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Thanks hon! This helps tremendously! Ok, so I'll share. I feel like I'm a 4-5 week out post op? Maybe even 6 weeks. LOL. Things I'm eating now: eggs (any style, mostly hb, sb, omelets, scrambled) - Qty 1 egg/meal or snack = about 1/4-1/2 cup volume fish (any type: white flake, salmon, canned tuna or salmon) - Qty 1-2 oz/meal or snack = 1/4-1/2 cup volume shrimp (broiled softly) - Qty 1oz/meal or snack = 1/4 cup volume chicken (any gently cooked type: tender pan sauteed, canned, thigh-no skin/bone, ground) - Qty 1-2oz/meal or snack = 1/4-1/2 cup volume turkey (deli meat, ground) - 3 Hillshire Farm Naturals slices; 1-2oz/meal or snack = 1/4-1/2 cup volume beef (homemade chili, canned corned beef hash-ick!) - 1/4-3/8c volume beans (refried black beans, canned) - 1-2oz/meal or snack = 1/8-1/4c volume cheese/dairy (homemade yocheese, 2% cottage cheese, Grk yogurt) = 2-6oz/meal or snack depending on what it is=1/4-3/4c volume; yocheese=1oz=1/8 cup volume veggies (anything cooked to smithereens. so far: cauliflower, smashed cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, y. squash, green beans, chopped spinach-fresh or frozen, canned beans, salsas-mild) = 1/2-1oz/meal or snack = 1/8-1/4 cup volume fats = 1-2tbsp avocado 1 time a day fruits (unsweetened applesauce, canned Splenda peaches-low sugar/low carb, canned pears lite-low sugar/low carb, same with fruit salad)-servings of these are super small! Like a couple of bites only. = 1/2-1oz/meal or snack = 1/8-1/4 cup volume. Condiments and Sauces: Heinz Chicken Gravy Taste of Italy Marinara Guy Hughes Low Carb BBQ Sauce Classico Lite Asiago Alfredo WF Dressings (Italian/Asian/Chipotle Mayo/Ketchup) Dijon/Yellow Mustard Vlassic Dill Relish Notes: I was able to start this adding slowly at 2 week check-up. I expect I will still be here until at least week 6? I'm cool with this. I'm trying right now to only have protein and either a veg OR a fruit--not both at the same time. I do often have 1-2 tbsp of low sugar, low carb, low fat, condiments or sauces to make the proteins go down much easier.

I can feel when I need to stop eating. It's hard to describe, it's a feeling in my chest of.... fullness? or maybe a tight feeling might be the best way to describe the feeling. I'm trying hard to figure out when to stop before the feeling happens, but this is all so new. And yes, I agree! In the morning, I have liquid protein (premier drink) and an hour later a small amount of soft protein (1/2 egg?) but then I cannot even think about eating or drinking anything other than water until around 1ish. But in the later afternoon I can have a snack (1/4 c egg salad- greek yogurt no mayo) then I am able to have a dinner of 3 oz soft protein. I do weigh food but I'm trying to weigh and measure so I can figure out the appropriate amount when scenarios like the chili incident occurs I can figure it out? I'm a rule follower too and very cautious of messing things up but at this point I'm not too worried about stretching anything out- just trying to meet all requirements and eat enough to keep my metabolism from shutting down which my dr warned me about. This learning curve is exhausting.

It is no secret that protein is important after bariatric surgery. But for many of my clients, eating enough protein after surgery is challenging due to their smaller pouch size and less interest in food. Even though you have the right intention you may be discouraged if you cannot meet the protein goals that your surgeon set for you. Here are 10 simple ways to boost your protein intake. Chew your food thoroughly Digestion begins in the mouth. Your saliva contains important enzymes that begin to break down food in your mouth, so it will be less work on your stomach. Ideally, you want to chew your food until it reaches applesauce-like consistency. Chewing more thoroughly also helps you to slow down. For many of us, it is a habit to take a bite, chew a couple of times and then swallow it down with a chug of water. But after bariatric surgery, you can no longer do that so it is even more important to chew your food. Use a baby spoon While it is important to chew your food thoroughly it also helps to take small bites of your food. Using a baby spoon or chopsticks may slow you down and regulate your bite sizes. If you are having a difficult time tolerating chicken, try smaller bites before giving up. When you eat smaller bites, less food will reach your stomach all at once and it may prevent nausea. Eat every 2-3 hours Since you can no longer tolerate large portions at a time, it is important to eat small amounts of food every two to three hours. This will give you more opportunities to eat enough protein. You can have protein drinks or eat a high protein snack like string cheese. Eat protein at every meal By building your meals around protein you will be more likely to hit your daily protein goals. Every meal or snack is an opportunity to help meet your daily protein goals. Pack high protein snacks Having high protein snacks on hand is key to meeting your daily protein goals. Examples include cottage cheese, string cheese, tuna, hard boiled egg, and sliced deli meat. These are portable snack items that you can store in the fridge at work or in a thermal lunch container. For more ideas on what foods to eat after bariatric surgery, please be sure to check out my Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Experiment with different types of protein Everyone has different tolerances after bariatric surgery. I have met some people who never had any issues with food, while others need to avoid certain foods for a period of time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of protein. After surgery your taste preferences may change, so be willing to try foods that you previously didn’t like. If you cannot tolerate chicken then try yogurt. If you don’t like yogurt then try white fish. For other ideas on different protein sources to try download my free guide, Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Eat protein first The cardinal rule after surgery is to eat your protein first. This may seem counterintuitive because you may have been programmed to eat your vegetables first. But after surgery, your pouch size is so small that you need to make sure to fill it with protein first because you may fill up quickly. Yes, vegetables are important too. but you will be able to eat more of them as your pouch size expands. In the meantime, please make sure to take your multivitamins. Add PB2 to protein drinks PB2 is a peanut butter powder, but it is lower in fat and calories than your traditional peanut butter. Although peanut butter can be a healthy source of fat, it’s usually not recommended right after bariatric surgery due to its high calorie and fat content. PB2 can be a flavorful addition to your protein drinks, smoothie or yogurt and be a sneaky way to get more protein. Use protein drinks Including protein drinks in your diet is essential to meeting your protein needs in the first few months after surgery. Even if you ate protein at each meal you would likely not be able to meet your protein goals because of your new pouch size. Most surgery centers recommend using a protein drink during the first 6 months after surgery. As your pouch size expands you will be able to get most of your protein from food and reduce your protein drink intake. Experiment with different protein drinks to identify which one you tolerate best. Although whey isolate is usually recommended if you cannot tolerate it then try a different one such as egg white protein. Use Quinoa as your grain If you have started to include grains in your diet then quinoa can be a good choice after surgery. It is higher in protein than other grains and high in fiber. You can have a small amount with a stir-fry or add to soups. Please join my Facebook group if you would like to receive Dietitian-Approved Bariatric Recipes on your weight loss surgery journey.

Chew your food thoroughly Digestion begins in the mouth. Your saliva contains important enzymes that begin to break down food in your mouth, so it will be less work on your stomach. Ideally, you want to chew your food until it reaches applesauce-like consistency. Chewing more thoroughly also helps you to slow down. For many of us, it is a habit to take a bite, chew a couple of times and then swallow it down with a chug of water. But after bariatric surgery, you can no longer do that so it is even more important to chew your food. Use a baby spoon While it is important to chew your food thoroughly it also helps to take small bites of your food. Using a baby spoon or chopsticks may slow you down and regulate your bite sizes. If you are having a difficult time tolerating chicken, try smaller bites before giving up. When you eat smaller bites, less food will reach your stomach all at once and it may prevent nausea. Eat every 2-3 hours Since you can no longer tolerate large portions at a time, it is important to eat small amounts of food every two to three hours. This will give you more opportunities to eat enough protein. You can have protein drinks or eat a high protein snack like string cheese. Eat protein at every meal By building your meals around protein you will be more likely to hit your daily protein goals. Every meal or snack is an opportunity to help meet your daily protein goals. Pack high protein snacks Having high protein snacks on hand is key to meeting your daily protein goals. Examples include cottage cheese, string cheese, tuna, hard boiled egg, and sliced deli meat. These are portable snack items that you can store in the fridge at work or in a thermal lunch container. For more ideas on what foods to eat after bariatric surgery, please be sure to check out my Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Experiment with different types of protein Everyone has different tolerances after bariatric surgery. I have met some people who never had any issues with food, while others need to avoid certain foods for a period of time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of protein. After surgery your taste preferences may change, so be willing to try foods that you previously didn’t like. If you cannot tolerate chicken then try yogurt. If you don’t like yogurt then try white fish. For other ideas on different protein sources to try download my free guide, Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Eat protein first The cardinal rule after surgery is to eat your protein first. This may seem counterintuitive because you may have been programmed to eat your vegetables first. But after surgery, your pouch size is so small that you need to make sure to fill it with protein first because you may fill up quickly. Yes, vegetables are important too. but you will be able to eat more of them as your pouch size expands. In the meantime, please make sure to take your multivitamins. Add PB2 to protein drinks PB2 is a peanut butter powder, but it is lower in fat and calories than your traditional peanut butter. Although peanut butter can be a healthy source of fat, it’s usually not recommended right after bariatric surgery due to its high calorie and fat content. PB2 can be a flavorful addition to your protein drinks, smoothie or yogurt and be a sneaky way to get more protein. Use protein drinks Including protein drinks in your diet is essential to meeting your protein needs in the first few months after surgery. Even if you ate protein at each meal you would likely not be able to meet your protein goals because of your new pouch size. Most surgery centers recommend using a protein drink during the first 6 months after surgery. As your pouch size expands you will be able to get most of your protein from food and reduce your protein drink intake. Experiment with different protein drinks to identify which one you tolerate best. Although whey isolate is usually recommended if you cannot tolerate it then try a different one such as egg white protein. Use Quinoa as your grain If you have started to include grains in your diet then quinoa can be a good choice after surgery. It is higher in protein than other grains and high in fiber. You can have a small amount with a stir-fry or add to soups. Please join my Facebook group if you would like to receive Dietitian-Approved Bariatric Recipes on your weight loss surgery journey.

ME TOO!!!!!!!!! AMEN SISTER! ME TOO!!!!!! Here is my experience with volume (we had different procedures but close to same surgery date); some days I can eat close to 1/2 cup, other days I can barely eat a 6 oz light yogurt. It's weird and a little scary to me as well, but it is what it is, and I'm soooo thankful that I have felt great and have not had any of the uncomfortable side effects that others have suffered. Also, the very few extra calories give me the added energy to move well! I'm noticing my clothes are fitting properly vs being tight, so I figure I'm doing something right. Staying away from the scale bc of the 3 week stall. On a happy note, I had to go to a dinner and literally the only item on the menu that was even a little bit appropriate was chili... I ate about 1/2 of the cup and I was very full but I did not feel cheated or left out. Pre surgery would have been a much different meal for me with feelings of shame and guilt afterward. So... even though it's only been 3 weeks I'm beyond happy with my choice to have this procedure, and I'm keeping a log of these happy victories for when I feel frustrated and upset.

Depends on the type of cereal you are purchasing. Check the food label. (old school instructions) I was not allowed bread rice, potato pasta or processed foods in weight loss mode. Carbs came from veggies. I have a yogurt and top it with granola in the morning. Ridiculous I make my own granola too. lol oats, nuts, seeds, blackstrap molasses.

Day 21 - Week 3 Post Op - 212lbs (-10.4lbs from SW of 222.4lbs) Good morning. So today is one of the milestones: Week 3 Post Op. Just wanted to make a couple of key observations and I will probably post my food log for a tiny bit. It appears that the 3 week "stall" is alive and well perhaps? For the last 2 days, there really has been little scale love. It's been bouncing around between the same half pound--up and down. Yesterday I was up to 212.2lbs and today I'm back down to 212lbs. LOL. I realize that can be simple scale fluctuation. No scale is that accurate--even Tanita. I do have a slight feeling that all the sugar alcohols from my vitamins along with the 60cals/day that they provide is crazy making. And they may also contribute to the scale stuff. But I'm just gonna document and wait it out. It's not as if I have much option. LOL. I see the surgeon next week, and then see the RD right behind that appt. So I will def ask. The other thing that bothers me is the lack of consensus about volume. I continue to fear that eating too much volume, too early will stretch out my anastamoses. Fact or crap? No idea. But from 5 different references, each gives a different volume amount for 3 weeks. My RD (verbally at 3 weeks): 1/4c working up to 1/2c food + binder with diet--1-2oz protein, 1/4c soft veg or soft fruit, 1/4c starch; 3 meals per day; 2-3 snacks optional--1/4c-1/2c food depending on slider nature--1oz prot + soft fruit **This equals: 1/4-1/2c protein + 1/4c veg + 1/4c starch or fruit = 3/4-1c of food! . My Hospital RD (written diet) still alternates protein supplements with 6oz yogurt with a meal. Meal consists of 1oz protein + 1/4c soft veg on an alternating schedule. **This equals: 1/4 protein + 1/4c veg = 1/2c of food! . My Surgeon (verbally at beginning at 2 weeks) may advance to soft, fork tender foods stage, eating to tolerance 1-2oz protein + a couple bites of veg + a bite or 2 of soft fruits or starch. **So that's about 1/2c of food at 3 meals. (Plus I can have a snack.) . Obesity Coverage Website (thanks @Apple203)-Soft mechanical diet that actually per them begins week 4-5: (click to enlarge it) **This fluctuates between 1/4-1c of food per meal. . Big Ward: The doctor made a comment on I think Episode 7 that said up until about 3 months, you will be eating 1/4c of food at a time. . Dilemma: I don't really feel any restriction at 1/4cup. I can gulp (about 2-4 gulps before feeling a little discomfort and stimulation to slow down liquids). I can easily eat 1 large egg in less than 5 minutes! I do feel about 3 hours of satiety from 1/2-1c of food. But I'm only 3 weeks out!!!! I can eat this meal easily in 20 minutes: 2oz pan sauteed chicken tender=1/2 cup of food! 1oz brown gravy=1/8cup of food 1/4c smashed roasted cauliflower=1/4cup of food 1/2oz green beans=1/8cup of food This totals nearly 1 cup of food by volume!!!! . I can eat this meal easily in 15 minutes: 3oz Greek yogurt 3oz 2% cottage cheese 4g peanut butter slim powder 1/8c applesauce or 30g lite canned peaches . I just don't know if I need to MAKE myself limit to 1oz=1/4c of protein as per the example in Obesity Coverage image. Or do I go ahead and advance THIS SOON to 2oz per meal? I limited food to 1oz protein per meal yesterday and felt hungry all day. My meals only lasted me about an hour or two. Is it too early for me to feel satiety? Or do I have one of those cases where the surgery didn't help my hunger level? Do I have one of those stomachs that can handle eating more? I'm so scared of this! Yes, I'm having the crazies this morning. LOL. I just flat out don't know what to do. And it looks like the 3 weeks stall is here.

I’m 6 days post op and on liquid diet. I’m scheduled to go to doctor today and get the push to the next stage which includes yogurt , sugar free pudding, farina. I’m not hungry but I sure miss texture lol. My doctor allows crystal light but only listed lemonade and iced tea. I wonder if I could have other flavors. It’s on my list to ask today. Last night was first night I slept on my stomach and oh what a great night of sleep it finally was!

ok I am back again. Nothing and I tell you nothing has helped me so far. I have elevated my bed and my pillows, I am taking omeprazole, gaviscon, zantac, ginger teas, milk, yogurt I am so desperate to get help! My acid reflex is not getting any better. I am miserable

Hello everyone! Officially 2 weeks post op today. Really struggling with my fluids but still trying to get more and more in! My main problem is food! The irony... it seems like I have a food aversion to everything. I’ve tried some things that work one day and not another. Still on full liquids/ some mushy. I was just seeing if anyone had some ideas besides applesauce, pudding, and yogurt. I can seem to hold beans pretty well but they’re getting boring. Thanks for any ideas Hw-378 Sw- 363 (2/27/18) CW-338.4

For those of us who can't have real cheese yet, I resurrected a very ancient Weight Watchers solution for a modern problem. LOL. Cheese is high binding and may cause some of us newbs to have constipation or occasional irregularity. My surgeon told me for the next few weeks, that I should not eat it. Ok. So I won't. Cuz I don't want to end up in the ER again. Horrors! Enter 2 playahs! 1. Red Star Large Flake Nutritional Yeast. If you squint real hard and cock your head to the side, this parmesan cheesy/ breadcrumby food looks kinda like old, golden Parmesan cheese--the kind from a green can. And it tastes vaguely cheesy. It's a favorite of vegans the world around. And it's available in the bulk isle and also in a jar in the health food section of most groceries. Also Bob's Red Mill carries it as well--that's on the baking isle with the rest of his stuff. Or online... . 2. Greek Fat Free Yo-Cheese (FCC recipe) Makes a little over 1 cup--about 267g after straining--about 75ml of whey from it). Serving size: 1/8th of recipe = about 34g 1 1/2c Greek fat free yogurt, plain (HEB) 1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed 1/2 tsp minced dehydrated onions (Tones) 1/2 tsp parsley flakes 1/4 tsp kosher salt Variations: 1/2 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp fresh lemon juice fresh herbs to taste Using a coffee filter placed inside a small mesh strainer, add yogurt and place strainer contraption over another small bowel or measuring cup. Cover and place in fridge. Allow yogurt to strain for 12-24 hours. Transfer strained yogurt to a bowl and add remaining flavoring agents. Make any kind of cheese you want! It mimics "boursin" or soft farmer's cheese. Nutritional Information Full Recipe*: 204 cals; 35g protein; 0g fat; 14g carb; 0g fiber; 14g net carbs; 11g nat sugars Nutritional Information 1/8 Recipe*=about 34g: 26 cals; 4g protein; 0g fat; 2g carbs; 0g fiber; 2g net carbs; 1g nat sugars *About the carb/sugar count of this cheese: There is no way to know what the true carb count is once this cheese is drained and the whey discarded. The whey is the element that contains most of the sugars and carbs. So by discarding about 75ml of this drained whey, this cheese is almost certainly lower carb and lower sugar than the original Greek yogurt I used. But to be as close as possible, these nutritional counts are derived only from the original ingredient prior to draining. I use this because it's filled with probiotics, is super duper low fat, flavorful, acts like a soft whipped cheese and won't stop me up or set my trains off schedule on the #2 track. I love it stuffed inside an omelet, mixed with lots of overcooked veggies, and smeared inside slices of deli meats. I also love it (down the road) as a veggie dip flavored with Ranch mix. Enjoy!

Today is my first day posting so forgive me if I don’t get the lexicon right the first time. Surgery Date: March 5, 2018 Starting Weight: 261 Surgery Day Weight: 250 Today’s Weight (Week 1): 241 I had a 90 day program working with a dietician and completing all of the pre-operative testing culminating in a 3 day liquid diet prior to surgery. The first day of the liquid diet was hard, but the excitement of my upcoming surgery made the other two days fairly easy. I arrived at the hospital last Monday morning at 5:45 am and was wheeled into surgery at 7:45 am. I don’t remember much of that first day but I was up and walking that afternoon and evening. I was sore and there was pain but it was managed with Roxycodone every 3-4 hours (as long as my blood pressure didn’t drop too low - overnight, I had to wait 6 hours between doses as my BP had dropped below 100 systolic. Day 2 at the hospital was filled with trying to get my fluids in and trying to get the gas out! The pain I was experiencing was mostly related to my abdomen being bloated with gas as a result of the laparoscopic procedure. I was successful on the former (sip, sip, sip!) but woefully unsuccessful on the latter. (In retrospect, I wish I would have walked more that second day.) I was released by noon on day 3 and recovered the rest of the week at home. Below are just a few things that I’ve learned. Please share some of the things you’ve learned as well wherever you are in your journey and let’s help set expectations and share great ideas! 1. When you begin your protein shakes, your bowels will start moving again! I called my Drs office panicked because I pooped! (A bit scary after not pooping for almost a week!) 2. For me, I was unable to lay on my side until Day 6 comfortably. I used a comfy recliner most nights which prevented me from trying to toss and turn from side to side (I’m a side sleeper) 3. Sugar free popsicles are great! 4. I don’t know if this will last, but my taste for broth has changed. Pre-surgery - and for my whole life - I have loved beef and chicken broth. But now, I can’t stand it. 5. You will get bored on the all liquid diet post op. Look for things you can combine. On my plan, I was allowed coffee. The protein shakes I found to be quite chalky in my mouth. On Day 5 I combined the two, using my flavored protein shake as a “creamer” to my coffee. It was warm and delicious and now the only way I get in my protein shake. 6. Listen to your pouch. The one thing you don’t want to do is pop the pouch. The staples need at least 3 weeks to fully heal so follow your surgeon/dietician’s program exactly. No cheating! Two tips my surgeon gave me - if you hiccup, you’ve overfilled - and if you want to clear your pouch sooner, stand up very straight for a few minutes to help facilitate drainage through the small intestine. 7. You will get tired easily - so push yourself but don’t overdo it. I started out walking throughout my house the first few days, up and down the stairs, went outside on Saturday and walked up and down the driveway, and finally went out to a few stores with my husband yesterday. I did okay at the grocery store until we went to check out. All of a sudden I was super tired. When we went to Home Depot to pick out a barn door, I found a chair to sit in while my husband picked up a few things before meeting me in the door section. I was ok walking back to the car but was tired the rest of the evening. Take it slow. Today starts Week 2 and I get to add applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes and oatmeal. It’s nice to have something warm and chewy in my mouth again. I will continue to post updates and invite all other March surgery dates to join. Thanks, Roxine

I didn't have much trouble with the goals as I get my protein, water and supplements in. I dont know if my protein regimin would help you. But I sip a premier protien drink half in the am and half around dinner, that's 30g. Breakfast is either a oikos triple zero yogurt thinned down a bit with some skim milk so it doesn't sit so heavy, 15g. Or a dannon light and fit yogurt shake,12g. Whichever I don't have for breakfast I have for a snack later. I eat the yogurt slowly with a baby spoon and get up and walk for a few to help with the bloated gasey feeling. Just those three things are 57g, throw in some broth for dinner and I can usually get over 60g. Water is just a constant small sip, but ever since surgery and having only ice chips that day I have a new found love of ice water. I have a 24oz shake cup that goes with me everywhere.

I actually like the Premier shakes. I let them get almost frozen. They taste so much better that way. I've never heard of triple zero yogurt but I'll look into it.

I CAN FINALLY HAVE PUREED FOODS! My NUT emphasized that all foods must be put through a blender or a food processor for two weeks. So when I google search for "pureed" foods I get "mashed with a fork till soft", oh well. I just made a pot of autumn carrot and sweet potato soup following this recipe and replacing the butter with coconut oil: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/autumn-carrot-and-sweet-potato-soup.html I also squeezed a lemon after it was done and added some smoked spanish paprika. AND IT IS TO DIE FOR. I had 4 tablespoons though and got completely full. Did NOT experience this with yogurt or other liquids. Wow.

Maybe the beans were too ridged - try something more smooth like yogurt or cottage cheese For me, it was the same and each day got easier but I started off with small amounts and increased daily trying to get myself acclimated to solids again HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17) GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18) GW#2- 175 CW 190 5’6”

I'm doing great with Protein. I start off each day with a Premier Protein brand premade shake which has 30 grams! I have greek yogurt which has about 12 grams. I have 1- 16oz bottle of Protein2 0 which is a protein infused water that has 15 grams or the Premier Protein Clear which has 20 grams (I was told that the protein water counts toward both fluids and protein so double whammy 😁) The rest of my fluids are plain water. Then I finish the day with another Premier Protein shake (30 grams) or a pudding, soup, etc with unflavored protein powder added (10-20 grams) So, protein intake can range from 67-92 grams. I am a 4' 11" female.

Any chance its lactose intolerance ? Yogurt, pudding, protein powder/shakes all lactose intolerance nightmares And the bloating/cramping are telltale symptoms Not to mention lactose intolerance is common after WLS

Yasso frozen greek yogurt pops. The fudge one is amazing. 80 calories, 6g of protein! So not even really that horrible for you. https://yasso.com/products/bars/chocolate-fudge/

All minutia aside....you had... An egg, 1/4 cup of beans, and little bit of yogurt. Looks fine to me:)

18 Days Post-Op - 212.8lbs (9.6lb loss from SDW) Ok, was gonna wait until 3 weeks to make my next post but yeah, the post op crazies (insecurities) are rearing their ugly head and callin' me "FREAK" in ginormous all caps YELLING! Pooping continues to be filled with angst. I'm taking 17g of Miralax, 2 colace, 2 tsps of mag citrate daily, while blasting with 60ml of MOM every 3rd day. F me! WTF??????? So today is MOM day again. *le sigh* So last night, I shocked and surprised myself by eating the biggest meal in my post surg history. Holy Fu*k! At 3 weeks my capacity per my RD sheets is supposed to be 1/4-1/2c and that should be closer to 1/4c. It's 1-2oz by weight for protein, up to 1/4c soft cooked veg or very soft canned fruit or applesauce, and whatever room is leftover a bite or two of starch. So last night I made a bean and cheese omelet. I'm still off cheese, so I made yo-cheese from Greek yogurt and spiced it up and added a shake of "nooge" = nutritional yeast that sorta tastes like parmesan if you squint and cock your head a little bit. In my former life, I grew up eating bean, egg and cheese breakfast tacos! I ATE the whole thing. Let me repeat! I ATE THE WHOLE THING! Am I yelling? Cuz I think I am! Here's the exact dinner: Dinner Last Night - Black Bean and Egg Omelet 1 large brown egg, beaten 1 fl oz Fairlife FF Milk, beaten into egg 3 seconds EVOO spray 1/4 c FF Refried Black Beans with granulated garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander 20g Greek yogurt 1/2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast Nutritionals: 168 calories; 14g protein; 8g fat; 13g carbs; 5g fiber; 8g net carbs; 2g natural occurring sugars I believe the ONLY way I'm going to get my bowel function back is by getting my food fiber back up and by moving a lot and staying well-hydrated (and healing more--let's not forget that). But how in God's name could I have comfortably eaten this entire meal when most people at my stage can't finish a single egg? Am I fu*king up my new gift by eating this quantity???

Surgery is March 12 and what I’m most scared about is getting enough water afterward. Also, my surgeon has me going straight to stage 2 purred food. My questions: 1) Does protein water count toward your water goal? What about protein shakes? 2) I’ve read that it will initially take 10 min to drink an ounce. How long before you can just take normal sips? 3) Does yogurt, hummus, soup etc count as “food” i.e. will I have to wait 30 minutes after these foods to drink water? Thanks!

All doctors are different but mine allowed super free pudding, yogurt, and soups like tomato, any kind of cream soups ensuring they were strained or puréed for lump. One of my favorites was cream of potato with a sprinkle of cheese and real bacon bits puréed in a blender.

Day 10 post op, and my incision FINALLY stopped hurting! I couldn't be happier. Yesterday I went to a family gathering and I brought my broth and yogurt with me and surprisingly it went okay. I thought I had mad cravings big time because I kept looking at recipes and my insane cookbook collection and dying for a bite... but when the food was there in front of me I didn't really want it (not that I could have it). I sat with them for tea and talked and didn't miss out at all. One interesting thing though, I was definitely a dessert person pre-op.. I mean, I was a recipe developer and baker (I baked 3 layer gourmet cakes every weekend lol), but now I don't even have the slightest craving for something sweet :/ The only thing junky I craved was... chips LOL mom is a tiny person who loves chips to this day, and that's the only thing I really craved. I don't know if it'll last or not but I can't tolerate anything sweet anymore. I used to use a tiny bit of stevia in my tea and now even that tiny bit is too sweet. Oh, I'm down 18 pounds since surgery!

Thanks again Tex. I think that you are right. My calories may be over 1000 for the day but I’m not sure if it’s because of the smoothie. I have been logging my food on the lose it app and it looks like my snacks are doing me in!😣😖 I was meticulous for two days in logging in all my food and snacks were taking up 300-400 calories 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I kept thinking, these are healthy snacks like nonfat Greek yogurt and sugar free popsicles and fudgsicles but too many of them add up. Yikes!! Plus I was drinking 2-3 protein waters a day. I may be getting more than enough protein but the calories were too much. I have also paid more attention to drinking water. That is the only thing I’ll drink from now on. No more crystal lite either. Your weight loss numbers are great Tex and I agree that as long as I continue to lose even if incremental I’ll get there. This is only my first month— I lost 12 pounds and you’ve lost 16 not much of a difference. Thanks for making me feel better yet again. I’m going to look at my weight lose by the month and possibly it will put things in perspective. Hope to post better news next time.