I appreciate any help/assistance!

All the talk of support systems is spot on. I hope you all have them. I am in a lot of groups on FB. My husband has been an amazing support, he's been to every appointment with me. I have 2 daughters, 17 and 18, who are great too. My youngest doesn't talk about it much, my 18yo does. She's just worried something will go wrong during surgery. She's a stresshead in general so I just reassure her it will be fine. She's watching what she eats atm too and is losing weight at the same rate as me. She's got a bit to lose and is doing amazing so far. I'm so excited for those of you having surgery NEXT WEEK!

I absolutely went through this! I am currently on my 2-week pre-op liquid diet. The anticipation/nervousness is what made me want to eat and eat, then finally the night before my pre-op diet I went to Texas Roadhouse with my family and had a great meal lol. I felt oddly “at peace” after that meal and with going into the liquid diet and buckled down to start. It’s been going better than expected—obviously I have a bad moment here and there but I make sure to track everything (I like on paper best or vlogging). Tracking helps me keep myself accountable. I also know my “triggers” and do what I can to avoid them especially on this diet. I know for me, personally, I was more scared of failing, or not being able to do it. But like the others have said, having a great support system helps a lot. Knowing you’re not alone on this journey is super important. Just keep telling yourself that the liquid diet is for a medical reason for your safety during the surgery and that if you can get through this, you can get through anything. You got this!!!

The first three months are key. Many people lose 50% (or more) of their eventual total during the first three months. Take full advantage of this "honeymoon" period by strictly adhering to your diet. The weight drops off quickly during the first three months and then slows progressively each month following. You get one "honeymoon" period, and that's it.

Do you track actual food intake? It’s easy to exceed calories and not knowing exactly what you put in when snacking can add up in a hurry. I weigh everything I eat, even at work, and use Baritastic app to log calories and this way you know exactly what goes in. I actually lose too much weight while working because the food they serve doesn’t fit into my new diet. 5 months and 3 weeks post surgery and I’m down 135lbs. Follow the plan and you’ll do great.

Follow the plan your team has to a tee. I follow it religiously and my weight has dropped like a rock. Start weight 323lbs, exactly 5 months and 3 weeks later I’m down to 188.0lbs. Only a single stall that lasted 1 week but again I have not cheated a single time, tracking everything I put in and energy out. Just my personal experience but I have watched the people who think they can cheat with no consequences. Use the tool you’ve been given and you will be successful. Best of luck, speedy recovery.

I think it's normal! I made sure to eat most of my faves that last week! That's a great plan. It's crazy how much they can differ. I have also been surprised how well it's going for me. I'm on Day 15 of 28 now. I'm not missing anything, but I am sick of some of the VLCD products we have 3 times a day. I've ordered 3 boxes of my fave soups to get me through. I usually have a bar and 2 soups a day plus my allowed veg. I'm starting to think ahead to the first 2 weeks post op too. I might make my own broth soon and freeze it. Surgery is exactly 2 weeks away for me now. 😊 I'm so excited for us all. 🥰

Hey! I haven't logged on in so long and was also curious how everyone is doing too. Here's an update on my life over a year post op. Here is a photo of me way before my bypass, I think I wasn't at my heaviest yet but definitely pushing 320 lbs vs me last month while on vacation. I've lost about 130 lbs so far and am working on losing the last 9-10 lbs. I am finding this is when things are getting real. The honeymoon phase everyone talked about it over and I didn't even realize it until it was gone haha! It's not a bad thing, it just means that you can never give up, even after weight loss. Half of the battle is over, now it's a new battle and I think it will last for the rest of my life because I have to work hard every day to fight my obesity. I can eat pretty normally now. I aim for 1600-1700 cals a day but some days I might even get 1900 depending on how calorie dense my food is, then I tend to eat less calories the next day if that does happen. I walk 3-4 miles most days, gym 1-2 times a week and try to do some kind of outdoor activity on the weekend, usually hiking. I have been going slowly but I'm not unhappy with my progress. I'm just trying to watch my weight and enjoy how far I've come because I feel like a completely different person I can't even explain it... I am also able to eat more than 60 grams of protein a day now which is great because I lost a lot of muscle mass while losing all the weight after surgery. I eat 80-100 grams of protein a day. I am working on building my muscles back up, especially the muscles around my knees to help with my mobility (my being 340 lbs wrecked my knees). I am in physical therapy for my knees and do strength training with my boyfriend twice a week now. The thing I struggle with the most is tracking water but now that the summer is coming, I think it'll be easier to get in enough fluids since it's so hot where I live. I don't get food stuck anymore, very rarely if I've eaten too fast or food that is too hot will get stuck. I can still eat naughty foods in moderation too, too much sugar and fat makes me dump. Dumping for me means rapid heartbeat, dizzy, frequent urination, yawning, and nausea. I have been out of therapy for a while and would like to go back, especially as my ability to eat larger portions returns. I still actively have to think and fight using food as a coping mechanism but I am pretty hopeful and just keep reminding myself not to give up. How is everyone's vitamin levels and blood work? Anyone deficient in anything/have advice on what to get checked? I have gotten colds way more frequently but it's only been in the last 3 months, could just be the seasons but historically I rarely got sick.

I know it's easier said than done but if you're doing the right things, eating below your BMR, then you're going to be okay and you're going to keep losing weight. I stalled a lot on my journey, especially around the 5th-month mark. Your body is going through a lot but keep doing what your treatment team advises and the weight will go down, I swear!

I am about 4 months post surgery and my hair is shedding like crazy. Started about 2 weeks ago. I can def see a difference along my hairline. I have salt and pepper hair and where I have a streak of salt, my scalp looks bald. I am going to try baby powder there so that my scalp doesn't shine in the sun. lol I'm not freaking out much. If it gets too much thinner, I'll cut it all off. I'm trusting that it will grow back some after things stabilize.

Oh, man! YES! I gained 15lbs from the time I started this process until my preop diet... 3.5 months. I couldn't get enough food. Something in me snapped. I'm now a week into my pre-op diet and those thoughts and feeling have settled down a lot. I still miss food sometimes, but not at the levels it was at. I am getting tired of shakes though and that's causing other issues, but I'm working through it. Best advice. A solid support system; on here and around you at home. I've talked to several friends I know personally, who have had bariatric surgery, and it helps a lot. My husband is my biggest supporter. I don't think I could do with with out him or my faith. Good luck to you. You got this.

Has Anyone Experienced This My Veins Are Popping Out Bulging Out From Legs To Thigh I'm 8 Weeks Post Opp Is This Normal Has Anyone Experienced This ?

I'm so mad. I mean, how did it go from "we're sure this is the problem and this will fix it" to one doctor saying "I don't think this is the problem but I don't know what else it could be because all the tests are negative for anything else" and then the other doctor saying basically "well, now I have to think about if we're going to do the revision or not". Like WHAT??? Regardless of the reason for the polyps (and they both assured me over and over that the high PPI was causing them since I had NO polyps pre-surgery) the fact is, I still have horrible GERD that turns into gastritis and esophagitis if left untreated or if the PPI dose is lowered. And the revision to bypass will take care of that. SO it seems to me the revision is still warranted for that alone. I'm literally at my wits end with all this. My weight has completely stalled, I have had to really scale back my work outs, and I'm just super irritated by all of this.

I started the pre-op diet on Friday and it's going better than I expected. My doctor requires three protein shakes and one from a selection of meals, like 3oz chicken and one cup of veggies, Bistro Salad, or Healthy Choice Cafe steamers meal, for example. 800 calories total per day. At my weight, I am expected to lose 20 pounds in two weeks. Fingers crossed!

Hello everyone! I will be starting my pre-op diet next week and since getting my surgery date I feel like I can't stop eating. Did anyone else go through this or is going through this now? I have already cut the sodas and my beloved Starbucks, but I feel like I am compensating with eating more.

I forgot to check in this weekend. Had a good week. Strange, I didn't change anything but I was way down from the previous week... to a new low of 252.4. I'll take it! Still struggling to break into the upper 240s. My dr appointment is in 16 days, I wonder if I'll get there.

My hair loss started at about 3-3.5 months and slowed at about 6-7 months. But the amount of hair loss is crazy. I luckily had very thick hair, so while most people didn't notice, I definitely did. The amount of hair left in my shower after one wash, was what I used to lose in almost two weeks of washing. It's alarming to see. I almost shaved it all off to be honest.... but it is temporary, and worth it.

Hi all, I had gastric sleeve surgery on the 18th. I must say so far so good. The first two days were rough. The gas pain of it all - no joke I am now a week post-op and I feel great actually. The brain fog has lifted, I can drink more and move more. I still struggle 'foodwise', I need 2-3 hours for a friggin yoghurt. Does anyone experience running out of energy quickly i.e., one moment you start an activity and you are still fine, the next - you want a nap ?

You can stall several times while you are losing so yes you may be stalling again. Remember a stall is the time your body uses to reassess & readjust to your lower weight & new needs. It resets things like digestive hormones, metabolism, etc.

It started at about month 3 or 4 & lasted about three months. This tends to be pretty common in terms of starting & finishing times regardless of taking supplements or additional ‘hair growing’ vitamins. I didn’t lose so much it was noticeable to others (beside my mother & hairdresser) but I had lots of hair to begin. I cut my hair to just above my shoulders so that it wouldn’t take the new growth as long to reach the length of my hair. (Remember your new growth is still growing g at it’s usual rate while your shedding cycle has been accelerated.) I did notice a slight change in texture from the anaesthetic (can contribute to your hair loss too). It eventually grew out. I lost hair in the past after a stressful time like you too and this time seemed pretty similar… except I didn’t freak out as I knew what to expect.

From about 3 1/2 months out through 9 1/2 months, I saw my hair thin out A LOT. It was noticeable and I had to change up how I wore it to try and hide that you could see my scalp. I also cut my hair shorter and started using volumizing hair care products to try and hide it. It finally slowed down and 9 1/2 months and now and just over a week away from 1 year out, it's starting to regrow.

Thank you everyone that commented. I’ve been looking up recipes and liquids for the first two weeks. I also asked my friends if they have any soup recipes to shoot them my way.. i have a doctors appointment coming up to see what my next steps are.