Search the Community

I do both. I use the Baritastic app, and I set my calorie and carb goals and try not to exceed them. I think some people take issue with carb counting because there's good carbs and really, really bad carbs. For me, carbs are really important to monitor because I really don't like vegetables. I can eat a bit of fresh salad, but that's about it because I have texture issues. I can't stand cooked veggies, to me it's inedible slime. Lol! Obviously, good carbs are necessary for vitamins and minerals and proper digestion, but carbs with no nutritional value (junk food) only "nurture" us emotionally. Ironically, after we eat crap that makes us feel good momentarily, we start to feel like crap, emotionally (guilt, mood swings) and physically (joint/muscle pain). I stand by my carb detoxes. I never realized how mood-altering crap food can be. I was starting to use junk food like I was using alcohol, just for instant gratification and distraction, alcohol and carb hangovers be damned. However, I was extremely frustrated, and easily irritated all.the.time. My joints hurt when I eat crap. My sleep suffers too. Once I went below 50 carbs a day, my whole attitude changed. I felt better physically and emotionally. Very healthy proteins are moderately high in calories (beef, chicken, seafood), but protein is very necessary with our bariatric surgeries. This is why I give myself more leeway with calories than carbs.Bad carbs, on the other hand, offer nothing but momentary satisfaction. Momentary satisfaction is good once in a while, but the problem with loading up on bad carbs again is that, like a drug, the more we ingest it, the more we crave it. The less we have it in our system, the less it calls our attention. People think I'm being dramatic, but I know how I feel when I detox from carbs and when I start eating crap again. It just snowballs, and eating junk becomes more and more "important" as the day progresses. Using the app really helps me keep a realistic awareness of my nutritional goals. Because I'm only 3 months out, my goal settings right now are 750-800 cal, 70-80g protein, and <50 carbs. I have good days when I hit only 600 cals, 30 carbs, but 85+g protein. I also have my bad days when I consume 875 cals, 60 carbs, but only 65g protein. I think they really go hand in hand because the more carbs I eat, the more calories I'm consuming (and the less protein I get). I worry more about my carb intake because when I go over on my carbs, I know it's because I had bites here and there of junk food (not good carbs). At the end of the day, it really all comes down to what kind of carb intake you have. If your carbs are coming from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, then it's great! But if not, then maybe take stock of them. Either way, I wish you the best always on your continued weight loss journey! P.S. Prior to my surgery, my doc wanted me to lose weight (so he could help me lose weight) so I did a semi-liquid, hyper-low carb diet and lost 32 lbs in 38 days. Didn't count or give a flip about calories. I only drank 3 shakes a day, they wanted me to drink 5. Tan locos! I couldn't drink 5. I did 3 shakes and a hearty all protein dinner.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of bariatric friendly Hot and Cold Breakfast options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast Here are some popular options: Protein Cereal: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_cereal Protein Oatmeal: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_oatmeal Protein Omelet: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_omelet Protein Pancake Mix: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_pancake-mix Protein Waffle Mix: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_waffle-mix

All of the literature I was given by my bariatric team about vitamins and supplements stated to avoid anything gummy because it's going to be much higher in sugar and won't absorb as well. That could be the issue.

I just had my surgery Thurs 8/24/23. I'm still new to all yhis but started a very small support group as well in IG at #thesleevesuite. My goal is to show before , during the healing process and any tips or tricks that can help others. Personally I'll. Be upset if I have to get another surgery bcus I def was in pain but mostly from the air. I do notice that it's like all Drs GUVE diff advice which I find odd. I'm going to do some rewatch in the actual organization if these surgeries so I can see their guidelines. Bcus if can get confusing. I've just been recouping and like I can't sleep. I have insomnia. But idk if I can sip some zquil. I don't want to take the pain meds and /or Xanax if I don't have tok. So if anyone wants to post on the ig I literally just started and haven't posted thd pics yet I'd love to get any input or help to support this journey of mine. Now iv one of my sons can just show me a few more things ( like cutting my head and face off the pics to uploads Or like I never knew they fill us s air which truthfully caused my pain. But I feel like any support given and recurved is fear. I could never now drunk 3 full protein shakes plus all the whydratio so im grateful my son got me the 39 mg protein shakes. I am craving food but I feel full I'm just already sick of 3 days of this no flavor stuff which is why I'm so happy I found this site. It appears to have a lot of variety and Monday I'm going to order a little but if as much as I can afford. I'll leave reviews on here. Idk if I can on my IG w out permission from the company but if you want me to add your tips and tricks just leave me a message on #Thesleevesuite. We are all in this journey together. Anyone who thinks this is the easy way out is def clueless. I'm happy to see such variety avail on here. I can't wait til Monday to order some items but I'm in a tight budget. Any suggestion I need ideas for salty snacks when im iff the protein /clear liquids. Oh yea and I'm located in the Us but I didn't have to do a ord op diet except moo after. Midnight before surgery and my oysche even struggled w that and I snuck and ice cream sandwich!! But my surgery wasn't until like 1:3o pm. It's def a very odd feeling though to FEEL full but STILL HAVE CRAVINGS. HOPEFULLY THIS PART PASSES. MY KIDS DIED LAUGHING CUS I 1/2 joked that I'd love to just lick a pizza. Lol I'm so scared of this dumping thing though I'm going to ply it safe for sure. I will be passing this site in to my sister who has full bariatric June 8th. They have great items on here. Thank you!

Hi Arabesque ir is definitely very different from location to location because you’re from another country and the food references are for items that I have not even heard of :). As I mentioned in another post the difference from dr to dr can be HUGE as to the amount of care you receive, the amount of post surgery guidance and what is expected of patients. Some patients have very detailed instructions and menus while some of us get very little information. I have noticed that some people are convinced that carbs are no longer allowed, some are fine with them. My dr doesn’t seem to have a problem with them although they want you to get your protein in then veg and then if room allow carbs. I think that carbs, while not ideal, aren’t the devil. I also believe that if you’re eating a total of less than 4 oz per meal (my dr literally gives you a 4 oz measure cup and says this is what you do for all meals, the cup is imprinted with the words “measure for success”) that as long as you stick to food instead of junk you will probably be fine. Yes, make sure you get the protein but most foods aren’t that calorie dense. I found a TikTok person who is a bariatric patient who has videos specifically for snacks for low carb keto diet. I think we all have to do our research and find what works for our bodies and lifestyles.

I went to my nutrition thing today and they told us no blending things into our protein drinks for several months because of indigestible fiber bits? I don't know. I was bummed out, I like adding things to shakes! But every program is different so you might ask your dietician about it? They also said it is really important to progress the stages even if you have food aversion. To keep trying because the body needs more nutrition than you are getting in those shakes and the stomach needs to progress gradually towards normal foods. I thought that was really interesting. I hate pureed things so I figured I'd just keep doing liquids but after that I've spent the rest of the day thinking about things I can eat that don't have weird pureed textures. Like yogurt, protein puddings, sugar free puddings, blended soups and stews, instant oatmeal, more yogurt, etc... I think I can handle a week of that! Especially after all those liquids... I've also found a lot of good pureed recipes in bariatric cookbooks too! Things I never thought of like sugar free custard, blended lentil soups, eating hummus by the spoonful, cold soups like cucumber soup (the cooked kind) and the ever famous ricotta bake!

I'm almost 4 months out (September 1 will be 4 months). I don't like eating breakfast, so I still do a protein supplement then. I like the Bariatric Pal protein shots which have 25g protein. You can find them in the Bariatric pal store, and i think Amazon, if you're interested. They are 3 oz shots, but i add them to 4 or more oz of water because they are tart on their own. I asked my nutritionist about them vs the other protein supplements out there and he was okay with them. I normally get 60-80g of protein per day, sometimes more dependingon the day and how hungry i am that day. I usually have high protein yogurt, a variety of lean animal protein, reduced fat cheese, hummus or vegetable proteins throughout the day. I mix this up each day for variety. If I'm going to be short my goal, I'll do another protein shot. For you, if your program allows, you can have strained soups and add unflavored protein powder to them to get a variety of flavor besides primer protein. And once you're on puree, you can add protein powder to those meals as well. I needed variety and most protein supplements tasted awful to me. Are you working to get your fluid goals in too? In the early days, and even now, I feel like I am drinking ALL day. At 5 days, don't feel pressured to hit all your goals each day because you're still pretty swollen from surgery at this point, just work on getting there. You protein drinks count towards this and it's great you're able to get two in. Hydration, protein, and your vitamins and supplements are so important. If I remember you had the sleeve, so I'm not sure what long term vitamins and supplements look like for you, but for now, make sure you're taking them each day as your doctor or nutritionist suggests. For RNY folks, those are for life. How are you feeling?

I reheat all the time. I cook one night then eat the leftovers for the next two or three nights. Just portion everything up into single appropriate portion sizes. My freezer is full of leftover meals I’ve made & frozen to defrost & reheat to eat at other times. (I call my freezer my local take away.😉) The only thing is they recommend you only chill/freeze then reheat the same food once but that’s for everyone not just bariatric patients (because of the bacteria in food & possible food poisoning). Maybe that’s what was meant?

This is what I did to lose 30 lbs in 30 days before my surgery: I would have a protein shake for breakfast, another for lunch, and a hearty (ultra low carb) dinner. I started May 11th while I was still working (teacher), and kept at it until my surgery on June 19th. Altogether, I'd lost 32 lbs by the day of the surgery. The first 3-4 days are rough as you detox from carbs. By day 4, you should start to feel really good. Your mind is clear, your joints don't hurt as much, and your energy is up. You even get better sleep! A typical dinner while pre-op dieting would be 4-6 oz ribeye steak (cut up and dipped in A1) Or I would cut up 4-6 oz of rotisserie chicken and throw it into some cream of chicken or chicken broth. (Like chicken soup, if you will) I'd even eat a cheeseburger (without the bun, or course). If you have the space, eat a double! I'd been sleeved 14 years ago, so I still had restriction. My 16-year-old daughter was inspired and dieted a bit with me. She's doesn't have any type of bariatric surgery. She was losing up to 5 lbs a week just by cutting carbs. She would have bacon and eggs with cheese for brkfst, she'd have a shake for lunch cuz school, and she'd have hearty, no carb dinners as well. Detoxing from carbs REALLY helps. Drink 5-6 bottles of water a day. Have all the sugar-free jello and sugar-free popsicles you want. They're considered clear liquids. You can even start taking bariatric vitamins before your surgery to make sure your getting everything you need. Wish you the best of luck!

I agree. I love my surgeon to pieces as a person. He is very compassionate and kind but that doesn't mean he's done a lot of revision surgery. I have coexisting Lipedema so I'm going to try to address that now instead. After learning more about it the Lipedema may be the reason for my weigh gain when I began menopause and is something I can't control through diet and exercise unfortunately. I've lost 27 pounds since I began working with the bariatric center and my legs have gotten bigger because of the fat disorder. It's a weird circle....chicken or egg? lol! Anyway I still haven't spoken to my surgeon but I have already reached out to 2 Lipedema specialists for consults to see what they say too Thank you so much and congratulations on your success! Keep it up!!!

You may have to travel to a big city with more skilled surgeons, but I agree, I'd definitely get another few opinions. Skill varies a lot in the bariatric world and what one surgeon might not touch (and you wouldn't want them to!) another may be able to do with ease... It is worth a try at least!

Okay. But by eating mashed potatoes, you’re eating both vegetables and carbs. I’m with you on the fish, unless you’re making something like salmon mousse. There are websites that sell low carb versions of some of our favorite foods, including Bariatric Pal, Bariatric Eating, and Diet Direct. My post-surgery regimen went: liquid (broth, shakes), soft foods (yogurt, ricotta, cottage cheese, eggs), soft cheeses, soft fish, hard cheeses, flaky fish, chicken and low carb veggies, the rest of the meat group.

No direct experience, as I'm out here on the left coast, but by reputation I would want to talk to Dr. Mitchell Roslin. He gets mentioned occasionally in our support groups from the doc's interfacing with him at the ASMBS conferences, and I like the papers and talks that I have seen him present online and response from other patients of hisi; I like his approach. He is capable of doing all of the major bariatric procedures, including the complex RNY to DS revision, and like most DS capable surgeons, he is not a big fan of the bypass (because there are better things out there,) I have heard patients for whom he specifically recommended the bypass because that is what was the best procedure for that case. Most bariatric surgeons give you the choice (maybe) of the sleeve or the bypass, whether or not either of those are really the right thing for you. Again, short answer, I would have a consult with him as part of the process of deciding. Good luck in this venture....

Sometimes crying can be viewed by healthcare professionals and some people in general as weak or neurotic. I quit crying in front of others at 8 years old when my grandmother yelled at me and told me it made me look ugly. Then when my father hit me because I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. I learned to cry in private. He used to beat my Mom over whether food was on the table at a certain time or if the meal was missing a condiment or not to his liking. I told my bariatric psych this is why I only ate when hungry or skipped meals. I fasted for days sometimes. I was neither anorexic nor bulimic. What I couldn't understand as a child or adult was how someone (dad) could act that way over food. So, it was easy for me not to think about eating till hungry. Then I ate whatever I wanted. Usually for pleasure. Usually not healthy choices. I saw the therapist 3 times within 3 months. First was initial greeting. Second was a 2–3-hour test I took in the office on their computer. Third was to go over my test score. I wasn't sure if I would get clearance since I was honest about my eating habits, but she said she felt I had already dealt with the mental reasonings in how I ate and believed my weight gain was more physiological. I'm not saying it's wrong to cry @saramelie and it's good to talk things out with a therapist. It was a first for me and I too questioned what I should share or not but it's for the best to get on with it so you can move forward to a better you. GL!!!

YES girl!!! I was like "damn, when did Saturdays on Bariatric Pal get so lit??" lol And then....watermelon seeds.....

It took a long time because of delays in appointments with the nutritionist and because it took a while before I was psychologically cleared. My med manager is against anyone having bariatric surgery, and her bias was a disservice to me. By the time the surgery happens, it will be over 15 months.

I am starting the soft food stage now, I love your ideas, I will use them just need something different, thank you...I probably should get a bariatric cookbook.

I'm sure I've accidentally swallowed a big seed sometime in the eight years since my bypass. If it's too big too pass through, it'll either sit there until your stomach acid dissolves some or all of it, or your stomach will toss it back up. I've been on bariatric forums for about nine years, and I've never heard/read about issues with cantaloupe seeds mucking things up, so I'm guessing you'll be fine.

This may help answer questions. I also suggest a dietitian who is knowledgeable with WLS https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-blog/2018/march/make-protein-a-priority-after-weight-loss-surgery

I hope you're doing well on your journey to managing diabetic neuropathy pain. It's not uncommon for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery to experience changes in how their bodies process substances, including medications and treatments like medical marijuana. It's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your observations about the differing effectiveness of tinctures and edibles. They can provide insights tailored to your specific medical history and current situation. If you're seeking more information on CBD stuff, check out https://releaf.co.uk. They can provide insights on the topic and help you choose what you really need.

I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I too, had a very rough time of the pain. Like you, I've got major back issues (herniated discs neck, mid and low back) and have had several surgeries in the past and this lapband removal/bypass replacement hurt like hell. I wasn't trying to scare anyone off, I even said I would do it again but just really didn't realize how much it would hurt because compared to the prior LapBand, it was 10x worse in pain. I take Norco (hydrocodone & acet) and Lyrica and that Dilautin (sp?) was awful, it only worked for an hour at most but once I was able to get back on my Norco, it was bearable. And I'm not a medical professional, but I am a bit of an observer of human behaviors and the human condition and at my age, I've seen a lot of things and have learned that it is best to try to prepare yourself for whatever life may want to throw at you because bad stuff never seems to happen at a good time :). Thus, I made sure I had my own pain meds because just when a bitchy old hag of a nurse wants to threaten to hold them over your head, you don't have to put up with crap, Or more likely, when staff is short and you are forgotten by the folks who are supposed to be caring for you in the middle of the night, etc. I'm not saying you need to ignore dr orders, I merely said it never hurts to be prepared for people to not do what they're supposed to do for you! Be prepared to take care of yourself. I remembered my husband having spinal fusion surgery 10+ years ago, malfunction at hospital pharmacy so he was hours without meds. I watched that man screaming in pain and literally could do nothing to help him! The nurses had the audacity to try to come close his door (so they didn't have to hear him in agony) which made my head explode, I pretty much told them that IF I HAD TO HEAR HIM, THEY HAD TO HEAR HIM TOO AND IF THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR HIM TO GET HIM THE HELLO OUT OF PAIN! Going through these life experiences changes your perception, tends to make you learn what you don't want to go through again. SoutheastP-Again, not trying to scare you. You may not have the same pain level or tolerance level, I'm just saying for me, IT HURT. That damned drain "football" suction port thing is what literally felt like they were suctioning my insides out! IF you have one, make them empty it (or have family do it) within 2 hours, do not let it get too full or have too much suction on it because I thought I was going to die from the pain. And you don't have to take anything with you, I merely said that you might wish you had it. It is hard enough to be recovering from surgery, but if you are a chronic pain patient like I am, those pain meds help make life bearable most days for me, to be hurting from fresh incisions and still have my back & neck pain & hips hurting is a lot to bear. Many of the bariatric patients I speak to have spinal issues which is why so many of them are overweight to begin with as they cannot get much exercise due to pain issues or mobility issues. And I also said, I'd do it again, but just like to be prepared for whatever you are going to encounter. I also had a LapBand REMOVED and then replaced with a new Gastric Bypass so a 2-in-1 surgery which may have made mine more painful than what you're getting. In any event, see you on the other side of it and wishing you a lot of success! peace

So, I had a screening phone call from the nurse and surgeon weeks ago and got the go-ahead for sleeve surgery on sept 12th. I had my in-person pre-op appointments yesterday. I am self-paid, mind you (18 000$), and already gave my 3000$ deposit. So, I meet with this nice dietician that starts asking questions about my past, about how I got to the weight I am now, etc. So, being an honest and open person (and also being already very nervous about the surgery, so, yes, I'm crying profusely during this appointment, which makes me look even worst), I explain that I have been suffering from Binge Eating disorder for the past 25 years and that, yes, it's still an active issue. But I also mention that I have started therapy with a therapist specialized in eating disorders. That I understand that this is a tool, that it involves a lot of work, etc. She gives the ok, they take my 15 000$ check, give me the powders for the liquid diet and send me on my way. 2 hours after, the clinic calls me to say that the dietician spoke with the surgeon and that BED being a new info for him, he is requesting a clearance from my psychologist to go ahead. I've seen this psy only 3 times so far.... So, basically, he is waiting for a note from a therapist that has seen me 3 times to decide if he's doing the surgery or cancelling, or postponing. I'm very upset. I am very anxious about the surgery (being put under, the breathing tube) and have been trying to get mentally ready for the surgery for the past 2 months and now it's all up in the air. After taking my deposit. After having phone calls with me and giving the go-ahead (and never asking about any disordered eating history!). So I will know next week what is decided. I am not mad at the dietician, she's doing her job. I am not mad at the surgeon, he's being careful . But I am mad at myself for opening up, being honest when I'm sure a lot of bariatric patients would have said nothing for the same exact reason (fear of being refused). I should have known better............ I should have just shut my mouth!

It's absolutely your choice. But for me, it was a no brainer. I tried everything there was to try, more than once. My health was terrible. I knew I couldn't do it myself, and I knew I wouldn't be here for my kids and granddaughter if I kept going the way I was going. And even though I had some complications with my initial surgery and had to have a revision, I still feel having bariatric surgery was the best decision I have ever made. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

I never even had a puree phase. I went from full liquids to soft foods at 2 weeks. You should be safe but most here will tell you to follow your bariatric teams' recommendations.