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The only food that I really cannot tolerate now (seven months post-op) is meat. Sometimes I do miss it, but most of the time I do not. I can eat turkey burger and some pork, but pretty much everything else is off limits for me. I, like you, am still able to enjoy things in much smaller quantities. Some people stick to their plan like glue, but I am a firm believer that "if" you can control what you eat, there is no harm. For example, when we go to McDonald's, my son orders what he wants and I order a fruit and yogurt parfait (no matter what time of day). I will eat 3-5 of his french fires, which satisfies my craving and have not done any harm in my eyes. Last week, we went to Logan's Roadhouse (they are famous for their dinner rolls). I ordered Soup and had two bites of a dinner roll and was satisfied. It's fine if people want to follow their diet to a tee, but I find that if I just have a little of something, my craving is satisfied and I am done with it.

You might want to increase those carbs. Your body may be holding onto those pounds as a reaction to the workout. Carbs re not evil. Processed carbs are. Good carbs come from beans, dark green veg, rolled oats, yogurts, quinoa, sweet potatoes and nuts to name just a few. Are you fueling your workouts? A protein shake before and an ounce of nuts after might provide the protein and healthy carbs your body needs.

I was sleeved on April 27, 2015. First, Celebrate what you have accomplished. Next, you need to hit the re-set button. You haven't lost out yet. I don't do many Protein shakes myself. I use the powders sometimes in sugar free pudding or Greek yogurt though. My husband really likes the Premier Protein pre mixed shakes and that is what I drink when I do. I would see your nutritionist and come up with some foods that don't make you feel bad. I eat a very wide variety of foods. I've learned to embrace Beans as well. I NEVER ate them before surgery. Also, you need to exercise. It will help. I've been working out since 2 weeks after surgery. I now run 3 mornings a week, I walk 3 mornings a week, I do Zumba one night a week, and body pump 2 nights a week. Some people will say, "I don't have that much time." Well, I work full time, am in school to get my MBA, married, and have a 10 month old daughter. You don't have to do anything major...just get moving. I have had many stalls along this morning. My starting weight was 290-294. My surgery date weight was 260. Now I am 143. It's not easy, but it is so worth it!! Don't give up!!

Of all the different Protein powders I tried, I found that the Syntrax Nectars blend in better. As a matter of fact, their Grapefruit flavor mixed with Crystal Lite Lemonade tastes EXACTLY like Fresca Soda. I keep that one on hand. Also, I find that when mixed with low-fat milk or almond milk, the vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors are more true. i got to thinkin' and wanted to ask you who prepares the food that you eat, and are they a good cook? When I was younger, I had anemia and anorexia. The doctor gave me a B12 shot once a month and insisted that I eat liver twice a week. The only way my mother knew how to cook it was to fry it in a pan with onions. I felt like I was eating my shoe. A Mexican neighbor came to the rescue and would mince the liver and put it in her taco meat and other highly spiced dishes. I could not taste the liver and did not care that it was there. This was all a matter of how the same food was fixed differently by two different cooks. Mother's range of cooking was limited with basic meat and potatoes, and anything made with noodles, bread or rice. She could make outstanding Desserts, but regular food - not so much. When I met my boyfriend in 2006, he introduced me to many foods that I had never had, and some I had never even heard of. What comes to mind is avocado, sunchokes, asparagus, Hollandaise sauce, crab, zucchini, eggplant, cheeses beside American, cheddar, and mozzarella, yogurt, pistachios....the list goes on and on. If the menu in your home is limited, then it is high time your branch out and explore what else is out there. If there is something you think you would like better if it were prepared differently, speak up. I have always thought that MUST have been some Israelite woman traveling 40 years in the desert with Moses who should have written a cookbook: 101 Ways to Fix Mannah. Men didn't ask for directions back then either!

I battled extreme nausea for the first 3 months of my recovery. I'm now 5 months out and it only happens a few times a month now, very rare. Flat ginger ale (clear with your doctor) and saltine crackers helped me. I'd literally eat half a saltine cracker and it helped a lot. I wasn't perfect in my recovery, but I do think my nausea is why I lost SO much weight so quickly (I lost 80 lbs in 5 months). It simply became not worth it to eat. But I'm so glad it's not happening anymore. I feel healthier now that I'm getting substantial nutrients in every day. The Iron in my Vitamins tends to nauseate me, so I always eat something first (like my Greek yogurt in the morning) and THEN take my Vitamin. I'll often have a bite or two of a saltine before I take my afternoon vitamin. Hope this helps.

One trick that I've been doing is to make my own pita chips. I start by buying the thinnest ones I can find and cutting them into the skinniest little triangles possible. With any luck, each one ends up under 15 calories. Then I warm up some EVOO with crushed garlic and brush them lightly. Then top them with cracked pepper and sea salt. Bake at 350 and watch them until the edges get brown. You should try to bake them at the party and serve them hot. You can serve these with any healthy dip or humus and people will go crazy. I like the Greek yogurt dips which are low cal and have some Protein.

It is very difficult (well, my experience) initially post-op, because my sleeve was so tight (or swollen). Even though it got boring really fast, for those first couple of months breakfast consisted of Greek yogurt, eggs--I know you're tired of them, but nevertheless--with cheese (choose high Protein cheeses), Babybel or Laughing Cow soft cheeses, watered down cream of chicken, thinned oatmeal or malt-o-meal with unflavored Protein powder, and/or Protein shakes. Again, it was redundant and boring, but those are what worked for me and what gave the calories I needed just to get through the day without passing out.

1 cup Almond milk, 1 scoop chocolate Protein powder, tablespoon of protein rich Peanut Butter, half a frozen banana, and some ice cubes. Tastes like a Reese's Cup and 30+ grams of protein depending on type of powder and peanut butter. 1 cup almond milk, half a cup greek yogurt, mandarin orange, vanilla protein powder, table spoon sugar free whip cream and ice. Tastes like a creamsicle and again 30+ grams of protein possible. These shakes have more calories than the recommended but will get you going and over the "yuck" feeling. Just eat light between and it will balance out. Of course someone will say talk to the nutritionist and that's fine just an option.

Hello, My insurance required 90 days and all these test and weight management appointments. I used a group in NJ and they had everything right there. I'm done with everything my date has been set for 3 months and now I'm have my sleeve February 1, 2016. My Birthday is on the 10 so happy birthday to me. Currently on my doctors pre op diet which consist of soup with nothing in them, broths, yogurt, ice pops, fish, water and protein shakes. It's hard I can't lie, but I'm making it.

I'm still on puree and I'm struggling to get protein also. I only had nausea with yogurt and I just haven't eaten it again. I tried to sneak it in other foods and I didn't feel as bad. It's hard to find good foods. I have a ton of half eaten things in my fridge that I'm slowly circling back too

I have also done a Mexican 7 layer dip with fat free refried Beans, greek yogurt mixed with lime and chili powder (instead of sour cream), avocado, onions and tomatos (or pico de gallo), black olives, jalapenos and low fat shredded cheese. Huge hit and no one knew it was low fat. You can serve with chips, but I ate mine just on a plate or in a tortilla or lettuce cup. I have also made Buffalo chicken Dip - lite cream cheese, Frank's red hot, shredded roasted chicken, greek yogurt, lite blue cheese and lite mozzarella cheese. I took chips and crackers but used cucumbers and bell pepper strips to dip.

I've used Isopure Vanilla in coffee - I mix it in the cup with a bit of milk or Water first. Premier Protein ready to drink also works. If you throw a shot of chocolate PP and one of vanilla, you get a mocha. So "real" protein feels heavy. What have you tried? you might try fish, or shrimp, for something lighter. And don't forget to chew, chew, chew! I just had a snack of yogurt with unflavored protein powder mixed in. I didn't use a whole scoop, and you don't have to, either. You'd be amazed how many grams of protein you can sneak in this way. Milk. Fairlife milk has twice the protein and half the carbs of other milks, and no lactose. If the texture of protein shakes puts you off, thin them with this. If you add a half-scoop of protein powder to a glass of Fairlife, you get nearly 30 gm of protein in your glass of milk. Protein really helps curb hunger. What it won't do is keep you from reaching for your slider foods. That's a head game - why do you feel the need to sabotage yourself after you went through the work of getting the surgery? That isn't a question we need to know the answer to - but YOU do.

SCARLETWITCH, which protein powder do you use in coffee? Like OP, I hate the drinks, and I have to really work to get my protein. All the powders I've tried clump up or taste weird in coffee. I'd love to find one I could use daily. I found RTD Protein Shakes tend to make better creamers since they don't clump. I use Premier vanilla or chocolate, depending on what flavor mood I'm in. I also use hazelnut, caramel, and Irish cream torani syrups to make more of a cappuccino/latte drink. I use PB2, vanilla, banana, piña colada and lime protein powders to flavor plain Greek yogurt to boost the protein level even more. I also add unflavored protein powder to every Soup, casserole, and baked goods I make. Drink dairy milk instead of almond milk because it has a lot more protein. Have you tried the Syntrax nectar powders? They are more like koolaid rather than a milkshake so you may like them better. Quest bars have 20g protein.

All doctor's are different. You can talk to 10 people and all will have different pre-op diets as well as different post-op diets. My instructions pre-op - be caffeine free and 2 weeks prior to surgery, have 3 Protein shakes and 1 meal (4 ounces of protein and a veggie). The night before surgery, the surgeon told my husband and me to go out and have whatever we wanted for dinner. I thought he was joking - he wasn't. He told me I had done great on the pre-op and that the only restriction was "don't go overboard on the red meat and no all you can eat buffets" (we were in Vegas). Post op - my surgeon was very progressive in introducing foods…I could have a couple of tablespoons of "slip and slide" food the day after surgery (scrambled egg, yogurt, anything that would slip off a plate). When I got home from Vegas and had my 2 week follow up with my local doc, I actually regressed to an all liquid diet. You'll do fine - be happy your doc said only 2 days…pre-op diets are very difficult! :-)

@@Spiceyfrog It's scary! Makes me not want to try new foods. I'm at six weeks out tomorrow so the time has come to continue soft but try new things here and there and....I'm afraid to! i hate that "painful" feeling of too much/too fast/wrong food...or whatever it is that causes the pain! it makes me want to stick with yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese and Protein shakes...those are safe

I am 10 days out since my balloon procedure and have lost nothing. ZERO. I am maintaining 1100 calories/day diet with protein at every meal. Eggs, shakes, fish, fruit, yogurt...is pretty much all I have eaten. I had my thyroid removed 2 years ago due to cancer and am wondering if the balloon has messed with my meds and have crashed my metabolism or something. Am having blood work done later this week to figure this out. Anyone else have no thyroid and the balloon? I would love to hear your story.

The first week post-op I was advised to get at least 48 grams of Protein per day. Initially, I went with New Whey because it was liquid and a 3.4oz shot had 42 grams. However, the tast was, well, less than appealing. There are many choices on the market for protein from shakes to unflavored protein you can add to your various meals. Like stated above your primary goal is protein first then Water. One thing I like to do is add my chocolate protein to vanilla Greek yogurt for a nice pudding-like consistency. To answer your question, yes. You can essentially sip the protein infused milk all day. I'd recommend a way to keep it cold. But, as long as you're getting no less than 48grams in your first week (then no less than 60grams for the next 3 wks) you're good.

Had my surgery on Jan 5th. First four days were the hardest. Had pain and gas. I try to get 75 to 90 g of protein by drinking protein drinks. Water is easier now always seem to be thirsty, I was 217 before surgery now I am 205. I don't want to loose too quickly to avoid the skin sagging issue. I am happy with the lost. I eat Greek yogurt, broth and mashed beans not all in one day, but pretty much what I eat for the week. Not really hungry. Only can get 500 to 600 calories a day. I was size 16 now in 14. Feeling really good. Multi vitamins, iron, biotin, d ,c and calcium as well as B12.

“I’ll Make the Call Now” Are you considering weight loss surgery? Are you worried about an odd feeling in your throat after getting the lap-band? Do you have a question about whether a certain protein powder is safe after gastric bypass? Get help – now! Too often, we have a tendency to delay. It may be phoning all the surgeons in town to gather WLS information, calling your nutritionist with a diet question, or being on hold with your health insurance provider to find out whether the gastric sleeve is covered. Whatever the call is, make it now. Don’t put it off. It’s a way of prioritizing your health, and the good habits will rub off in the rest of your journey. “I’ll Eat 5 Servings of Vegetables Each Day.” Does this one come as a surprise? Did you think we’d start with protein? Here are our reasons for including a veggies resolution near the top of the list. Most people don’t get enough veggies – but they do get enough protein. Even weight loss surgery patients tend to get enough protein after a few months, while they don’t get enough vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and super filling. Long term, it’s veggies that will reduce hunger so you can keep losing weight and eventually prevent weight regain. Eating more vegetables is linked to lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, some cancers, and even dementia. They’ll help keep you regular because of their fiber...and that’s a big benefit for weight loss surgery patients! Unless you’re on your pre-op or post-op liquid diet or you’re having trouble swallowing, there’s no reason not to aim for 5 servings of vegetables. You can have salads, raw veggies for snacks, and steamed veggies on the side. You can also sneak them in, whether you add pureed eggplant and grated carrots to turkey meatloaf, double up on tomato sauce when you have low-carb pasta, or whip pumpkin puree into protein pancakes. “I’ll Drink 10 Cups of Water Each Day.” That’s 80 ounces. The standard recommendation is at least 64 ounces, but we think more is better when it comes to water. It helps you recover faster after surgery. When you’re even a little bit dehydrated, you can get headaches, feel weak, and lose energy. Plus, your metabolism slows. Go for plain water or low-calorie, sugar-free alternatives. Have them available throughout the day, whether it’s a water bottle in your car, a mug of decaffeinated green tea on your desk at work, or a pitcher of water in the fridge at home. “I’ll Use the Tools I Have.” The sleeve, bypass, or band is one tool for weight loss, but are you using all the other possible ones? Here are a few that are at your disposal. Nutrition labels. Do you really know what’s in the food you eat? If you’re not reading labels, you might be very wrong about the ingredients, number of calories, and amount of sugar in your food. Tracking apps. Research shows tracking your food helps you lose weight and keep it off. It holds you accountable and helps you make better decisions. There are so many apps now that track calories, protein, fluid, and anything else you can think of, and it takes only minutes a day. Measuring cups and spoons and a kitchen scale. If you’re guessing about your portions, you’re probably guessing wrong. Don’t put in all the effort of losing weight, only to be disappointed by the scale if it turns out you were eating more than you thought you were. Measure your food. Smaller plates and bowls. Smaller dishes help you take smaller portions. Smaller spoons and forks. When each bite is smaller, you eat slower, and tend to eat less naturally. You don’t have to use them all at once, but you might as well give each of them at least one try. They may help you lose weight without much more effort. “I’ll Eat My Protein First.” Don’t worry, we weren’t going to skip the protein! It keeps you full for longer, helps you maintain your lean body mass, and lets your immune system stay strong. It’s also helpful in preventing hair loss after surgery. Think of protein first when you plan meals and snacks, and eat it first so you don’t fill up before you get to it. Go for lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breast, fat-free cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, canned tuna, fresh fish, tofu, and beans. Skip processed and fatty options, such as bacon, ribs, and sausage. “I Will Exercise Most Days.” It burns calories, reduces stress, and keeps you focused. It improves mood, lowers disease risk, and gives you confidence. What’s not to love? If you really don’t like exercising, keep trying! There are so many types to try, from boot camp and Zumba classes to walking around the neighborhood to exercise DVDs to rock climbing to sports leagues. If none of those appeal, hire a personal trainer to give you more ideas and match you up with something you love. We’re convinced these resolutions are do-able and useful. If you implement some of these, we’re sure you can make good progress towards your overall weight loss and health goals for 2016. Put them together with your own resolutions, and keep us posted on your progress this year!

“I want to lose weight and get healthy this year.” That’s what we all want, but that’s not a solid resolution. A resolution says what you will do and how you will do it. It is clear. It has purpose. Taken together, all of your resolutions can add up to losing (or maintaining) weight and getting healthy. Here are our picks for New Year’s resolutions and why. “I’ll Make the Call Now” Are you considering weight loss surgery? Are you worried about an odd feeling in your throat after getting the lap-band? Do you have a question about whether a certain protein powder is safe after gastric bypass? Get help – now! Too often, we have a tendency to delay. It may be phoning all the surgeons in town to gather WLS information, calling your nutritionist with a diet question, or being on hold with your health insurance provider to find out whether the gastric sleeve is covered. Whatever the call is, make it now. Don’t put it off. It’s a way of prioritizing your health, and the good habits will rub off in the rest of your journey. “I’ll Eat 5 Servings of Vegetables Each Day.” Does this one come as a surprise? Did you think we’d start with protein? Here are our reasons for including a veggies resolution near the top of the list. Most people don’t get enough veggies – but they do get enough protein. Even weight loss surgery patients tend to get enough protein after a few months, while they don’t get enough vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and super filling. Long term, it’s veggies that will reduce hunger so you can keep losing weight and eventually prevent weight regain. Eating more vegetables is linked to lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, some cancers, and even dementia. They’ll help keep you regular because of their fiber...and that’s a big benefit for weight loss surgery patients! Unless you’re on your pre-op or post-op liquid diet or you’re having trouble swallowing, there’s no reason not to aim for 5 servings of vegetables. You can have salads, raw veggies for snacks, and steamed veggies on the side. You can also sneak them in, whether you add pureed eggplant and grated carrots to turkey meatloaf, double up on tomato sauce when you have low-carb pasta, or whip pumpkin puree into protein pancakes. “I’ll Drink 10 Cups of Water Each Day.” That’s 80 ounces. The standard recommendation is at least 64 ounces, but we think more is better when it comes to water. It helps you recover faster after surgery. When you’re even a little bit dehydrated, you can get headaches, feel weak, and lose energy. Plus, your metabolism slows. Go for plain water or low-calorie, sugar-free alternatives. Have them available throughout the day, whether it’s a water bottle in your car, a mug of decaffeinated green tea on your desk at work, or a pitcher of water in the fridge at home. “I’ll Use the Tools I Have.” The sleeve, bypass, or band is one tool for weight loss, but are you using all the other possible ones? Here are a few that are at your disposal. Nutrition labels. Do you really know what’s in the food you eat? If you’re not reading labels, you might be very wrong about the ingredients, number of calories, and amount of sugar in your food. Tracking apps. Research shows tracking your food helps you lose weight and keep it off. It holds you accountable and helps you make better decisions. There are so many apps now that track calories, protein, fluid, and anything else you can think of, and it takes only minutes a day. Measuring cups and spoons and a kitchen scale. If you’re guessing about your portions, you’re probably guessing wrong. Don’t put in all the effort of losing weight, only to be disappointed by the scale if it turns out you were eating more than you thought you were. Measure your food. Smaller plates and bowls. Smaller dishes help you take smaller portions. Smaller spoons and forks. When each bite is smaller, you eat slower, and tend to eat less naturally. You don’t have to use them all at once, but you might as well give each of them at least one try. They may help you lose weight without much more effort. “I’ll Eat My Protein First.” Don’t worry, we weren’t going to skip the protein! It keeps you full for longer, helps you maintain your lean body mass, and lets your immune system stay strong. It’s also helpful in preventing hair loss after surgery. Think of protein first when you plan meals and snacks, and eat it first so you don’t fill up before you get to it. Go for lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breast, fat-free cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, canned tuna, fresh fish, tofu, and beans. Skip processed and fatty options, such as bacon, ribs, and sausage. “I Will Exercise Most Days.” It burns calories, reduces stress, and keeps you focused. It improves mood, lowers disease risk, and gives you confidence. What’s not to love? If you really don’t like exercising, keep trying! There are so many types to try, from boot camp and Zumba classes to walking around the neighborhood to exercise DVDs to rock climbing to sports leagues. If none of those appeal, hire a personal trainer to give you more ideas and match you up with something you love. We’re convinced these resolutions are do-able and useful. If you implement some of these, we’re sure you can make good progress towards your overall weight loss and health goals for 2016. Put them together with your own resolutions, and keep us posted on your progress this year!

I can not stand any of the protein flavored. I finally bought the unflavored and I put it in soup yogurt pudding and is ok. How often should I have those things a day ? Also I like it mixed with skim milk can I sip that all day? Thank you!

I never measured or tracked my food or counted calories, so I can't give you numbers. But When I reached my surgeons goal I started adding calories in the form of more fat and carbs. I was already pretty maxed out on protein calories. Switched from skim to 2% milk. Regular Greek yogurt instead of 0% fat. Switched from PB2 to real peanut butter. Ate more fruit. Traded a couple protein bars for some whole grain Kind and Ancient Grain bars. Started adding Kashi Go Lean cereal to my Greek yogurt. I ended up losing another 22 pounds, which was 12 pounds below my personal goal. I was actually getting a little annoyed because I didn't want to have to buy MORE clothes in a smaller size. But finally my body just stopped losing when it stopped and I've easily maintained within 4-5 pounds of my lowest weight for over 14 months. I would have been happy even 20 pounds heavier if that's where my body wanted to be. It's just a matter of figuring out what you are happy eating and what kind of lifestyle you are willing to maintain long term. Maintenance is boring, so you gotta like what you do.

Ok yum this is my new favorite thing! Just did--- vanilla Syntrax Matrix Baking powder Two tablespoon pumpkin purée (not pie mix) Pumpkin pie seasoning Fairlife milk Plain fage 0% Greek yogurt on top. I even got my 13 year old to try it (under duress) and he admitted it was "pretty good"

Add unflavored protein powder such as Unjury to yogurt. I had yogurt fir breakfast and lunch and added the Unjury and that gave me my minimum of 60 grams for the day

I had surgery on 1/5/16... 12 days post op. I've lost 21 pounds thus far. Still have slight pain in left side where stomach was removed. Wanting to try something new instead of Water, yogurt, popsicles and Protein shakes. No hunger at all but I make myself eat and drink to try to get 60 g protein and at least 40 oz liquid in daily, I do okay with liquids normally but the protein I haven't been able to reach yet. Any suggestions?