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there are food restrictions the first few months, but after that, there aren't any limitations as long as you can tolerate whatever the food is (I can no longer tolerate really high-fat meals - and it's not uncommon for people to develop things like lactose intolerance after surgery - but you won't have any restrictions per se. I'm "allowed" to eat anything - and have been for a long time). I was never a big drinker even before surgery - I'd just have an occasional glass or two of wine. We weren't supposed to drink for the first year (according to my clinic, anyway), and I didn't at all for the first three years. Now I'm back to having my occasional glass or two of wine - by which I mean, maybe four or five times a year. So for ME, I don't notice any difference...other than alcohol hits me a lot faster than it did pre-surgery. taking vitamins becomes pretty automatic after the first few weeks. I don't even think about it anymore. I take a small handful when I get up in the morning, a smaller handful around dinner time - and my iron and vitamin C before I go to bed. complications aren't common and most are minor and "fixable". The most common one with sleeve is reflux, which in most cases (if you happen to develop it) can be managed medically. In severe cases, there's always the option of revising to RNY - although I don't know how common it is for it to get to that point. Might be worth asking if you're concerned. I didn't mind the puree stage. It was a relief after being on all liquids. If you're not crazy about the puree stage, just keep in mind that it doesn't last very long. You'll be on soft foods - and then solid - before you know it. it'll be pretty obvious to others the first month or two by how little you can eat that something is "up". I mostly just tried to avoid going out with people so the question wouldn't come up - or I'd suggest meeting up for coffee or tea or some activity instead of a meal. After that, for several months I'd just claim I wasn't very hungry and order an appetizer or some soup or chili. Now I'll sometimes still order that - or if I do get an entree, I'll eat half of it and have the rest boxed up. Pretty much the same as a lot of my never-been-obese women friends. No one can tell anymore that I've had surgery. Basically, this will all take some getting used to - it can be overwhelming at first - but after the first few weeks, it really isn't. And you're right - pre-surgery nervousness is pretty common. I've had four surgeries in my life, and I get nervous every time - but they've all gone off without a hitch!

I don't think anyone goes into surgery without the ol' pre-surgery nerves! We are permanently altering our digestive system, so it's a big life change and that really hits like bricks in the weeks leading up! Stay busy, and keep your eyes on the prize, and keep the "why you're doing this" in your mind. Look at clothes you'd love to buy when you're smaller. Play computer games. Read. Excercise listening to podcasts or audiobooks. The puree stage was fine, but I was definitely grateful to be able to move onto solid food, even if my portions are absurdly small. Being able to chew on something was a boon. Just remember - the puree stage is only about 4 weeks, you'll be done and dusted in no time. The hardest part is the pre-op liver shrinking diet! I won't be touching alcohol for at least a year, and I'm okay with that. I socialised with friends two weeks ago and was the only sober one (sat on still water with a twist of fresh lime all night), and I still had a lot of fun. I've yet to eat with people who aren't my partner, but honestly it's no-one's business, not even my nearest and dearest. I take a plastic food container with me to cafes and restaurants and I pop what I can't eat in it and take it home. I've embraced being the Takeaway Queen. 👑 That you have your partner's full support is wonderful - yay for them! As for everyone else, it's not their business unless you want to tell them. I've told my immediate family, in-laws, and closest friends. No-one else needs to know. Good luck!

Hi everyone, My surgery is creeping up fast and I’m starting to feel a little nervous. I’ve been reading on what to eat and what to avoid post surgery and it’s a little scary thinking about somethings you will never be able to eat again, or always taking tablets, rarely consuming alcohol, possible complications…. I’m sure most people get to this stage pre-surgery. So far I’ve been nothing but excited for my surgery and a second chance at life and treating my body well. Just wondering from those that have had surgery if they have any tips, advice on how they managed leading up to surgery and how it has been since? How was the purée stage and how long until you could socialise with people without being questioned about how slow or little you’ve eaten? Also I know it says alcohol on special occasions, so just wondering how people cope with alcohol since surgery? I’ve also decided not to tell people and just have the support from my partner who has been amazing. He is fully supportive. I just don’t want alot of critical people trying to tell me I shouldn’t do it or shouldn’t have done it? Hugely appreciate any help and guidance :) Thanks :)

It's been helpful to read the responses here. While I'm not exactly a foodie, I enjoy cooking and strong flavors. At home, I am still cooking new things and trying different recipes. I try to select generally healthy recipes and do additional tweaking with fresh and/or healthy ingredients. I'm still struggling with cooking smaller portions. We have a reservation at an all-inclusive in Mexico in January. I will be 13 mos. post op. I'm working on strategies to help me navigate. On the positive side, we have been to this resort before and know what they have to offer. It is a small, boutique resort and they are willing, within reason, to cook to order. The last time we were there we joked that it may be the first vacation on which we lost weight due to eating so much fresh seafood and grilled vegetables by choice. I think alcohol will be a bigger struggle for me. I realize that any of the syrupy, tropical drinks will not work. The resort is willing to make skinny versions of anything on request. But empty calories are empty calories. I've not had much to drink since surgery. It hasn't bothered me as much as I thought it would. I think that's because I want to maximize my losing potential in the first year. What I have had to drink, has not been as tasty as it seemed in the past. I was already at the age where I can afford to drink decent liquor over quantity, but even the reasonably good brands just didn't taste quite like I remembered. While I fully intend to give myself some grace to indulge within reason, I still want to make the best choices I can I'd love to hear thoughts and advice.

You’re likely having a bad bout because of the uric acid stored in your fat being released as you lose weight. Worse is that you can’t take nsaids post surgery to reduce the inflammation. Do you take the gout medication, which reduces the amount of uric acid your body produces, everyday (can’t remember its name) ? it takes a couple of months to really work but by then you may have lost enough weight that you may not experience gout again. There’s still plenty of protein sources you can eat. You likely will be starting or about to start soft foods so look to beans, eggs, slow cook lean meats, continue with your protein shakes, yoghurt, make rolled oats on milk, etc. but check your plan to be sure. You will already doing a lot to help reduce uric acid production because of your low fat, low sugar, no alcohol diet. Contact your medical team for help to manage the pain. Hope you feel better soon.

I enjoyed going to restaurants (fine dining not chain) before surgery & I still enjoy going to them after you surgery. The difference is instead of ordering two or three courses I only order one. The only regret I have is there are a number of restaurants I’ve wanted to go to & now I can’t because they only do degustation menus. There’s no way I would be able to eat 6, 8, 9, … courses even if they’re small - the volume of food still adds up. An unfortunate side effect of COVID has been many restaurants in Australia offer three course set menus now. Can understand why - better economies & less waste - but is a waste of money to be forced to order three courses for me now. Hopefully, they will go back to full a la carte soon. As for alcohol, yes I enjoyed drinking too: champagne, gin, scotch, wine were my preference. But was never an excessive drinker. Every night I had big glass of wine sometime followed by a scotch or a gin followed by a glass of wine. Now, I only have a drink about once a month (last month I drank three times but that was very unusual circumstances). And I can nurse a glass for ages. Do I miss drinking more? Not really. Do I feel I’m missing out socially? Nope. I just enjoy being with friends & family. Honestly, I don’t enjoy alcohol quite as much. It has made me more particular about what I drink - quality over quantity. Champagne over cheap sparkling.

I'm a total foodie and cook, and loved a grazing booze-up at a mate's place. While cooking is currently WAY less exciting, I know I'll cook for others and that makes me happy. I can only eat tiny portions, and I struggle with that, but I eat food that's nutritious and delicious and because I have to stop and chew, I find I'm REALLY tasting it and that makes it more satisfying. There was a get together at a mate's last weekend - the first in five months after a long lockdown here in Sydney AU. I knew I couldn't drink or graze like I used to. So I made some hummus, chopped up some carrots, bought a bag of corn-chips for the others, and a fancy bottle of still water and a lime. My drink all night was the still water with a slice of lime in it, to pretend I was having something "fancy". I paced myself to nibble on a carrot stick with a little hummus every so often. It was fine! I had a fabulous time, laughed myself silly, and didn't leave drunk off my tits and WAY too full. The company was the important thing. Thankfully my surgery has changed the way I feel about food. Had my friends ordered pizza, I would have felt a bit sick looking at it, and while baked snack food did come out, I wasn't tempted. As for alcohol, I know I'll have a glass ONE day. Maybe not for a year or so, but at some point I will. Right now, I'm content to stay sober.

I can't tell you how helpful it is to read this today. I am feeling the EXACT same way. My surgery is a month out, and I'm starting to panic. My rational brain tells me that some day I can enjoy food again (albeit is much smaller amounts), and I won't have to abstain from alcohol forever if I don't want to, but my neurotic brain is worrying about doing something irreversible to my body, and that I could end up going through this for nothing if I gain all the weight back. Glad to know I'm not alone, that this is normal, and that most people don't regret it in the long run.

I've moved to sugar free coke etc, I don't drink much but I try to stay on the sugar free as I'm pretty sure that plus alcohol was my biggest nemeses calorie wise. I've actually 'discovered' low/zero calorie teas such as raspberry and strawberry and also orange and turmeric which are now my go to drinks; not too sweet but a decent flavour. On a good day I do have a shake for breakfast - the only way I can drink it is if I cant smell it (weird hey?) so normally in a bottle with closed lid and straw (gasp) and I try not to think about it while I'm having it or I feel ill. I have gone through so many brands and flavours so far the one I'm on is the only one I can tolerate, other days it's just a flat out no. My body likes to keep me on my toes haha. Im back on omeprazole which has gotten rid of all my reflux/heartburn =]

@erica1030 thank you for sharing it takes courage to seek help. Besides the marvelous counsel, you have gotten from our fellows. It also seems you may be experiencing some anxiety. Create a support line, I have been sober for 6 years from alcohol and other stuff. Why do I bring this is because my personality and behaviors is left unchecked could and have become addictive just like the one you express. Having said this I am no saying you have an addiction or a behavior my point is that I can understand your worrisome. I have a great support system put in place. I am in my 7 day post-op and I am meeting my daily liquids and protein, but because of this I thought 🤔 I can do more when really I can't. My support system is Overeating Anonymous, I have a psychologist, a shrink and another counselor. I do 2 sessions of therapy a week do meetings etc. Hope my share could help you and bring hope

Yes, absolutely. Set the small plate on the regular dinner plate as if it were a charger. Definitely coordinate with the host and bring your own food if soft food will not be available. Remember that you will be able to eat only a few small spoonsful of things like mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree or pie filling. The turkey will need to go through a blender and moistened with gravy or it will get stuck. Stay away from alcohol and don't drink anything during the meals.

Per my own surgeon's guidelines it is as long as it's cut very small, and is very moist, but review your own personal instructions from your own clinic as they can vary. I'm lucky that my mom has NAILED how to keep a bird from being super dry, but if your turkey is dry I recommend mixing gravy into it or maybe mixing into your mashed potatoes. As far as things to avoid, I'd stay away from whole cranberry sauce, anything with nuts in it, anything with undercooked fibrous vegetables (which could include things like green bean casserole or stuffing depending on the "chef"), overly dry meats, salads, raw veggies, raw fruits, and alcohol.

I’m having a consultation with the surgeon tomorrow and have lots of questions, but following a telephone consultation with a clinic admin/advisor with the provider a few days ago, they have said I’m not suitable for a bypass as my BMI is too low at 37.7. I wanted a bypass and concerned a sleeve won’t be effective. Three things I’m concerned about are: 1. I’m honestly not a big eater. I eat two meals a day and glass of orange for breakfast. My two meals are a single sandwich (usually cheese) for lunch and then a dinner. Dinner is typically a portion of tortellini and baked courgette with a couple of slices of garlic bread. Not huge portions. I do drink alcohol most evenings…3 glasses of wine as average. Some evenings I’ll have a bag of crisps (26g) too. My kids, friends etc comment on the amount I eat being so little. I don’t eat any sweet things. I sit at a desk at least 10 hours a day as I own my own business. I go home and sort my kids then work more. Very sedentary lifestyle. Will a sleeve be effective? 2. The admin asked if I suffered acid reflux, to which I said no, but since looking into a sleeve I’ve learnt that this includes indigestion…which I do get, especially at dinner with my kids (the arguing, bickering usually accentuates it!). Will the consultant think I’m making this up as I was so set on bypass? 3. I’ve read the sleeve isn’t as effective as bypass and it concerns me that I may only reach part way to an ideal bmi. I think if I’m doing this, and self funded, that I want to go all the way with it. It’s disappointing that I may not reach the best outcome with a sleeve. Can anyone weigh in on this (excuse the pun!).

I'm doing okay so far, but won't even take a taste of alcohol for fear I'll take it up again. We went to a party last night and it was not as hard as I thought it would be to not have a drink. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations!!! I'm 9 weeks post op too! I've lost 47 pounds. It is AMAZING! I had my 2 month post op at my surgeon's last week and they were happy with my progress. I was a little discouraged because I stalled out for about a week, but my nutritionist reminded me of all the NSVs...I've stopped having to use my cpap, my feet don't ache anymore, I'm down from a size 18 to a size 12. I still want to lose about another 40 lbs, and the weight loss is moving much slower now. I really have to be more diligent. We had a Halloween party to go to yesterday, and it is HARD to navigate the food (and drink) table at a party! My husband and I were the only sober people there, lol. But it was still fun! I'm learning you don't need food and alcohol to have a good time. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone. I had gastric bypass on September 28 and so far, things are great. I'm down 31 lbs., I feel fantastic and I've already been able to eliminate some medications. Here's my question... I was very constipated after surgery (which I know is to be expected) and had only gone 2 or 3 times in 3 weeks, even when using benefiber every morning and evening. After discussing with my doctor, I started fiber chews at twice the normal dose (2 chews twice a day) until things started moving normally, and two days ago knocked it back to 1 chew twice a day. Now, my poops are regular (usually once a day) but I'm concerned that they are very light colored and they float. I've done some research online and this can indicate several different things, including liver disease (I did have non-alcoholic fatty liver prior to surgery) or malabsorption (not getting enough nutrients). I'm just starting my soft foods phase, so I wasn't able to have much fiber until now but I'm curious if any others had experienced this particular issue, and if it turned out to me anything major. I feel better than I have in years and have so much energy, so I think if it were something serious I would know. I'd just like to see if anyone else had any insight. Thanks! Missy

DISCLAIMER: The following is what *I* did based on my own research and trial end error on how things affected *MY* body. I am NOT advocating to NOT listen to your team without educating yourself. With that said: Edited to add: I didn't realize this post would be so long, sorry! My program was to consume pre-defined "portions": each meal was supposed to consist of 25% protein, 25% starch and 50% non-starchy vegetables, and to work my way up to 1200 calories per day total with a min 60-70g protein. They also said to avoid added sugar. The didn't specifically mention to go low fat, but I mean if I followed the guidelines listed above, it would naturally be low-ish fat. Needless to say, I didn't do that. First, I couldn't get that amount of food in, Second, I tried it out, saw a swoosh in weight, and figured that going low-carb was very effective in weight loss for ME. I kept losing weight, so I just kept doing it. Why fix what ain't broke, right? More on this later... So for the majority of my weight loss phase I went ultra-low carb...was averaging less than 20 NET g of carbohydrates per day (i don't count fibre nor sugar alcohols), aimed to reach 60g protein per day, and let the fat fall where it may. My cals were about 300-400 in the first couple months, and by the time I reached goal, I was at about 800 (yes, I know this is on the low end compared to most, but it worked for ME). P.S. I feel the need to add that my nutritionist was made aware of what I was doing. And while she tut-tutted me about it, she didn't overly object. Also, all my labs came back satisfactorily during this period (and still does), and my surgeon was pleased. ***WARNING, MATH TIME...*** Given the total calories I was achieving, I wasn't truly doing KETO proper, as my fat consumption did not reach the levels required for my protein intake. True KETO is 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein & 5-10% carbs. Since I was doing 60g of protein, I would have needed to do ~75g of fat, which would have put me in the 1100 cal range...and I wasn't even coming close to that level. **** So really, I was probably doing more a version of Atkins Phase 1 (ultra-low carb). Now that I'm 3 years out, I am no longer so strict about my macros. I still *kinda* limit carbs, but not really. I eat bread on occasion, and sugar pretty regularly (in small amounts)...but i very rarely eat pasta or rice. I think its just habit now? Looking back, here is my take/opinion on going this route: TRUE Keto is very difficult to achieve in weight loss phase while keeping cals low. There is a relatively big drop in weight in the beginning of each period of going low carb. There is a bunch of science to explain this, you can google it. Going low carb makes a difference in how my face and body looks. While it looks good on my body, cuz you can see more muscle definition, its not so great on my face cuz I look gaunt. I've come to the conclusion that FOR ME, in terms of weight loss/maintenance ONLY, the ingestion of carbs has much, much less impact (if any) than calories consumed. It doesn't seem to matter if 1000 calories is made up 5% carbs or 50% carbs, I'll lose weight on it either way. Good Luck! ❤️

I was told to wait primarily because during the weight loss phase your liver is having to work like crazy to get rid of the toxins that your fat cells are releasing, and if you add alcohol to that could be very damaging.. and of course also the increased risk of alcoholism. Glad I wasn’t much of a drinker before (like.. 10 drinks a year maybe?) because dealing with food habits and changing those for the better is already a LOT! So much respect for all of you who are dealing with missing alcohol on top of everything else 🌸

I think I may have been an alcoholic before surgery, on top of having a food addiction. I'm only 2 mos post sleeve surgery, and have loved not being tied to having to have a drink every night after work. I'm terrified that if I take one drink, it will turn into a daily issue again. I also worry about my liver, without the proper anatomy to properly process alcohol, what damage would that do. I'm just going to opt for trying not to drink alcohol again. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

I overcame alcohol and caffeine and sugar products Sent from my U307AS using BariatricPal mobile app

I feel for you I didn't drink for the first year just like they told me back in 2008 although alcoholism was never mentioned back then and ultimately as soon as I took that first drink the switch went off in my head and I became an alcoholic I've been clean now for 4 or 5 years definitely go to Brighton hospital if you would if you can do it was wonderful experience there and do the 12-step and follow it to the t that's all I can tell you good luck

I created a blog entry with the same content below here, but I feel like no one ever reads BP blogs, so am posting in the forums for good measure. Sorry for the dupes! Also sorry this is so long! ---------------------- It's been 3 years, y’all. I’m a 5’2” female and was 235 lbs & 45 yrs old at the start of the 2 wk liquid diet. Didn’t lose any weight prior. I was on high cholesterol and blood pressure meds, diagnosed with fatty liver, pre-diabetic, peed every 20-30 mins, and snored like a freight train (so said Mr.) Day of sleeve surgery: 223.2 lbs No recovery issues, but I became dumper on sugar (still am). I got off my meds, eliminated liver and diabetic diagnoses within a month. I can hold my pee like a superhero (including not having to go once during a 9 hr flight pre-covid!), and I sleep so silently that Mr. admitted to checking on me during the night in the beginning to check if I was even alive. I ate VERY little during weight loss phase compared to most, but it worked for ME…I didn’t suffer any medical/nutritional issues nor any angst throughout. I tracked everything I ate/drank, weighed myself every morning and took my measurements every Wednesday (I STILL track and weigh daily - its just habit now -, but no longer take my measurements regularly) Reached goal of 127 lbs 7 months after surgery. I had zero stalls. I had a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift at 14 months post op. Lowest weight: 109 lbs (this was a month or so after plastics, but quickly gained back to 115-ish) I’ve basically been 115-ish +/- 5 lbs since a couple months into maintenance. Weight this morning: 116.0 lbs even. Happy place is below 120 and/or that my clothes still fit, LOL. These days I exercise semi-regularly, running minimum 5km 2-3 times a week supplemented with the occasional 20-30 min strength training sessions at home (I continue to hate strength training exercises but consider it a necessary evil), and various other for-fun cardio activities. Part of me wanted to get back to higher exercise levels so I can get the “fitter” look I had back then, but I long ago reconciled myself with the fact that I don’t want it THAT badly. Maybe someday I may change my mind, but I’m cool with it for now. I average 1800-2000 cals a day. I drink alcohol and carbonated water on the regular, use straws, chew gum, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, fried foods and carbs. I love desserts. At 3 years out, my restriction is still in effect and could probably eat about 1-1.5 cups of food in volume at one sitting before I need to tap out: some things I can eat more of (salads) than others (dense protein & fluffy bread). I will barf if I eat too much or too fast. I have energy for days, and am more than satisfied with how I look and feel. Life is good. Had my 3 year follow up last week and I continue to be the picture of health, and my surgeon asked again if I wanted to be on a poster. Ummmm, no thanks. Regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO. Well, except maybe that I didn’t get a v-shaped tummy tuck incision vs the straight line one that I got. Just means that I can’t wear higher cut bikini bottoms without my scar showing (see the last pic in the collage below). But I mean, really, I’m just nit-picking at this point. This forum has been a constant in my life for the past 3 years, and I’ve made some great connections and some actual REAL friends. Its really nice to engage with others who know what the eff you are talking about, even if its just about food porn and clothes sometimes, lol. Hugs and Congrats to those who made it to the other side with me, and Hugs and Good Luck to those on their way.

Its been 3 years, y’all. I’m a 5’2” female and was 235 lbs & 45 yrs old at the start of the 2 wk liquid diet. Didn’t lose any weight prior. I was on high cholesterol and blood pressure meds, diagnosed with fatty liver, pre-diabetic, peed every 20-30 mins, and snored like a freight train (so said Mr.) Day of sleeve surgery: 223.2 lbs No recovery issues, but I became dumper on sugar (still am). I got off my meds, eliminated liver and diabetic diagnoses within a month. I can hold my pee like a superhero (including not having to go once during a 9 hr flight pre-covid!), and I sleep so silently that Mr. admitted to checking on me during the night in the beginning to check if I was even alive. I ate VERY little during weight loss phase compared to most, but it worked for ME…I didn’t suffer any medical/nutritional issues nor any angst throughout. I tracked everything I ate/drank, weighed myself every morning and took my measurements every Wednesday (I STILL track and weigh daily - its just habit now -, but no longer take my measurements regularly) Reached goal of 127 lbs 7 months after surgery. I had zero stalls. I had a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift at 14 months post op. Lowest weight: 109 lbs (this was a month or so after plastics, but quickly gained back to 115-ish) I’ve basically been 115-ish +/- 5 lbs since a couple months into maintenance. Weight this morning: 116.0 lbs even. Happy place is below 120 and/or that my clothes still fit, LOL. These days I exercise semi-regularly, running minimum 5km 2-3 times a week supplemented with the occasional 20-30 min strength training sessions at home (I continue to hate strength training exercises but consider it a necessary evil), and various other for-fun cardio activities. Part of me wanted to get back to higher exercise levels so I can get the “fitter” look I had back then, but I long ago reconciled myself with the fact that I don’t want it THAT badly. Maybe someday I may change my mind, but I’m cool with it for now. I average 1800-2000 cals a day. I drink alcohol and carbonated water on the regular, use straws, chew gum, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, fried foods and carbs. I love desserts. At 3 years out, my restriction is still in effect and could probably eat about 1-1.5 cups of food in volume at one sitting before I need to tap out: some things I can eat more of (salads) than others (dense protein & fluffy bread). I will barf if I eat too much or too fast. I have energy for days, and am more than satisfied with how I look and feel. Life is good. Had my 3 year follow up last week and I continue to be the picture of health, and my surgeon asked again if I wanted to be on a poster. Ummmm, no thanks. Regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO. Well, except maybe that I didn’t get a v-shaped tummy tuck incision vs the straight line one that I got. Just means that I can’t wear higher cut bikini bottoms without my scar showing (see the last pic in the collage below). But I mean, I’m just nit-picking at this point. This forum has been a constant in my life for the past 3 years, and I’ve made some great connections and some actual REAL friends. Its really nice to engage with others who know what the eff you are talking about, even if its just about food porn and clothes sometimes, lol. Hugs and Congrats to those who made it to the other side with me, and Hugs and Good Luck to those on their way.

Yes, there is sugar in the milk that is in the mix, so it can't be classed as "sugar free" but if they don't add any additional sugar, then it is "no sugar added". The mainline instant breakfast does have sugar in there (second ingredient after nonfat milk and before maltodextrin) but the no sugar added version will have some other sweetener in there instead - sucralose, aspartame, sugar alcohols, etc. "No sugar added" is a newish label that is working its way into the nutrition label, and overall is a good thing, as it is the added sugar that is typically the biggest problem. A package of frozen strawberries can't be said to be sugar free, as the strawberries have sugar naturally occurring in them, but they can be "no sugar added" if all they are are strawberries that have been frozen. I have seen some studies that indicated that on the order of 70-80% of the packaged goods on the shelves have some form of added sugar in them, This is distinct from intrinsic sugar, or sugar that is naturally occurring in foods - milk, fruit, vegetables - almost anything grown in the ground - which is typically much less of a problem as it is usually bound into the fiber of the plant and more slowly absorbed than the added free sugar. Is the instant breakfast a recommended product for your program? Typically it is not as it is more of a "meal replacement" product that is moderate in protein as opposed to the protein shakes that are primarily protein, (20-30g protein per serving vs. about 5g for instant breakfast. Usually we are looking for high density protein early on as we can consume so little for a while. That said, I did (and do still) mix instant breakfast with protein powder as I was not having any big problem with protein intake, even early on, and chose to blend in the instant breakfast to give a better overall nutritional profile than just the protein powder alone. There is no right or wrong answer, but just a consideration, particularly if one is struggling to get in their requisite protein at the start. Good luck in your coming adventure!

You can carry ready-made or powdered protein drinks on ship and in Italy. Individual envelopes of mix are available from several companies; Bariatric Advantage and ProtiDiet come to mind. Or you could fill single portion baggies to keep in your luggage. The water onboard is safe to drink, but in Italy you may want bottled water if you are unsure. You may no lonhrt be drinking protein drinks by the time your trip rolls around. On the ship there are plenty of things you can eat both in the dining room and buffet. You can order just soup and/or starters and not the main course. They usually have sugar-free desserts. Be careful! It's so easy to eat, eat, eat on a cruise. It's so good. Avoid the bread: It's SO good! Avoid alcohol. Save some room for lobster tail, escargot, and prawns--seafood usually goes down well at 6-7 months out. I couldn't eat steak for a year or more post-RNY, pasta got stuck, and pizza crust is too much carbohydrate. Italian pizzas are not loaded with sauce, meat, or cheese like US pizza. They get a swipe of tomato sauce, and you may find things like artichokes or a fried egg on the pizza. Pizzas are personal-sized. I would say to taste your husband's pizza, but don't order one for yourself. Seafood is a good choice in Italy as well as on the ship.