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I just moved from full liquids to purée. I did low fat cream soups, made with fairlife milk to get extra protein in. Also smooth sugar free Greek yogurt was recommended by my nutritionist. I could only do a couple tbs at a time but it was a nice switch from shakes. Oikos triple zero is good.

I feel your pain ...I'm a bit hungry but really more just wanting to have something other than 6oz of protein shake every day...and broth and sugar free ice pops...will be thrilled when I can have a scrambled egg or some pureed soup or even Greek yogurt which I don't love lol... I go to the surgeon tomorrow and hopefully get my next stage to start on.

You can do it. You will find what works best for you and your schedule, and if you mess up, don't beat yourself up about it, take it as a learning experience and figure out what to do differently next time. Try to find small containers to pack snacks in to take with you. I do yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, protein bars, shakes, and Quest brand chips.

Thanks Lina I have recommitted to protein today. Greek yogurt and protein shake. They’re horrible but I’m getting them down slowly. I hope after a few days I’ll see some change. They don’t satisfy the hunger, but as long as I get them in, I think I’ll be ok.

Hi guys! Is everyone meeting their fluid goals yet?? I was sleeved on the 7th and finally made it to 54oz yesterday. But today I can start eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt and beans. And I have no clue how to make sure I'm meeting food and fluid goals! Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

I know for a fact that losing inches is better, cause the more you work out the more you will tone up your muscles and they weigh more than fat, while taking up less room in your body. I have noticed a huge change in my clothing, and I had a meeting yesterday with my volunteer coordinator and she was surprised to hear I'm just under 200 lb, cause she said I look like I weigh a lot less, that's about the nicest thing I heard in a long time I have been having a very busy month so far, so busy that I sometimes can't find time to work out or even to go for a walk. It's good in one way, cause I do still keep moving, and meeting new people, and just the joy of not being confined to home is better than anything Before I dropped under 200 lb I was a bit anxious about the weight loss, now I'm giving up on worrying, I only do what I can, what is best for me, and listen to the advice of the specialists who help me along the way. So I'm not checking the scale, unless before posting here to update the progress, I really don't measure anything, no food or calories, I got used to my diet already, I only buy what I can eat, and only eat what I have at home. We have a trip coming up, I'm not even very worried about that, once in the hotel I will buy a few triple zero oikos greek yogurt containers (or drinkables that are good on the go) and focus on those when I won't have to eat out. I actually had my first dinner at the restaurant this month, cause it was my birthday (I know I'm too old to be celebrating birthdays, but I really wanted to celebrate me, my weight loss journey and my success in it so far). I chose Red Lobster to celebrate at. I started with a full glass of water with my vitamins (I made it part of my routine to take vitamins before eating, it helps me with 2 things, remembering to take them, and remembering to drink before eating), cause I knew I wouldn't be able to drink anything once I started eating, then ordered a lobster bisque and added one of those to-die-for garlic biscuits, dipped it in the soup I had and enjoyed every bite. After that I took a little break from eating, and since the soup was still there and the evil garlic things as well, I decided to have one more, what the heck, lol. I suspected it would be too much for me, but I really enjoyed it and the taste was worth it and it tasted exactly as I remembered. Then it was time for dinner, for which I ordered only lobster tail and asparagus. As meal arrived I put the butter away asap, didn't need it at all, and after taking two bites of the lobster I was full. I kinda played about with the food while my party was still eating, then ordered to go box and had the leftovers (really almost full dinner) for lunch next day. Once at home I had a piece of Godiva dark chocolate with raspberry filling, it was oh so good I know that one evening my nutritional requirements were not met, but I enjoyed the food and will remember it for a long time. I'm about to have my 6 month check ups soon (I tried to schedule them before the year is over so that they are still free due to surgery this year). I will see my dietitian for the 4-th time all together (and possibly last), my surgeon, as per schedule, and that will be an ongoing check up, I guess still every 3 months till year is passed by, and I will also have my second and final visit with the psychiatrist (first was before surgery). I'm looking forward to all of those and making already a list of questions for each doctor. One of the things I'd like to focus on is the time when I will stop losing, I'd like to start preparing myself for that. So who am I now? I'm under construction and the general architect keeps changing his mind about my final look, and I like the unknown, and I like the changes so far, the good and bad. I will do all I can to minimize the loose skin, and once I'm done losing I may decide to do some elective correctional surgeries, 2 really come to mind, my abdominal and chest area. There is a procedure for getting rid of the double chin, and I started looking into that, it's minimally invasive, doesn't change the way the person looks like, only corrects the neck area. Once I learn more about it I will see if its good for me, for now I keep on losing Funny thing is that since I stopped worrying about reaching some number on scale I lost additional 4 lb, lol. Nothing can take away the feeling I get when I see that number always smaller, when I see it declining I still keep saying to myself, "This is crazy!" And I'm glad I finally found something that makes me feel awesome when I lose, lol Peace to all

Happy Monday, getting in the holiday spirit (no alcohol, snacking or cookies this year!) Tomorrow is 4 weeks from my ESG procedure, I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 20 pounds since ESG!! Great questions and answers by hope4momof4 and melesg here are my answers as well: Typical daily food intake, since week 3 averaging ±1000 calories and ±100 g protein: Breakfast 0600 - Premier Protein Shake, 160 cals, 30 g protein, multivitamin and calcium supplement Mid morning 0900-1000 - Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, 80 cals, 12 g protein Lunch 1200 - Either Premier Protein Shake or 4 oz protein chicken or salmon (baked) 250 cals, 25 g protein Mid afternoon 1500 - Premier Protein Shake Dinner 1900 - Either 4 oz chicken or salmon (baked) or Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, (if protein at lunch) Drinking >1,5 liters of water each day as well, between meals, no coffee/caffeine/alcohol 1) No hunger pains or feelings, no evening urges to graze that I used to have every day. 2) I didn't follow the puree stage myself as digestion has been very stable, solid foods haven't been a problem. I have stayed away from leafy items and whole fruits/veg. I'm staying with the protein shakes a bit longer to keep ramping down my weight. Started walking and feeling stronger this week, taking the ramp up easy, will introduce weight lifting this week as I hope to go skiing over the holiday period. 3) I'm right around 1000 calories, still a bit extreme and not long term, I have lost 20 of my ±90 pound targeted loss and want to continue this pace for another month or so. When I get below 275 (13 more pounds) I will start to transition to a more long term diet. More than 20 years since I was below 275. 4) No cravings, the head hunger thing is real for me. I don't desire sweets or salty munchies (honestly thought I would never utter these words!). My portion size is <1/5 of what I was previously eating at meal time and that's before not taking seconds. 5) Emotional eater - yes to all the above. If you would have asked me before the procedure I would have denied it and said it was based on my need to get calories due to being "a large body" with any number of related excuses, I'm big boned, I weighed this much when I was in my teens, etc. It just isn't the case. I really believe there is a positive effect from the reduction in stomach size and satiety (feeling of being full) and hormone reduction that is driving this. Hope4momof4, don't be stressed, I would not have predicted any of 4) of 5) before I had my procedure. In fact I gained about 10 pounds in less than a month from the time of my consult to completing the blood work and dietician visit. I thought about changing my eating and lifestyle before the procedure but never could have understood beforehand how much my willpower is stronger now after the ESG. Keep going, stay strong, there's lots of hope coming your way!!

You’re so lucky! My clinic makes all patients—regardless of size—do a two week completely liquid diet. I’m allowed only three low-cal protein shakes a day, one yogurt, broth (not soups), and SF popcicles. It’s brutal!

Hi, thank you all for your advice and support! Things dipped really low for me over the weekend. Yesterday I didn’t eat anything except a fudge pop and two tastes of some yogurt and I only choked that down because my friend was concerned and insisted I eat something. I meet with my doctor tomorrow, but today is technically my two week post op mark. So I went to the grocery store and grabbed some soft foods per my manual. I just had 4oz of cottage cheese and it was AMAZING. I pretty much snarfed it down and had to remind myself to slow down or I’d regret things. I think my issue is with sweet things? The cottage cheese was a pretty flat flavor and perfect. Anything remotely sweet is just making me gag. I’m not entirely sure on that though because I hated broth and creamed soup too... Anyway, thank you again. I’m just super excited that cottage cheese seems like a winner for now. 5’6” 25 yo SW: 256

I move on to them tomorrow! Although I'm only 1 week post op. My doctors menu is a little different. I'll be on 'soft protein' for 5 weeks starting tomorrow. So starting with yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, beans and then moving on to tuna and chicken breast. How have you been doing with getting all your liquids in?? My doctor wants us to focus mainly on fluid so I've been slacking on protein a little. I still haven't reached my full 64 ounces. It's definitely a chore! Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

If you picked protein powders that are less than 4g of sugar per serving, and you're not consuming liquids with calories (sugars) in them, don't fight that battle yet. Take your vitamins, drink your water/fluids, drink your protein drinks. My program allows thinned down yogurt from the start. Don't use yogurt that has crap in it or use that low carb one (hate the texture of it). I just use my HEB Greek yogurt and thin it down with Fairlife zero fat milk.

I’m not reading the whole thread so I might be repeating someone else’s idea, but here is what worked for me. Instead of mixing the protein powder with water or milk, I mix it into full fat plain Greek yogurt. I add coconut water as needed just to be able to mix it. Then I put it into little metal lunchbots (I think they are 4 oz containers ) and take them with me or keep in fridge. It doesn’t bug my stomach or make me sweaty and dizzy the way the liquid shakes did. I prefer unsweetened whey powder but just use whatever works for you. Just a few spoonfuls and it’s double the protein too. Good luck.

I was freaking starving. Not like...stomach rumbling....but like my head hurt and I felt woozily, low blood sugar, just exhausted and needing fuel. I'm two weeks out, eating a bunch of terrific soft foods...getting about 1000 calories a day. I feel fantastic...like my old self with even more energy. No nausea, everything is going down well. You're in the hard spot. The sun is on the horizon. You've just got to hold out a little longer and drink your protein for a bit longer. Let that tummy heal. You've been through too much to risk it on something naughty. Won't be long now! PS...if you get so desperate you want to cheat....at the very least, pick something from the whole liquids menu....the next step. Don't skip too far ahead and don't go crazy and eat a chicken strip. A little yogurt or some thinned down cream of wheat. Don't go nuts. And it's best to hold on and do things by the book. You can do this!

I was sleeved on the 4th as well. How are you doing? I'm having trouble drinking enough water. Protein is easy, shakes, cottage cheese, greek yogurt. I had potato soup today and tried some cream of wheat, both went down well, no problems. I can eat only 2oz of cottage cheese but oddly the 5oz yogurt goes down easier. I'm down 18lbs since surgery. I had serious "buyers remorse" the first week. I still have thoughts of "why did I do this" but I hope they go away as I get out of the immediate post-op phase.

Keep walking, an extra hundred steps here and there adds up. Make your protein goals to protect your heart and your muscles from wasting. Try to get those healthy calories in. The closer you can come to eating a normal calorie budget with some good activity, the better your metabolic reset will be. I've had great luck with oat meal and cream of wheat with almond milk. Whipped greek yogurt is another favorite that goes down super easy. You're doing great! keep working:) I believe in you.

I start puree Tuesday and I cant wait to have eggs. I want to make fake taco with refried beans(add little milk to make it thinner) a little taco seasoning little salsa and teeny bit of cheese. I hope its going to be the best 2oz of "taco" ever. I can also have tuna so I going make it super runny with lite mayo( maybe greek yogurt) and hint of mustard. I can't wait to move on from soups all the time.

I take two Flinstone's chewables 500 IU Calcium with D twice a day B12 and BComplex Daily I've got a heavy duty pill crusher, it makes powder out of the calcium pills. I just sprinkle the powder on a spoon full of yogurt or oatmeal or whatever....down the hatch. Easy peasy.

I'm so jealous of people whose surgeons don't require a liquid diet (or ones that let you have a small evening meal). I'm on total liquids (plus Greek yogurt) and I'm so exhausted and cranky I can barely think straight.

I had three days of clear fluids, then several days of clear fluids one hour, Protein shake the next. At about a week, I added yogurt, oatmeal, cream of wheat, sugar free pudding, and cream soup. At about a week and a half, I added potatoes, a little very soft meat, a little tofu, beans. I went a little faster than most...but I've suffered zero nausea, and my activity is through the roof. I approached each food very cautiously and my body was ready. Everyone is different. The swelling inside your stomach will improve differently for each person. Take it easy, take it slow....you'll get there!

I didn't eat after surgery. I was sleeved 12/7. My program calls for a week of clear liquids, then two weeks of full liquids until I even get to try soft and purée foods. I don't even get yogurt until the 28th. A liquid diet after surgery seems fairly par for the course, but every program differs. My program calls for 64 ounces of fluids per day, which includes three protein shakes while in the liquid stage, and two protein shakes per day in the soft/purée stage. Total protein at least 60 grams. I think as long as you try to get your protein in, and make sure you're getting enough water, you should be fine. I haven't really consumed anything but protein, water, Powerade zero, and jello for a week, and I was just able to add tomato and strained cream soups two days ago.

I’m 2 days post op and I still haven’t really eaten anything. I’ve only had a few sips of protein shakes and like 2 bites of yogurt. I have been able to drink the required amount of water needed. I guess my question is...should I be worried that I’m not really eating?

Hi Everyone, Down .6kg this week. Biggest challenge - Christmas treats everywhere!! Have enjoyed a little here and there but no blow out or binge which I am happy with. Biggest success - joining a gym. I am doing the c25k app program and have my session with the personal trainer this week to start resistance and strength training. I actually feel great during and after the interval running which is a total surprise to me. Thought it might be helpful to document my day on a plate. Keep in mind I am over 3 months post esg; Breakfast - 100g Greek yogurt, oats, walnuts and blueberries. Snack - 1/2 cup white grapes Lunch - rotisserie chicken (80g) and green salad Snack - apple, 15 almonds, 1 square of dark chocolate Dinner - vegetable soup, 1 slice homemade pizza with thin base. I try to drink 1.5 lt of water and drink coffee, lots of coffee during the day. Occasionally a glass of wine or 200ml Diet Coke or mineral water as a treat. I am trying to approach my food intake as "nutrition over no carb". I know that low carb gets results but I want to be healthy and fighting fit. My dietician reassures me that the fibre content in the fruit balances out the sugar and that the nutrients are worth the carbs. I often eat eggs or have a protein shake for breakfast, and meat and veg for dinner but the above plan is today's intake. I am trying to stop eating after dinner for the night as this is a time I have always snacked in the past. I hope to do 3-4 sessions per week at the gym and meet my 10000 steps everyday. I am preparing mentally now for Christmas as there will be so much eating. I will try limit the holiday food fiesta to just Xmas eve and Xmas day and certainly enjoy the food in smaller portions. My strategy is to go to the gym each day (except Xmas day) over the next week to try counteract extra eating. I don't want to feel "on a diet" during the holidays but also don't want to unrail my progress. For me, I was always the kind of dieter who fell off the wagon and then would say to myself - I will just eat what I want then start this new diet next week. It's exactly how I got so overweight. So I'm trying to avoid that way of thinking and just say - yep I really enjoyed my Christmas lunch and the desserts but now it's time to get back to the plan. The old saying, don't make a bad day, a bad week, or a bad month. I wish you all lots of luck over the next week at staying on track with reaching your nutrition and exercise goals. Remember - don't beat yourself up if you find this difficult. You just have to admit that you ate what you ate and have the mindset to ensure you get back to the behaviour that's going to get you healthy. Mel xo

I am 10’days post op and I was hungry Day 2 and thought I was nuts. One, I know part of it was mental. The other I was legit hungry. I asked the nurse when I went in for IV therapy and she said to try and take bites of yogurt or drink some protein shake every two hours. But even now when I’m hungry say when I’m going to bed i look back at what I’ve had and it’s not a lot even though I’ve met my protein goals

I can't eat most things yet. I'm eating off the approved list, and a little bit into the next list (pureed/soft)....taking everything slowly, only eating what's comfortable. Doing my 70 minute rule. Am enjoying: Mashed potatoes oatmeal cream of wheat baby meat sticks yogurt bean/pea Soup canned chicken sweet potato cottage cheese canned green Beans fresh greens in my nutrabullet....set to liquefy with a little apple or prune juice for regularity avacado Tofu Premier Protien...One caramel shake a day used as creamer in my decaf coffee I'm walking about 6-7 miles a day, have incredible energy, am sleeping 7-8 hours a night, and am off most of my meds. I'm eating 1000 calories a day, and getting at least 80g of protien. Sipping drinks nonstop. Weight improves daily. Am pooping daily. I read so many stories on this site about people who have problems....thought I'd add my positive experience to the stew. No nausea. no pain. Feeling like a million bucks. Healing up great. Enjoying my diet, and looking forward to being able to tolerate more Proteins and veggies. Am dying for a salad...but know that's weeks away. Some lessons I've learned: If foods feel uncomfortable or gets stuck for a minute....you're not ready for them. Put them away for another week or two and try again cautiously. If you feel uncomfortably full......get up and walk...it helps shake things loose. Anything new....try a tiny little amount and WAIT 15 minutes. See how it feels. Listen to your body cues. Eating super sugary food makes me sick. Sugary things are good for a bite...not a bowl, even a small bowl. Mom's Christmas cookie was NOT a good idea. A nibble would have been ok. Eating half a cookie...not so much. I was dumb and rationalized I was eating oatmeal, and the cookie was oatmeal....can't hurt, right? Wrong! Be very carful with heavily refined sugar products. The cookie triggered some nausea and I felt really crappy for a bit. It passed in 20 minutes, but I'd rather not repeat that. I love oatmeal and cream of wheat with almond milk and splenda. Greek yogurt is 12g of Protein a tub...try the whipped, it's awesome. You can get instant oatmeal with extra protein. Canned chicken isn't as awful as I feared. Particularly in homemade Soups with beans. Decaf coffee doesn't taste like coffee....but it's not bad. I think of it as something similar to coffee...but not quite coffee. LOL This isn't meant to be advice to anyone else....this is simply what's been working for me. I just wanted people to know that not everyone has a rough hellish experience. For some of us...the surgery is very easy on us and the changes are very tolerable:) Best wishes to each and everyone....on a safe healthy good outcome:)

My surgery is 12/28 as well, and I'm a few days into my liquid diet. Below is the diet my surgeon's nutritionist gave me. Basically Premier Protein Shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a mix of vanilla greek yogurt, broth, jello, apple juice, and milk for additional snacks, which shakes out to around 1000 calories/day. I'm not loving it but I'm managing, and I'm following it pretty well except that I don't like popsicles so (with my surgeon's approval) I'm swapping those out for one Yasso Greek Yogurt Vanilla Frozen Bar per day (WAY better).