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Flip side.... I've been eating Mayo Clinic Diet for about a year...which has a ton of fruit, whole grains, beans, potatoes, brown rice, veggies, protein, etc. (I also eat protein bars and frozen yogurt bars in moderation and love them) I eat 1200 calories every day and have since week three after surgery.....and at support group, my progress has been as good or better than people eating Keto and very restricted calories. In the end...it's best to work with your nutitionist and do what works for you. Best Wishes:) PS...don't forget that exercise is critical to weight loss. My doctor writes my exercise recommendation on a prescription pad.

Honestly, no. It's pretty organic. I follow my RD and surgeon's advice and leave it there. And it naturally falls to around 20% carbs (from low glycemic veggies + very small amounts of low glycemic fruits), 40% fat, 40% protein. I eat around 650-750 cals per day working toward 800cals/day. I get between 68-74g protein per day aiming for 74g protein. I eat healthy fats (avocado, almonds/walnuts/pecans/low fat nut butters/other nuts & seeds), olive oil, butter, ghee. My main protein source in this order is eggs, fish, shrimp, chicken breast, turkey, pork, venison, lean natural beef from TX--in that order. I eat VERY tiny amounts of lentils and other beans along with the seeds, but I don't look to them to give me my main source of protein. My main veggie sources are: leafy greens (baby spinach, baby super greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, rbp, red onion, grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, garlic). My main sources of fruit when I eat it is: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, GS apple WITH peel). I eat VERY cleanly with VERY little crap and almost no "treats" like sugar free things like Halo Ice Cream, yogurt bars, protein bars (aka candy bars), etc. I'm a puritanical little putz. It works for me. Keeps my body well-nourished without extraneous carbs or "fictitious play" calories, gives me enough fiber to keep my gut biome happy, and me happy. I poop daily now with a little help from my "friends" lol. So my meals look like this: B1: 1/2 Premier Protein in decaff coffee as creamer B2: 2-2.5oz lean protein + 1-1.5oz veg + healthy fat L: same as B2 AS: same as B2 D: same as B2 BS: 1.5oz Premier Protein in decaff or decaff hot tea as a bedtime drink If you want a NON-bariatric excellent book on low carb - then go to the masters: Drs. Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek in The Art And Science of Low Carbohydrate Living available on Amazon.

I am one month post sleeve tomorow. It has been harder than I anticipated. It has been an extremely isolative process. I had to go back in for 4d after the surgery for minor (mostly preventable) complications. From the surgery on 4/11 to 5/1 I was drinking maybe 20-30 ounces a day (that's being generous). I was taking about half my vitamins and eating maybe 3-4 ounces a day of the program recommended 6 ounces per dy. Popscicles have been my best friend. I couldn't get enough protein, barely 8oz. I had to be put on infusion week 3. Now at week 4, after the infusion of fluid and vitamins, I feel relatively normal. I drink water when I wake and take my vitamins. Then I drink close to a complete protein shake. By 10 or 11 I can maybe tolerate something to eat. I got VERY conflicting info about what constitutes puree. The surgeon said if I can mash it with a plastic fork it's ok so I have been going by that which has widened the availability of foods I have eaten. I've had oatmeal made with a little butter and skim milk (very liquidy), carrot pasta (with tomatoe sauce until I realized no tomotoes on my list opps), pureed chicken salad, chicken with zuchini pasta and alfredo (until I realized alfredo even homemade isn't on the list), all kinds of mashed well chewed fruits, tons of yogurt (not light because I don't eat artifical sweetners) and soups/broths. I haven't been nauseous nor have I thrown up (though my carrot pasta and eggplant no sauce dinner just now gave me cause for concern). I do get hungry mid-day and evening, my sugar seems to drop because by hungry I mean hangry, otherwise I'm fine. I do think about food, food prep and what I can or sometimes sadly what I can't eat. I am probably grieving a little. I have an extremely strong faith so I stay positive. I have lost 30lb from my highest and 23 since surgery day-I can't see it which makes me a little sad. I am extremely self conscious and wear mostly my bigger clothes. Now for anyone who is still reading this extremely I know long post, is my experience similar to anyone!?! Mostly referring to the food as I am not certain if I am eating the right things and since the infusion I haven't spoken to the dietician because they said focus on the protein so I have and now I get at least 40g a day not including the 3 proteins I eat a day. Also the sense that I haven't really lost. I know what the scale says but that doesn't connect with my brain. Also I still can't get enough water which is odd because I LOVED ice cold plain water pre-surgery but now the gurgling sound it makes and the way it feels going down grosses me out. Also the only thing cold I can tolerate is popsicles . All of that to say.... any logistical insight anyone can give great. Mostly it just feels good to get all of this off my chest because I haven't talked to many other bariatric patients (missed the support group with readmit and infusion). If you read all this wew God bless you!

It is indeed hard!! And I too envy people whom get to eat one protein rich meal, yogurt etc. but it does get easier as time goes on because surgery is right around the corner. hang in there!

My post op plan (I am 6 days out so no soft foods) allows Greek yogurt 1 oz. /hour and it has been a nice change of pace. I either mix various herbs/seasonings with it or put it in a mug of warm vegetable or chicken broth. About 4 oz. of that and 3 protein shakes and I am getting about 100 G protein. I do thin out the shakes with decaf or hot water which makes them easier to take. Enjoy your daughter's graduation, is she a Longhorn?

I had just shakes for two weeks...with one yogurt or oatmeal per day......and sugar free clear liquids. Some people get one protein/nonstarchy veggie meal per day. Your diet sounds like a bear. I wish I could say something really encouraging here....but the pre-op diet was hell on Earth for me. Way worse than the actual surgery or recovery for me. Experiences differ...but yeah...sounds like you're up against a very strict, very long version. Your doctor sounds Sadistic. If you cheat (don't cheat!)....but if you do....DO NOT eat carbs. The whole point of the diet is to shrink your liver by being very carb restricted. If you cheat, cheat with protein or non starchy veggies. Best idea... don't cheat. Take it a day at a time. And hang in there! Best wishes.

The only words of encouragement I have would be... You CAN do it. There will be tough times and honestly depressing times. Try your best to stay focused on the end result. I never thought I would be able to choose fruit over junk, or chicken over pizza... But I did and can. Not to say I still don't struggle, but I never want to get in the.. It is okay this time rut again. Have faith in yourself. As far as tips, try to keep snacks available that are good for you. When I start having the urge to eat something not good, I grab something healthy to take the edge and my mind off. Like nuts, yogurt, or cheese sticks. As far as the pre op... Try to do your research on foods that you can have for each stage and get what you can ahead of time. Trying to find something when you are hungry can be dangerous. Best of luck to you!! You got this! Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi I’m on day 2 of this liquid diet and I have 3 weeks to go! My surgery date is May 28th. I already had a break down and I have been so moody. I’m just confused because from all the forums that I have read, people are allowed to eat yogurt, sugar freepopsicles and Jello and some even get to have some time of “real meal”. I’m only allowed 2 cups of broccoli, green pepper, celery, lettuce or cucumber and that’s all for the day (plus my 4 Optifast shakes) I have two young boys and I can barely keep up with them with this lack of energy. any suggestions? I’m not allowed broths because the nurse said sodium would hinder weight loss but I feel like I’m not allowed to eat anything. Anyone on the same diet as me? Help? Thanks for reading my vent

Hi I’m on day 2 of this liquid diet and I have 3 weeks to go! My surgery date is May 28th. I already had a break down and I have been so moody. I’m just confused because from all the forums that I have read, people are allowed to eat yogurt, sugar free popsicles and jello and some even get to have some time of “real meal”. I’m only allowed 2 cups of broccoli, green pepper, celery, lettuce or cucumber and that’s all for the day (plus my 4 optifast shakes) I have two young boys and I can barely keep up with them with this lack of energy. any suggestions? I’m not allowed broths because the nurse said sodium would hinder weight loss but I feel like I’m not allowed to eat anything. Anyone on the same diet as me? Help? Thanks for reading my vent

Last night and this morning I did an audit of my in-game shelf where my future bariatric supplies stay. I have Svelte organic soy protein shake 15- 20mg calcium French Vanilla Muscle Milk yogurt protein shake 20 mg calcium,blueberry Premier Protein shakes 30 mg Salted Caramel, Peaches and Cream, vanilla hoping to get stra2berry and Cream Allergic,to all forms of chocolate How does this seem as a start? Please hive me your feedback.

I was given a container of Nestles Beneprotein unflavored. Putting it in everything, from soups, V8, yogurt, hot cereal, anything it will blend in with. I do not find it chalky and it doesn't seem to alter flavors. So I purchased a case of 6. I do not think it will mix in clear liquids, but I have yet to try it! Sent from my XT1052 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations! You look amazing and sound like you feel wonderful too. Keep us posted about your surgery. Today is my one-year bypass anniversary so I’ll be posting before and after shots and my story too. I also love that yogurt! Keep up the inspiration!

i got my sleeve done April 23rd weighing 280 pounds. About a week later I dropped down to 262-267 ( depending on the scale I used) Tomorrow now makes me 15 days post op and my weight will not budge from that number. I even been working out here and there for 30 -40 min in hoping to get the weight loss going. I'm drinking 1-2 bottles a day and I'm aiming for four a day as I heal. I'm very disappointed and don't know if I should call my dr about this? Ive been eating pureed food an its all been vegetables so far, along with protein shakes, yogurts and no sugar pudding. Its all allowed by my dr so I don't understand why I'm already at a plateau only a week out, HELP!!!

I have used the Mayo Clinic online diet:) It's very cool. Lots of cookbooks available, too. Awesome recipes:) I have not consulted with Mayo about post bariatric surgery diet since I did not have my surgery there. However, my team's protocol embraces low glycemic carbs and is fully supportive of my use of Mayo Clinic Diet after surgery. They are pleased with my results. I weighed 270 last June. On my 6 month pre-surg diet, I lost 36 pounds using Online Mayo Clinic Diet and a new Fitbit addiction to walking. I weighed 234 the day of surgery. Today I weigh 189 give or take half a pound. So, I've lost 45 pounds in the 5 months since surgery.....which I'm really, really happy with....because I eat a solid 1200 calories daily and feel like I can have pretty much what I want. That said...I don't crave junk anymore. I genuinely crave better stuff. I eat tons of fruit and veggies. A slice of whole wheat bread most days (in a half sandwich or as avocado toast). Lentil/chickpea pasta, lots of low fat protein on grill, lots of stir fries with lean meats or tofu and veggies served with no more than 1/4 cup brown rice (I rarely finish the rice or all the veggies), smoothies with lots of raspberries for fiber, spinach for greens, lots of diversity (I go around the kitchen and throw in a little of all the fruits, nuts and veggies to build good gut microbiota. I do the same thing when I make my veggie soup....all the veggies in the house go in there with cabbage, tomatoes and beans, and that soup is a staple in my diet. I do eat baked potatoes, beans, corn. (a half a baked potato has 80 calories and 2 grams of protein...top it with little lowfat cheese and chili and it's an awesome meal) My favorite snacks are home made dry meat and roasted chickpeas. And cans of mushrooms that I eat with a fork. LOL. And cupcake whipped greek yogurt. About the only thing that gets me in trouble these days are Yasso bars. LOL. Greek yogurt frozen bars....I love the chocolate ones. But even if I overindulge on them...how bad can you feel about 80 calories and 6 grams of protein? I'll admit it....I've made a meal out of a couple of Yasso bars. Maybe not brilliant...but once in a while...meh? LOL I do have a sweet tooth. Mayo Clinic diet allows for 75 calories of sweets a day. You can eat them daily or bank them for a special occasion. I love this because I can save up for literally anything I want to eat. But most of the time my sweet tooth is handled by fresh fruit. Melons are a favorite. Strawberries with a little chocolate sauce are another favorite. Fresh golden pineapple:) Figs! Sugar is a slippery slope for me, so I'm extremely careful about anything I eat with sugar. Refined carbs are generally not a part of my diet anymore. I don't buy them or bring them in the house. (but will occasionally have a bite of daughter's dessert at a restaurant and use those 75 naughty calories) No more white bread. No more white rice. No more crackers, candy, cookies, cake (save a magical bite here and there outside the house with witnesses) To boost protein in my diet, I often still drink one Premier Protein shake a day...caramel....in my coffee and tea. I do 12,000 steps per day religiously, and 3 cardio activities longer than 30 minutes each per week. If you have a Sky Zone near you, I STRONGLY recommend the trampoline work out...OMG...you burn a billion calories in an hour...it's crazy. I don't do the same cardio twice in a row...I mix it up. My week might go....Tuesday Sweatin to the Oldies DVD 1 hour.....Thursday Sky Zone Trampoline workout with bestie 1 hour......Sunday Water aerobics and free swim with family after at YMCA 2 hours (followed by lunch and library). Lately, I'ev been doing a shite ton of yard work too. Just about to go outside and till up more raised beds with my Mantis tiller:) Am very into the idea of planting cherry tomatoes, cutting them in half and sun drying a million of them! When I started out and heard you'd likely lose 60% of your excess weight in 18 months....I thought....OMG, I could weigh 210 someday! Awesome! That number was beautiful to me at 270. I'm 5 months out and weigh 189. I have 13 months to go...to lose 19 pounds and get to my goal of 170. (less than a pound and a half a month to stay on track) I really could not be happier with my results. I'm shocked and amazed daily. Best wishes to everyone! Be patient and stay the course:)

I would love to hear from anyone who had their Bariatric surgery done at Mayo. Curious what their post op diet recommendations are. The link above is great but not specific to WLS patients. This is all I could find online with a quick search— https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gastric-bypass-surgery/in-depth/gastric-bypass-diet/art-20048472 And it says— “Focus on high-protein foods. Immediately after your surgery, eating high-protein foods can help you heal. High-protein, low-fat choices remain a good long-term diet option after your surgery, as well. Try adding lean cuts of beef, chicken, pork, fish or beans to your diet. Low-fat cheese, cottage cheese and yogurts also are good protein sources.” But no specific or long term recommendations. Also will be great when there are long term studies that show the results of different diet plans and choices.

I’m not sure what you mean by this question but I will offer my experience. If I eat a meal with dense protein, chicken, salmon, pork, etc, I stay full for hours and have a hard time drinking water even after waiting the 60 minutes. Other foods like yogurt and vegetables seem to leave a bit quicker and I’m not hungry but don’t have that full feeling quite the same either.

I was also scared and looked up so many different websites of what not to eat etc. but I’m sooooo picky especially with textures of food. Trust me the tools it Greek 100 protein is the best!!!! They have so many flavors apple pie & stawberry cheesecake were my life savers when I am craving sweets! Lol I buy around 30 a week lol I eat regular food (small amount) then if my stomach feels a little crampy I’ll eat a yogurt afterwards it helps settle it down. Main this to remember is CHEW CHEW CHEw. Fir me I have found no way can I eat lettuce and all my bread has to be very very toasted or I feel it’s clogged! Very important YOU CAN EAT FRENCH FRIES (I eat maybe 6 or 7) or any type of potatoes cause I wasn’t and ended up in the hospital with potassium deficiency and that IV SUCKS!!!!! Burns sooooooooooo bad!!

I am six months out and can eat more than just last month but i started working out pretty heavily which can stimulate appetite also It is highly unlikely that it has stretched (ask for diagnostics if really worried) most likely the swelling from surgery is gone which leaves more room for food. Some one please correct me if i am wrong... Also beware of slider foods with offer no resistance in the new stomach which leaves you hungrier quicker. They can also lead to higher than expected kcal counts . For me its yogurt nuts and seeds. Seemingly healthy right except 28-30g of nuts are 160-190 kcals!

I also had surgery on Thursday and came home on Friday. My plan is a bit different from yours, so I am eating three meals of 1-2 tablespoons of soft protein food (e.g., Greek yogurt) and one protein shake divided into three portions throughout the day. It seems like you’re doing very well! I agree, hard to keep sipping but so important. I am thrilled that I was able get over 70 ounces of fluids today. This will get easier, too. Hoping for a continued smooth recovery for you!

It seems that surgery will help. Today is my 5th day and I am ok, walking, a little delay on my liquids because I am sleepy a lot, today without pain medication and no pain at all. My stomach is moving and working a little too much, but not dumping yet. I had my Isopure water and my son prepare gel with isopure water, and ice, I am having chicken soup and today my first non fat Greek yogurt

I feel so guilty about not having a liquid pre-op, but I have cut out many things already. I haven't had a candy bar in 3 months haha. I drink a shake every morning, but I make my own. (Today was 1/2C greek yogurt, 8oz unsweetened almond milk, 1 scoop Delicious Dream French Vanilla protein powder and 1/4C of frozen GS apples). I am keeping my calories to around 1400, carbs fairly low, and no added sugars. Be that as it may... my weight hasn't gone down much :(. My body doesn't like to lose weight haha.

I had mine the same day! I was told for the next 2 weeks- it is supposed to be pourable liquid consistency. I have been doing my protein shakes, SF jello, SF ice pops, SF pudding, unsweetened applesauce, thinned greek yogurt and just added some cream soups and broth. I am aiming for 60g of protein today. They told me to worry about water first and then my protein.

My journey began by yo-yo dieting. If there was a diet, I tried it, Weight-Watchers numerous times, Jenny Craig Twice, Nutri-system Twice, Low-Carb, Keto and at least I kid you not 30 other diet attempts! Oh, I forgot the best one! HMR, weight-loss shakes under medical care, I lost 200 pounds or more on that one! It was great and I kept my weight off for SIX years but old poor eating habits crept back in. Which brought me to 2012 and Dr. Steiner at St. Joe East in Lexington, Ky performed a Bariatric Sleeve. I did everything they told me, Everything! A remember waking up from surgery and it hurting like hell! Of course, they cut half my stomach OUT and threw it away. What did I think it was going to feel like? LOL. Anyway, I remember the great pain and they gave me something obviously that helped, morphine or something. So the next day, Dr. Steiner came in and said are you ready to go home? I was like NO, I am in so much pain, he told me to walk as much as I could around the floor. So, I made myself get out of bed and rolled the pole holding my IV fluid bag around the floor of the hospital wing I was in. I did that ALL day long and of course the amazing Dr. Steiner was right by the next morning I WAS ready to go home! I love Dr. Joshua Steiner, he is a brilliant doctor, I trust him as a surgeon implicitly! Unfortunately, St. Joe East was either overrun with patients or short staffed and I was NOT well tended too! I was in pain a lot as they were always late giving me pain medicine as I had switched from morphine to pills. So, they send me home with a bottle of Percocet which I only needed for I'd say a day or two and the rest I flushed! From the day I got home I continued what Dr. Steiner said to help heal myself faster, I got on my treadmill and walked and walked and walked and I healed so fast! I followed the liquid high protein diet, unjury, etc. by the book I did what he and his staff said to do! I am a great patient in that way, I do what I am told! I think walking so much, every single day really helped as far as loose skin too. Since I was off work for two weeks, when I got up at 4:45 in the morning every day, I started by putting on my shoes and hopping on the treadmill! Within two weeks I was up to an hour a day on the treadmill! I went back to work after two weeks and I was so tired, A four hundred and ten-pound body is tired when it can only consume so many calories as my stomach was so swollen and smaller and couldn't hold much food/liquid at all. But, I made it. So, I continued to follow exactly what Dr. Steiner and the staff said to do and the weight came off! I went to all my check-ups, lab works etc. I got to the weight they said I would and then the weight-loss stopped at 240 pounds! Boom! I maintained that for probably two years, continuing to follow the recommended LOW CARB diet. But then, I started slowly gaining weight! Scary! Check your diet? Are you eating differently? no, I'm not! Are you eating MORE? YES, I am! Hmmmm. But, my stomach is smaller! Right? Have you stretched it? I didn't know you could do that until AFTER surgery! Anyway, I was gaining weight and it was packing back on. While I lose FAST, I gain it FASTER! Oh Joy! So, I ballooned back up to 340 pounds and was too ashamed to go back to the weight-loss clinic and I know they would have helped me any way they could. But, I was so ashamed and felt so bad inside, you know the feeling when you have lost weight and gained it back, it SUCKS! Anyway, I was visiting another doctor locally and she was terrific, but when we came to the topic of food, I told her I followed a low carb diet, thinking I was so healthy! It's kind of funny now that I know better. I didn't know that a low carb diet was so detrimental to my health, but my doctor did and she said and I quote: "You are Killing Yourself eating that way!" Now, wasn't that nice!? LOL. Well, she didn't just criticize she was amazing and so supportive and she helped me change my eating habits to a No OIL, Whole Food Plant Based Diet! First Question, Where do I get my protein!???? I NOW I KNOW, that is not a cause for concern, I get all the protein and then some eating this way. The beauty of this way of eating is I am no longer deprived of delicious foods and I can eat potato's, glorious grains, fruits, vegetables, the recipes, and creations are endless and more importantly, DELICIOUS! I went from 340 pounds to 200 pounds! Not overnight but gradually and this is the first time that I have ever lost weight and not felt deprived in some way! I didn't have to weigh my food! I didn't have to measure my food! I didn't have to count calories? I didn't have to count carbs? I didn't have to count fat grams? I didn't have to count anything! I could now seat down to a meal and enjoy it and eat until I felt satiated! Wow! You know what? That is nice! Of course, I had a diet mentality, so I had to deprogram myself! That is a whole story in itself! I had to make myself NOT limit myself! That's crazy but true! I learned about nutrition! I found out that this whole PROTEIN thing is MOSTLY MARKETING! I found out the Food Pyramid has been marketing for YEARS! It's getting better but it's not there yet! The meat and dairy industries are huge and they OWN the politicians, like many other industries. Like my parents and our ancestors, we are indoctrinated into the foods we eat and I had to deprogram myself from years of indoctrination! I had to find out for myself that we are the ONLY species who DRINKS ANOTHER SPECIES MILK! What the? That's CRAZY! And GROSS! LOL. Anyway, THIS Works for me and "I" feel like I have been given the keys to the Kingdom because I have finally found a way of eating I LOVE and most of all feel NO deprivation! I am proud of myself for being so open-minded! I used to be a "Hey, do want some beef with your steak kind of person!" Or, go to Burger King or McDonald's and just order beef patties with Cheese and that's ALL I ate! Or I would just eat BACON for breakfast! So, being open-minded I no longer eat, any added OIL, No MEAT (Fish, Foul, Beef, Veal, etc) No Dairy (Cheese, Milk, Yogurt, etc.) I am so happy and healthy! No more Cholesterol meds for me! Also, when I had weight-loss surgery they told me my GERD would go away, be cured! Nope, I still had indigestion, acid reflux, GERD whatever you call it and if anything it became WORSE After surgery! I was aspirating when I slept! That is not fun! So, I took Prilosec/Nexium/Omeprazole! Turns out these medicines are linked to kidney DISEASE! I saw a commercial from a law firm saying if you took these meds and have kidney failure call our firm to join a class action law suit! That's not fun to realize you are on this stuff to help control your horrible acid reflux and it may cause your kidneys to fail! It didn't help much as I was still aspirating in my sleep! I had to start sleeping in a recliner! Anyway, NOW I am off that medicine because I don't need it any longer since I don't eat the foods that cause acid!!!! I didn't release eating animal flesh or eating animal milk products like cheese cause acid reflux!? Who knew? Yes, I was ignorant of so many things concerning nutrition! I am still on this journey, but I am so grateful to Dr. Steiner for performing my surgery and to St. Joe East for supporting me during my journey, I need to go back and let them see how well things are now! They would be proud, they are great! I am so grateful to my new doctor for helping me learn about nutrition and about how we were meant to eat and how when you eat the foods you are meant to eat your body rewards you with the body you are meant to have, one that's healthy and trim! Good Luck to everyone on this journey!

I’m post op. Surgery was April 26. Gastric bypass. Generally I’ll have a yogurt for breakfast(doc said Greek yogurt was good and it’s 15g of protein) then a protein shake for lunch and dinner. I don’t feel hungry but when I get, I also don’t feel full and that scares me for the future phases of diet.

I put Truvia in my tea and tolerate it just fine. I think it’s a matter of finding what will work for you. Artificial sweeteners didn’t bother me at all pre op but now some things with them I can’t eat because of them. Yogurt is one. Triple zero makes yogurt with no artificial sweeteners. You really have to read the labels and choose carefully if they bother you. I find some flavors more offensive than others as well. Good luck!