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Ok, so My surgery was on 8/15/16, the first two day I slept the entire time from the time they rolled me out the OR. I don't Remember anything! Day 3, I slept most of the day as well but did come home. I took very little pain medication in the hospital but still couldn't stay up long enough to even talk to anyone or reply to a text! Day 4, I laid in my recliner and continued to sleep with only one dose of pain medication and Zofran. So, day 5 I had to get my butt in gear, my 2 and 4 year old children where coming home from my sisters house and as a single mother with very limited help I knew I didn't have a choice but to suck it up! I slept agin most of the morning until they arrived around 4pm. My daughter starts kindergarten in two weeks so I forced myself to go to a back to school picnic with the assistance of my mother. I was able to walk for an hour and felt really good. Slept through the night and woke this morning feeling amazing!! (This being day 6) So, my children and I went and ran some errands. I felt really good and remained very well hydrated. I didn't lift them they walked and are able to get in car seats alone. So, we stopped to get frozen yogurt at a really good shop that offers gluten free, sugar free yogurt. So, yes..... I ate some. Bc tomorrow I was suppose to be able to move to yogurts. I barley made it to the shop next door before I thought I was gonna die. I had horrible diarrhea and wasn't sure I could physically get back to my car after. But, I did with unknown strength! Decided maybe I needed some cold ice Water, went literally across the parking lot to sonic ordered water and a drink for my children and it hit me again!!!!! (My poor kids!!!) So, I've had horrible nashua, abdominal pain and diarrhea since! I'm laying in bed just feeling like I failed myself and my kids and probably over did it! Worse part is........ I work for my surgeon..... Yes, I said it... This is a program I've helped others with for over 5 years!!! It's so hard being on the other side! Any advice I'll take.... Please!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Honestly it could lead to bad behavior again. Maybe some Greek yogurt. Also Look up Protein mug cakes from "the world according to eggface". She has some really tasty recipes and 1 recipe makes about 4-5 servings. Something with some nutrition http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/04/that-takes-cake.html?m=1 Dub that's not sweet!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had capsules and had to open them and put them in a spoon of yogurt. It still tasted like crap but it was better than trying to use a sip of Water. Thank goodness they stopped having me take them one month post op.

I pay exponentially less for food now than I used to. Immediately after surgery, I had Jello and Protein shakes- sort of. I didn't like protein shakes so I didn't drink them much, but I did buy them. It was a lot cheaper to just get the big vat of powder and mix it with ice and milk and it tasted less gross. If you blend Protein Powder with milk, or almond milk, a cup of frozen Greek yogurt (the kind that comes as regular Greek yogurt and then you stick it in the freezer) and throw in some PB2, mmmmm....so much better than the pre-made shakes. I'm a little under 3 weeks short of being 3 years post-op and my grocery bill is really not at all like it used to be, so even if it's a little pricier to start off with until you find what you like in Vitamins and healthy food, in the long term, it's less expensive. Don't take my menu as a sample of what you should eat- it works for me, but I've never been a rule follower. I've stayed at goal for almost a year and a half and I've been within 4-5 pounds of goal for almost 2 years (the last 5 pounds took months). For Breakfast I had a handful of oatmeal square Cereal, lunch was a snack bag of goldfish, and a cup of onion Soup from Panera (technically it's French onion soup, but I don't add the cheese or croutons), snack will be a Fiber One bar, more goldfish, and dinner will be the other part of my Panera Pick 2- a Mediterranean flatbread. Most days I don't order Panera, and I'll have a sandwich- half for dinner, half for lunch. So, my food bill for the entire day was less than $10, which I used to be able to eat for a snack, lol.

My full liquids included pudding, Greek yogurt, etc.

My full liquids included Jello, yogurt and pudding.It was anything that turned to liquid once eaten. It had no fruit bits or anything mixed in. I was on full liquids from day 1 post op. I'd try mixing it in a little bit of s/f pudding Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The primary focus right now is getting in all of your protein and fluids. You need protein and fluids to heal and to lose weight. What is your protein target? How are you doing at reaching that target? Your calories are relative to your protein. If you are eating a 1000 calories and getting in all of your protein, then that is great. If you are eating 1000 calories and not getting in your protein then it isn't. 1000 calories of donuts is not the equivalent to 1000 of Greek yogurt or turkey breast.

My surgery was at Cleveland Clinic and they do not do a swallow test either (even though its mentioned in their handbook). I was thrilled. Water is a big issue for many patients. I too use to drink lots of water pre surgery. Bottled and/or from my faucet. I also did a lot of research. One wonders how can water be difficult to drink after surgery. But it was for me as well. Regardless warm, hot, cold or room temp. It just sat in my chest. Even the smallest sip. What I read and is true for me, you need to soften it with something, anything. Cyrstal light, ice tea, warm tea. When I do this, and I rarely use an entire packet I can drink my water just fine. I spoke with my nutritionist yesterday and she said, if I want just plain water, to try distilled water and I will find that easy to drink. Either way, she said, I will eventually be able to drink plain water again as I did pre surgery. I didn't ask her how long. I had an early appointment yesterday and since it was really my first day out on my own, I decided to run a bunch of errands. Its amazing how easy life interferes. By the time I got home at 1 pm. (I left at 8), I realized all I had drank was one 16 ou bottle of water (with crystal light). I thought about stopping and picking up water, but I knew its too hard to drink now. Here it was 1 pm. and I was far far behind on my Protein and water intake. My NUT cleared me for yogurt, but I didn't want to chance trying that on the road. By the end of the day, I just was kind of quesy so passed on introducing yogurt or cottage cheese into my day. I know this is a full time job now to stay on top of my liquids and protein.

Not much but my surgeon said to concentrate mainly on protein! 6 months out and I only eat 500 calories a day and some days less! Try to only look for Protein i.e., Greek yogurt, almond milk Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So glad you're here. Good luck with your next stage. Hopefully things get better. Yogurt! Keep us posted. HW: 281.5 on 10.30.15 SW: 245.7 on 6.1.16 CW: 204.8 on 8.17.16

I grow mint and it's get versatile. I have a Brita Water filter. I filter the water and put in another pitcher, throw in fresh mint, let it sit in fridge and enjoy. Add Stevie if u want. Also great with fresh brewed tea. I chop it and add to chopped cucumber and plain great yogurt as salad dressing, spread or dip. Its also good chopped and added to chicken salad. I use the extract in chocolate shakes too Sent from my VS986 using the BariatricPal App

Just had surgery Monday. I was worried all morning, i had an afternoon surgery. But I talked to the anesthesiologist as mentioned above. We spoke until i was out. As far as diet I am trying to drink all my Water. It's hard. I am eating yogurt. Protein shakes. Etc now. After a couple of weeks if I went out to eat I'm sure I could find something Just imagined yourself one month down the road, two months etc. best of luck and keep. Us posted Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I was told to only have full liquids tho. Thats why i haven't tried pudding or yogurt. Do you think its ok to do so im only 4 days post op tomorrow. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I mixed mine with Water, Powerade zero, yogurt and pudding (I was on full liquid). It lasted for 2 weeks and then I began to swallow them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery on August 10th and my Doctor and Dietician just this past Wednesday added Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to my shakes and clear fluids. It is getting really hard. I want eggs and mashed potatoes at least.

Well, I bought a ton of liquid stuff before the surgery. But my hospital pulled a fast one on me and told me that my stay would only cost $150. I only get paid $640 every 2 weeks. Well, when I arrived at the hospital, I found out it was actually going to cost me $350. I had no choice but to give it to them. That left me with only $70 because the rest went to bills. So I bought nothing but liquid to last me for a week. Protein drinks are not very cheap (they are about $8.00 for a pack of 4). I bought 3 packs which cost me about $25 plus tax). The rest went to broth and medication. I now only have $7.56 in my account and I don't get paid until tomorrow. So, it was impossible for me to buy anything else. Once I get paid, I am going to buy soup and eggs and more protein drinks.Greek yogurt is pretty inexpensive, especially if you buy it by the larger container. Do you have a store like Aldi nearby? They are pretty inexpensive. I do have an Aldi that is about 10 minutes away. I'll go there today. Mmmm greek yogurt! I do have a store close by. I usually stock up on protein shakes and soup. I never get things that seem iffy, lol. Thanks for the advice.

I made my first smoothie today: 1 cup nonfat greek yogurt 1 large banana 1 scoop chocolate isolate Protein powder 4 ounces of coconut Water Tastes better than I anticipated and with that amount I made myself 3 protein smoothies albeit small ones. HW 341 lbs 07/19/16 - 298 lbs 08/09/16 DOS - 286 lbs CW 270 lbs

I was sleeved 08/09 and ate some nonfat greek yogurt today and it was great. Like the person before me said it could be an intolerance you've developed. I've eaten boiled eggs all my life but last month began to get headaches from it, guess who developed an egg white Protein intolerance, yep this lady. Intolerance aren't so bad, you won't die usually just feel blah to barfy. Heh HW 341 lbs 07/19/16 - 298 lbs 08/09/16 DOS - 286 lbs CW 270 lbs

You might try thinning it out some. Or you may have developed some sort of intolerance. I had some weird taste changes and couldn't stand yogurt for a few weeks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi sounds like we are on the same path. Glad to hear everything is going well with you too. I just got back from my post op appointment. Surgery was August 11th so a day over the 1 week mark. Pain has been tolerable, vomiting stopped the first couple of days, and getting Water in hasn't been as much of a chore. My surgeon and his assistant examined my incisions and answered questions. They want me to start more than just walking and add treadmill, elliptical, or cardio exercises. I haven't heard or read anything about "boogie size" - what is that? I have 4 incisions and the one on my left side has the most discomfort however they told me today my stomach was removed out of the middle and the left is just where the pain is felt. I can get up and down with some discomfort especially by the end of a long day. Same for me swelling will be fully down in another week or so. I guess they do phases differently. I like you have been reading everything possible. I was never given a week 1 diet just verbally told Clear liquids broth Jello etc. I had incorporated premier Protein shakes on my own because I saw most people had incorporated by week one and I know my NUT mentioned it to me at some point. Apparently I was NOT supposed to start until the second week but because I tolerated it I was ok. I will be on my stage 2 for about two weeks. I am able to take all pills as needed and the only Vitamin should be my Multivitamin. I use Flinstones chewable but was cleared to start the gummy- yay! Mine must be conservative as well because I am not allowed soft or puréed foods. I am allowed ONE "food" a day and must have 2 Protein Shakes a day. My foods include: soups- low fat- no meat rice no Pasta and blended, SF pudding, LF yogurt, LF cottage cheese, oatmeal, cream of what, farina, home made mashed potatoes (chicken broth, fat free milk, smart balance) and baby food. Mine was OK with soup but again only allowed one meal a day... I found on Amazon this brand called "proti" which my NUT said was okay they had tomato, cream Soups, and oatmeal with 30g of protein. She approved all for this stage (contradicts diet but whatever) I am scheduled for my lab work as well and they want me back in two weeks. September 12th. That was my experience - I know we should follow what our own doctor says but it's just difficult when I know that my doctor and NUT are giving me the same plan as other patients while yours is giving your plan to his other patients they are not specialized to just us. So to me if there is something in your second step that works why can't I try it? Maybe I'm just cranky from my week of liquids but I'm a little indifferent after my first appointment. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Cleveland Clinic policy is make the appt as close to 10 days as possible. Today was Day 9 post op. All is going well, I've not vomited, or been nauseous (outside the first couple of days). Fellow surgeon (who actually was with my surgeon doing the surgery did my exam today). I liked him so was happy he did my follow up. I did ask about my new stomach size and got an education in the Bougie size. I had no idea and had never ever seen this mentioned in the gazillion of documents and blogs I've read. Anyway, mine is a 35 and said to be standard at Centers of Excellence. We discussed why I have 8 incisions. I learned typically they are either 5 or 7 and either works fine, just the surgeons preference. So why did I have 8 and he had to examine my tummy to make sure I was accurate. So the one all the way to my right, I did lose the steri strip and it does seem bruised. He said, that when they were trying to use the tool to reach the stomach it was a stretch, so they cut closer. Seriously not a biggie, but I'm surprized they didn't have a more accurate measurement in placement. My progress is good, able to move about and other physical stuff doing well. Can pull myself up and down without discomfort. My tummy still very swollen, he said can take 2 to 3 weeks to return to normal. He believes I will see it back by next week. The Nutritionist came in. I cannot start Phase III before Sunday or 12 days post op. However, today I can start plain yogurt, cottage cheese. I must continue my shakes in between meals during Phase III. Also I cannot start my Vitamins until next Friday (that will be 16 days post op). I pulled out all my vitamins that were listed in my handbook that I bought. She picked up the Multi Vitamin PatchMD and said that will be all I need for now as it encompasses all the vitamins I need. They will check my lab work and discuss any changes at my 2 month post op. WHAT?????????? You have no idea how many different vitamins I purchased. She said, the clinic does not have any history with the Patches, but those patients that use them have had good labs, so they are okay with patients who want to use them. Just leave them on 12 hours. My NUT is extremely conservative, I knew that from the get go. So Sunday I can start on Soft/Pureed High Protein Foods. But there is definitely restrictions. I asked about some of the recipes I have seen that included some vegies, or potatoes, etc. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not for 2 months. AND, she is really anti-Soup. The soup nazi for sure. She believes they are totally unwanted fillers that bring little to no nutrients I need now. Only spices. Well, I thought I'd share my experience as I know we all love to compare what to expect. They also gave me my lab order for next time, plus a very cute sturdy business credit card size card that on front says: Cleveland Clinic Florida, Bariatric Institute (the doctors name/title, address, phone number). On the back bottom (I am to put my name). Has had abdominal surgery and must eat very small meals of about one-half cup of food. Please allow our patient to order small portions or from the child's menu. Thank you.

This is a really important and a key to being successful both pre-op and post-op. I try to make something on a Sunday to bring to work for lunches. This week I made chicken (actually in the crock pot so I didn't have to turn on oven in this heat) and had chicken breast with frozen broccoli side one day and chicken salad two other days. Today I didn't have much to bring so I just grabbed a can of black Beans - (sometimes I'll grab a can of tuna and a tomato) - which will stop me from running out at lunch to grab something fast (and carb loaded). I was taking yogurt for Breakfast but my body has had enough - can't gag it down right now - so I have been bringing a premier Protein shake instead.

Crissy they have a great bariatric surgeon just north of you in boise Idaho at St Lukes Hospital. Dr Jim Valentine . He is excellent . I will bet he will help you. Boise Idaho. Look him up you have nothing to lose at this point. And just eat Activia yogurt to get the good bacteria growing in your system . I had issues like this and it caused extensive stomach acid. I was told the high acid killed all the good bacteria in my stomach. Once I ate yogurt for a week it cleared up. With lots of liquids I might add. Broths and such and Soups with low acid content. Sorry you are going through this . Good luck and you will be in my prayers. My name is Moose lol. Now I am a mini Moose ???? Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Well, I bought a ton of liquid stuff before the surgery. But my hospital pulled a fast one on me and told me that my stay would only cost $150. I only get paid $640 every 2 weeks. Well, when I arrived at the hospital, I found out it was actually going to cost me $350. I had no choice but to give it to them. That left me with only $70 because the rest went to bills. So I bought nothing but liquid to last me for a week. Protein drinks are not very cheap (they are about $8.00 for a pack of 4). I bought 3 packs which cost me about $25 plus tax). The rest went to broth and medication. I now only have $7.56 in my account and I don't get paid until tomorrow. So, it was impossible for me to buy anything else. Once I get paid, I am going to buy soup and eggs and more protein drinks. Greek yogurt is pretty inexpensive, especially if you buy it by the larger container. Do you have a store like Aldi nearby? They are pretty inexpensive.

I eat deli turkey (2 oz) wrapped around a piece of low-fat cheddar and fruit (usually 1/4 cup blackberries and 1/4 cup blueberries but sometimes some apple slices). If I have time (and depending on my food plans for the day), I add a piece of whole grain toast. Every once in a while I will try the yogurt, but I seem to be not as satisfied, so it is not my usual go to. Depending on how early I eat that day, I will have a Premier Protein for a morning snack (a couple of hours after breakfast).