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Today is my first day. I'm drinking Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme with 20g of protein. I actually love the taste. It's definitely not like a vanilla shake from McDonald's, but it tastes pretty good. I'm not as hungry as I expected. I mean, yeah, I feel hungry, but I'm not suffering, haha. I bought the sugar free popsicles too. I haven't tried them yet. Today I'm going to be drinking Protein Shakes, eating cream of chicken soup, light and fit yogurt, and maybe broth for dinner. It doesn't seem that hard. I just dread getting a headache; headaches make me throw up for some reason. So, I bought children's liquid Tylenol just in case. XD Good thing I only have to do this for 1 week.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with this phase, it sounds like you have it all together, I may try some of those things you're doing and see it works for me! I live in a foreign country so I understand! I guess I'm finding it hard because I'm just not hungry so I don't want to eat, but I know I need to but if I'm still full from the previous meal why force myself to eat?! The struggle is real Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I hear you but you do have to force yourself on the protein a bit. My doctor wants me getting at least 60-70 grams a day. That's why the shakes are so clutch. Honestly I grabbed a bunch of single packs for this trip last minute and thank god I did. I don't know how I would have hit my goals without them. I just checked and I only have 3 left for 4 more days and I had been relying on them 2x a day. So I'm going to need to force myself to eat like fish or something on a strict schedule over the next 4 days or I won't hit my goals. It's really hard though. Like this morning I had to leave for the airport around 6 am. I woke up at 5 and forced myself to choke down a half a Greek yogurt. I sooo didn't want it, I'm never hungry that early. But now I'm on a plane and won't be anywhere near food/protein until at least noon. I looked frantically in the airport for a protein shake but they didn't have them. So even the measly 7 grams of protein I got from the yogurt was a worthwhile battle because without it I'd be at 0. Actually I just remembered I threw my last babybel in my bag so I can eat that now. I don't think we're ever supposed to be "hungry" at this stage. I would happily just sip fuids at this point. If it helps you at all- I make my protein shakes with milk for added protein. They have milk in Germany! Wow you're doing great, I guess I really need to focus more and really make sure I'm getting in my Proteins and such whether I'm hungry or not, I've been using almond milk never been a huge fan of milk unless it's in Cereal. Thank you for taking the time to respond with helpful tips/info I appreciate it! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with this phase, it sounds like you have it all together, I may try some of those things you're doing and see it works for me! I live in a foreign country so I understand! I guess I'm finding it hard because I'm just not hungry so I don't want to eat, but I know I need to but if I'm still full from the previous meal why force myself to eat?! The struggle is real Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I hear you but you do have to force yourself on the protein a bit. My doctor wants me getting at least 60-70 grams a day. That's why the shakes are so clutch. Honestly I grabbed a bunch of single packs for this trip last minute and thank god I did. I don't know how I would have hit my goals without them. I just checked and I only have 3 left for 4 more days and I had been relying on them 2x a day. So I'm going to need to force myself to eat like fish or something on a strict schedule over the next 4 days or I won't hit my goals. It's really hard though. Like this morning I had to leave for the airport around 6 am. I woke up at 5 and forced myself to choke down a half a Greek yogurt. I sooo didn't want it, I'm never hungry that early. But now I'm on a plane and won't be anywhere near food/protein until at least noon. I looked frantically in the airport for a protein shake but they didn't have them. So even the measly 7 grams of protein I got from the yogurt was a worthwhile battle because without it I'd be at 0. Actually I just remembered I threw my last babybel in my bag so I can eat that now. I don't think we're ever supposed to be "hungry" at this stage. I would happily just sip fuids at this point. If it helps you at all- I make my Protein Shakes with milk for added protein. They have milk in Germany!

I'm 8 weeks post op and am on stage 4 (mechanical soft). I need ideas for Snacks in between meals. No nuts. I have babybel and yogurt. I'm looking for something with good Protein that I can throw in my lunch bag and not have any prep to eat it (I'm a teacher so want something quick and easy I can eat in 5 mins during passing period.) I'd love to hear what you suggest! Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm on soft food/purées and I have to agree- it is seriously a full time job to get this right at this stage. All the advice about planning and regimenting consumption to a schedule is spot on. For the past week I've been traveling in a foreign country and I've been so busy with work or sightseeing for the bigger part of the day that I've actually been forcing myself to wake up 2 hours earlier than I need to in order to start getting in fluids and Protein. So I wake up and down 8-16 oz of Water and a Protein shake. That takes me 60-90 minutes. Then I wait 30-45 minutes and have my 2 oz of yogurt or cottage cheese. While I'm out and about I have loads of water and a Powerade zero. I've been packing a yogurt and a piece of cheese. Then when I get home at night I have another protein shake and another piece of cheese. Wait 30- 45 minutes and finish a 16 oz water before bed. Almost exclusively dairy which is annoying. When I was home last week I was eating canned or cooked soft fish and sometimes eggs which made a nice difference. I'm heading to an all inclusive resort tomorrow for the rest of the week and I'm planning to get my 2 oz of soft protein rich food at least 4 times a day and break the dairy dependence.

Ricotta Bake from this link is GREAT! http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html There are also some other suggestions on that page. I ate greek yogurt with 1/2 scoop of Protein powder added, sugar free pudding cup with 1/2 scoop of Protein Powder added, pimiento cheese (homemade so lighter on the mayo), hummus, avocado smashed up, Laughing Cow cheese wedges (very soft), Soups, chili, refried Beans with cheese melted on top, Taco Bell Pintos & Cheese. That is all I can think of right now. I did not do well with any pureed meats. It just looked too awful so I couldn't do it.

I am 10 days post op and also on mushies/pureed. I have to eat 6 -2oz "meals" a day and sip Water the rest of the day. For the first month post op I have no Protein or calorie requirements for my first month, and our water goal is at least 32oz a day. My 2oz meals are a variety of things, Protein shakes, soup/broth, cottage cheese, yogurt, mashed avocado or banana, v8, a spoonful of potent butter, humus, refried Beans or baby food. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

@@GinaCampbell What a nightmare for you and your friends. I can absolutely understand your frustrations, and agree that the booklet you mention should've been given first. I'm in the US and self-pay, so the idea of complications is pretty terrifying, since I have to cover them myself. I already have irritable bowel syndrome, and a lot of foods I can't eat, so that's another concern... that it will make it worse. I've heard about lactose intolerance issues post-op and since I love milk and yogurt, that is also a concern. I nearly died due to my gallbladder issues, and it was removed almost 6 years ago, so I don't have to worry about that. I was aware of that risk, however. Your story is one of the reasons that I, personally, am opposed to WLS being done on smaller people who don't have any health problems. Because I think that it just invites the risk of too many permanent side effects that people could've avoided. But then I hold the unpopular opinions that fat doesn't automatically equal unhealthy anymore than thin automatically equals healthy. I believe you can be fat, athletic, happy and healthy. I believe you can be thin and terribly unhealthy, and no one ever knows because you "look healthy." I have fibromyalgia and I'm far heavier than you and your friends were. I have a hard time getting adequate medical care/tests and while I think that's crap, and that people shouldn't have to resort to measures as drastic as WLS in order to get proper care, we live in this world, not the one I think we should live in. Given my mobility issues, exercise is very hard for me. I have no idea if surgery will make that better or not. I'm not naive enough to believe it's going to "cure" anything. I can only hope MAYBE it helps, and MAYBE I can get some improvement. Thank you for sharing your story and being so honest. I feel like the people who have experiences like yours are shunned on most WLS forums, and viewed as being overly negative. But your experience is valuable in helping people make truly informed decisions.

I kind of felt the same, but I think for me it is really because I am home with more options or not moving/doing as much as during day. Like it is definitely in my head. I have 2 Protein shakes and an unjury chicken broth throughout the day. With 2oz meals I want to boost my protein so this extra 80g has been great. I have a Premier Protein on way to work, another one on way home, and then in evening maybe a couple hours or so after "dinner" I have the chicken "broth." I do start to feel empty or hungry in late afternoon so shake has been great for drive home. Last weekend, I was out in sun and walking a LOT, I was late in eating lunch even though drinking Water all day...I really felt the need for more calories (like the 190 from shake and 2 oz of yogurt was spent!). That is as close to real hunger that i have felt. I mostly feel very satisfied.

I am about to start pureed foods, day 15 postop. I have done great so far meeting my Protein and Fluid requirements. Question....how in the world am I going to meet my protein requirements in the pureed stage.....and eat actual pureed foods? I'm trying to figure out how to replace my Protein Drink with a pureed food and still get my protein in my daily requirements. I can't eat eggs, cheese or yogurt. Allergic and no dairy for me. Any ideas? Thanks for your help! Sent from my SM-J320F using the BariatricPal App

I recommend having some ice packs. I found they really helped with incision pain. If you like your Water cold, I recommend getting an insulated water bottle or cup. I love my ThermoTank. Your tastes will change, so don't buy too much of anything. Yogurt was my go-to pre-op. I liked it for the first week post-op, and now I can't stand it. Most sweet things have an off flavor to me. remember you will be eating tiny amounts. A single can of Soup will be enough for 3-4 meals. Your stomach doesn't feel any different, though you will likely burp more than before. Certain things will fill you up very fast. Feeling "full" doesn't always feel like full did before. It may be discomfort, or pressure, or burping. Certain foods will taste awesome going down, and then sit like a rock in your new stomach. I'm two weeks out, and here is what I actually used my first two weeks: 2 bottles Atkins Protein water 1 package Jello 1 package jello pudding 1 package sugar free Popsicles 3 cans of condensed soup Several containers of flavored yogurt Cream of wheat Small container of plain yogurt Crystal light/Mio Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I make a high Protein 'sorbet' in my Vitamix blender (makes 2-3 servings): Plain or vanilla greek yogurt (1 cup-ish) 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder 1/2 - 1 cup frozen fruit (any you like - I use strawberries, peaches, mango, pineapple, etc. 1/8 - 1/4 cup almond milk (or other milk you like) - just enough to get the mixer going smoothly. (If you want a more milkshake like consistency, increase the milk.) Sometimes I add other ingredients, like a pinch of cinnamon in the peach or pineapple/mango, or a splash of lemon in the strawberry, and sometimes I put in a scoop of benefiber. You can also add in some carrot or other veggie, but be careful - they start to overwhelm the taste pretty quickly. Make just before you want it - leftovers will freeze solid (thawing in microwave for 10 sec. and/or reblending for a minute works to make it ice-creamy again.)

Thank you all for such a quick response. I do have a chart to keep measurements but I have to admit I have missed a week or 2 . Not staying consistent is one of my struggles that lead me here. the clothes are fitting better and when I do measure inches are definitely dropping. I have recently added flaxseed to my yogurt daily . But the lack of bm's got pretty bad 2 weeks ago and it was literally impacted.(sorry tmi).. The few times I jumped on the scale at the gym I was still at 195ish... been that weight since week 3. I get about 32-40 oz of Water a day eat plenty of Protein but have little to no Fiber in my diet.

24 lbs down, I'm eating soft foods starting this weekend. I've felt restriction as soon as I started eating flaked fish. My sleeve holds onto dense Protein. I made an omelet with 1 egg,smoked salmon. I could eat half of it. But I can eat yogurt 1/2 cup like a boss. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Consider yourselves lucky! I am in the 3rd week of liquid diet out of 5 total, pre- & post-op. I am able to have soup & nonfat Greek yogurt in addition to shakes & clears, which is a blessing. I will say I am really looking forward to Aug. 8th when I advance to pureed foods. Will make spinach, yogurt, banana green smoothies.

Hi everyone! I was sleeved 7/18/16, so I'm just over a week post-op. My surgeon has us go right into puréed foods, but I honestly cannot eat. The only thing my stomach will allow me is Water, which I drink plenty of. Protein shakes, yogurt, etc. I can only have maybe 1 oz of. I am worried this will effect my health. I am going to my doctor tomorrow so of course I will ask him about this too, but I figured I would see if anyone else has had this issue. HW: 250 Pre-op weight: 230 CW: 215 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey. Last night was my last supper. I had whatever I wanted. But now I have 2 weeks of only fat free / sugar free yogurt, sugar free jelly and Water. What I would suggest is don't go overboard on 'eating everything you can't have post surgery' Why do you only have to do a 2 day clear liquid diet before surgery? Don't you have to do a liver reduction diet? Im in the UK but I've noticed a lot of members on here from the US. Where are you? Every patient in the UK needs to do a 2 week lover reduction diet. X Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hormone dump is rough. It happens because fat stores hormones, estrogen in particular, and that gets released when you are losing quickly. I was crying the other day because my son's poopy diaper made me lose my appetite in the middle of a meal. And later the same day I called my husband crying so hard he could only understand about a third of what I was saying because I felt bad at snapping at the kids. Think mega-PMS. The worst thing for me post-op is the bad taste in my mouth and certain foods taste -terrible-. I can't eat flavored yogurt or real lemonade right now. It has a nasty, nasty flavor to me. I'm hoping that will go away when the bad taste in my mouth clears up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't had any since surgery, only had maybe 1 in my life. I hate yogurt and don't touch it. We have a ladies only forum that you can post in for your feminine needs

Yes yogurt is a good way to keep them away. But what my nutrition said is we will get them and it's do to not taking in the probiotics. vagisil cream is also nice to keep the PH in balance down there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Side effect of post op antibiotics maybe. The only thing that helps me is diflucan and many doctors will prescribe over the phone... Especially if they recently prescribed you antibiotics. First try your surgeon, then your gyno, then your pcp. Remember probiotics and yogurt.

Why are there so many different requirements for liquid diet? Some can have greek yogurt some can't. Some lean meats some can't. I wonder what is really necessary. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It sounds as though you may need more calories with that workout. Try skipping the protein bars (many are high in fats and carbs) and have protein rich food (tuna, cheese stick, chicken, greek yogurt, hummus, cottage cheese). You may need to have 5-6 small meals to get enough protein and calories. Stay strong!

(I apologise in advance. This is going to be long and maybe a little graphic). Good question! I was moving from Japan back to Canada and with the stress of that the cramps and bowel movements became more pronounced. In particular, the stool was really different. It became very loose to pure liquid. Every colour of the rainbow came out, even a kind of translucent stool which I guess was solidified mucous. Even then I didn't think of going to the doctor until blood started appearing, which freaked me out. Unfortunately I had a trip planned to Vietnam before returning home, and I couldn't handle waiting for 3 weeks so I went to an international clinic there and they did a bunch of tests and told me they thought it was Crohn's or UC (and not cancer, which of course was my first assumption). They gave me meds and anti-inflammatories to deal with until I got back to Canada and could get tested properly. After my first colonoscopy I was told it was Crohn's-Colitis, but having seen a much better surgeon here in Japan he told me it was UC. He gave me the meds that I'm currently on (Pentasa, in both pill and enema form) and I've been happy with that. Unfortunately I have never lived in the same city as him, so going to see him regularly was a problem in the past, and now nearly impossible because of where I live now. I have yet to find a good gastroenterologist to replace him. So, instead of taking meds regularly, I take them when I have a flare-up, since I'm almost out. The problem with being obese is that a lot of doctors don't believe you could have a disease that often leaves people at the very low end of the BMI scale. One doctor in Japan told me I had diarrhea and to eat more fibre, without doing a single test to prove himself right and me wrong! This was when I was in a really bad flare-up and basically had blood and mucous pouring out of my a$$ many times a day (I know, TMI, but that's often the case with this disease). Similarly, the doctors in Canada were very reluctant to believe I had this condition until the tests came back from the colonoscopy (in fact, I remember seeing the infected areas as I was very awake (i.e. high on meds) during the entire procedure). I almost said "told you so" to the gastroenterologist when he told me I had Crohn's Colitis. He was clearly shocked at the diagnosis. I was very happy when I found my gastroenterologist here in Japan (he is not Japanese BTW) who took me seriously from the start and moved his schedule around so he could a colonoscopy the next day because he was so worried about my condition. Anyway, I have since found research articles that indicate up to 30% of people with Crohn's or UC are obese, which they can't explain. The problem with abdominal cramping and loose stools is that there are a lot of conditions that have similar symptoms, like lactose intolerance and celiac disease. I did go gluten-free for a month once (it was hard to maintain, mostly because I liked my beer in the summer months) and that helped tremendously with the symptoms (i.e. they disappeared). So clearly, even though I don't have celiac disease I have some level of gluten intolerance which causes flare-ups. Similarly, while most dairy I eat now is cheese or yogurt, when I add other things like normal milk or ice cream I get a lot of cramps so some lactose intolerance appears to be there too. But other things, like fibre (whole grains, gassy veggies, lettuce, fruit or vegetable peels, nuts, oatmeal, barley) are really problematic for me, as is alcohol (I'm off it now because I just can't deal with it). So...(sorry, this is really long!) UC symptoms include severe abdominal cramping - most of mine was in the 'corners' of the large intestine. Cramping could be caused by food or stress (sometimes delayed). Often a person has to go (#2) multiple times a day - this doesn't necessarily mean something will come out, but your rectum will be in full cramping mode, regardless of what's in your body. For me, once food or Water hits my stomach it will trigger a response in the lower GI tract, even though I know it's impossible for it to move that fast. That said, when symptomatic, food would pass through my system so fast I couldn't take any pills - birth control, Tylenol, whatever, would be sitting at the bottom of the toilet bowl an hour or two after I took it. The only time I've ever seriously lost weight is when I've been symptomatic with UC. One of the posters in the doctors office referred to "rectal urgency" which I thought was a great phrase to describe the feeling of needing to go "right now" - 30 sec or less, because you didn't know how long to hold back the cramping. I've had some accidents. The whole "never trust a fart" after weight loss surgery is true for Crohn's and UC patients as well. Sometimes the cramping is in my large intestine, sometimes the rectum. And sometimes it feels like I'm sh*tting fire acid out of my butt - like the digestive juices or something. It's very painful. If you look at the infographic here, I think a lot of UC patients have the bottom 3 types of loose stool (from loose and feathery to pure liquid). Blood and mucous are also usually part of the deal too. Even though it's always the lower bowels that are affected, I have found that antacids like Gaviscon, Tums, Pepto Bismol help reduce symptoms. I don't know why. Sometimes eating helps stop the cramping as well, which seems counterintuitive, but at least for me it would work. Okay, I gotta stop.

@@traceygirl Try having small servings of protein every 3 hours - 5 to 6 times a day. That could be tuna, chicken salad, hummus, greek yogurt, baked fish, salmon, protein shake, cottage cheese, deli meat etc. Are you on soft foods or can you have anything? Be sure to drink fluids (wait the amount of time your plan suggests after meals). You may want to add some healthy fats (avocado) and carbs (fruits & veggies) to your diet. Check in with your Nutritionist for some guidance too.