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Hi Guys, I am about 7 weeks out from gastric bypass surgery and I have some questions regarding how much I should be able to eat. I have been cleared to eat normal food since week 4 and since then I have been sticking to three meals a day of high protein homemade meals like chili, tilapia baked in salsa, an egg baked in lentil stew, or chicken cooked in crushed tomatoes. I had my surgery in Mexico so my aftercare from my surgeon has been essentially nonexistent even when I called early on with some issues I was having. Additionally, my health insurance here will not cover any weight loss attempts whether it's surgical or non-surgical so I can't afford to see a bariatric surgeon or nutritionist so I am relying on you guy's experience to guide me in terms of what a normal volume of food is at 7 weeks post-op I weight out all of my food and food prep so I know exactly what and how much I am eating at any one time. I am worried that at 7 weeks post-op I can eat anywhere from 4 oz to 6 oz of dense protein mixed with a sauce at a time. This is almost always at dinner time. So my usual breakfast is one container of Siggi's yogurt which is 5.3 ounces. That usually takes me an hour to finish. I feel no restriction when I eat the yoghurt but I feel no need to eat until lunch after having it. My lunches are usually chilli or chicken in some sort of tomato sauce. There I can consume between 2 oz to 5 oz of food. How much I can handle before I feel full varies day to day. Now the biggest issue comes at dinner. I can and have in the last week eaten up to 6 ounces of dense protein and sauce in one sitting within 30 mins. Now usually there will be 4 oz of dense protein 1 ounce of beans or other vegetables and then the remaining ounces will be sauce. Now I make sure to not drink water 30 mins before, during, or after my meals so I know the issue isn't that. And I am eating dense protein like ground beef, fish, or chicken so I should feel more restriction. I read posts from other people and they talk about how they can barely handle 1 ounce of meat at 7 weeks out. But it seems I have an iron stomach. I haven't eaten a thing so far that bothers my stomach or gives me any pain. So I am wondering if the issue is the fact that I am eating my protein with sauce? I have tried dry chicken and even with that I could eat 3 oz at only 4 weeks out with few problems. This seems like way too much food. I know stews like chili are considered sliders but the fact that I can consume 3 oz of dry chicken seems like way too much. Maybe I should limit the amount of sauce I use with my food. Mind you I make my sauces from scratch using canned tomatoes or so I am not using high carb premade sauces. What thoughts do you guys have? What has your experience been? Is my capacity way out of line? Am I pushing things too far? I am really starting to worry that my surgeon may have made my pouch super big and that will hinder my weight loss. To date I have lost 27 pounds since surgery and 42 since my 2 week pre-op diet. Sorry if this super long post it's been weighing on my mind.

Changing HOW I eat is so hard. I mean, I knew it would be hard, but now I'm actually IN it. I should have been working on it earlier, this frantic eating. Whenever I have food in front of me, it's like I haven't eaten in days, I just frantically shovel food into my mouth. Now that I'm doing purees (and starting soft foods), the same thing is applying - I go into a frenzy when there's food around! It is taking almost everything in me to slow down. In fact, I have had two soft food meals so far in which I over-stuffed myself because I wasn't eating slowly enough. Ugh, that feeling, nauseated and uncomfortable, but also just so so "hungry". In fact, I am still feeling the effects over 24 hours later. I know that it's not real hunger, it's just an automatic reaction to having food around, but it feels so real and keeps me shoving food in my mouth even when I don't want to. I am hoping that I can improve in this area, that I can quiet my food desperation and appetite, but I know it's going to take work and willpower on my side - something I've always had trouble summoning on my behalf. I have not been doing well with hydration. My skin is dry and flaking and my mouth and eyes are dry. But it's hard to drink water because I feel nauseated and it still kinda hurts my stomach. Waiting 30 minutes before and after food is NOT working out for me - I just can't seem to get enough fluid in! I don't know what to do. Exercise is also something I'm failing at. I haven't done any form of exercise since I got back from the hospital. Like, what am I thinking? I know this is an important part of my new lifestyle, but I forget (because it wasn't a part of my previous lifestyle) or I just keep telling myself I'm healing and I'm too exhausted from not eating. Or my skating rink is closed, as if that's my only option for exercise. So many excuses. Other than these things, I do seem to be doing well. My incisions are healing nicely, I really haven't had any intolerances to anything. I'm just falling behind on things and being a bad bariatric patient. I'm working on it, I need to put more into my efforts.

Have you ever considered just purchasing the capsules and opening them up over applesauce or something and taking them that way? I just bought bariatric pal vitamins and bought the capsules instead of the chewable by mistake. I don't want to loose that money, so that's what I plan on doing.

Nooooo...roflmao--not unless my lymphedema arm gets better. LOL. Yes, absolutely! Even better! *snort* Bariatric Crap I Turn Into a LIQUID Salad. (JAL=just add lettuce hehe)

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix for severe obesity. What comes after the actual surgery matters a lot too. Weight regain is normal and is not something to be ashamed about. But, hopefully, the amount of weight regain is minimal and can be managed. Bariatric surgery isn't like shopping at a convenience store. It requires a care team that appreciates and addressed the nutritional, psychological, physical activity and other challenges that occur in the years after the surgery. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/10/22/what-happens-after-bariatric-surgery-makes-a-big-difference/#4e3dce3c29b1

Adults who experienced childhood abuse have different recovery needs after bariatric surgery than those who were not abused. Children who experience physical, sexual, or verbal abuse sustain long-term consequences, studies have found. Abuse, neglect, witnessing crime, parental conflict, mental illness, or substance abuse can create dangerous levels of stress that can impact healthy brain development. These Adverse Childhood Experiences can increase the risk for smoking, alcoholism, heart disease, and many other illnesses and unhealthy behaviors throughout life.

Mine would be: Bariatric Crap I Turn Into a Salad

Sorta Bariatric Crap I Eat At 20,000 Feet

Can I have a subsection of (Not so much) Bariatric Crap I Eat on Airplanes and in Airports ?

Sooooo Bariatric Crap I Eat At My Desk is a go?

Do you puree your eggs? I'm hitting four weeks out and heading into soft foods. I'm a bit iffy on leaving the food processor behind. I really struggled with the water and protein, still do a bit. But I was so nauseous I couldn't force anything in, my daughter had to help me out of the shower one day, I was about to faint. My BP was skyrocketing, barely going potty. Finally my PCP stepped in and put their foot down with the bariatric group and ordered them to put me on a fluid IV because I was so dehydrated. It made a huge difference!

Here's the recipe I used yesterday out of MFP. I made it up cuz we now think Mr. F. has a coconut allergy that makes his mouth swell. (BTW, the protein powder is the unflavored one). But, honestly? The recipe for Mile High Silver Dollar Pancakes (and the Bake Mix I created) are the best ever and worth the time of making them up and keeping the biscuit mix made up. But they might need to be adjusted to make them more bariatric friendly. Here's the link to them. http://fluffychixcook.com/mile-high-silver-dollar-pancakes-low-carb-gluten-free-options/ Here's the link to the FCC Low Carb High Fiber Bake Mix: http://fluffychixcook.com/mile-high-keto-biscuit-mix-low-carb/ LOL, aren't you glad you asked? Ha. This is my old blog that I used to keep before my lymphedema got so bad. It was a low carb keto blog, but many recipes would have to be modified to make them lower fat and bariatric friendly...but truly some of the best "bready" stuff on the net IMHO that was rich in fiber (prebiotic fibers and soluble fibers).

You know that recipe does sound good, healthy and even tasty. Seldom do all 3 occur anymore.mjtreml0720 I hereby award you this 🏆 trophy, see you do gain something being on Bariatric Pal!😛

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/health/bariatric-surgery.html "Most people believe that the operation simply forces people to eat less by making their stomachs smaller, but scientists have discovered that it actually causes profound changes in patients’ physiology, altering the activity of thousands of genes in the human body as well as the complex hormonal signaling from the gut to the brain. It has become clear that bariatric surgery changes the entire setting of a complex, interlocking system. There is no one place to tweak it. To show what is involved, Dr. Kaplan reports that surgery immediately alters the activity of more than 5,000 of the 22,000 genes in the human body. " I found this article really enlightening, and it was really the catalyst that made me decide to go this route. It's the one I will show to my husband when I tell him what I'm doing - I will not tell him yet as he will try to prevent it. He is one of the naysayers. I have extreme hormonal and metabolic issues, which are not going to go away. Yes, I "barely" qualify at my current BMI - but this is because I eat 1300 or less a day and do 10,000 steps. Have lived like this for 3 years now. Have not lost any weight - all I can do is avoid gaining. And it's exhausting. So what happens in 10 years, 15 years - when I can't keep this up anymore? The way I see it is I'm future-proofing my health. Your loved ones should be proud of you for putting your health first, unfortunately there is so much fat-shaming around.

I made this today, and it's awesome: https://www.bariatriceating.com/2015/04/egg-custard-perfect-bariatric-food/ (I used half stevia, half xylitol, because that makes for a better flavor than stevia alone, but you should use whatever you like.)

Vitamins: I have the BariatricAdvantage Multi-chewy vitamins (in cherry, but my doctor's office let me try the orange, too). They taste just fine, but two of them at a time is too much and makes me feel sick. This wasn't a problem pre-op (when I tried them at the doctor's office), but new tum is definitely not into them. Puree/soft phase foods: If you haven't had a chance to try Bariatric Eating's egg custard, do yourself a favor and make some. (If you're on lifting restriction, maybe get a kitchen buddy to help you get it into and out of the oven. The water bath makes it heavy. I waited until my spouse was home to make it, and that felt like a good call.) I followed their recipe with only one variation: I did half Splenda and half xylitol, because I find that mix doesn't taste like fake sugar to me. It makes a really thick, satisfying, delicious custard.

Absolutely no problem with posting health articles. Appreciate the warnings on high protein diets. 60 grams of protein is the same as any other bariatric patient. 60 grams is not a high amount of protein. Right????? You said "I do eat meat. When I do, it's mostly chicken and fish. I very occasionally eat fresh red meat. I get more than half of my daily require Protein from plant/carb bases sources. I eat 60g of protein per day. I'm glad to see that all of us are within a good range.

We are all working hard to be healthy. Bariatric patients and people that have never been heavy work on nutrition and fitness. living a healthy lifestyle is to be commended! Not judged and slammed into the ground. Inform of risks but don't tear people down for their experience in this. Don't hate motivate!

I told my cousin (who is my best local friend) once that I was sad my insurance wouldn't cover Bariatric sugury a year ago because I didn't have any comorbidities (they just changed that requirement this year, now if your BMI is over 40 you can have surgery even without comorbidities) Her general additude was, "You don't need surgery because you're healthy and active and you have good labs and good heart and good lungs and no diabetes etc. Surgery is drastic and dangerous and for people with serious health problems, But if you have no health problems other then "being fat" then it isnt something you wanna mess with"

So, you are eating the same amount of protein as any other bariatric patient. You would agree 60 grams is not a high amount of protein. Right? Great that you care about other people health. I am a vet. I am not in renal failure or have cancer. Dr's labs and check ups are phenomenal. I'm in the best shape of my life. All of this and I am not on your plan. I have absolutely no problem in informing people about possible risk But, your statements of your plan is the only plan is false.

We do practice calorie control. From week three until goal...my calorie goal was 1000-1200 calories per day. We are encouraged to move liberally. Lots of daily walking and 30 minutes of cardio or resistance training 3 times a week. My particular diet allowes 75 calories of "treats" per day that can be banked for special occasions. I do eat meat. When I do, it's mostly chicken and fish. I very occasionally eat fresh red meat. I get more than half of my daily require protein from plant/carb bases sources. I eat 60g of protein per day. Because research strongly links cancer to dairy and processed meats, I avoid any form of deli/luncheon meat, whey shakes, whey protein bars, yogurt, cheese, milk. I occasionally eat these things in small quantities. I know bariatric patients who are getting 30%+ of their calories from these sources...and it's worth reviewing the research for your own safety.

I will continue to post nutrition articles that are of concern to bariatric patients. We are adults. Those who appreciate them can read them. Those who don't....can either continue to whine and cry about them....or act like adults and simply ignore them. I've been thanked privately and encouraged to continue posting. I'm happy to do that for those who find it of use.

You are going to run into many people that are against bariatric surgery. Since this is family, I would tell talk to them about your decision and give them the medical facts. If they are supportive invite them to an appointment or surgeons seminar. If you find that they are unsupportive and negative. There is no need to beat your head against the wall defending your decision. They may change in time after they see your success and how healthy you become.

You are going to run into many people that are against bariatric surgery. Since this is family, I would tell talk to them about your decision and give them the medical facts. If they are supportive invite them to an appointment or surgeons seminar. If you find that they are unsupportive and negative. There is no need to beat your head against the wall defending your decision. They may change in time after they see your success and how healthy you become.

As I have explained multiple times. My instructions worked phenominally for me. I am below goal and have eaten healthy carbs and fruits every day. My bariatric team is 100% on board with us eating baked potatoes, brown rice and whole grain breads. We are encouraged to eat a good portion of our required protein from plant sources due to the risks associated with a high animal protein diet. I was shocked to see the propensity at this site to force the agenda of protein eating at the exclusion of other healthy foods, in particular, healthy carbs and fruit.....which are necessary for good health.