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There is some fear mongering to an extent, and it's justified. It's easy to get a lot of empty calories from liquids. Slider foods (things like mashed potatoes or ice cream) you'll find you could still eat quite a decent amount of only a few months after surgery. The risk/concern is that because it's easy to have more of those foods people will transfer a food addiction to those. For instance my NUT told stories of somebody that nibbled on pizza all day long. They couldn't eat more than a piece in a single sitting, but the constant grazing led to weight gain. Same with somebody snaking on the mini Snickers all day long. Yogurts are a staple in my diet. No, they don't fill you up but it's a healthy snack and easy way to get protein in. I don't like offices that make this giant banned list of foods. You can eat nearly anything a few months after surgery. It's just a dangerous path to go down for a lot of folks. Some things are gone and have stayed gone (foods that I struggled with). Other things I allow myself to have maybe once a month and I'm fine with that. Pasta used to be dinner at least 2 nights a week. Now I have a little bit maybe once a month and that's all I care about having. I don't have cravings for it like I used to. If I never had it again I really don't care, and I was a massive pasta lover prior to surgery. I get why they do it but I think there are better approaches to take. The straw thing is mainly in the beginning to avoid the risk of drinking too much too quickly. I use straws now but have to remember that I can't pound a drink down like before.

Thanks for the support. I eat healthy. I eat Greek yogurt no fat kind, protein shakes and chicken. I don't have control over portions as the sleeve really limits the amount. Its just that the weight isn't coming off so, I think I am doing something wrong. Then when I do eat it isn't a pleasant experience. I used to enjoy food. No more. Now it is only something I have to do and I don't really now how to feel about that. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I started out at 355 with the program (end of July), was 320 on my surgery date (mid December), 312 at my 2 week post op, 306 at my 1 month post op and I'm 304 today (about 6 weeks out). I'm 50 lbs lost (total), which is great, but I'm really struggling now. I'm on soft foods so I can eat tender meats, which is great (finally!) but I'm making bad choices (no bread or rice but a few pretzels here and there, as well as potatoes very occasionally and fruit greek yogurt with sugar sometimes). My calories are under 1000 per day but I'm struggling to drink enough and get in enough protein. I'm one of the unfortunate that never lost my sense of hunger - pangs, growling, the works. The PA said to eat smaller meals more frequently but it's not helping unless I'm eating. I don't drink before eating nor after for 30 mins but as soon as I start drinking water, the pangs come back. Also, I can eat more than I feel I should be able to at this point - like 6-8 oz at a time. I hate feeling the hunger - I never felt this when I was pre-op and I was losing much faster than this while consuming around 1500-1700 calories/day. It's nearly constant and the gnawing is hard to ignore. It just makes me think about food too much! At work, I bring a portioned breakfast and lunch (meat and/or eggs) but after I've eaten what I've brought to work, 2 hrs or so before I leave, I get famished. A few times I've had 2-3 larger pretzels (costco tub they keep at work) because I know they'll sit there for a bit and I can focus on work. And yes, I know it's just straight worthless carbs. I don't even like salty snacks but it really helps stop the gnawing. For a bit, at least. I wish I had the loss of appetite like many have so I could just focus on scheduling my meals, eating for fuel, etc. But that's not how my body is handling this surgery. At least I haven't had any nausea and haven't thrown up, so that's a good thing.

I have to say I feel very discouraged. I’m not sure why but I went into this fully optimistic and learning about the pre op diet and the things you can and cannot have after the procedure makes me very nervous. For example: I love blending spinach water ect, but I can’t because they say no liquid calories. Not even yogurt:(. I just feel this heavy weight in my chest. I don’t eat a lot of meat in general and I asked the nutritionist after if there were some vegetarian options and she said “yes, it’s just going to be much harder” . I can eat chicken, and turkey but I have never really cooked it cause it kinda grosses me out handling raw meat ( I’m weird I know. . I know all this will be worth it. Another thing is the straw thing you can’t drink from a straw... like I know that it is silly but it’s almost like they are taking away everything from you. I know I need this but I am so overwhelmed.

The pureed stage was kind of annoying! 1/4 cup-3 ounces is right about where I was, depending on the food. Some days I could do a little more, some less. I ate a LOT of packets of tuna fish!! Not exactly pureed, but I chewed it forever. I had lots of Greek yogurt (most of the time I couldn't finish the 5 oz. container).

At 12 days out my plan allowed me to have low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, low sugar oatmeal, low fat string cheese or Babybel cheese, tuna salad, and chili. Surely one of these foods will satisfy your food craving.

To be honest this is the wake-up call you probably need. The surgery is just a tool. You're seeing already how easy it can be to still get a lot of calories in without a lot of food. The cravings and head hunger aren't things that just go away with surgery. We're always going to have those battles. Things like nuts aren't bad for you (maybe not so much now because it's not on your plan) but as with everything moderation is key. You're going to find that certain foods are going to fill you up and others won't. Slider foods being the biggest culprit. Soups and soft foods (like yogurt) are easier to pass through the system. Denser proteins are going to be harder to break down. Like you said it's easy to break down nuts into a very fine paste of sorts. With something like chicken you're going to break it down but not to the extent of the nuts. Most of us are going to stumble from time to time. Get back up on your feet and stay on track. Hopefully you can find some healthy rewards of sorts as you can bring more foods back into your diet. I mean for me a Greek Yogurt with a little bit of Cool Wip is a nice dessert like treat for me. I'm a big love of mixed nuts as well and I allow myself to have them from time to time, but I have to do it as a treat now and then. Again...moderation. Another thing is treating it like alcoholism. Don't put yourself in situations that you feel you can't handle yet. I mean seriously, if you're trying to stop drinking you don't go hang out in a bar a week after you quit. If you're going to go out pick something where you have no choice but to eat something healthy. The sooner/better you get at controling your urges now the better you'll set yourself up for the long term.

How frustrating! Maybe aim for 1000-1200 cals a day. It sounds counterproductive but I agree with that others that a stall can be broken by eating more. If you're already eating your 80 g of protein, which is plenty, add calories with fruits, veggies and healthy carbs. All carbs are not created equal, and they aren't all bad. Healthy fats are good too. Some easy ideas: Make some roasted veggies in the oven with a little EVOO, salt and pepper. Cut up onions, potatoes, add cauliflower, brussel sprouts, carrots, etc. make sure you're still only eating 1/2-1 cup at a time. Add avocado to anything for a calorie and healthy fat boost. I've always liked to wrap deli turkey and cheese in an avocado slice and eat it like a wrap. Have a chai or coffee latte with skim or reduced fat milk. Add a sugar free "pump" for flavor if needed. Have some fruit. Add a little Greek yogurt or chocolate hummus as a dip. Adding 200 cals a day might make the difference you're looking for. Good luck!

I have been on full liquids for a week. I made a cheesy cauliflower soup and it was amazing. The first time I made it I did not blend it enough so it was a little harder to eat. Second time I made sure to blend it a bunch. If the soup has chunks of meat I think that would be off limits. Besides that I think as long as you blend it a bunch or strain it you should be ok. Just remember it’s still a liquid diet not a purée diet. I have had cottage cheese and yogurt already. Technically soft foods but my dietician said it was ok. My dietician said recently someone came in with pain and nausea. Turned out a piece of tomato skin got caught on a staple!! They had to go in and remove it.

After my RNY on 12/28 and after that I can only do Lactose Free milk, I tried eggs last week and again this week and it was a total no go. I started taking Papaya Enzyme about 4 weeks before my surgury and that has helped but I now also take 1 gas ex every night both are chewable. I eat alot of cottage cheese, low fat refried black beans and tuna. I am trying what my Dr. says and just try 1 new food everyday and see how it sits with me. Yesterday mushed carrots didnt work out but today greek yogurt was good. It will get better

How about almonds, pistachios, nut mixes? Apples & peanut butter, Deli meat rolled with cheese, yogurt. There are also prepackaged protein packs for on the go. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

The #1 complaint we receive from Bariatric patients about portion control products is that they leak! I came across the 6-compartment Yumbox Leakproof Bento Lunch Box Portion Control Container recently and realized that it's perfect for bariatric patients or anyone that's trying to portion control their meals. It offers variety and promotes healthy eating habits. Pack small portions of your favorite foods. Its compact size and illustrated tray make every lunch an adventure in good nutrition. Balance & Portion Control Yumbox’s pre-portioned illustrated trays guide you to packing healthy and hassle-free lunches! Now with two smart options: 6-compartment Yumbox encourages variety and healthy eating habits; and 4-compartment Yumbox Panino offers more volume for sandwich/salads, sides, and your favorite dip or treat. Leakproof Single Lid Pack sauce next to protein chips with no worries! Yumbox's unique single lid seals all food wells individually. Food won’t touch or leak outside of the box. No baggies! No lost lids! No mess! Think green Reuse, Reduce and Save! Yumbox saves you money by eliminating the need for baggies, multiple containers, plastic wrap and snack packs. Pack a waste-free lunch. All food safe materials, BPA-free and phthalates-free. Bariatric Friendly Yumbox is lightweight and compact with an easy-open latch. It fits neatly into a standard size thermal lunch totes. Yumbox is ideal for bariatric patients or anyone that's trying to portion control their meals. Pack Yumbox for play and work. Is Yumbox leakproof? Yes. Yumbox is a leakproof container. Yumbox’s silicone lid engages with the tray to create a tight seal keeping food contents in place, including wet foods like yogurt and applesauce (not water). Foods will not leak between compartments or outside of the box. How do I pack wet foods? Yumbox is designed to hold wet foods but not liquids. To ensure that food stays in place and does not leak to other compartments, follow these 4 Easy Steps: Do not overfill compartments (an overfilled compartment could cause another to leak as well); Remove any excess liquid from canned fruit, applesauce and yogurts; Keep contents cool by adding an ice pack to your lunch tote; When closing Yumbox, press down on the lid with the palm of your hand and snap latch to closed position to create the best seal. Do not pack yogurt drinks, soups or runny/watery dressings. Do pack foods with the consistency of ranch dressing, ketchup, chunky salsas, hummus, yogurt, and veggie dips. These are all great options. Some oily vinaigrettes may leak out of the dip well. One trick that can help keep vinaigrettes in place is to dress the salad and top it with a few croutons. The croutons will absorb excess oil/liquid and keep the vinaigrette from seeping into a neighboring compartment. If you are not sure if your food choice is too liquidy to pack, we suggest that you conduct a quick test before sending your child to school with that food. Simply add the test food to a compartment, close Yumbox properly and give it a good shake (or leave it on its side for 10 min.). Set Yumbox back to normal position and open to see the results. Is Yumbox dishwasher safe? Yes, Yumbox is dishwasher safe. Top rack only. We highly recommend hand washing the outer shell and/or removing it before the heat dry cycle. Yumbox has been tested at temperature 65C/149F, 110 min. cycle. Yumbox is made with ABS (exterior box), Tritan (tray), and silicone (seal). Yumbox is designed with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to make hand washing easy. Special Care instructions for the silicone seal: Please be sure to empty contents each day, hand wash with warm soapy water and thoroughly dry your Yumbox before storing. Also, if you live in a damp or humid environment, leave Yumbox ajar, not sealed when storing. If you pack oily foods regularly, coat with a baking sodapaste once a week overnight to avoid build-up. How do I carry Yumbox? Yumbox is compact and fits neatly in standard size lunch totes. Is Yumbox food safe? Yes. All materials are food-safe, BPA-Free, Phthalates-free and are CPSIA and FDA compliant. Is Yumbox microwavable? Yumbox's exterior shell is not microwave safe. We do not recommend microwaving the inner tray. Yumbox is designed for serving cold or room temperature foods. If foods that require reheating are being packed, we recommend using removable silicone cups. Is Yumbox thermal? No. Yumbox is not made with thermal materials. If adding food like yogurt, which should be kept cold, we recommend packing Yumbox in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep contents cool. Does Yumbox come with utensils or drink cup? Yumbox is not sold with accessories at this time. However, we will be offering accompanying products in the future. How big is Yumbox? Yumbox is compact and can be carried in standard size totes. It also fits neatly on the lunch table. Yumbox Original dimensions in a closed position are approximately 8.5 (l) x 6.5 (w) x 1.8 (h) inches and weighs 1 lbs 1.5 oz. Is Yumbox’s tray removable? Yes. Yumbox’s tray fits snuggly in the bottom half of the exterior box. It can be removed easily for cleaning, packing or for at home use. The first time you open Yumbox, you may find that the tray is slightly difficult to remove. After initial removal, it will return to its comfortably snug fit. Can I pack a Yumbox lunch the night before and store it in the fridge? Yes. Yumbox acts as an excellent storage container. The seal keeps foods fresh for days in the fridge.

Strawberry and rhubarb Icelandic yogurt (low carb, high protein, yum) and cold brew coffee with whole milk.

Weight loss surgery patients need to focus on getting enough protein, but that is not the only important nutrient. Carbohydrates have their place, too. Use them right, and you can benefit with more stable blood sugar, lower disease risk, They can even give you a better chance of keeping off the weight for good. In general, look for less processed, higher-nutrient, higher-fiber, lower-sugar carbs 1. Oatmeal. Despite its high carb count, oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods, even for weight loss surgery patients. It is a whole grain (gluten-free, if you are wondering), and is a source of soluble fiber. People who eat whole grains instead of refined ones have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Have oatmeal with nuts or peanut butter for a little extra healthy fat and protein, and add cinnamon for a sweet flavor without sugar. No law says oatmeal needs to be sweet. Turn it into a savory bowl with a poached or hard-boiled egg, some feta cheese, and sliced cooked mushrooms. 2. Pear. Pears have a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than many other fruits, so they do not spike your blood sugar as much. They have soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. They also provide lignans, which are heart-healthy. You can do way more with a pear than use it as a dessert or a side for cottage cheese, although those work, too! Try serving it with all-natural ham, or tossing it with mixed greens, walnuts, bell peppers, and cooked chicken breast. You can also turn it into a salsa to top fish or chicken along with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber, plus chopped cilantro and lime juice. 3. Beans. Beans are a starch you can love since they pack in the fiber and protein along with vitamins and minerals. They are linked to lower risk for certain cancers, as well. If they bother your stomach, try having small portions or using an enzyme product such as Bean-o. Kidney, pinto, garbanzo, and black beans – they’re all good! Make hummus with garbanzos and olive oil, or try vegetarian chili with beans, tomatoes, other vegetables, and seasoning. Or, make a taco salad or naked burrito with fat-free refried beans. 4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin has a medium glycemic index, but so few carbohydrates that your body will barely realize that it is there. Aside from the potassium and fiber in pumpkin, you will find amazing amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene – and that can only be a good thing after weight loss surgery. Butternut and acorn squash have a few more carbohydrates but are also excellent choices. Stir pumpkin and cinnamon into your oatmeal, or mix them into non-fat cream cheese for a flavorful, protein-packed spread or dip for apples. Add chunks of butternut squash to stew, or blend pumpkin into a soup to make it creamy. 5. Peas. Peas may have a bad reputation, but it is undeserved. Choose snow peas or sugar snap peas in the pod for a dose of vitamin C and fiber. Use them raw or lightly cooked to preserve their antioxidants and keep their glycemic load down. Use them in salads along with lettuce, chicken, and chopped vegetables, or dip them into Greek yogurt-based dips. You can also use snow and sugar snap peas in stir fry – just be sure to keep them crunchy.

1. Oatmeal. Despite its high carb count, oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods, even for weight loss surgery patients. It is a whole grain (gluten-free, if you are wondering), and is a source of soluble fiber. People who eat whole grains instead of refined ones have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Have oatmeal with nuts or peanut butter for a little extra healthy fat and protein, and add cinnamon for a sweet flavor without sugar. No law says oatmeal needs to be sweet. Turn it into a savory bowl with a poached or hard-boiled egg, some feta cheese, and sliced cooked mushrooms. 2. Pear. Pears have a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than many other fruits, so they do not spike your blood sugar as much. They have soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. They also provide lignans, which are heart-healthy. You can do way more with a pear than use it as a dessert or a side for cottage cheese, although those work, too! Try serving it with all-natural ham, or tossing it with mixed greens, walnuts, bell peppers, and cooked chicken breast. You can also turn it into a salsa to top fish or chicken along with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber, plus chopped cilantro and lime juice. 3. Beans. Beans are a starch you can love since they pack in the fiber and protein along with vitamins and minerals. They are linked to lower risk for certain cancers, as well. If they bother your stomach, try having small portions or using an enzyme product such as Bean-o. Kidney, pinto, garbanzo, and black beans – they’re all good! Make hummus with garbanzos and olive oil, or try vegetarian chili with beans, tomatoes, other vegetables, and seasoning. Or, make a taco salad or naked burrito with fat-free refried beans. 4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin has a medium glycemic index, but so few carbohydrates that your body will barely realize that it is there. Aside from the potassium and fiber in pumpkin, you will find amazing amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene – and that can only be a good thing after weight loss surgery. Butternut and acorn squash have a few more carbohydrates but are also excellent choices. Stir pumpkin and cinnamon into your oatmeal, or mix them into non-fat cream cheese for a flavorful, protein-packed spread or dip for apples. Add chunks of butternut squash to stew, or blend pumpkin into a soup to make it creamy. 5. Peas. Peas may have a bad reputation, but it is undeserved. Choose snow peas or sugar snap peas in the pod for a dose of vitamin C and fiber. Use them raw or lightly cooked to preserve their antioxidants and keep their glycemic load down. Use them in salads along with lettuce, chicken, and chopped vegetables, or dip them into Greek yogurt-based dips. You can also use snow and sugar snap peas in stir fry – just be sure to keep them crunchy.

You didn't mention the preparation of the meats, but that can play a BIG role. Having things moist and in small pieces definitely helps. I find that shredded meats (chicken salad for example) are much easier. You might try cutting it into tiny pieces (mince or dice it) and then using a lot of sauce (BBQ for chicken, A1 for beef, etc) will help. I've been eating a lot of ground meats, which helps (I also use sauce like mustard for these). Solid chicken still doesn't work for me, but I find that low fat hot dogs (45 calories, 6G protein), low fat chicken sausages (80 calories, 13g protein), ground turkey with sour cream (30c, 8g protein per ounce) will work well. Egg whites are another low calorie high protein choice and are soft, I usually have 1/2 a cup for breakfast with 1/2 an ounce of low fat mozzarella and sometimes a diced turkey sausage mixed in. Greek Yogurt also works, but has more calories and carbs. Beans and nuts can work too, but can be very dense so need to be mixed with something. Good luck!

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.