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yogurt or applesauce with added protein powder. & like others have said.. just sip sip sip and don't be discouraged if you don't meet your goals.. you will get there. I didn't meet mine for quite some time.

Buffalo chicken salad all day: canned chicken 2 oz. blue cheese crumbles small container plain Greek yogurt chopped celery/onion garlic powder/dill (or a 1/2 packet of ranch seasoning) S&P Frank's Red Hot to taste This is my absolute favorite and the above recipe makes enough for the week. It's on my lunch menu today!

I do the full fat versions (except for my greek yogurt, because I LOVE the Dannon Light and Fit). I would rather eat a bit less and have the real thing than eat a bigger portion of flavorless fat-free food, or food that gets its flavor from additives. Also, fat in food doesn't make you fat and a healthy amount of fats help to keep your appetite in check.

Everyone needs carbs. The key is where you get the carbs. When nutritionists tell me not to eat fruit because of carbs, I know it's a fad just like egg beaters. I know it will get compared to a Twinkie diet, but my family is Italian and have been eating Pasta for generations. My Grandparents, who were born and raised in Italy, lived into their 90's and were very healthy and ate pasta until the day they died. They didn't even know what a carb was. 4 oz of egg noodles with a fresh whole tomato as sauce, has 17 grams of Protein. To put that in perspective, two jumbo eggs have 16 grams of protein, a 3 oz chicken breast has 18 grams, a 5 oz cup of Greek yogurt has 15 grams, and one of my Qwest Protein Bars has 20 grams. The pasta is right there with all the other popular high protein meal choices and it also offers a lot of Calcium, Vitamin C, fiber, Iron, and a host of other minerals. You could even be radical and add a little grilled chicken breast to the pasta to give it a little more protein. I continue to plan on eating pasta weekly after surgery.

If you are doing seriously hardcore workouts, there may need to be some planning to go along with it. You will need something that is nutrient as well calorie dense. Also, do not fear good carbs prior to working out. 20 minutes prior to your workout, carb load with oats or shredded wheat. Not instant oats though, steel cut are a better choice. Post workout, I would recommend something higher in Protein and fat. Ah! I said that scary word didn't I? Don't worry, in this instance fat is being used exactly as it is supposed to be used. A higher calorie storage of energy. Peanut Butter mixed in with plain yogurt will give you the protein and fat you need to fuel and recovery from exercise. There is also tuna with mashed avocado for a health fat/protein combo. Good on you for working hard!

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss thus far. My nutritionist has bemoaned that a carb is treated as a dirty four-letter word, when in actuality it can have nutritional and even psychological benefits. It all depends on the quality of the carb, the quantity of it, and how each of us reacts to it. Having pasta or rice a couple of times a month as an accompaniment to healthy Proteins, or a slice of bread on an open faced sandwich on occasion is sound to me. It's not on par with consuming a plate of linguine alfredo as a common meal, or eating a loaf of white bread a week, but is instead balanced. She also only advocates having Protein Shakes immediately after surgery, or as a supplement if needed (I add some to coffee) rather than as a routine meal. I started having smoothies with high-protein Greek or Bulgarian yogurt (24 grams a cup), kale, and just enough berries or acai to mask the taste of the kale, about a month in, and have continued to have them regularly. There's around 22 carbs in the smoothie on average, but they're nutritious. I think there are some basic fundamentals to losing weight after WLS that everyone should try to adhere to (don't gorge on junk food, as an obvious example), but that we also need to tailor our eating habits so that they fit us personally. For me, eating in a sensible way that is sustainable is crucial. In the past I've gone on restrictive low-carb diets that have ultimately been counterproductive for me because I'd end up feeling so deprived and craving carbs with such ferocity I'd cave in and overindulge in them, then berate myself. I'd lose weight, then gain it right back and then some. I also didn't feel as energetic or as sharp on low-carb diets. It's why it's mentally liberating to me to allow myself to have pasta, rice, bread, and fruit, and even chocolate, but in reasonable amounts. I've only had pasta and rice a few times in the past eight months - mainly at dinner parties - but feeling free to have it or another carb-heavy food in a small portion on occasion actually makes me want it less. I don't feel deprived. I've had other carbs that have a lower impact but satisfy my craving for them, like Brazilian Bites cheesebread that has 4.6 carbs per little piece, low carb almond flour muffins, or pancake bites by "Eggface" a few times a week. I've lost weight slowly, but have still met all of my goals and have been in the "normal" BMI range for my height for a while now. More importantly, I feel that I can maintain my eating and exercise habits and keep the weight off. Keep doing what works best for your body and your life.

2 days clear Fluid, 2 weeks fluids/shakes/soups/thin yogurt etc, 2 weeks puree foods/scrambled eggs etc. then on to soft foods after my first appointment (at 4 weeks) with the Dietitian.

I've cut back on my protein shakes to about two-three a week ( I mix my own with a high quality protein and almond milk). Pre surgery I could handle the protein shakes that were pre-made...after survey my taste totally changed and I ended up throwing a dozen or so away. However, I always start and end my day with protein....period. Breakfast is always Greek yogurt, a protein bar or occasionally some oats and I always add a scope of protein powder to all of it (of course with the exception of the bar). My snack (s) during the day always revolve around something with protein in it such as a scoop of peanut butter, some health nuts or some jerky. I try to eat a small amount of protein about an hour before I head to bed.

I'm so glad someone asked this. I'm almost 3 weeks out and have no problem drinking and eating (yogurt, refried Beans, ricotta cheese). Granted I've never taken more than 4 or 5 bites (with a baby spoon) but I've yet to have a "full" feeling like some have expressed. I even asked my nurse if the doctor actually created a sleeve at my follow up. She laughed and said oh he did, trust me. I'm doubly concerned because my doctor had a hard time digging my band out (I'm a revision) and he said due to scar tissue, I have an exceptionally small sleeve. I can't get over the nagging feeling of "will I be the first failure?" Thank goodness for the sgb224 post... 95 lbs is AMAZING!!!! I've only lost 12 and am bummed... But hey, the scale is finally moving in the down direction so I'm thrilled I did this. Oh I do have a question though- what does "full" feel like? A cramp? A stuffed feeling? Will I get a warning? Sorry if these questions come across as stupid... I'm a newbie. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 5/3, I have been sticking to the liquid diet and I haven't been able to make my protein or my water for that matter. I am never hungry and feel full very quickly. The NP called today to check in with me and she said I had the option of adding cottage cheese, yogurt, and egg whites in to my diet if I wanted. I was to nervous to try though :/ I totally understand being over the shakes though lol! I hope things get better for you.

It may not be the shakes, but the volume of the shakes. I would put a small amount of the shake into a small bowl, (keep the rest in the frig) and with a small spoon, eat it like soup. SLOWLY! Also a bit of protein powder (choc. a fav.) stirred into plain, lowfat greek yogurt, a kind of high protein pudding. And sip, sip, sip skim milk. It all adds up. Good luck, and welcome to a new, healthier you.

I had surgery 4/13 Was sent home on stage 3. For the first 2 weeks until my post up apt I had clear liquids, Protein shakes and yogurt. Week 3 until my next nut apt in about 3 weeks i'm on stage 4 soft foods. Cottage cheese, fish, salmon, tuna in Water ect. I have been on stage 4 for almost 2 weeks now. I'm trying to make different types of food. YES! I have had to trow away lots of food either because I didn't like the taste or because I like it the first time but not anymore. My tastes have changed a lot after surgery and it does happen to many people. I remember when I was told I had to get used to wasting food as it would be no option after surgery Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My nutritionist let me have ricotta after I told her I wasn't going to make it. I am like you, I can't stand the sweet shakes and have had it up to here with yogurt. Also she let me mix Heinz gravy with unflavored Protein powder and some broth. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so sorry to hear that - that sounds awful. :-( Have you talked to your doctor and/or nutritionist? If not, you should do so right away - hopefully they will have some helpful advice. I honestly don't know if the stomach shrinks, but I can tell you that my fullness levels have changed over time. After the first few days of nausea, I was REALLY hungry for like a week, but I was afraid to eat too much (I didn't want to throw up again). Then I was fine for about a month - not hungry, not full. Now I am starting to feel fuller. So I don't know if the stomach actually shrinks, or if you body/brain just adjusts. But I definitely notice a difference. You might want to try Protein /meal replacement drinks and soft protein-rich foods (ex: Greek yogurt, eggs, etc.) to ensure that you're getting some decent nutrition until you talk to your doctor. That all might go down better than solid foods, and have an easier time working its way around the balloon. And maybe even things like Gatorade to help with hydration. Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!

I was allowed any strained cream soup during my full liquid phase, so there were a LOT of options. I literally bought every single one my grocery store had. My favorites were Campbell's condensed cream of shrimp made with 2% milk and Progresso's Chicken Cheese Enchilada. I was also allowed drinkable yogurt in my full liquid phase, so maybe that would be an alternative to soup or protein shakes if you are tired of those?

I had my surgery on April 13. 2016 and was on a liquid diet two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery. I was just placed on a purée diet a week ago for 4 weeks. I'm adjusting well to tuna, yogurt, fish, chicken, eggs. I mainly eat tuna and eggs. You can make it! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Day 7 of liquid pre op diet. so far so good. Scared to have a bite of anything not on my list and have not had one bite of anything that I shouldn't. Not weighing myself until surgery day (17th) but I feel like if lost some weight. There have been moments (just moments) where I'd like to have a chunk of chicken or something but the moments pass. I get to have greek yogurt (which in the evening is like manna from heaven). Other than that it's the Protein Shakes, low fat cottage cheese, creamed Soups and lots of liquids. I've been getting in about 110 oz of liquid a day, some days a little more, some a little less. The first 4 days I was only getting about 500-550 calories a day and by day 5 the weakness and irritability was hitting me so I upped the cals that day (I'm allowed 800-1000) and that made a big difference. Feeling great today. Much better. I was at my mother in laws yesterday for Mothers Day and they had tons of food there and I have two little ones that I have to feed so I have had to be around food and deal with it. I am finding that keeping a good mindset is making such a difference. Instead of feeling deprived I'm feeling alive with the excitement over what this all means. I told my kids with confidence that next year around this time were going to Disneyworld (probably more for me than them!). I am so looking forward to being ALIVE for a change. Not that I haven't been alive obviously but there's different ways of being alive and I'm sick of this so called way of life. As a good friend said years ago, everything we do is either life giving or life taking. Every bite of food can be looked at this way too. Being on a liquid pre op diet, getting the surgery, dealing with the difficulties ahead, eating differently are all life giving things. And that sounds like a win-win to me.

I was told the same thing about the Protein and how much can be absorbed. I agree with the other about making yourself first, you have to think about your health. Carry a Water bottle and sip throughout the day and look for some protein water to get the protein in throughout the day. I eat a cup of greek yogurt and add about 1/2 a scoop of the unflavored 26 grams of protein and get atleast 25 grams of protein and about 150 calories. Mom, you cant NOT take care of yourself, esp if your husband is overseas.

I've been drinking tap Water as I found super cold really hard to drink when I first got surgery I must go back and retry it colder I put low cal cordial in it or a berroca or half Isopure half water to try and mix it up and inspire me to drink it I'm staying away from all carbs atm as I love them. I find I can only fit my meat in and have no room for veggies tonight I had a tiny bit of brocli in my green curry also the multi Vitamins I bought are quite large and repeat on me so I need to look at another brand annoying I've only had them 3 days and they were $35 oh well trial and error I've had a banana in my Greek yogurt I may try an apple I found pre surgery apples gave me reflux and that was the only food that ever gave me any issues but I feel like I'd like the freshness of some fruit Sent from my iPhone

I also look to eat the meat first, followed by greens and other vegs. Have gone right off potatoes. For a small meal I mix greek yogurt with mixed berries and a touch of honey. I love Water more now then b4 especially if its cold and I im not as keen on carbonated drinks as i used to be. The only problem is having to take smaller sips and not being able to drink after eating. I still find my appetite fluxuates between not feeling too hungry to wanting to eat small amounts every couple of hours and feeling hungry again not long after. Will I ever settle into this new world. Sent from my SM-G900I using the BariatricPal App

Demonchick I am not drinking enough I know that I bought some Isopure to help with my Protein levels which I have so struggled with I eat meat first at meals Infact mostly that's all I serve up I try and have an egg for breakfast or a yogurt I often don't eat lunch but may have some cheese or a yogurt dinner is usually some chicken lamb or fish I know I need to drink way more Water than I have been I really struggle with it. Sent from my iPhone

So I eat these ALL THE TIME NOW. Like I will never eat plain eggs again. Four ingredients (not counting salt or pepper to taste): 1 egg 1 pat butter 1/2 tablespoon of chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (smooth blended sauce) 1/2-1 full tablespoon of plain greek yogurt (I have the zero fat version, but the full fat would be fine too if you want the extra fat) Heat small frying pan with butter until bubbly (I ususally do a medium high heat for this phase to get the pan hot and melt the butter before adding egg). While pan is heating, crack egg into bowl, add ingredients and then scramble up until the mixture is combined well. Turn heat down to medium low heat (lower is better to achieve a creamy/custardy texture to the egg), add egg to pan and stir constantly until egg is almost done. Remove from heat while still looking a bit "wet" as the egg continues to cook for a few seconds due to residual heat, and this prevents the egg from getting hard and overcooked. Plate, add salt and pepper to taste. I use chipotle chilies in adobo sauce but the kind where they've blended it all up so it's a sauce with no chunks (you can buy the cans with the peppers still whole and just blend them yourself but this way is less to clean up). Adding dairy (greek yogurt) is a chef secret to get creamy fluffy eggs - any dairy will help, but especially sour cream or greek yogurt and the yogurt adds more protein! Cooking the egg on low heat, constant stirring and removing the egg from heat right before it is considered "done" results in a better egg too. This results in a very creamy textured scrambled egg that has a lovely smoky slightly spicy flavor and works beautifully with sausage, bacon or ham. If you're unfamiliar with how chipotles taste, you might want to add less to start with (but if you like spicy without a hard burn, this is good stuff - add more if you want more spicy).

style="margin:0;padding:0;background-color:#d8dde8;color:#5a5a5a;font:normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif;position:relative;"> Hey BariatricPal Members! Happy Mother’s Day from BariatricPal! For everyone who is a mother or is a mother figure, thank you for all that you do! For everyone else, I hope you will take this opportunity to thank your mom and any other mother figure in your life. You moms out there do a lot for us! This newsletter is all about treating yourself, treating yourself, enjoying your family, and becoming healthier together. Here’s what you’ll find: A Mother’s Day Meal to Celebrate Be a Great Mother: Be Good to Yourself Time-Savers for a Healthy Family Have a great Mother’s Day, and enjoy the newsletter. Then spend some time with your family, and don’t forget to logon to BariatricPal and discuss family, recipes, and whatever else is on your mind. See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Be a Great Mother: Be Good to Yourself Mothers often find themselves putting everyone else first. You might feel so busy you can’t squeeze in a quick workout. You might cook your family their favorite meals while you depend on nothing but canned tuna and hard-boiled eggs to stick to your WLS diet. You might skimp on sleep so you can take care of the house and get the kids ready for school. And the idea of losing yourself in a good book or spending a few hours at a day spa? Those may be distant dreams. Are You Putting Yourself Last? Too many mothers feel they need to put others first. After all, taking care of your children and maybe your spouse and parents is your job, right? Add that to possible duties of housekeeping and holding down a job, and your time and energy are easily accounted for. Weight loss surgery magnifies the problem. You may feel guilty about surgery, especially if it was expensive for your family. You may worry that WLS pulls you apart from your family, since you need to eat a new way and set aside time to prepare food and work out. You may fight the guilty feelings by trying to put everyone else’s needs and wants behind yours – and that just doesn’t work. The trouble is, you can only give so much for so long without taking care of yourself. You need to make the time to recharge regularly and to keep up with your own emotional and physical health habits. If not, sooner or later, you will not be able to give your best to the ones you love. You’re Not Selfish; You’re Smart What happens when you think about putting yourself first? What feelings come up when you think about making your own meals before you make your family’s, or going to the gym in the evening instead of coming directly home from work, or postponing the housecleaning so you can meditate? If you’re like many weight loss surgery patients, you may feel guilty. That’s not fair or productive. When you take care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of others. You will be stronger, happier, and more cheerful when you are healthy. Take some time to identify what you would ideally do if you did not have family responsibilities: which foods would you eat, what kind of workouts would you do, and which hobbies or relaxation activities would you pursue? Then figure out which ones are necessary for your long-term stability and work them into your life – even if it means making some of them a priority over less important things. Really, it’s okay to skip the dusting for now if you need that time to plan a few healthy meals. Take Care, Mother or Not By the way, being good to yourself so you can be at your best is not just for moms. No matter who you are, you can give your best if you are at your best. You’ll be better father, friend, son or daughter, and coworker. You’re not being selfish when you take care of yourself. You’re putting yourself in a position to give your best to the world. A Mother’s Day Meal to Celebrate After weight loss surgery, holidays are about more than just food. You can focus on family and on other fun activities besides eating. But the truth is, you’re likely to end up around the table at some point if you’re celebrating Mother’s Day. Almost all family gatherings tend to revolve around food, so instead of fighting it, you might as well make the best of it. Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed If your Mother’s Day includes a little pampering at home…lucky you! Fresh fruit salad, cottage cheese with raw veggies, and Greek yogurt pops with fruit are some of the easy and healthy options you might want to ask your little helpers to serve you. You can also enjoy breakfast in bed or a more luxurious brunch at home with the help of The BariatricPal Store. We suggest whipping up a batch of instant Protein Pancakes in chocolate chip, golden delicious, or blueberry flavors. Serve them plain or with fruit or Greek yogurt for yourself, and let your children make their own feasts with toppings such as whipped cream, syrup, peanut butter, and fruit. For an early morning or mid-morning treat while hanging out with your kids or spouse, everyone might enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or cappuccino – protein included! Mother’s Day Brunch Out Are you going out for Mother’s Day? Lucky you! While that buffet or 12-course menu may look like a disaster at first glance, there’s a good chance there are plenty of healthy choices for you. Look past the breakfast pastries such as muffins, danishes, and doughnuts, doughy options like bagels, pancakes, and waffles, and fatty options like bacon and breakfast sausage. Think that doesn’t leave you with much? Think again! Check for any of the following. Omelets and egg white omelets with add-ins such as vegetable and natural ham. Fresh fruit. Seasonal fresh vegetables. Simple protein items such as cottage cheese and yogurt. Smoked salmon. Freshly carved turkey breast. The rules of your weight loss surgery diet hold here, too. Keep portions small, eat slowly, and You’ll have even more to celebrate than Mother’s Day when you realize you just got through Mother’s Day brunch without losing control. A Time to Reflect and Be Grateful We know not everyone celebrates Mother’s Day or approaches this day in the same way. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to reflect and be grateful. Any opportunity is a good one for realizing all that you have, even though life can get tough sometimes. You may be grateful for the opportunity weight loss surgery has given you to get healthy and have a new lease on life. Maybe you’re thankful for your family and friends who support you and make life worth living. Maybe you’re happy to have a job that puts (healthy) food on the table and a roof over your head. These things are simple and basic, but remembering to be grateful for them can truly make you appreciate them and be a happier person. So, have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and keep working towards those goals for weight loss and health! BariatricPal is there for you at every step of the way, so we hope you will keep contributing to the forums. Thanks for all of your support!

style="margin:0;padding:0;background-color:#d8dde8;color:#5a5a5a;font:normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif;position:relative;"> Hey BariatricPal Members! Happy Mother’s Day from BariatricPal! For everyone who is a mother or is a mother figure, thank you for all that you do! For everyone else, I hope you will take this opportunity to thank your mom and any other mother figure in your life. You moms out there do a lot for us! This newsletter is all about treating yourself, treating yourself, enjoying your family, and becoming healthier together. Here’s what you’ll find: A Mother’s Day Meal to Celebrate Be a Great Mother: Be Good to Yourself Time-Savers for a Healthy Family Have a great Mother’s Day, and enjoy the newsletter. Then spend some time with your family, and don’t forget to logon to BariatricPal and discuss family, recipes, and whatever else is on your mind. See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Be a Great Mother: Be Good to Yourself Mothers often find themselves putting everyone else first. You might feel so busy you can’t squeeze in a quick workout. You might cook your family their favorite meals while you depend on nothing but canned tuna and hard-boiled eggs to stick to your WLS diet. You might skimp on sleep so you can take care of the house and get the kids ready for school. And the idea of losing yourself in a good book or spending a few hours at a day spa? Those may be distant dreams. Are You Putting Yourself Last? Too many mothers feel they need to put others first. After all, taking care of your children and maybe your spouse and parents is your job, right? Add that to possible duties of housekeeping and holding down a job, and your time and energy are easily accounted for. Weight loss surgery magnifies the problem. You may feel guilty about surgery, especially if it was expensive for your family. You may worry that WLS pulls you apart from your family, since you need to eat a new way and set aside time to prepare food and work out. You may fight the guilty feelings by trying to put everyone else’s needs and wants behind yours – and that just doesn’t work. The trouble is, you can only give so much for so long without taking care of yourself. You need to make the time to recharge regularly and to keep up with your own emotional and physical health habits. If not, sooner or later, you will not be able to give your best to the ones you love. You’re Not Selfish; You’re Smart What happens when you think about putting yourself first? What feelings come up when you think about making your own meals before you make your family’s, or going to the gym in the evening instead of coming directly home from work, or postponing the housecleaning so you can meditate? If you’re like many weight loss surgery patients, you may feel guilty. That’s not fair or productive. When you take care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of others. You will be stronger, happier, and more cheerful when you are healthy. Take some time to identify what you would ideally do if you did not have family responsibilities: which foods would you eat, what kind of workouts would you do, and which hobbies or relaxation activities would you pursue? Then figure out which ones are necessary for your long-term stability and work them into your life – even if it means making some of them a priority over less important things. Really, it’s okay to skip the dusting for now if you need that time to plan a few healthy meals. Take Care, Mother or Not By the way, being good to yourself so you can be at your best is not just for moms. No matter who you are, you can give your best if you are at your best. You’ll be better father, friend, son or daughter, and coworker. You’re not being selfish when you take care of yourself. You’re putting yourself in a position to give your best to the world. A Mother’s Day Meal to Celebrate After weight loss surgery, holidays are about more than just food. You can focus on family and on other fun activities besides eating. But the truth is, you’re likely to end up around the table at some point if you’re celebrating Mother’s Day. Almost all family gatherings tend to revolve around food, so instead of fighting it, you might as well make the best of it. Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed If your Mother’s Day includes a little pampering at home…lucky you! Fresh fruit salad, cottage cheese with raw veggies, and Greek yogurt pops with fruit are some of the easy and healthy options you might want to ask your little helpers to serve you. You can also enjoy breakfast in bed or a more luxurious brunch at home with the help of The BariatricPal Store. We suggest whipping up a batch of instant Protein pancakes in chocolate chip, golden delicious, or blueberry flavors. Serve them plain or with fruit or Greek yogurt for yourself, and let your children make their own feasts with toppings such as whipped cream, syrup, Peanut Butter, and fruit. For an early morning or mid-morning treat while hanging out with your kids or spouse, everyone might enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or cappuccino – protein included! Mother’s Day Brunch Out Are you going out for Mother’s Day? Lucky you! While that buffet or 12-course menu may look like a disaster at first glance, there’s a good chance there are plenty of healthy choices for you. Look past the breakfast pastries such as muffins, danishes, and doughnuts, doughy options like bagels, pancakes, and waffles, and fatty options like bacon and breakfast sausage. Think that doesn’t leave you with much? Think again! Check for any of the following. Omelets and egg white omelets with add-ins such as vegetable and natural ham. Fresh fruit. Seasonal fresh vegetables. Simple protein items such as cottage cheese and yogurt. Smoked salmon. Freshly carved turkey breast. The rules of your weight loss surgery diet hold here, too. Keep portions small, eat slowly, and You’ll have even more to celebrate than Mother’s Day when you realize you just got through Mother’s Day brunch without losing control. A Time to Reflect and Be Grateful We know not everyone celebrates Mother’s Day or approaches this day in the same way. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to reflect and be grateful. Any opportunity is a good one for realizing all that you have, even though life can get tough sometimes. You may be grateful for the opportunity weight loss surgery has given you to get healthy and have a new lease on life. Maybe you’re thankful for your family and friends who support you and make life worth living. Maybe you’re happy to have a job that puts (healthy) food on the table and a roof over your head. These things are simple and basic, but remembering to be grateful for them can truly make you appreciate them and be a happier person. So, have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and keep working towards those goals for weight loss and health! BariatricPal is there for you at every step of the way, so we hope you will keep contributing to the forums. Thanks for all of your support!

I'm 8.5 weeks out now. My surgeon wants me to be at 1000-1200 calories/day, not less than 64 gm Protein, 64 oz fluids at this stage. Looking back this past week, I only made it past 800 calories one day - and that was a Nurse's Day lunch at work and I had two bites of cake (superb cake, and the only dessert I ever even consider among all the offerings available at work). Fact is, it's taking some effort even to get in the 700-800 calories/day I'm doing. I'm not a smoothie fan. I do have a Protein Drink first thing each morning. I have already included things like cheese and slices of avocado. My midmorning yogurt is 2%, not nonfat. My restriction is great. I made lamb stew last night. I measured out 2 oz of the lamb and added a small portion of the veggies and gravy. Once I ate the 2 oz of lamb, I could only eat one slice of carrot and half a slice of parsnip, and my sleeve was done. I'm not keen on the idea of adding Protein Bars just because I'm a fan of real food, but I'm thinking I may need to for a while just to get in the calories. Typical day: Bfst: Premier Protein drink Snack: Chobani 2% yogurt Lunch: 1/2 c. refried Beans with a pinch of shredded cheese Snack: Cheese stick Dinner: Taco bowl - shredded chicken in salsa, shredded lettuce, slice of avocado, light sour cream, shredded cheese Over the past month, I've averaged 70-85 gm protein, 30-60 carb 25-35 gm fat. No trouble getting in my fluids. I know 700 calories isn't enough from past experience. Any suggestions?