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Little mid week post/question. I spoke to my surgeon earlier this week and he has okayed soft foods from today. Thank the lord. Soup, yogurt and jelly was driving me crazy. I miss real food! Question. Any recipe ideas for soft foods that taste good? The thought of just scrambled eggs or mashed potato just doesn't do it for me!

My surgeon didn't offer much info, and I haven't had a nutritionist. I've looked up a lot of info and kind of been doing my own thing.... which I know can be dangerous. But, I had my sleeve less than a month ago on April 18th. I lost 21 lbs pre op, and 27 lbs post op. I am on phase 4 and I am eating 4-5 small meals a day. I'll have 2 eggs for breakfast, a premier protein shake for a morning snack, tuna for lunch, and a Dannon Oikos triple zero blended Greek yogurt for dinner Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Have you tried Atkins bars? I like them but I understand and agree with the density. They have one that's a blueberry yogurt bar it's not dense and is really like a granola bar, very easy to eat. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plan says 2 oz (during the first 2 weeks) but not over 4oz. This was specific to the full liquids which would include cream soups, yogurt, pudding, etc.

I was advised by the nutritionist to start with Greek yogurt. My program doesn't do purees at all. Just clear liquid/protein shakes straight to stage 2 soft food with 3 "meals" a day. What was you first soft food and how did you do with it? Did it go down well?

Point taken. I meant trying things and perhaps learning to like them. I used to think I didn't like yogurt. I kept trying and retrying and mixing it with cinnamon, etc. and now I like it.

I am 3 weeks out too and experienced the stall, but my inches were dropping.... It is really important to eat Protein first, and at this point we really should only have room for protein. Try to get in at least 80gm of protein before eating anything else. My surgeon allows NO CARBS! Hey, we never ate them we were dieting before, right! The suggestions below are the only thing we are suppose to eat during puree. Suggestions: low fat greek yogurt of light greek yogurt, (lemon, vanilla, plain) watch sugar content, low fat cottage cheese- (whipped or small curd) scrambled egg whites, pureed chicken, turkey, tuna fish, salmon or canned chicken ( add fat free mayo or greek yogurt to make easy to digest, fat free of skim ricotta cheese-add tomato sauce or sweeten with cinnamon and splenda), low fat hummus, pureed black beans or fat free refried beans, laughing cow light cheese wedges. If you eat these, even with a 1/2 cup three times a day, I think you will be fine. I also agree are you taking an anti-acid. If I forget I know because I feel hungry, but its not hunger, its acid. Pepcid complete is what I take twice a day.

Hi Jen, sorry to hear you've been having pain. I didn't have a belly button incision. I have 5, 2 on the sides about an inch higher than my Belly button, then two higher than those and one right between the boobs just below where my bra hits. We move on to purée weeks 3 and 4. Week 1 is all liquid, and week two you can add yogurt, ricotta, and pudding. I been doling the ricotta watered down a bit with water and then added a tiny bit of protein powder for flavor. Found some Delish ones and have 6 flavors to choose from, which has been really nice. Im almost worried how easy it is to drink. I can take three regular swallows without any real trouble. I have my f/u tomorrow and will ask if that's ok. My one issue has really been constipation. I feel fine, but I know I'm not supposed to go 4 days without so I took some Milk of Magnesia today, which I hate. As for hunger, yes!!!! I've been feeling hunger pangs since day 2. I'm on omeprazole so it isn't acid. I've been taking some of the anti spasm meds, which helps a bit, it it definitely feels like good old fashioned hunger. Kind of a bummer.

Part of post-surgery life is adjusting to not living by your sense of hunger and full anymore. There are days I want to eat everything due to excess acid or my period or just plain old head hunger... and there are days I don't want to eat anything at all. I eat measured portions of scheduled snacks on both days. It's a weird sensation, especially after a life of very bad eating habits where I would restrict and binge, and it can feel seriously monotonous, but it's just something that needs to be done. But wait until you're on solid foods before you get worried about this. You're not settling into anything resembling a "normal" or long term eating pattern yet when you're on purees and fluids. Once you start eating dense protein and real food, things will change. There is a BIG difference between eating 2 oz of porkchop and having a cup of yogurt. Just keep tracking, following your plan, making good food choices, and hitting those protein and fluid goals. You will find your stride.

Hi everyone, I am eight-and-a-half months post-sleeve surgery, and I guess that I have reached my goal - down 70 lbs, from 203 to 133, and from a size 16-18 to a size 6-8. Of course, I am thrilled, but terror is beginning to set in about being able to maintain my new weight. I understand that there is a 'honeymoon period', after which food may become more difficult again. I am scared petrified of gaining weight back. I am focused on protein, vegetables and fruit (primarily protein - meat, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt, etc., and smaller quantities of vegetables and fruit). I still drink two Premier Protein shakes a day as mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks, which I find that I really need. I avoid all refined carbs and sugar/desserts and don't really plan to re-introduce them, at all, as they are trigger foods for me. What tips have helped others in keeping their weight off? I am elated to be successful and at goal, with a normal BMI and feeling so good about myself for the first time in forever, but what steps can I take to ensure that I will remain at this weight for the long-term? I weigh myself daily and am very particular about my food. I'm not a real exerciser, except for walking. I would be most grateful for any tips that you all could share with me. Thank you in advance.

I tend to agree and I don't find that my tastebuds have changed, at least not yet. I'm still on liquids, but everything tastes normal to me. I was hoping I'd "learn" to like fish so that I'd have another protein source that might be easier than chicken early on. I learned to like yogurt as an adult and now I really do enjoy it.

I'm pretty much eating the same proteins I ate prior to surgery. Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, crab and some white fish. Pre-op I taught myself to like yogurt so I would have something to eat during the soft foods stage but after eating it for 3 weeks straight, I can no longer stand the stuff. The only thing I have forced down is the protein shakes and that stopped once I could eat enough real food to make my protein goal.

It boils down to how you react to surgery. For me my stomach was swollen for several days so getting fluids in was an absolute chore. Now I feel like I'm drinking normally again although I do control how much I drink at a time. Fluids pass through the stomach fairly fast and they typically don't cause any sort of restriction/full feeling. You'll see that with "liquids at room temperature" foods like yogurts. 5 oz of Greek yogurt is easy to get down in just a few minutes, but if I tried that with a dense protein I'd feel miserable for hours. You'll learn which foods you really have to pace yourself with.

Hell no. Things I didn't like before surgery I hate. Things I loved I really love. My taste buds have not changed, they are just more exaggerated and I have a different outlook on life. I don't do anything I don't want to do. If I taste something and it doesn't taste good I spit it out. I went some place a few weeks ago, and when my food arrived it was terrible. Luckily I paid before I was server, I took one bite, spit half of it into a napkin and spit it out. We only get to eat so much and we only have so many calories, I can't force myself to eat things I don't like. I tried to like yogurt, nope still nasty and as useless as ever. Since you are an adult you might find your tastes are more refined and you like seafood, but I don't think anyone should force themselves to eat things they don't like. Our stomach space is too precious

For the first few weeks after surgery my doc and nutritionist told me it's not about calories it's about protein. I needed to hit at least 60 grams of protein a day. I think I started focusing on calories around the 6 month mark and even then they told me worry more about reaching that protein because it helps you heal and gives you energy. I put protein powder into my yogurts and pudding to give it a different flavor and to make sure I was hitting that goal

Hi, everyone. I was sleeved a week ago and am getting 320 - 380 calories/day (from 2 Premier Proteins and sometimes a sugar-free pudding). I'd love to get a sense of other folks' experience here and tips for getting more calories to function. I'm feeling great in every way except energy and want to be sure I can go back to work fairly soon! (Scheduled for next week.) For reference, my current diet is "protein liquids" -- what's allowed are protein drinks, water, fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, sugar-free pudding. I'd love to use milk for calories and protein but I've been trying and it smells rotten to me! Same with yogurt. I read another thread where some other folks had the same issue shortly pre-op. I tolerate the pudding well, but don't want to do more than 1/day because of all the fake taste. Any ideas for non-fake-sweetened liquids with some calories? Starting Wednesday 5/10, I'm on purees and think that'll help.

I know earlier this week I gave a quick description of what to expect when going to for VSG! I would love to thoroughly describe the experience, up until where I am today. (4 days post-op) Surgery date was May 4th, 2017. Performed by Dr. Afaneh at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell GI and Metabolic Surgery. Pre-op: A lot of surgeons are different and everyone's pre-op diet is different. Some patients need to start two weeks prior. Me, I had to start a full clear liquid diet 2 days before surgery. I was miserable. When I found out other people started way before I did, I sucked it up and kept moving forward. I was having unlimited amounts clear broths, sugar-free ices, sugar free jello, and Powerade Zero. None of these liquids are supposed to be red dye color. I assumed so it is not confused for inflammation and blood in the stomach. Miso Soup was my best friend for my meals, just make sure to drain the tofu. I got the call from the hospital the night before and they told me my surgery time. EIGHT PM. I gasped on the phone and the nurse asked if I was okay. I was under the impression surgeries were usually in the morning and i immediately started freaking out at the thought of a tired surgeon after performing these all day coming in to my OR. I asked the nurse twice if this was correct and she laughed saying I am not the only person who had this reaction. But, this was the time my surgeon worked so what can I do and since my consultation, I felt a good vibe from this guy even if his hours are weird. So I got everything ready and started the mental preparation. What to pack: Please whatever you do, don't over pack! You will not use anything you bring with you. You will be too busy in and out of sleep the last thing you'll give a crap about is what panties/underwear you got on. All I packed was one pair of underwear, a change of loose clothes when I go home (Big t-shirt and loose leggings), deodorant, CHAPSTICK (SO IMPORTANT), and a pair of socks to wear under the hospital socks for extra warmth. (I'll explain why later.) Toothbrush? Most of the time , hospital gives you a little kit with those things. New York-Presbyterian hooked me up and gave me a toothbrush, paste, lotions, shampoos. a robe, and a refreshing spray since you won't be able to shower until you go home. Then of course, bring your purse with your usual "purse things", wallet with ID, some cash just in case, a good book/ipad/laptop, and some headphones to keep you entertained during your stay besides sleeping. SURGERY DAY: So remember when I told you my surgery time was at 8pm. Check-in was at 5pm. My day was DRAGGING. I was beyond nervous. Then a phone call came in around 11am and I automatically knew it was the hospital. They ended up asking if I can come in by 2:30, surgery at 5:30pm. I was a little relieved I was able to go in earlier. I wondered if someone canceled? I was overthinking everything! When I arrived to the hospital i was escorted to the pre-op area where the nurses had me take off everything and place all my belongings in plastic bags. Get ready to say your name and date of birth a thousand times before you go under. You'll meet everyone. (The attending doctor who will monitor your vitals during your stay and ask you for your medical history, the anesthesiologist and his crew will introduce themselves and make you open your mouth really wide to see how far back they can see, and then you will see your surgeon one more time to sign your last consent form before surgery.) The nurses started my IV port and gave me my first round of heavy pain medications, which I started feeling woozy around 45 minutes after. Then I just sat and waited. Watched some Scandal, listened to music and waited for my surgery time. I saw my curtain pull back and it was the nurse telling me it was time to go. I immediately started sobbing. I thought I was so cool and collected but it hit me like a ton of bricks when it was actually time. I was super nervous and she gave me a really warm felt hug and assured me that everything would be okay! She escorted me to the surgery room. That 5 minute walk felt like an eternity. I thought I mentally prepared myself enough but the nerves were still there. Dr. Afaneh came out of the room and said we're ready for you! He saw my eyes were red from crying and he said "Listen, don't worry about a thing, If it makes your feel any better i'm all warmed up, just did two bypasses a sleeve and a hernia repair so I'm ready to go." The nurses brought me in and set me up on the table. They explained everything they were doing up until the moment they placed the gas mask. The last thing I remembered was when the nurse anesthetist say, "see you in a bit girl!" Post OP: I woke up crying. (I'm emotional, sorry.) Everyone welcomed me back to my conscious state. The first thing I felt was an immediate need for water. My throat was on fire because of the breathing tube. The nurse had this little sponge on a stick dipped in ice cold water that she gave me and it was HEAVEN. My voice was raspy and I barely could move. She asked me if there was anyone in the waiting room for me and I told her my boyfriend was. She went to get him to me and that's when the other nurses came in and started vital checks and my first injection of Heparin, a blood thinner given every 8 hours to prevent blood clots. This is not administered through your IV and has to be injected. You can choose either your stomach or arm. Go for the stomach. You got a lot of cushion there for it doesn't hurt as much as the shoulder. On both legs, I had these boots which applied compression every 5 minutes for circulation. All I did was lay there and suck on my sponge stick until they brought me into my room. When I was brought to my room, the nurse on the clock came in and introduced herself and gave me another round of pain medication, anti-nausea, and a stool softener. I felt so exhausted, once she walked out, I pressed my little light button and fell asleep...and woke up again in a few hours for the same routine, pain medications and my second dose of Heparin. There was a nurse coming into the room every few hours and I barely slept. My body was fighting for REM that when the nurse asked if I wanted to walk I told her I couldn't do it. My breakfast tray was delivered and it was a full bariatric liquid diet: broth, G2, Jello, and tea. I probably took two teaspoons of the broth and felt pain as it went down so I just sipped on the Gatorade a bit and fell asleep. It was 6am and the nurse came back in with my first round of crushed vitamins and medications. She mixed them in small cups with G2 and I took them back like shots at the bar. It was pretty gross but she said it counted as fluid intake. I ended up going to urinate every time the nurse came in, and like clockwork she would check the amount I did and let me know I was healing well. So every few hours, just repeating the same old vitals, meds, another heparin injection which bled through my gown after the 3rd one. My lunch tray came in with the same stuff that I barely touched. Acid reflux started kicking my ass and that's when I laid there and asked myself "What the hell did I do to myself?" I started feeling afraid that maybe this wasn't a good idea. An hour later a whole gang of resident doctors came in with the surgeon. They all smiled and said hello and Dr. Afaneh started asking me how I felt and told me the surgery was basically perfect that he wish he could've recorded it. (He's a professor as well since the hospital is also a medical college too.) He was very pleased and told me I will be seeing the results soon and I will be discharged in a few hours! I couldn't believe it, it didn't even hit 24 hours and I was already going home. I started getting excited to go home. By the way, my lips were chapped, so use that chapstick! I WAS FREEZING. The extra socks under the hospital socks kept my toes warm and my hands were pale white and freezing. The nurse told me that's normal when your body is recovering. So get extra blankets! My last tray came in and TADA! PROTEIN SHAKE! I was so happy! ANYTHING BUT BROTH! The nurse manager came in and gave me a small gift bag that had a shaker bottle, pill crusher, a protein power bag of Vanilla UNJURY, and little soap set. It was super cute and she wished me good luck on my weight loss journey. After drinking some of my shake\ I got up and walked around a bit and felt pretty good at this point.The nurse came back with my discharge papers and removed all my IV's. She put some band-aids on my heparin injections sites because they kept bleeding a little bit. I got dressed and was escorted to the main entrance and saw my boyfriend and son waiting for me. It was a little after 7pm, a little under 24 hours from when I was woken up from surgery. Cool right? I am now 4 days post-op and I feel great. My acid re-flux sucks still but my doctor told me it was fine to take my PPI twice a day instead of once. I am drinking 2-4 oz of liquids every hour. Slowly sipping all day. I try to walk around for 15-20 minutes twice a day outside or even in the house. My surgeon gave me a goal of one 8oz protein shake a day which I have been actually accomplishing! Little by little it's getting better and I was able to walk my son to his jujitsu class near the house. My boys have been trying not to eat near me but we live in an apartment in NYC so it's a little impossible to avoid each other. I just put on some headphones with some good music and sip my protein shake, planning my first pureed dinner i'll have in a week in my head. Physically, its going to be tough not being able to get around on your own without the extra help and annoying pain. Mentally, you might feel drained, you might have second thoughts, and it'll probably piss you off when you see other people eating food. But when you step on the scale and see your progress in such a small amount of time, it will motivate you to stay strong. It will feel good and realize how strong you are mentally. Stronger than what you expected. YOU ARE A WARRIOR! You got this baby! Meal prep your little yogurts, broths, and prepare your Crystal Light the night before. My favorite thing right now is taking 4oz of Chobani plain greek yogurt and mixing 1 TSP of strawberry UNJURY protein powder. It's like a tangy semi-sweet strawberry yogurt. Feel free to contact me through message if you have any pre-op questions. See you on the loser's bench! <3

On my plan, strained creamed soups came in at Day 10 (at the same time as yogurt, sugar free pudding and applesauce). My bet is you can have them Wednesday with your "stage 2" food. Good luck!

I was sleeved a week ago today. None of my post op dietary stages list the low fat cream soups. I'm getting in my fluids and protein no problem, but I feel hungry, like I need something with a little more substance. It's not even head hunger, as I have never eaten cream of chicken soup in my life. It never appealed to me. I'm getting a little cranky today. When I was discharged from the hospital, the nutritionist said that this coming Wednesday, I could start Stage 2, or "mushies," as she calls it. She mentioned Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce. That leaves one more day after today until I can have some form of food. I've been relying on broth, sugar free drinks, water, protein shakes, sf jello and sf popsicles. I should have called her today and asked about the cream soups.

How's it going Jen! I'm feeling better each day. Not really even struggling to get my liquids or shakes in. Tomorrow moving on from all liquid to adding some yogurt.

She means bread, grains, pasta. Veggies has been included since day 4. I asked her about stew, meat was protein, carrots veggies, and potatoes complex carbs. If I have yogurt, then berries for fruit and a slice of bread. Or a slice of bread with cheese and cucumber. That is what she wants me to eat.

thank you, I am trying to walk more and I am drinking plenty of water. The issue is, I am unable to eat a variety of food. I am little by little adding in food, but I can only handle cottage cheese, protein shakes, ground turkey, yogurt. sea food, beef, chicken make me sick.

I have a protein shake for breakfast Greek yogurt for lunch 3 oz meat with salad for dinner. That's my food for the day

I have been surviving on butternut squash soup, sf jello, sf pudding & sf popsicles. 1 have 2 protein shakes & 1 yogurt daily to meet my protein requirement. Blended cream of shrimp soup & Costco lobster bisque (again blended) is especially yummy as is egg drop soup from a fav Chinese take out. A bit more substantial than broth or bouillon. I was sleeved 4/17/17 and can't wait to move on to puréed foods in a few days. I am looking forward to the making the ricotta bake. I plan on making some tuna, chicken & egg salad w/ Greek yogurt & herbs, instead of mayo, to boost the protein. I also saw a low carb enchilada bake that looked good as well as a buffalo chicken bake. Check out crack chicken made in a crockpot or chicken alfredo served w/ zoodles or mashed cauliflower. http://www.recipe-diaries.com/2016/09/18/slow-cooker-crack-chicken/ Looking forward to seeing more puréed/soft food recipes!

For liquid stage, of the things you didn't already mention, I had (and stopped having at soft solids) Fruit smoothies (frozen strawberries, bananas, blueberries) mixed w/milk and yogurt drink. Unsweetened applesauce Glasses of 2% milk Soft solids Ragu meat sauce w/blended lean ground beef Refried beans with melted block cheese String cheese Glass of 2% milk once every day or two Come in a few days when I do regular food will be reintroducing burgers and chicken nuggets. Didn't have to worry about family get-togethers, my family are in the US and Germany, in-laws are safely across the country (Ontario, Quebec).