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My pre-surgery diet is full liquid for 2 weeks. My food options are: protein shakes, skim milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tomato or cream soups, applesauce, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free jello, and broth. And lots and lots of water or zero-calorie/no-sugar beverages. No caffeine. Very low sugar. I need to do at least 60g of protein and 1000 calories or less. Last night I had a bacon cheeseburger and fries for dinner. I felt like a prisoner enjoying their last meal! Haha!!

Monday through Friday I eat a greek yogurt every morning for breakfast and then have a protein shake about 1 1/2 hours later. Weekends I am usually a little looser with my breakfast. I will have Cream of Wheat, turkey bacon and eggs, protein cereal, oatmeal

You are not alone!!!! There's a few of us who are doing a mostly plant-based bariatric adventure. I plan to supplement protein via shakes/bars for the first few months since as @Creekimp13 pointed out we do need more to get by as we heal and lose significant amounts of weight. But I definitely plan to eat as nutrient-dense as possible - focusing on all areas, not just protein alone. I'm still planning out what I want to try - and I know it will be trial and error with my new stomach anyway - but some of the things I'm thinking about are mashed bananas/banana ice cream, veggie juices/smoothies, blended oatmeal with bananas, flaxseed, and protein powder, blended veggie soups, and whole fruit sorbets as ways to get nutrients and fiber (and FLAVOR) in during the soft food phases. It doesn't all have to be ricotta bake and yogurt! I LOVE Dr. Weiner's videos. He is the first person who made me believe I could be successful at permanently changing my diet. All of the low-carb, high protein, "fruit is so unhealthy, too much sugar!" stuff that is often preached in bariatric circles was so depressing to me. Really, beans and fruit are unhealthy? Eat a chicken breast and then if you have space, a bite or two of broccoli? I just didn't think I could live that way and that was all I saw when I read about post-op diets. Now I know, thanks to Dr. Weiner as well as Dr. Garth Davis, that bariatric patients can thrive eating veggies and fruits and legumes. I also firmly believe that just because a diet helps you lose weight doesn't mean it's nutritionally adequate or protects you from disease. Fruit intake (2+ servings a day) is strongly associated with reduced risk of cancer so it bums me out reading posts from people who say they just don't bother with fruit because of carbs. Hope this post is not too inflammatory! Don't hate me, y'all! I just got excited for you, OP, cause I love where your mind is!!! I totally agree with you and hope you can find a happy place where you and your surgeon will both be happy with your choices! Good luck

Amy Alexis, thanks for the great advice on pre-op prep and not over buying. Awesome progress! So cool you are getting close to your goal !! Very exciting! I also agree better to ty some different shakes ahead of time. My fav was Premier Protein, 2nd best was muscle milk IMO. Hope4momof4, thanks for kind words, glad you are feeling more positive now. Re: pre procedure I liked Premier Protein Chocolate shakes (Sam's club) did those for 3 days and then the last 2 days before procedure was clear liquid diet. For clear liquids I liked chicken broth (bouillon) and not a big water fan so drank Crystal Light flavored iced tea (Red Raspberry is my fav). This only last a couple of days after procedure as well and then moved to yogurt, chicken soup and back to Protein shakes. I was up and about as well within a day or so, clear liquids phase is so short you will be surprised. Also definitely feel I have more energy now in addition to not being hungry, a great combination. Good luck! Tex

Hi Hope- I'm excited for you! Here's what I would suggest - if I had to do it over again, I would not over-buy liquids. For instance, that Hint Water sounded so good and a great option for me since I am not a great water drinker. But I didn't love it , and we still have dozens of bottles just sitting in the basement . Take some time now to taste test the protein drinks. I bought a few different brands and didn't really like anything besides the Atkins. The first two days I was on clear liquids. I had chicken broth/beef broth, water, SF Jello, Vitamin Water Zero (my favorite- this has replaced diet coke for me) and unsweetened ice tea. Then when full liquids were added on day 3, I added plain greek yogurt and creamy soups from Imagine - butternut squash and broccoli was good for me. Again, don't buy too much because once more foods are added, you may or may not want those creamy soups. And it's not like this procedure puts you in bed for days so you have to stock up. You will be up and about pretty quickly. Here's a quick update on me- it's been two months, two weeks since the procedure and I"m down 24lbs. I'm about 10lbs away from my goal. Feeling great. I have felt some hunger a few times recently, but honestly I think it was tied more to stress than real hunger. Most of the time I am great. I am still at about 1000 cal/day give or take, and my nutritionist would like to see me at 1200 but I am on a roll, so if I don't feel like adding extra calories at the end of the day, and am not hungry, I just don't do it. I am eating more like 6-7 oz of food at a meal, rather than the 4oz in the first months. Nutritionist says that's ok and expected. I look forward to talking to the doc when I see her for my latest followup. AmyA

I am 6 weeks post sleeve and I can only eat ground or shredded meats. Chicken Breast or Steak just doesn't go down yet, even if cooked with a sauce.....so, my main protein in still coming from the shakes and cheese and greek yogurt

I had my sleeve surgery 12/5...I can eat steak now with no problem as long as I chew it up well and keep the pieces small. (I cut it up into little teenie bites about the size of blueberries, then I chew really well) You can get protein from a lot of soft sources...Tofu, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, beans. The first meats I had success with were very lean deli meat and rotisserie chicken. This might sound weird, but I would make a little cup of hot broth to dunk it in and kinda smash it in there to soak up a little more juice....helped it go down a lot easier at first. Very lean ground meats can work, too. I would definitely mention the problems you're having to your surgeon. At 8 weeks, I would expect you to have more luck. That said, individuals differ, so I don't want to alarm you. Worth exploring with your nutritionist or doctor, though.

Macros? Assuming you are talking about protein. I can eat about 3.5 - 4 oz of dense protein at a time. So typically breakfast is 1/2c eggwhites, a turkey sausage cut up and .5oz mozzarella. Lunch is 3.5oz of lean meat (shredded chicken, ground turkey, etc) and dinner is the same as lunch. I typically have a snack at 3 that is also protein (string cheese, yogurt or similar). After dinner I have another snack, usually 2 low fat hot dogs cut up small, ham or turkey sausage and then if time permits I may have one more snack before bed, usually string cheese and cottage cheese or similar.... So really not time or room for many carbs. I don't like the artificial stuff in shakes so avoid them if I can.

I'm doing 3 protein shakes a day and a choice of 4 of the following Triple zero oikos yogurt, low sodium broth, sugar free jello, sugar free ice pops. There's some other things liek cream of wheat and 1% milk. I'm starving. Im lucky I only have to do 1 week. Some people have to do 2 to 3 weeks. I guess this is there version of low carb.

Iced tea? Oikos triple zero yogurt. Then you get protein in also!

Oh, thank you.. *blush* Look; you'll be like all us other post-op pals.. once you're over THAT hill, it'll be hard to even remember how anxious and nervous and curious and on-the-brink-of-things you were. Trust me! One thing that has helped me so far (and keep in mind I'm only 3 months post-op) and something my surgeon concurs with is not setting a goal... I mean, I know, we can't help it.. we dream of this weight or that.. live out numerous fantasies in our heads for when we reach that goal and usually I'd say goal setting is a pretty healthy thing to do (and yes, I secretly have a vague number in my head as well) but I don't voice it for fear of giving it too much power and I certainly don't plan accordingly.. what I mean to say is I want to give my body the freedom to settle where IT thinks it is healthy and happy... not where my brain thinks it should be. Look, there are many things one CAN change in life and then there are the things one CAN'T. My mother says "it's all good but in the end it doesn't matter what SHOULD, it matters what IS". Sometimes this hits the spot and weight is just such a topic for me. OK, now that the philosophical lecture is over; here comes the practical. Whatever you do be sure to follow your surgeon's recommendations. A decent practice isn't going to just prepare you for the surgery but for after the surgery as well. They will have given you (or will give you) an eating plan... something along the lines of first week liquids, second week liquids with chunks, third week ****.. and so on. Follow that to a T! Don't be afraid to ask questions.. I know for the longest time the whole liquid and protein thing was confusing as hell to me.But as far as the first few days are concerned; don't worry about the food.. really.. you will not starve, you will not be hungry, you will be OK. Focus on getting your liquids in and walking. Thinking back to my first few days I know it helped to actually set a reminder that repeated every 15 minutes. Get up.. walk... drink a few sips... lie back down. Rinse and repeat. It worked for me, maybe it'll work for you. As for where I am today? Happy to tell you but it won't matter because chances are it'll be different for you anyway but my morning usually starts with a glass of water which is right by my bed.. helps with the visit to the toilet and gets me started to a good day. Breakfast is usually some variation of eggs... with cheese, without cheese... with some sort of meat or not, it really depends on the day. Some mornings I have yogurt with a bit of fruit and granola and honey)... the amounts are clearly minuscule compared to what I ate prior to surgery but as long as I eat slowly and chew well I have no trouble keeping it down and it is more than enough. I prepare my tea and start drinking that about an hour after breakfast.. if not tea then water. I have a protein shake at around 11 and lunch at around 12:30-1.. lunch is whatever, sometimes a bar, sometimes a salad, sometimes a nice juicy filet mignon and some veggies.. another shake at around 3-4 pm, sometimes a snack (cheese? nuts?) and then dinner at around 6-7 pm with the family... chicken.. salad.. veggies.. really depends. Only thing I usually try to steer away from (try being the keyword because sometimes a fork of pasta or spoon of rice will make its way into my mouth) is rice or pasta or the likes. I mean, did I have chocolate for Christmas? Yes... do I take a bite out of my kids' sandwiches sometimes for want of bread? Yes... do I condone this behavior? No. But as I mentioned above in another response; I'm also not going to see these as cheating and go and punish myself for taking a bite. Again; everybody will be different but for me the downfall would be grazing. Not indulging in the occasional whatever. You'll be fine; do your research, ask questions and lots of them and know that there's really no sure way of preparing yourself for this surgery. Many things won't fall into place until you're actually on the other side. Good luck!

I had my surgery the day after you I cried in the OR and had to be soothed by the whole team. I didn't know I would feel that way, wasn't sure it was the right choice, scared to die on the table for something I didn't NEED (I'm low bmi, no comorbidities other than gerd and some ankle pain). Post op day 1 was bad now I'm not even a week out and I feel totally fine. I really do. incisional pain is now just annoying, no nausea, able to eat my stuff today. Cant bear the protein shake to be honest I just cant, I'm supposed to sip one throughout the day to bank that 20-30g protein but I just can't drink more than 1/2 of that without feeling miserable and gross. no nausea wise but i just don't bleeping like or want it i only want real foods (drinkable yogurt, homemade soup, home made apple sauce, tea, prune juice for constipation, water).

I was a vegetarian also and slowly working my way back I eat mostly fish as a source of non plant protein but here's a list of plant based sources : Lentils 1cup 18g protein Black beans 1cup 14.5g Sunflower seeds 1cup 31g Tempeh 1cup 31g Quinoa(cooked) 1 cup 8g Egg 7g protein Cottage cheese 4 oz 13g Edamame 1 cup 18g Greek yogurt 5.3oz 13g Hummus 4 tbsp 5g protein Spinach (cooked) 1 cup 6g Tofu 1/2 cup 11g protein Sources : Weightloss surgery for dummies cookbook The everything after weightloss surgery cookbook

My wife makes yogurt for me, both regular and greek. I usually throw a teaspoon of honey in there for a nice hint at sweet, or maybe a small spoon of some preserves. I do that and a couple cheese sticks, easy peasy. I also use premiere protein shakes if I am running late and need to consume on my way to work. I have also added Fairlife chocolate milk to my coffee in the morning to offset the water deficit and get a little protein in at the same time.

Generally, yes. Holidays are a different story, though. I've been staying away from the chopped salads from the local deli near the office because although it is spinach, grilled chicken, chick peas and tomatoes, they are rather large. No cheese. No croutons, etc. Dressing is always fat free. Today I've had: one 2% yogurt 2 egg omelet with onions, tomato and zucchini (no cheese. no ham) 2 oz grilled turkey breast 1 slice whole wheat bread (no butter) 1 bowl of steamed spinach with balsamic vinegar (no oil) I am cutting wine out entirely next. The one vice I have left. I'm at my wit's end. I can only think it's the lithium. My doctor has now prescribed Topomax as an appetite suppressant. I won't mess with the lithium.

I usually eat an egg white omelette, but keep it interesting by changing what's in it. Sausage and cheese are my go to's, but you can put all kinds of stuff in it. Turkey or ham are good, peppers or other veggies. Otherwise Chobani Greek yogurt is quick and easy and comes in a lot of flavors.

Greek yogurt, peanut butter on toast, oatmeal.

I had 2-3 ounces of a strawberry cream premier protein shake & my snack is 2 ounces of sugar free Greek Yogurt.

Hey I had my surgery on the 18th too! I was having trouble with the meds too..a friend of mine that has the surgery had her crushed meds with custard or yogurt..so I’ll give that a try tomorrow..how are you feeling..these gas bubbles are pretty painful. I came home today

Yeah I have kind of been doing the same thing but I have not done the greek yogurt. Thanks guys! Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

Here is what a day looks like for me Breakfast: 8oz skim milk w/ protein powder 30g protein Mid morning: Greek yogurt 12g protein Lunch: atkins drink 15g protein Afternoon: sf jello Dinner: 8-10oz soup 4-5g protein Lots of water in between all that

I do the protein powder with skim milk but the texture gets me sometimes.....also the Atkins ready made high protein drinks are good, Greek yogurt, sugar free Jello, Campbell's healthy request soups strained. The slimfast drinks are good too but a bit more expensive than the Atkins at least where I live.

Time can be an issue - My goto items Dannon light n fit greek yogurt jimmy dean turkey sausage (microwave and done) Protein Iced coffee on the run - Vanilla protein powder, Ice, instant coffee (can do decaf if prefered) and hershey's sugar free syrup.

Your drinking all fluids and you won't feel full. Pudding is a great but that and yogurt is sweet. Mixed plain with okios cause it was so sweet Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Sorry to hear about your loss But... I had surgery Wed, and left the hospital Friday at lunch... I was out shopping on saturday and Sunday! Complete with gas (I could only get rid of mine while completely laying down, walking did not help this time around) I was fine to go out (on pain meds) at that point I was on oxycodone 10mg every 4 hours and liquid Tylenol. So if yours is Tuesday, you will go home Thursday. It is very possible for you to go on Friday. Pants are not comfortable, even to where im at now 10 days out. What i did when i was out was just wore work out stretchy pants, and rolled the front part down so it was not on my stomach and that was a little more comfortable (wearing a jacket, no one can tell) I even do that with some of my pj pants still oh the liquid diet.... i am dying.... 3 weeks post op (same i had for the sleeve) plus now 2 weeks after surgery (I feel like it was only 1 week post op for the sleeve but i could be wrong, i dont remember...but i feel like the post op was very different.. in terms of what and when) so I am going to stay on liquid until Tuesday.. then go to pureed for 2 weeks! and progress through more stages from there. I dont know what i have a craving for... i know i am looking forward to scrambled eggs but i cant have that until the following week after i start pureed. I am looking forward to chicken for sure... i am dying for a tomato slice (i love tomatoes) or a cesaer salad ... just anything besides, broth, jello, yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese and soup... I will not be eating ANY of those foods for a VERY VERY long time after I get through this. I dont have a craving for cake, but i know I will be having something in the near future. My boyfriends birthday is feb, mine is march and our anniversary is also march. So on those occasions I will probably have a little something. In terms of pain meds... I was released on Friday and stopped taking pain meds the following Friday after I got out of the hospital. But I also had the extra work done so i feel like i might have had more pain than others who did not. You've got a couple days to go then it'll all be over! Onwards and upwards! Good luck! Let me know how it goes when you're feeling up to it. And if you really want to attend on Friday, I honestly think it is possible. I was out and about, walking around walmart, grocery stores, shopping for shoes with my bf, and then another store for pants for him... I can't even remember what else, as long as you have your pain meds, you'll be good