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Hello everyone, I'm 9.5 months postop VSG and I have lost 88 pounds since my surgery on Sept 19th, 2016, and 108 pounds overall since my pre-op liquid diet. For the first few months postop I was eating about 600-800 calories a day, and up until today I'm still eating around 700-900 calories a day, 80-100 grams of protein, and anywhere from 20-30 grams of net carbs. A lot of people keep telling me that my calories are way too low for someone as far out as I am, and I'm worried that if I continue to eat like this that my body will adjust to a really low calorie intake and once I hit maintenance that I'll start gaining weight if I eat over 1000 calories. I want to be able to maintain within a normal calorie range for someone my age, of around 1500 calories. I'm 5' 7" and 21 years old, and right now I weight 177lbs and I'm hoping to reach my goal weight of 150lbs. I was 285lbs before my pre-op liquid diet, and 265lbs on the day of surgery. But I'm honestly finding it really hard to increase my calories because eating up to 900 calories a day usually leaves me sufficiently satisfied for the day, and to be able to eat more than 900 calories a day I feel like I would really have to force myself to eat more. I eat healthy, nutritious food and always prioritize my protein, so it doesn't leave much room for me to eat too much calorie dense foods. I eat clean - no ice cream, pizza, chips, etc. or other junk whatsoever. Things I eat regularly include: Premier Protein shakes, chicken breast, shrimp, low fat cheeses (mainly feta, parmesan, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar), nuts (mainly almonds and pistachios), low fat greek yogurt, protein granola, high fibre bran cereal, small amounts of berries, Peanut Butter, and eggs. I eat a lot of veggies too, and always stick to non-starchy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, brussel sprouts, cucumber, green Beans, and spinach. I weigh and measure everything I eat down to the gram and track everything on myfitnesspal everyday. Here is myfitnesspal account where I have my food diary visible, so any advice on what I'm eating would be really appreciated: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/avatarkorraa. I can comfortably eat anywhere from 5-7 ounces of food in a sitting, and I eat 3 meals a day and 1-2 snacks, every 3-4 hours. In terms of my activity level, I'm pretty sedentary because I have a lot of chronic fatigue and muscle weakness due to some complications I had postop , so I can't increase my calories too much because I'm not burning off a lot. In the meantime I'm following up with my doctor to see if there's something I can do about this so I can start exercising soon, because I really want to . So where should I go from here? I really don't want my metabolism to adjust to such a low calorie intake, but I'm scared that if I increase my calories that my weight loss will stop. Should I try eating more calorie dense foods or force myself to eat more in general? How many calories should I be eating right now to maintain a healthy weight loss and so my metabolism doesn't slow down? Is it too late for me now to do so? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hahahaha I am currently on google with "what does 80 grams of protein look like" The answer is, a LOT The sad part is that an egg white is only 3.6 grams . Thank goodness for chicken breasts, tuna and beans because I can't stand yogurt and it's so highly recommended all over the place for protein.

I have been provided with my post-op diet already even though my surgery is still a few months out. I must say that I am glad that I have this information as I am working the diet backwards now so that when surgery time and post-op comes, my body is already prepared for it and I won't have as many withdrawals. Dealing with a major lifestyle change will be hard enough so I don't want to also have to include the adjustment to diet during that time. The emotional aspect of it all will be challenging enough. What do I mean by backwards? Well, for many, the post-op diet is as follows... Stage 1: Clear liquids Stage 2: Full liquids Stage 3: Pureed Stage 4: Soft foods Stage 5: Regular foods Of course, regular foods is the norm, but, I am now focusing on protein. Eating the protein and then veggies and then carbs, if I am still hungry. I don't drink 1/2 hour before or after dinner. I drink water only and I make sure I sip my 64 oz. throughout the day. I will then move to the soft foods: soft scrambled eggs, yogurt, refried beans, protein shakes, tuna, for example. After soft, moving to the pureed/soft foods. I don't look forward to this but yes, I will try the baby food for my protein and veggies. I would puree my own meet but I am not sure I can get it to the correct consistency. Full liquids will be my protein shakes, creamed soups, etc. Finally, I move to the clear liquids: gelatin, broth, protein soups, etc. At this stage I should be about a week or so out from surgery and should have no problem continuing this immediately after post-op. Preparation will be important for ALL of us. Sure, it is easy to be happy about only needing 1 - 3 days of a liquid diet before surgery but it is best to consider the big picture and understand that this is a lifestyle change. Prepare for it as you WILL go through withdrawals of not eating what you were once used to eating. I wish everyone well in their journey!

Head hunger is powerful. I have zero physical hunger. I eat because I'm supposed to but I never feel the sensation of hunger. Early on I had crazy head hunger. I couldn't tell if my body was truly hungry or just craving crap, so each time I felt hungry I ate. I only ate what I was allowed on the phase I was in. So hungry?, drink some protein shake. Hungry? Have some yogurt. Now, hungry? Find some dense protein. I still have occasional cravings for bad food. I am now in the habit of feeding that craving protein. It gets easier to resist that pull.

Thank you both for the replies...I look forward to trying a few out...today I did 1 tablespoon of low fat refried beans with half a teaspoon of sour cream fat free and half a teaspoon of salsa...man I felt like I was in heaven after just yogurt...cottage cheese and cream soups the last two weeks...thanks again any other tips please feel free to share...I also bought small containers for food even my mini measure cups which does 1/4 cup is perfect for now... Sent from my LG-LS997 using BariatricPal mobile app

Typical day. I get up drink a protein shake with 30 grams protein. Usually takes me an hour. Wait 30 minutes then start drinking water till lunch. Wait 30 minutes them do about 1/3 cup oikos triple zero Greek yogurt. I like strawberry and the salted caramel. It has 15 grams protein. Wait 30 minutes. Start drinking water. Drink all day. Then for supper I'll either finish the yogurt or if I'm not nauseous I'll puree 1/2 can chicken rice soup the small can. I take my time and savor it. About 30 minutes. Wait 30 minutes then back on the water. I use apple juice to get my crushed pills and supplements down just enough for about 2 drinks. And if I get hungry late I'll have a sugar free popcicle. I'm probably not getting enough calories but I'm getting my water in. And if I do the soup and I'm hungry still later I'll finish the yogurt for the extra protein. I had a bad hunger day one day so I made a protein smoothie I put one scoop unflavored whey protein powder, 2 packets splenda, about 1/4 banana and 2 strawberries with a little crushed ice blended it. Then I just sipped on it to keep hunger down. Plus I'm walking 1 mile everyday. It may not be tge right way but it's working for me. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using BariatricPal mobile app

7g is on the high side if you're looking at a daily intake of not exceeding 20g. Remember, things like milk, yogurt, fruit and anything that you should be eating as well has sugar in it. The most you can do to limit your sugar intake with the GS (or any diet for that matter) is better for you. Sugar really IS the #1 problem in our diets. It's in everything we eat with refined sugars (high fructose corn syrups) and hides in things you'd never think has it like dairy... I try and keep my total daily sugar count below 15g.

Hi guys! I have been on soft foods since week 2. I feel pretty good. I lost 18 pounds since surgery but last week the scale did seem to be stuck. I left Friday for a trip to California. So far it's been ok. A little hard to get water in. I have been staying with my sister in law but tonight we check into a hotel for the 4th. I'm pretty nervous about food. I did bring some lentils from home to eat but not sure if the hotel has a microwave available. Oh well, cottage cheese and yogurt will keep in the fridge, right. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi skyeyes9520 Good luck on the pureed food...or baby food as I called it. speaking of..try some baby food it has come along way. I found a veg and brown rice that was pretty good (just watch for hidden sugars) and try to find a high protein content. If that's not appealing for fruit: you should cook 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fruit with 2 tsp of water. for a couple of minutes(straw, blue raspberry or peaches) or I lived on unsweetened apple sauce w/ cinnamon sprinkled on for flavour. Remember NO fibrous fruit eg. oranges or pineapples. I think you can have cream of wheat, oatmeal (if instant no more than 10 grms of sugar) or a cold cereal soaked in milk 'till it's mushy. Don't for get yogurt ( NO fruit bottom or chunky anything sugar and fat free) Sugar free jello ( I cheated with low fat cool whip ) you can't have jello without coolwhip...right. Sugar free pudding for another treat. You should be okay with low fat cottage cheese. Try as well a poached egg. For more purred stuff;Hummus is easy and quick...here are some recipes for Veggies >>1/3 cup of veg with 3 teaspoons of veg broth ( any veg into the food processor and blend for 2minutes it must be fine...remember baby food. meat and fish ( ground beef and a soft fish like cod or salmon ) 1/2 cup cooked meat/fish in 4 tablespoons of broth or water. Blend until smooth. NO CHUNKS !! One last hint...use spices and herbs (they are your best friends) to make your food tastier. One last hint make a more than you need to eat that meal and buy some little containers or even use ice cube trays to portion out your food and freeze it.It makes life so easy here are a couple of sites for recipe ideas. I hope this helps www.bariatriccookery.com http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/diet/pureedentreesalads.cfm#blended vegetables Good luck and good health

Going back to the yogurt is the dietitians idea. The dr doesn't want me eating anything that will "slide through" my stomach. He wants stuff that will sit in there. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

"Back to" Greek yogurt? That's not considered a whole food protein source?

I KNOW! It comcerned me, so I met with a dietitian today, she suggested I go back to the shakes and Greek yogurt. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree with you. I was concerned, so I met with a dietitian today. She suggested I go back to shakes and smoothies with un-flavored protein powder. She also suggested I go back to the Greek yogurt. I am still going to try more foods, but I am going to do what I need to do to get in my protein. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi northstar9148... here are some ideas I hope will help you. I don't know what brand you buy but...Buy a brand (any no name brand is fine at your local wal-mart or health food store even a big supermarket should carry protein powders. Buy a brand that is whey (milk) or soy. I think if you buy a vanilla (there is other flavours as well) flavoured brand you will have more options for shakes. Less than 5 grams of Carbs and 20 to 30 grams of protein and NO sugar. here's one recipe strawberry banana protein shake 1 scoop protein powder 1/2 cup skim milk, almond milk or cashew milk. 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt 4 whole strawberries (frozen if want) or blueberry, raspberry 2 inch piece of banana 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 package sweetener (optional) Throw into blender and blend until smooth....delicious you can also replace the berries with peaches or even use coco powder (plain no sugar powder not hot choc mix) try using flavourings and extracts orange, root beer, maple, for baking ...DO NOT use juice, honey or sugar for flavour. try this site for more recipes www.bariatriccookery.com good luck

Hi, I'm 10 days post op and doing great. Day of surgery weighed 319 now I'm 289. Hard to believe but 30 lbs in 10 days. Most of it was water weight. My legs and feet were always swollen. Now I can see my ankle bones and calves are smaller. Also the first week it's hard to get much down. My dr had me on clear diet for 2 days and I couldn't stand broth so I lived on jello, apple juice, protein waters. And lots of water. The 3rd day I could have protein shakes, sf chocolate pudding, and Greek yogurt. I still only eat about 3 bites. Or can only get a half of the shake down but I drink lots of water. I'm getting about 400 or less calories. Oikos triple zero Greek yogurt is my go to for meals at this point. I have sf popcicles and organic tomato juice with seasalt found at publix it's a nice change from all the sweet stuff. Publix also has a protein milk called Rockin refuel that has 30 grams protein taste just like real chocolate milk and it's lactose free. I love it. The first 5 days were hard for me nausea was really bad. And smells really bothered me. It's gotten better. The pain was not near as bad as I imagined. Protein, water, and walking is the key. Also as soon as you fill full stop. Even if I have 2 bites and feel full I quit. I hate to vomit and haven't so far. Listen to your body and you will do great. It's hard and you will have days better than others. I literally just walk it off. That helps. Good luck to you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using BariatricPal mobile app

Im doing better now that I'm in week two. I get a few gas bubbles because I forget I can't gulp water or whatever I'm drinking at the time. I haven't had nausea at all during this whole new life change which is surprising. Hopefully yours will stop soon it gets easier, I think when day 7 came everything seemed to be a lot better! I figured I needed more protein because my body was so week, my friend and I both got some protein shakes so we did that one day and felt soooo much better. And getting to have a few bites of yogurt was a nice change! Things are finally starting to get better!

Well it feels good to know I'm not alone. I felt depressed for the 1st 2 days, pretty bad, felt like I made a mistake. My outlook has changed since then. This forum has helped a lot by reading and seeing I'm not alone. Cold liquids cause me to have stomach pains, not sure if pain is a good word, it feels like preop when your super hungry, like a strong grumble. I can eat but I have to eat slowly, like really slowly. A yogurt can take me 15min.

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice/support with regards to my eating habits and dealing with a stall. I'm 9 months post op VSG and I had my surgery on Sept 16th 2016. My highest weight ever was 310 pounds, my surgery consult weight was 285 pounds, and I was 265 pounds the day of surgery after the pre-op liquid diet. I'm now 183 pounds for a total loss of 102 pounds since my pre-op liquid diet, and 82 pounds since the day of my surgery. My goal weight is 150 pounds and I'm 5' 7". Now I'm not new to stalls at all - I've gone through every stall in the book so far. I've had major stalls at 3 weeks post op, 1 month post op, 3 months post op, 6 months post op, and now here I am stalling again at 9 months post op. But what has me really worried this time is that I thought I had finally broke my stall a few weeks ago but my weight shot back up again today, and I even gained weight! I've been stuck at 183 pounds since the beginning of June, but I weighed in two weeks ago at 178 and I was thrilled. I had been eating 600-800 calories a day, 70-100 grams of protein, and below 20 grams of net carbs (most days being around 15). I thought I had broken through my stall but after seeing 178 that one time, I weighed in over the next few days around 180-181 even though my eating habits didn't change. I got really frustrated and told myself I'd do a little experiment...I thought maybe I wasn't eating enough, and even my nutritionist advised me to increase my calories and carbs because I've been eating this way since the very beginning post op. Starting last Friday, I tried for one week to eat 900 calories a day, still keeping between 70-100 grams of protein, increasing my water intake to over 64oz a day, and eating slightly higher carbs (below 30 net carbs per day) to try and break the stall. (By net carbs I mean I subtract both sugar alcohols and fiber from my total carb count). So I did that for a week and promised not to weigh myself for the whole week until again next Friday, and lo and behold when I weighed myself today I gained weight and am now back at 183 pounds! I don't know if I'm losing inches because I don't measure myself - but my clothes size has stayed the same and I feel like my progress pics since last month look the same. :/ Maybe that's just me though and I'm psyching myself out, but I'm feeling so upset and frustrated and depressed, I don't know what to do! I weigh and measure everything I eat down to the gram and track everything on myfitnesspal everyday. I eat clean - no ice cream, pizza, chips, etc. or other junk whatsoever. Some staples in my diet are premier protein shakes, chicken, shrimp, low fat cheeses, nuts, low fat greek yogurt, protein granola, peanut butter, and eggs. I always stick to non-starchy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, brussel sprouts, cucumber, green beans, and spinach. Things I eat occasionally are half a slice of a high fibre/high protein low carb pita or loaf, a protein bar on long days at work where I do some heavy lifting for an extra boost, or a high fibre/high protein muffin cake (Smartcakes) sweetened with erythritol as a treat (just tried these very recently though - while they have good stats I don't know if I'll continue to buy them or avoid). During my little 'experiment' this week, I increased my carbs mainly from healthy sources: small amounts of strawberries, high fibre whole grain cereals, and lots more veggies like broccoli and cucumber. I ate more frequently in the day by adding an extra snack or small meal to up my calories to 900 a day, but I never eat less than 3 hours apart. I never eat and drink at the same time and always wait at least 30 minutes between drinking and eating. On days I'm low in fibre I'll add fibre-enhanced crystal lite to my water to get in enough fibre each day as well (still can't tolerate plain water yet sadly - makes me really nauseous). I cook using cooking spray to make sure I'm using as limited amounts of oil as possible. I take my PPI, multivitamin, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3 + Calcium supplements everyday as well. Here is myfitnesspal account where I have my food diary visible, so any advice on what I'm eating would be really appreciated: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/avatarkorraa As for exercise, that's been a bit of a challenge because I've been experiencing some severe chronic fatigue and muscle weakness ever since my surgery. I feel really exhausted, light-headed, dizzy, and weak all of the time, and even simple tasks like walking up the stairs has become more much challenging since surgery. I know people are supposed to feel like they have much more energy after WLS, but sadly for me it's been quite the opposite (and I'm very young too to boot - only 21 years old). I don't know if this is because I'm not eating enough or because of some other underlying health problem, though. My labs are all perfect but I do suffer from PCOS sadly, and I have pretty low blood pressure. I'm not completely sedentary though - my job requires me to do some moderate heavy lifting once a week (which is difficult to do in the state I'm in now but I try my best) and I'm certainly not housebound or anything as I'm always out and about running errands. I really do want to implement some sort of formal exercise program into my daily routine though, but sadly I have next to no energy all the time and my muscles and joints are in a lot of pain everyday. Eating closer to 900 calories this week helped me feel a little more energized, but not by much. In the meantime I'm following up with my doctor to see if there's something I can do about this so I can start exercising soon, because I really want to . Anyways, any advice/support would be really appreciated! I really want to reach my goal of 150lbs but it's so hard not to get discouraged during times like this. Seeing the scale shoot back up to 183 pounds today really scares me and I just don't know where to go from here, and I'm honestly too terrified to eat anything now. Thank you so much for reading and I wish you all the best on your respective journeys!

SInce I cant eat much ,I at least get my vitamins in with my yogurt that has high protein. Also I get my vitamins from Bariativ and they come right to your door I couldn't do the chewables after about 6 weeks so they sent me the capsule .I just crush them up and put them in something.

I am 10 weeks Post -Op and still can't eat eggs, cottage cheese bread of any type and barley can eat any meat and if I do get to eat meat I only can eat a couple of bites of a grilled chicken strip only no red meat or pork and then I'm full . I can eat yogurt and a half of a protein shake .I was wondering if anyone else has or had this problem of having a hard time eating at 12 weeks out ? I'm already down 60 lbs which I'm happy about but I would like to get more of a food intake. TYI

Had mine June 22 the nausea was really bad. Protein is the key I couldn't tell if my nausea was from the surgery or if I was actually hungry. Turns out I wasn't getting enough. Try a protein shake you like. I like Rockin refuel chocolate milk it's got 30 grams protein and now I've added oikos triple zero Greek yogurt 20 grams protein and sugar free. I'm feeling more satisfied now. The nausea did help me lose 29 lbs in one week. Publix also has an organic tomato juice with sea salt. Helps break up all the sweet stuff. I can't stand broth it gags me. But see what works for you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 1 week post op and I've had a couple times I've felt like this. I've been Journaling my daily experience. When I go back and read it I really it's getting easier everyday. I'm from the south and every get together we have revolves around food. With the fourth of July coming up I'm nervous. My husband and family will still bbq I've got to find a way to be part of this and watch everyone eat. I worry it will be hard on me. Guess I'll eat my yogurt and keep my eye on the prize. I've lost 29 lbs in one week so I know this works just gotta work out the mental part. You are not alone in this. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 1 week post op and I'd agreed the nausea is the worst part. I can't deal with the smell of broth at all. I'm pretty much living on Rockin refuel protein milk. Taste just like chocolate milk. And oikos triple zero Greek yogurt. Both high in protein. I was getting sick of so much sweet taste so I added tomato juice with sea salt it really helped. Must be working I've lost 29 lbs my first week. Oh yeah and lots of water. It's starting to get easier. Trust me I'm only 1 week out I feel your pain. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using BariatricPal mobile app

You'll be on a basic liquid diet post surgery. Lots of Broth (chicken, vegetable and beef) Tomato soup. NO soups with anything in it like noodles or chunks of anything. Yogurt low fat and sugar no fruit on the bottom or mixed in plain only. Sugar free jello (cheated a little and bought some low fat cool whip topping...can't have jello without topping) Juice is fine try to find a low sugar brand and mix half and half with water don't drink it straight. Sugar free Popsicle or make your own with those packets of water sugar free flavourings. To zip up those broth soups try adding some spices...curry into the chicken or Italian into the veg some chili (not too much) into the tomato you get the drift. good luck