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Good luck, Gina! I am trying again today, too. I will have to look for this apple turkey jerkey! What dept is it in? I just brought Soup and eggs and vegetables today. But I have been adding unflavored Protein to soup and yogurt. Have you tried that? I read it on here somewhere. Also using unflavored greek yogurt like sour cream in my soup and on my refried Beans...it's so good!

Getting excited...had my pre-op appt. today and I start my 2 week pre-op diet on June 4th and surgery on June 18th. Im so ready to open his new chapter and start feeling up the pages. The pre-op diet doesn't seem like it will be too hard to follow. I am allowed 3-4 protein shakes a day. All the healthy veggies I want...like zuchinni, eggplant, squash ect. Also allowed 5 servings aday of 1/2 cup of light soups, yogurts, and unsweetened applesauce.

So... how is everyone? I took a nap. Goal number 1 failed. Then I had some kind of freak mental Britney breakdown. Shit you not. I woke from my nappy-nap, and went all kinds of freak out. I was going thru food withdrawal. I have never felt such discomfort. I can only imagine that this is what a detoxing drug addict feels like. I was crying, sweaty, leg cramps, dizzy, and just not me. I had to EAT. I wobbled down to the kitchen and made me 1 scrambled egg. No milk no butter, nothing but egg and salt n pepper. It took me forever to eat it and it was sooooo good. I felt better in an instant. I also felt worse since I then felt like a failure to the 10th power. I have been staring at this computer for about an hour now just reading other peoples tales of "cheating". I dont think I did so bad as compared to some. Every Dr.'s plan of action seems different though. I have liquids til day 9 then I get yogurt.. etc, Day 17 brings todays egg, cheese and taters. Day 32 resumes soft solids/solid solids. So, I am not done beating myself up but I will do better tomorrow. I am only human and right now, I fell off the wagon a bit. SIGH

So... how is everyone? I took a nap. Goal number 1 failed. Then I had some kind of freak mental Britney breakdown. Shit you not. I woke from my nappy-nap, and went all kinds of freak out. I was going thru food withdrawal. I have never felt such discomfort. I can only imagine that this is what a detoxing drug addict feels like. I was crying, sweaty, leg cramps, dizzy, and just not me. I had to EAT. I wobbled down to the kitchen and made me 1 scrambled egg. No milk no butter, nothing but egg and salt n pepper. It took me forever to eat it and it was sooooo good. I felt better in an instant. I also felt worse since I then felt like a failure to the 10th power. I have been staring at this computer for about an hour now just reading other peoples tales of "cheating". I dont think I did so bad as compared to some. Every Dr.'s plan of action seems different though. I have liquids til day 9 then I get yogurt.. etc, Day 17 brings todays egg, cheese and taters. Day 32 resumes soft solids/solid solids. So, I am not done beating myself up but I will do better tomorrow. I am only human and right now, I fell off the wagon a bit. SIGH

So after reading a different post and looking at some fb pages, I have a question. My post op diet week one....liquid only week two....protein shakes, greek yogurt, cottage cheese week three..same as above week four....pureed week five or six depending...normal consistency....protein only week six and beyond can begin adding veggies/fruits I have read of people on week 2 eating mashed potatoes....those are on my no no list. What kind of diet does your surgeon have you following?

I use Fiber Sure mixed in with my scrambled egg beaters in the morning and again mixed in with my yogurt at night. When things get really backed up, I drink a glass of prune juice. It's high in calories, but it's a natural laxative. I don't drink it every day.. just as needed.

Yogurt, refried Beans with cheese, baked tofu packaged, string cheese, some nuts, Protein bars and drinks.... gotta try a few yucky things sometimes. Good luck! Ps. Fairlife extra protein milk. ?!

...is not always a bargain. For bariatric patients, keep in mind your tastes will change after surgery. You are going through a lot of biochemical and hormonal changes that affect taste and how your sense aromas. When you buy protein powders or ready to drink shakes, keep in mind when you may be going to surgery. There may be a flavor you love before surgery, but can’t tolerate after surgery. Check the store’s return policy if you decide to buy in bulk. You may able to return a protein product if unopened or you find you can’t tolerate it. Several protein powders are available in sample packs to have on hand. For multi-supplements, we ask you to use a chewable, liquid or powder form for a few months after surgery. Did you buy a 6-month supply of a multi-supplement in tablet form? If you have surgery before your 6-month supply runs out and money is tight, you can crush the tablet to powder form and add to protein drinks or soft foods like light yogurt when you can have them after surgery. Keep in your changing taste buds when you start stocking up your bariatric pantry.

I was sleeved on October 3rd. I was restricted to liquids for 1 week. Beginning 2nd week, I could begin soft foods like yogurt, eggs, fish, soft vegetables. 3rd week my diet opened up quite a bit more and now I am on an unrestricted diet. I have had zero issues with Fluid (I probably get in two to three times what I am required to drink daily). Now back to your original question, I recommend to try Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt (has the least amount of sugar and good Protein content) and mix a scoop of unflavored protein in with it. I really like the All Max brand due to it being one of the most pure Proteins on the market with no "fillers". As suggested by another poster, broth with a scoop of protein works great too...add a couple spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt to give it a cream like texture/taste. My doc said that some people, for whatever reason, have trouble drinking Water and indicated that patients indicate that it "feels to heavy". I haven't experienced this, but he did say that to try alkaline based waters like Smart Water etc to find one that works...I drink a ton of Powerade zero and decaffeinated tea. I would certainly try the Powerade zero and see if that helps with getting liquids in. Hope some of this helps Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi m12345 are you on clear liquid or full liquids? If on full liquids you can have any kind of soup (blended and diluted to liquid consistency), strained yogurt, Protein shakes. If you are still on Clear Liquids and you are doing well you can maybe contact you surgeon and ask if you can progress a bit earlier. I did it with my surgeon and he was happy for me to. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Good! I have not really felt sensation of hunger but more tired of having little options so that is probably why the short temper. I go to doctor on 6th and can't wait hoping u can move to soft foods. Yogurt, chicken broth protein, and isopure you can only have so much if and in variety. Any suggestions on what you all ate during the full liquid stage? Thank you all for responding.

I am sorry you're having a hard time. The first week was hard. Nothing appealed. I just started losing my tastes for things last week. If you have a whole foods near you they sell different sample sizes you could try to see which you like. Vitamin shoppe also has a couple but not many near me. Take it slow. Stay with jellos, yogurts, Soups and next week should be better Good luck.

I was on it for about 14 days, although milk, yogurt, jello, pudding, and cottage cheese were allowed. I was struggling with an unrelated health problem, newly diagnosed, so I honestly slept through most of those 14 days (9 were in the hospital). Honestly, I barely remember it!

I'm thinking cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, etc.

What a difference a couple days makes. It's still not perfect, but I can have small amounts of protein shakes and a spoon or two of Greek yogurt. thanks for the support everyone!!

I am 1 week today. My Dr told me at least 48 oz fluids, and try to get 60g protein. I use powerade zero. I am also taking liquid multivitamin and 2 calcium chews,along with 2 prevacid (open capsules and put into spoonful of low cal yogurt). My Dr used a 40 bougie so I am not having vomiting issues. When I feel full, I get a tightness in my chect or I feel I have to burp. I am also eating chicken bouillon, protein vials, protein shakes, creamy soups strained, high protein pudding, and I made low cal ice cream in my Ninja (skim milk, frozen strawberries, raspberry extract or substituting frozen peaches and peach crystal lite for peach ice cream and pulse it until it turns into a soft ice cream consistency-maybe 30 sec). i find it easier to have warm liquids- but the ice cream is a treat, so I feel like I 'm not suffering. I can only have a few oz of it at a time though).

I am not able to tolerate protein powder post-op (whey, soy, etc). I was lactose intolerant before surgery & that has not changed. Each am I blend 1/2 c unsweetened plain (or vanilla) almond milk with 1/2 c plain Kefir, lg TBSP Greek yogurt, 1/2 banana, & chocolate sugar-free Carnation instant breakfast. This is getting old. I added a spoon of peanut butter once but it was too rich for me. Any new smoothie suggestions that does not include protein powder? I am always trying to get as much protein in this smoothie as I can WITHOUT protein powder.

Thanks for the tip abt the yogurt and shakes, suebee. What is a typical day menu for you?

I usually buy Fage brand - but I will certainly be reading labels closely if I ever buy another brand of Greek yogurt. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/07/19/156997600/high-tech-shortcut-to-greek-yogurt-leaves-purists-fuming?ft=3&f=111787346&sc=nl&cc=es-20120722

Yesterday I got the ok from my team to move onto all foods as tolerated but more specifically, raw fruits & veggies, nuts, grains (if I choose) but not potatoes, rice, bread..... So I have had fresh blueberries and a cutie mandarin so far and did fine with both (last night/today). It was heaven! LOL My question is....even though I dream of a huge salad with tons of veggies and a little chicken...(I know that isnt happening)....how did you start incorporating fruit/veggies (mainly raw veggies) and still hit your protein goals. I know protein first for life and I will keep that up but I really want to try having some veggies. I will prob have 5 small meals a day (plus a shake spread out through the day) and I was thinking of trying hummus and carrots tonight for my last meal. I also will have cooked vegs with my meals more if i can fit them. Fruit is pretty easy cuz i can just toss a few berries in my yogurt. TYIA

Hello all! It has now been 12 days since I had my laparoscopic gastric sleeve done, and each day I'm getting healthier. Still have an issue with internal pain on the right side, and one of incisions on the right got infected, so my GP prescribed Cephalexin 4x daily. The pill is the size of a horse and smells horrible. Thank goodness I can snap it in half - only was I can take it. I weighed myself this morning and it looks like I'm at 280 lbs. My pre-surgery weight on April 1 was 334 lbs. Not sure how accurate that is given they are two different scales so will hold off doing the happy dance until my clinic appointment for weigh in on the more accurate scale to see exactly where I'm at. food wise, week 1 and most of 2, I subsisted on Greek yogurt (Oikos vanilla, lime, honey), Hunts chocolate pudding cups, and Ensure High Protein. I tried Heinz baby food (prunes and sweet potato) as well as Campbell's ready to serve cream Soups, but I was just not a fan after one serving. The soups (butternut squash, cream of asparagus with basil, and roasted cream of potato with leeks) all tasted the same. The baby food helped, but in the back of my head it was still baby food and I just couldn't go past that. The food bank will be happy, I've got a bunch of stuff heading their way! April 29, I thought I was far enough along that I could have something soft and went for brunch with a friend. Ordered salmon with mashed potatoes. Boy was that ever a big mistake! It came with a side of toasted French bread. I thought if I chewed the bread to paste consistency I'd be okay. Ya. No. That minuscule amount of bread went down like cement and I was in pain for close to 30 mins. I managed to eat a little mashed potato, but again, did not sit well. Yes, I acknowledge that I'm a moron who should have waited another week before making even the mash potato attempt! May 1, I was able to eat the 85g Cloverleaf Flaked Light Tuna Lemon Pepper. Chewing slowly and eating half a teaspoon at a time. May 2, I scrambled one egg with some milk and didn't have a problem eating it. For lunch, I tried eating a couple of Premium saltine crackers with 85g of Cloverleaf Flaked Light Tuna Dill and Lemon. The crackers did not go down well. Similar reaction as the toast, not as painful, but uncomfortable nonetheless. Later, as a snack, I tried (and finished) a cup of chocolate Cheerios. Went down just fine and no pain. It took me a good half hour or so to finish... But who'd have thought? I think I'll try a cup for Breakfast tomorrow! I'm suppose to "officially" start the soft foods part on Monday and am looking forward to making homemade chilli and guacamole. Has anyone had any problems with either? I've been trying to get to my Calcium and protein goals each day, but it's bloody hard! Today I finally hit my calcium goal, but was still out by 11g for my protein. How's everyone else who was sleeved around the same time as me doing? Cheers! Mercedes

Hey Guys, I wanted to put this in here since I know that the guys and girls are different and hoping to get some "guy" related answers concerning these questions. Gals you are welcomed to chime is as well, didn't mean that to sound sexist. I promise!! Anyway. With guys having different metabolisms, hormones, and what not, how much weight loss have you seen with your sleeve and have you experienced as many stalls as a lot of the women talk about?? If so, how long??? Now I know that everyone is different with factors of exercise, tolerances of carbs, etc so I am not looking to say this won't work or anything. I just want to hear REAL experience and REAL numbers. Are you carb sensitive?? Lactose intolerant?? Can you do spicy foods still?? Do certain smells turn your stomach that didn't before?? Do any normal foods you ate previously not agree with you now?? Any other things you can't tolerate after the sleeve?? I may sound like I am rambling at this point but I am considering the sleeve still. Some of you may have seen me post questions already in the past few weeks so I am still researching and asking questions. I ask simply because of a few concerns with my diet and work etc. I am not lactose intolerant now and really don't wanna be ask dairy is a staple for me. I do well with the cheese, yogurt, and milk on a high Protein low carb diet now. I would hate to see that change as I am not a huge veggie fan. I would be slightly sensitive to carbs, meaning I can eat a sensible amount of good carbs and maintain or be at a slow loss. I don't do junk carbs at all as I start a slow gain. I am not a big junk food eater anyway so I don't really find that to be that difficult. I just like real food, a meat and potato kinda person. Don't really do that many "junk" sweets, I prefer the occasional good homemade stuff lol !!! Anyway. I wanna hear what you guys that have a sleeve have to say. Still pondering on this sleeve thing guys.....

Bee - I've ALWAYS said that if there wasn't life after dinner, I would be thin!! Night demons.......shared by SO many of us Since being banded, I've found that anything made with ground meat is best; ground turkey, lamb, beef, etc. One of my staples (I make it at least once a week): 1 pound of ground beef or turkey - browned with a little salt, pepper & garlic powder, drained of excess fat. I mix in one can of Rosarita traditional refried Beans, and once can of black beans (I do not drain the liquid from the black beans.....it keeps the whole thing more moist) Mix this all together in the pot, heat through, and enjoy! This is my new comfort food, and it's high in protein, and low in fat/calories. I eat about 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup. That's all I need. This past week I browned a pound of ground lamb (same way as above), but added chopped onion. Then I added a can of cream of mushroom Soup, mushrooms, and some cooked quinoa. It was REALLY good! Sometimes, I'll make some Pasta sauce with a pound of ground turkey or beef, and I'll eat my usual 1/2-2/3 cup without pasta. You can be very creative with ground meat, and I've found it to be very "band friendly". I'm pretty good about putting all of my food into MyFitnessPal. It's amazing how quickly daily calories add up, and the program keeps me on track; not only with calories, but with my daily protein intake. I keep that to a minimum of 60 grams, up to about 85 (sometimes more, depending on the day). A suggestion for evenings.... My doctor is completely against eating anything at night. I understand why, but it's not realistic for me. I'm going to eat a snack at night, whether I'm hungry or not. It's just not something I'm going to give up......like a baby that needs that last bottle before bedtime My suggestion is, when logging your calories for the day, make sure to leave a little bit for night time. Allow yourself that one thing, but don't eat it too early after dinner. Make yourself wait, so when you're done, you're not that far from bedtime. For me, that can be some Greek yogurt or an Atkins bar (one of the 130 calorie ones......tastes just like a Snickers). Some small, under 180 calorie snack. That way I don't feel deprived, and that need for my "last bottle" has been satisfied - LOL! I've been able to alter SO many things since being banded, but the evening snack isn't one of them. And I'm okay with it, even though it's against "doctor's orders". My calories are in check, and so am I Another idea - though I haven't done it yet, is to make ground meat meals in muffin tins. My friend is hooked on them, and I've read some on here as well. Another way to make a few measured meals at one time, that lasts a few days.

I was traveling for business early in the week since I flew I did not have a cooler option. I was able to stop at a convenience store and get a light yogurt and P3 by Lunchables. I love the grilled nuggets at Chik-fil-A. The kid's meal is a perfect size. I get either fresh fruit or no sugar added cinnamon applesauce as the side and a diet lemonade. Wendy's has a grilled chicken sandwich but I skip the roll and don't get a side. You can get Wendy's chili. Wendy's has a few salads with grilled chicken or with the chili. It looks like McD's has some grilled chicken sandwiches or grilled chicken on salad. Boston Market has some good options. Arby's has a lot of sandwiches. On the kid's menu they have a turkey cheese sandwich and GoGo squeeze applesauce for a side. They have a roast turkey salad. I have no problem just eating the meat/cheese, lettuce, tomato off of a sandwich and dumping the rest. Same with a burger. In your case I would pack a cooler. Even if the rest of the family wants McD's you know you have something you like and won't lead you into temptation. But regular bread and basic hamburger rolls have never been my downfall so it is easy for me to not eat it. If bread and rolls is a weak spot for you you may want to go with the grilled nuggets, Boston Market chicken (hold the cornbread) or salads. I have never asked but the restaurant may be willing to put the guts of the sandwich in a box and hold the bread/roll and thus avoid the temptation.

Eat more. Get a new scale. I know "eat more" sounds like crazy advice when you're stuck in a stall, but our bodies have an amazing set of defenses...thousands of years of evolution to survive bad harvests and hunting seasons. When we drastically cut calories and move a lot more than we used to....our biology interperates this as OMG, we're starving to death and must be moving more because we're desperately searching for hard to find food!...then your endocrine system goes....Must hit this body with every hormone and defense mechanism possible to STOP weight loss! (there are also a whole bunch of little hormonal changes that can bite you in the ass after a long period of severely restricted calories to "make up" for weight lost and encourage gain...which is why most people have some regain issues eventually) If it were me.....I'd add calories. Something with fiber. Black beans, potato, a smoothie with some spinach and low fat greek yogurt. All of these have protien, but they also boost your gut microbiota and stop the keto that your body might be interpereting as starvation. Crazy internet lady advice....take what you like and leave the rest. All of our bodies work a little different. Find what's best for you.