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Im on the same stage. So far I've tried yogurt, scrambled eggs, string cheese, smoothies & incorporated the protein drinks in. I also tried a cambells soup that I blended up. Each day I try to explore something new. Good luck! Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm not sure exactly what you can have just yet.... but these are some things i had at that stage. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, soft scrambled eggs, ricotta cheese, soft flaky fish, refried beans, chicken salad. You should also be able to have mashed potatoes, cream of wheat. Good luck.

So far I've been loving string cheese & yogurt! But I need to explore some new things. Ive never been a fan of cottage cheese. But I think I might give it a shot. Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ugh! I’m struggling too!! Most of the yummy purée foods don’t have enough protein and I get so full if I eat them i don’t meet my protein goals!!! So I’m living in cottage cheese, yogurt and hummus. I made regrets beans the other night and that helped. I get wonton soup and just drink the broth for some hot tasty smooth flavors. I microwaved ricotta cheese with a little mozzarella and spaghetti sauce. That was ok. But yeah, I’m with you- full liquids were easier for me than this! I’d almost rather not eat. Countdown 1.5 weeks to soft food! We can do this!!

Don't you just love cocoa nibs? We really like the Scharffenberger (sp?) brand. Will have to try that with the yogurt! Ha! In fact, running to try it now for a late lunch/snack! **Back with a Report: Ok, I started with just the yogurt/cottage cheese mixture I use (to lower the carbs from straight yogurt and to increase the protein). And it was good, but I only have the unsweetened nibs. But then I added PB Slim powder and it overwhelmed the nibs...then I went nuts and added slivered almonds, frozen blueberries and fiber one. YUM! Super delicious "granola" topping filled with good fiber and proteins. GREAAAATTTTT crunch with the nibs! Makes a little over a cup--like 1 1/8 cup (1-2 servings) 1/2c Greek yogurt, plain 85g 2% cottage cheese 1 floz Fairlife Fat Free milk 4g PB Slim powder 7g slivered almonds 5g Fiber One Bran Threads 7g Scharffenberger Cacao Nibs, unsweetened Nutrition: 236 cals; 22g protein; 9g fat; 18g carbs; 6g fiber; 12g net carbs; 9g natural sugars

I found my new breakfast. It's Chobani plain Greek yogurt with three teaspoons of coconut-sweetened cacao nibs. It's like eating chocolate chip yogurt, and it's only 155 calories and 12 carbs (with 5 grams of that being fiber). It's been a nice change from shake, shake, shake every day.

Hi folks, I was sleeved 11/22/16. Pre-op SW was 347lbs and CW is 197lbs. Lost 70lbs pre-op. My sleeve has been incredibly successful thus far, mostly without incorporating exercising into my routine. That is something I have only really started in the last two months. I'm really struggling. I'm not 100% sure I know why. Maybe lack of support by others in the same boat? My surgeon offers a support group meeting, but they only meet on Mondays once a month and since last August I have had classes every Monday night save for two weeks during the holidays, but those days did not fall on support group meeting dates. I will continue to have Monday night classes until end of April at the earliest. Due to a number of factors (being in classes 1hr away from where I live every weeknight, working whenever I'm not in class, and generally being somewhat more introverted) I don't have too many local friends (most live 40 minutes or more away) and I have zero friends that are in the process of losing weight or generally getting fitter. My boyfriend is very supportive and encouraging, but he is much fitter than I am and currently working out with him is intimidating. I'd rather work out by myself at home or with a friend in a similar boat. Additionally, both my boyfriend and I decided to recommit ourselves to our health/weight/fitness goals after the new year, but he hasn't kept up with working out that much which makes me somewhat less inclined to workout myself. We both have incredibly busy schedules and are up at 6am already and not done with work/responsibilities for the day until 8pm at the earliest and 10:30pm at the latest. We are truly exhausted physically and both our jobs/my schooling requires a lot of emotional and mental labor so we often don't feel we have much left for ourselves at the end of the day. For Christmas I asked for and received an unlimited monthly pass to a yoga studio in town. I have loved yoga for years and was doing easily an hour of yoga at home by myself after the holidays, but then I began my pass. I attended once and that has been it so far. The studio's schedule seems to be set up for people who don't have to work and I have mild to medium-level anxiety about working out in front of people. Once I had the pass I felt like if I was going to do yoga, I had to do it at the studio so I stopped working out at home. Then I got it in my head that I needed to work on my cardio because my heart really needs strengthening. I debated getting a Planet Fitness membership for a few days and eventually just went for it. That was a week ago. I've been once and worked out for 20 minutes. I don't like going at their busy times and with my schedule that leaves 5am-6am (waking up at 4:30am to to get there) OR after 7 hours of work, two hours total commuting, and 6-7.5 hours of classes. That would put me at the gym at 9:30pm and not home until 11pm. I know mostly everyone is crazy busy and exhausted and they still find the time and motivation to work out, but I'm struggling to find it. It comes in spurts. Where I live is a great place to go running in the morning or at night when there aren't that many cars around to see me, but I've only managed to get myself to do that once in the last two weeks. I'm also having a somewhat difficult time with food. Before my surgery and all through the diet that was managed by my nutritionist I did spectacularly. Ate according to my diet exactly and never strayed -- never even really felt too much in the way of cravings. I lived on protein shakes, yogurt, tuna fish, soup, and salad for almost two years (pre and post). Once I was able to eat "real" food again, I got away from two protein shakes a day and stopped eating yogurt -- had only one shake a day and ate regular food except carbs and too many veggies. Focused mostly on the one shake and protein sources. Since the holidays I've gone back to two shakes a day and occasionally eating yogurt. My diet now consists of protein shakes, turkey roll-ups, carrots and hummus, chicken breast, salad, cheese sticks, and more "real" food for dinners. Last night I did turkey taco bowls with lettuce, a table spoon and a half of rice, black beans, red bell peppers, salsa, and a small swirl of non-fat greek yogurt. Filled a small bowl but didn't finish it all. My carb cravings are off the charts, though. Baked goods and chocolate are almost all I think about. I have not been as strict about resisting these cravings as I should be. In the past (years ago) I struggled with depression. I was on numerous medications for years trying to find something that worked, but never did. Eventually the depression let up and I was okay -- better than okay, even. I've considered that perhaps I'm having a small bout of depression but I have no interest in going back on medications after 6+ years of feeling like I was living in a fog and dealing with all the side effects which were HORRIBLE. I felt like my brain wasn't my own. Since that time period my memory has suffered and that scares the crap out of me. I don't want to tempt fate again. If it gets worse, I would certainly consider it much more seriously, but at this point I'm not even sure it's depression. Everyone naturally has small slumps and I'm hoping that is what this is. I'm just not sure what to do. I think that setting weekly goals for myself is a great idea and would give me the direction I need, but I don't really have a method of accountability to make myself follow through. My boyfriend says he would like to be that for me, but the truth is that he just doesn't really have the time. He hardly has the time to be accountable to himself for his own health goals. (Plus, it isn't his responsibility, ya know? It's a lovely and thoughtful and generous offer, but ultimately it's on me.) I meal plan for him and cook his lunches so he can eat healthy and do somewhat of the same thing for myself, but I find it a lot easier to do for him since he eats regular-people-style. I struggle to find foods that are easy and lightweight to transport that are tasty, not carb-loaded, and often do not require warming. All of my food essentially is on the go. Likely I SHOULD go back to multiple protein shakes a day, yogurt, and keep it super simple. I should. I know. I'm having a hard time letting go of the variety of savory flavors that "real" food offers, though. Most protein sources that would meet my needs are of the sweet variety. Shakes, yogurts, bars. But also I really missed the texture of food I had to chew. Even as I write this I'm getting frustrated with myself. I don't use my phone/instagram/snapchat/forums of any kind with any kind of regularity anymore, so while having a weight loss instagram/whatever was helpful in the past, I don't really have time to take pictures of everything and write posts, etc. I can't guarantee that I'll have time everyday to check into an accountability post on the BP forums. Unless something is coming to me via text, there's almost no chance I'll get to it. I have no idea what I need or even what I'm asking. Or if I'm asking anything at all. I just needed a place to vent, I suppose? How do you all keep yourselves accountable if you don't have too much in the way of in-person support and don't have too much time to spend here on the forums? Perhaps later this year when I have more time to spend here, it won't feel so difficult and I won't feel quite like I'm doing this alone so much, but for now I just don't have the time. Especially not if I'm going to somehow create time for myself to workout. For those of you who have tightly packed schedules and are making the time for yourselves early in the morning or late at night or whenever to get to the gym, how do you find the energy to get through your whole day without a nap or without a constant stream of caffeine? I feel zapped of energy all the time and all my vitamins are in good working order (thought it might be iron deficiency but no). Is there anyone else here looking for a texting buddy for support? To talk about meal planning/recipes/keeping each other accountable with working out, etc.? I'm 30, studying to be a mortician, rarely at home except on the weekends when I'm studying non-stop. Please feel free to send me a message here if you're in a similar boat. Any thoughts/advice is welcome. I'm feeling pretty lost and frustrated at this point. Thanks in advance for your comments and I appreciate whomever read this entire novella. -A

I’ve had terrible diarrhea since Sunday night or so (had to get up several times in the night). Today I packed Greek yogurt, applesauce, and the mixings for a protein shake. Had dry toast for breakfast. Any other recommendations? Normally I’d do the BRAT diet but the R is out till tomorrow.

Hey there gang. I’m at the point where I am finalizing my plans for my ESG procedure set for February 6. I’m experiencing a wave of different emotions from excitement to fear to shame. I hope this is normal. How did you guys feel one week preop? My meds are the following: 1) generic Emend for nausea called aprepitant 125 mg. and 80 mg. 2) generic for librax (not sure for what—will ask at my final consult on Thursday, Feb. 1) 3) generic for protonix (I think for pain or discomfort and stomach cramping) and 4) omneprazole sodium bicarbonate 40 mg. which is for acid reflux (I was sent a three months supply— I’m hoping this is just an extra precaution) Do any of these sound familiar? Did any of you need them for an extended amount of time like more than 2 weeks to a month? For my clear liquids stage (day before procedure and three days after): I’ve bought some clear protein water, not a ridiculous amount but 24 bottles (20g of protein each), I’ve purchased a 12 count box of chicken bone broth and 12 count of beef bone broth (each has 10g protein), I just need to purchase sugar free jello and sugar free ice pops tomorrow. Anything I’m missing? For my liquids stage (Day 4- 2 weeks after): I have purchased muscle milk protein shakes ready made 24 bottles total with 32 G protein, I have protein shake powder, I purchased from my doc’s office, to blend and make with 20g protein per scoop so a shake would have 40g each. I just need protein powder, any recommendations? I also have Greek yogurt for later in the 2 weeks. Please let me know about any last minute items I’m forgetting that you all found to be very useful. Nervous, anxious, and scared right now.

So my surgery was on 1.8.18, and since I have had zero appetite. I will eat somethings ( still on phase 2 full liquids and soft foods) but most of my options are sweet ( yogurt, oatmeal,pudding, jello, premier protein) with the 2 exceptions of grits and mashed potatoes. I just rather not eat and drink water then to suffer through more sweet crap. Also has anyone else noticed a stall in weightloss after 3 weeks or even a lb or 2 weight gain? My husband says I'm stressing over nothing but idk. Sent from my SM-G930P using BariatricPal mobile app

I was given the same detailed instructions but mine were very different than what I've read/seen online. I was only on clear liquids for a few days after surgery. I could have certain liquidy solids (like pudding, yogurt, cream of wheat, cream soups) a week after that, and then puréed a week after that, and right now I'm eating stuff like chicken, sausage, etc. without a problem. There's not a standard plan. I think it varies depending on your surgeon, and your progress, and your personal set of medical complications/pre-existing conditions. That's my inclination, anyway. But there's one thing that's exactly the same everywhere I've seen-- there's no going back! This is a lifestyle change. No exceptions. It does seem like some people miss the memo on that, so I see what you mean, Creekimp13.

You're welcome. My answers to those questions are thus: 1. How long did you go before having your first drink? 8 days. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? None so far, but it hasn't been long for me. 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? Not applicable to me because I am still in the losing phase. I do feel that I would lose faster if I went absolutely dry but I will not be doing that. 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? I am drinking less than I was before surgery. I do not think this will be a problem for me, but again I am not that far out yet. Furthermore regarding food, I am having a similar experience, I am able to eat only about 1-2 oz (by weight) of food at meal times. So, that is hardly anything (like 3-4 bites). So intake for me is typically 2 protein shakes, yogurt and for dinner 1-2 oz of food, and water of course.

I went through a similar path. Make sure you stay on the liquids. The constipation stage was horrible for me. Brought out roids and I won't even get into that. I ended up taking daily probiotics and adding them to yogurt or pudding, and every other day had probiotics that had added fiber. I think the brand was Culturelle? I stole some from the supply for my kid - but the adult version is just taking 2 of the kid doses. I started with kid doses (one packet of powder). Just make sure you get those liquids for sure. I have heard the biggest contributor to readmissions and complications ends up being dehydration. Back in the day I would just chug a bottle or two of water and catch up, gone are those days!

1. Did your team discuss your post surgical diet with you in detail before your surgery? In detail? No. Two appointments with dietician. First was about six weeks prior and we talked about small changes I could make immediately to ease into things (slowly wean myself off Diet Pepsi, less fast food, etc). Second one was two weeks before and we discussed the basics—no straws, drinking rules, what my long term diet would look like—and I got the big binder. 2. Did your nurses go over your immediate diet with you in your hospital room? No. And I was at a center of excellence too! 3. Were all stages of your diet given to you in written form? Did you understand when to start each stage? Yes. All in my binder, but I had to seek it out and read and ask questions if i needed to. I’m a researcher so I already knew most of t and was the type to read the binder. I imagine many aren’t, there was a lot in there and quite overwhelming 4. Did anyone ever tell you not to eat or drink more than a certain number of ounces per hour? No. That does not have a role in my surgeons plan. He doesn’t set limits that way. 5. Did anyone ever tell you what could happen to you if you ate foods that you weren't approved for yet? No. 6. Were you allowed to order a meal in the hospital, and if so, what did it consist of? Order one? No, but they brought me meals of Protein Shakes, Clear Liquids, coffee (yup), yogurt, Jello, juice, fruit icees... didn’t eat ANY of it. All I got down in the hospital was a few ounces of water. Yes, a few ounces over two days. They sent me home and I immediately got dehydrated. Came back from it on my own, but it was pretty bad. 7. Did you have a clear understanding that the surgery was permanent? Yes.

Hi @loveflowers Man, you weight is coming off fast! It is so great you can get the protein shakes in. Have you tried protein soups? Hot and savoury, which makes a great change from the often-sweet shakes. And yogurt is good too - some of my earliest variety was adding flavour to plain yogurt - sweet chilli, chipotle... Your surgical team will have good advice - it does come right, but sometimes takes a little time. And the diarrhoea-then-constipation is very very common! Again, it usually comes right... Nice to see you here - the support makes all the difference...

I’m 3.5 weeks post op and I’m having nausea with anything but protein shakes or Fage yogurt. Weeks two up to three it was diarrhea. Now constipated and needing to take Zofran to curb nausea at least once a day. My nutritionist said I still need to try new foods and eat very very slowly. Anyone have advice?

pretty much lived on greek/ icelandic yogurt...

Hue everyone! I was sleeved 1/9/18. So it’s been almost 3 weeks. Things have been great until now- I just want some feedback on what other people think about the below based on their experiences * my energy was good until 2 days ago. I’m thinking the lack of food and calories is finally taking its toll. I’m struggling to get all of my protein in lately because I’m all of a sudden adverse to protein shakes. They make me gag so I’m relying on cottage cheese to get my protein in. Any suggestions? I’m struggling waking up, I need naps and I go to bed at 8...pretty lazy in between and this is SO unlike me. * I’m in the purée phase- have 2 more weeks left and the only thing I can stomach is cottage cheese, yogurt, hummus and clear liquids. Any ideas for good food recipes puréed? * my weight loss has stalled this past week. Once again I think it has to do with lack of calories- so little to burn so the above thoughts may solve this. * Lasty, i can eat a whole 4 oz of purée at a sitting without issue. Could you guys eat this much? (The reason I’m struggling with the amount of protein is because after I eat this I am not hungry and forgot/don’t want to eat for hours). I would just love to hear how things went for you guys on this. Maybe this will all go away once I can eat soft food??? Thanks! Ash

Okay, I had been down to 280, goal of 220. Due to some very depressing life situations as well as a stint in jail and then a move and.....basically, I was failing hard. I haven't even done the blood work in nearly a decade, and I was eating so unhealthy and not taking vitamins, I know I was doomed to fall apart. However, this past Wednesday (Jan 24, 2018) I bought a scale (rated to go up to 440), afraid I had gone back up to my 445 pounds after ten years and doing stupid stuff and stretching my stomach. I bought vitamins (yes bariatric vitamins). I even started going back to as purely a protein diet as possible (Yogurt, eggs, chicken, and loads of sugar free popsicles and a salad. Oh, sometimes I'll do a coffee from starbucks. First night (I know you shouldn't weigh at night) my weight was 393.2 lbs. Next morning, 384. I wasn't too concerned. I was naked on the scale in the morning and had just gone to the bathroom. Next morning, 381.4. Then 381. Today, 376.6 That's 7.5 pounds in three days. (not counting the First night to morning which had differences in clothing and at different times so not concerned about that.) That's 2.5 pounds a day on average. That's still safe right?

Second the soups. Lentil soup is great puréed. Chicken salad is ok, tuna salad is terrible. Yogurt was a goto for me

Cottage cheese with sweet chilli, or with chipotle. Bariatricpal soups - the variety pack is fantastic. Yogurt smoothies - the Internet is full of fantastic flavour options. Mostly for me, variety really mattered to keep me on track... Best of luck.

I wasn’t given an amount to lose but to just lose.. but I wanted to lose for myself. I’m not a breakfast person but for many years just have a cup of almond milk with my protein powder (it’s non dairy as I’m allergic to dairy) for lunch I take to work 1 daiya non dairy Greek yogurt and a side salad from jack in the box ( $2.50 where I live ~Hawaii) it comes with a dressing and I get the balsamic ) I would take raw almonds and have a handful for a snack at work. Dinner would be steamed veggies and some type of protein,,, if I wanted a snack after dinner then I’d have either another protein drink or yogurt... I have always drank a lot of water but I use the crystal light type powders and also hot herbal teas at work.. I live alone so don’t have that issue there but at work we do have people bringing sweets for us but I look and think to myself that it’s not worth it... now I’m never tempted at work.. good luck and know you can do this!!

Scrambled eggs, refried beans..lots of greek yogurt, thick creamy soups..

Hi. After surgery, you'll eat high-protein, low carb, low sugar; however, your recommended diet initially may be a little different. My nutritionist required 3 oz. protein, 1/2 c. vegetable/fruit, 1/2 c. whole grain/1 slice whole grain bread, wrap, pita, etc.. It was expected that I had 3 meals and 2 snacks (fat free, low sugar-free Greek yogurt like OIKOS; turkey slice and a few baby carrots; peanut butter on celery). She also told me to stay prepared on the road by having protein drinks and non-perishable snacks in a cooler. I like Premier Protein and EAS Lean 15. The requirement for protein drinks for me is 15 g or more protein and 5 or less g sugar. Kudos to you for staying prepared.

I really like the Mayo Clinic diet. Mason jar salads are my go-to for work lunches: https://www.buzzfeed.com/carolynkylstra/mason-jar-salads?utm_term=.ouMPZYqa0d#.buyv0YWnG7 One way hubby and I compromise on junk food...he is only allowed to bring things into the house that I genuinely don't like. LOL. All other junk had to be consumed at work. (Rumor has it, he has ice cream for lunch a lot) I'm not a fan of certain types of cookies and treats he likes...so those are the ones I'll pick up for him....ones I kinda...hate. Apples are wonderful things. With peanut butter, they're even better. If you have a fridge at work, keep cheese sticks, baby bellas, yogurt, single serving cottage cheese. Also keep low sugar oatmeal packets, sugar free pudding, and anything else you can find that's either low glycemic or high protein. Fruit and veggies are good food. Rediscover hard boiled eggs. Switch your bread to low gycemic options...pumpernickel, whole grain, sourdough...and cut your bread in half if you can. Try high protein wraps. Experiment with chia seed pudding, avacado toast, and homemade protein packs with nuts and cheese and dried fruit. Try several different protien shakes and bars....try for low sugar and high protein. See if you can get a metabolic test to get a true idea of your body fat and set a reasonable calorie goal. if you shoot too low, you'll cheat. Don't cheat...start working on a forever diet you can live with:)