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I used milk of magnesia early on and it always helped, even though I'd still only go every 3 days and it was rock hard. But I eventually found insoluble Fiber to be the key for me. (The fiber gummies, Benefiber, etc are all soluble fiber and didn't do a thing to help) I add apple pectin fiber and ground flax seed to my Greek yogurt and Protein smoothies every day. I also eat All bran Cereal and Kashi Go Lean cereal. The result has been daily, soft BMs. Other people have reported good results with smooth move tea and prune juice. And don't forget to drink lots of water!

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

Not a huge fan of cottage cheese, no. I do like Dannon light and fit yogurt (strawberry) but don't know if it's considered "healthy" for DSers. It's got 80 calories. 12 g of protein. 8 g of carbs of which 6 g are sugar. Will try to eat more protein plain or with veggies, as you mention. Makes sense. I grew up in a household where we constantly snacked on chips, crackers, popcorn, Cookies, etc. so I guess old habits die hard. By contrast, I've noticed that my friends who grew up in households where they had a platter of chopped veggies and grapes, strawberries, etc. on the counter grew up to be much healthier. Came to school to work on a paper and brought my celery sticks, string cheese, and peanut butter with me! Small changes lead to big changes!

It sounds like you know what to do. As to carbs, I don't avoid all carbs, just starches and added sugars. A good complex carb like oatmeal should be fine. A hug protein oatmeal would be even better. As to advice about stalls, my best advice is to Embrace the Stall! and read this for some ideas: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall I do but I don't know what I am doing I never posted "big numbers" like others except for the first 2-3 weeks post-op. For example, fruits wise, someone told me that I should not be eating bananas. Had no idea about this. Also don't see it in the packet I was given. Also, Snacks wise. I hate Greek Yogurt. So I have Wheat Thins multigrain crackers with Peanut Butter or hummus or string cheese. Or I have nuts. Today I cut up celery and also have carrots that I can have with the peanut butter or hummus. I am trying to plan to munch on that (or some grapes that I bought at the grocery store last night) rather than going for Doritoes or Cookies while I work. But I would really LOVE some new ideas for healthy snacks. Am I better off eating a PBJ sandwich as a small meal than eating the snacks if the snacks are going to be as bad as Doritoes/cookies and keep me from grazing? I also haven't been tracking my protein. Just been focusing on eating a lot of high protein foods in general. It sounds like you need to get away from the idea that every meal or snack needs a bread or cracker. You can eat peanut butter, hummus or string cheese plain or with a non-starchy vegetable. I personally don't avoid bananas but am aware they are higher in sugar/carbs. This might be more important for someone with DS. Whatever you do, focus on protein first and tracking your protein so you KNOW you are reaching your protein target. If you eat protein first, then non-starchy vegetable, then you may or may not have room for whole fruits. There shouldn't be much room left for breads and crackers. Since you don't like Greek yogurt do you like cottage cheese?

Oops I see that I quoted butterball b cat and never added my question. Do you eat the Kashi cereal with milk or yogurt?

It sounds like you know what to do. As to carbs, I don't avoid all carbs, just starches and added sugars. A good complex carb like oatmeal should be fine. A hug protein oatmeal would be even better. As to advice about stalls, my best advice is to Embrace the Stall! and read this for some ideas: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall I do but I don't know what I am doing I never posted "big numbers" like others except for the first 2-3 weeks post-op. For example, fruits wise, someone told me that I should not be eating bananas. Had no idea about this. Also don't see it in the packet I was given. Also, Snacks wise. I hate Greek Yogurt. So I have Wheat Thins multigrain crackers with Peanut Butter or hummus or string cheese. Or I have nuts. Today I cut up celery and also have carrots that I can have with the peanut butter or hummus. I am trying to plan to munch on that (or some grapes that I bought at the grocery store last night) rather than going for Doritoes or Cookies while I work. But I would really LOVE some new ideas for healthy snacks. Am I better off eating a PBJ sandwich as a small meal than eating the snacks if the snacks are going to be as bad as Doritoes/cookies and keep me from grazing? I also haven't been tracking my protein. Just been focusing on eating a lot of high protein foods in general.

I journal on MFP so the easiest way to do this is cut and paste. I hope it works. Wow it didn't keep the format oh Boy what a mess. I cleaned it up and kept just the foods I ate. I hope this helps as I can't keep gaining. And why would eating less cause me to gain. After about 1 to 1 1/2 oz of solid food I get a pain on my left side under the breast. When I tired to eat more on the 29th by eating a can of tuna for dinner I had pain for 3 hours. February 28, 2016 Breakfast Swiss Miss - sugar free Hot chocolate, 1 envelope , Premiere Protein shake - Protein - Chocolate Shake, lunch Louis Kemp - Lobster Delights Chunk Style, 2.5 ounce Yoplait - Yogurt - Boston Cream Pie (Light), 0.5 Container of a 6 oz Dinner Progressive - Lentil Soup, 0.5 cup Sargento - String cheese Stick, 1 pc Louis Kemp - Lobster Delights Chunk Style, 0.5 ounce February 29, 2016 Breakfast Premiere Protein Shake - 30g Protein - Chocolate Shake, Swiss Miss - light hot chocolate , 1 envelope Lunch Sargento - String Cheese Stick, 1 pc Landofrost Premium Oven Roasted Turkey Breast - Sliced Turkey, 4 Slices 80 Dannon - Lite & Fit Greek Mousse, 2 OZ Dinner Hellman's - Light Mayo, 1.5 Tbsp Tuna - Bumblebee Solid White in Water, 1 container (112 gs ea.) Sargento - Sliced Cheddar Cheese, 1 Slice March 1, 2016 FOODS Breakfast Silk - Original Protein+Fiber Almond Milk, 1 Fluid ounce 1 Great Value - Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 0.5 tbsp Landofrost Premium Oven Roasted Turkey Breast - Sliced Turkey, .5 Slice Egg, whole, cooked, scrambled, 0.5 large Lunch, Premiere Protein Shake - 30g Protein - Chocolate Shake, 11 oz Swiss Miss - light hot chocolate snack jenny o turkey - turkey stick, 1 stick Dinner Progressive - Lentil Soup, 1 cup Hormel - Homestyle Meatloaf With Tomato Sauce, 1 oz. March 2, 2016 FOODS Breakfast Swiss Miss - Sugar Free Hot Chocolate, 1 envelope Premiere Protein Shake - 30g Protein - Chocolate Shake, 11 oz Lunch Landofrost Premium Oven Roasted Turkey Breast - Sliced Turkey, 0.5 Slices Egg, whole, cooked, scrambled, 0.5 large Silk - Original Protein+fiber Almond Milk, 0.5 fluid ounce Great Value - Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 0.5 tbsp Dannon Light and Fit - Greek Mousse, 2 oz Dinner Sargento - Sliced Cheddar Cheese, 1 Slice Jennio - Extra Lean Ground Turkey, 2 oz March 3, 2016 FOODS Breakfast Swiss Miss - light hot chocolate , 1 envelope Premiere Protein Shake - 30g Protein - Chocolate Shake, 11 oz Lunch bacon cheddar bites recipe, from Bariatric site 1 serving(s) ricotta bake recipe, from Bariatric site , 0.5 serving(s) Dinner Steamed chicken Breast, 1.5 oz egg drop soup 1 cup March 4, 2016 FOODS Breakfast Swiss Miss - light hot chocolate , 1 envelope Bariatric Pal - Hot Chocolate - Original, 1 package (23.5g) Lunch bacon cheddar bites, 1 serving(s) Steamed Chicken Breast, 1.5 oz egg drop soup 1/2 cup Dinner Steamed Chicken Breast, 1.5 oz ricotta bake, 0.5 serving(s) 1 March 5, 2016 FOODS Breakfast Bariatric Pal - Hot Chocolate - Original, 1 package Swiss Miss - light hot chocolate , 1 envelope 25 Lunch Oscar Mayer - P3 Smoked Ham, Dinner Homemade - Steamed Chicken Breast, 1.5 oz Great Value - Pinto Beans, Canned, 0.25 cup Great Value - Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 Tbsp,

My Dr nurse said what I eat may just be sitting in my sleeve...in other words yogurt is still to thick for me...in guess I'm getting frustrated Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

One thing you need to remember as well is to take time for your meal. I know what the pace is like in the ER, you won't be able to gobble your food down and get back to work. You have to take some time for yourself. It took me some time to get used to this, but when i eat, i take a bite, then put the fork down and chew. Each bite i do that. Its now a habit for me, it makes you slow down. My pureed stage, i had scrambled eggs, lots of yogurt(low carb, some have a lot of sugar), refried beans, which after 4 weeks of liquids was great, once i handled that ok, i had tuna fish, etc. Just because its called the pureed stage doesnt mean it has to be pureed. ohh, cottage cheese was on that list, but the only thing i like to do with cottage cheese is scrape it into the trash. Best of luck to you.

@@DDN Someone else just told me to take papaya this week when i have problems with that "stuck" feeling. I don't know how it would help if i ate too much or too fast or the wrong food though. I have this happen quite often. I am just a slow learner, i guess! I eat too fast or too much. I'm 3 months out and in the "trial and error" phase where I'm experimenting with regular food. I still stick pretty closely with yogurt and cottage cheese, string cheese, tilapia, soups, protein shakes. I like cheerios now (makes me feel "normal") with fairlife milk and unflavored protein powder in it for breakfast.

I never actually pureed real foods either. I ate fat free refried Beans with melted cheese, yogurt, shakes, sugar free pudding, mashed avocado, hummus, etc. I also LOVED the Ricotta Bake. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html

Congratulations! I understand that not tracking seems to be working well for you, but how do you know whether or not you are getting enough Protein? Just curious. My surgeon suggests only 40-50 g of protein a day so it's really easy to get into that ballpark without obsessing over grams. A cup of yogurt, a handful of nuts, Collegen powder in a green smoothie or a cup of coffee and some cheese usually does the job.40-50 grams of protein seems really low. Is that the protein target ongoing or was that just the target in the few days after surgery when it was harder to get in protein? This is first time I think I have ever seen a protein target under 60 grams, and most are closer to 80-100 grams. Mine is 100. I was surprised when he said that to. 40-50 grams of protein per day is my surgeons recommendation as of Monday. I thought it was supposed to be 60-80. Fifty grams is very attainable for me. I'd have to eat all day to make 100.

I only once pureed actual food. I stuck mainly to yogurts, ricotta cheese, scrambled eggs, soups, protein drinks, applesauce, mashed potatoes, that sort of thing. You aren't going to feel much like eating anyway so don't even bother yourself about pureed steaks or things like that. You don't HAVE to have that type of pureed food.

I didn't have a purée stage. As far as I can tell there is nothing magic about purée other than its a way to get more flavor and nutrition in with a semi-liquid/soft texture. If you like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, refried Beans, tuna, Protein shakes, etc. then I don't see any reason to force yourself to eat something you don't like.

Hi everyone, I am having my gastric bypass surgery 3/7/16 ...(this Monday)... and am trying to learn everything I can. I can't believe the day is here.! Well have been going over the various phases if the gastric bypass diet and am having a real problem anticipating the Puree diet. You see I am a nurse of 35 yrs, predominantly in the emergency room but I can still remember vividly my time on a medical ward. There we used to do long term care of the patients and the population was geriatrics. I remember feeding the patients puree diets and almost got sick to my stomach many times. The smell, consistency, and texture was nasty, especially the pureed liver. I have been reading up on different foods ppl are eating and blending, and I just don't think I can do it. I'll get sick. I know some of you may laugh at this or say "get over it and do it) I'm trying to keep an open mind but I think I'll stick to the shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt and creamed Soups, but when it come to blending eggs, meats, tuna and fish I think back to my experience with puree food and my stomach swirls. Does anyone have the same experience, I will discuss with my Doc and nutritionist but was wanting some feedback from the community. TY

Wow, the instructions I got from my dietitian are completely different from the "don't change anything, your body decides what weight it wants to be" stuff I am reading here. These are the instructions I got, and they have worked well for me: 1. When you hit your goal weight and want to maintain, start eating your body weight x 10 in calories every day. 2. Continue to weigh, measure and track your food religiously. 3. Weigh yourself every day. 4. After two weeks of strict maintenance eating, assess. If you have lost more than 2 lbs, add in another 100 calories per day to your eating. If you have gained more than 2 lbs, subtract 100 calories per day. 5. Repeat for another 2 weeks and assess. Again, either add or subtract calories by 100 calories per day. 6. Keep repeating until you find your target calorie range. 7. When adding in calories, focus on adding in high protein or high fat foods -- jerky, dark meat instead of white meat poultry, avocado, cheese, nuts, olive oil, grass fed butter, switch from nonfat to full fat yogurt or milk, etc. Do not raise your calories with high carb foods such as grains or fruits or sugary foods. Do not raise your calories by grazing or snacking. 8. Weigh yourself a minimum of once a week once you hit maintenance. Every day is better. If you are weighing yourself regularly and sticking to your eating plan, you can stop weighing and measuring your food and tracking it in MFP. 9. When/if you find yourself 4 lbs over your target maintenance goal, or outside of your maintenance range at all if you set a range instead of a specific number as your goal, immediately drop into weight loss mode. This means: lowering your calories by 500 per day (more if that does not result in weight loss), weighing and measuring your food, tracking everything in MFP, and stopping eating all grains, starchy vegetables, and sweets. Once you get back into your maintenance goal/range, resume maintenance eating but be mindful of why/what behaviors you got out of your range and stop doing that. This worked really well for me. If I had just given up on being in control I would have been an utter failure. YMMV of course.

Work meetings were the worst when I was on the pre op and purée stage. Our bosses would order pizza and such and I'm just there with my Greek yogurt and it all smells so good

My coworkers kind of figured it out on their own because there is another lady that had it before she started and is very open about it and I was not. But, they noticed I was only eating yogurt and such when I came back and that I was losing weight pretty fast. They've been nice at least to my face and I work with all women.

You can have plain greek yogurt i started eat at 2 weeks per my nut Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

As someone whose dumping syndrome seems to be getting worse over time, I envy you. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Imagine every time you eat you aren't sure if you are going to have explosive diarrhea, and it can include foods that never used to give it to you, so you are never sure. For example, I can eat yogurt, and 95% of the time it is fine, but if it isn't, I have about 5 seconds to make it to a bathroom. It has gotten so I am getting afraid to eat if I know I have to go anywhere, which is all the time! And sometimes it takes effect within 10 mins, other times an hour or hour and a half. *sigh* Not to downplay constipation, I know it is a big deal too. Congrats on your recent bowel cleansing! As someone whose dumping syndrome seems to be getting worse over time, I envy you. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Imagine every time you eat you aren't sure if you are going to have explosive diarrhea, and it can include foods that never used to give it to you, so you are never sure. For example, I can eat yogurt, and 95% of the time it is fine, but if it isn't, I have about 5 seconds to make it to a bathroom. It has gotten so I am getting afraid to eat if I know I have to go anywhere, which is all the time! And sometimes it takes effect within 10 mins, other times an hour or hour and a half. *sigh* Not to downplay constipation, I know it is a big deal too. Congrats on your recent bowel cleansing! As someone whose dumping syndrome seems to be getting worse over time, I envy you. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Imagine every time you eat you aren't sure if you are going to have explosive diarrhea, and it can include foods that never used to give it to you, so you are never sure. For example, I can eat yogurt, and 95% of the time it is fine, but if it isn't, I have about 5 seconds to make it to a bathroom. It has gotten so I am getting afraid to eat if I know I have to go anywhere, which is all the time! And sometimes it takes effect within 10 mins, other times an hour or hour and a half. *sigh* Not to downplay constipation, I know it is a big deal too. Congrats on your recent bowel cleansing!