Search the Community

Dying as in hungry or pain wise from eating too fast? Eat small bites and chew, chew, chew. I had surgery Oct 15 and was just cleared yesterday to eat rice and to get careful with it as it can clump and get stuck. When I've eaten too fast and get food stuck, I have to make myself throw up in order to get it unstuck. Take cheese and crackers to work for a quick simple lunch. That's what I do and it seems to work or maybe yogurt or cottage cheese. Hope this helps.

I am having the same problem. I am on week 3. My surgeon told me to start solids. I am afraid to eat. I can eat yogurt and drink smoothies with no problem. Feeling discouraged

Well if I'm craving something savory/ salty, I have pepperoni chips (just nuke for a minute or so) with maybe some hummus or cream cheese... Sweets I do some plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of sugar free pudding (powder form in butterscotch flavor)

@ - yes i traveled during the week before surgery and then my trip was post 10 days after surgery ( I was in soft food phase - so shakes, Soup and lots of yogurt). My surgery did not have a liques diet until 2 days before surgery - at my trip I was on a pre-op diet but not liquid only. I will say - my first trip was hard (I was still building strategies). I am now better at planning. Reach out (send my a message) if you want to talk live about how I travel now.

I started off a lot heavier than you, which means I lose faster than you (generally speaking, there are always exceptions). Three meals a day, no Snacks. Each meal is 1/3 cup (measure unless it's something like an egg, then it's one egg). No Protein drinks (this is how my surgeon rolls). He doesn't worry about protein until you're eating regular food. 90 ounces of beverages per day (usually crystal light). sugar free popsicles (I like the tropical flavors) also counts as liquid. Pureed... no-sugar-added applesauce, greek yogurt (about half a container), mashed potatoes, hummus (eat with a spoon), half an avocado (mash it in the shell, add a dab of mayo, salt and pepper, and mix it up). I think at that stage I could have scrambled eggs (well, one egg). Wedges of laughing cow cheese.

You should double check with your NUT or surgeon, however I would say off hand you don't really need the green supplement. if you're going to add things to yogurt or make protein shakes in the nutra bullet you could add a handful of spinach instead. You may also want to consider adding a tsp of flax powder, pysillium or wheatgerm to your drinks or yogurt daily. It may help prevent constipation.

Dannon makes a greek yogurt called Triple Zero. It's the only yogurt I have been having since surgery. It has no added sugar & no fat. The best part is that it has 15 grams of protein and comes in a variety of flavors!

Good grief! It has been a very busy year. It has now been 1 year 4 days since I had my band removed and I haven't done an update since June! I am now down 84 pounds since I started this journey. I still can't believe just how different bypass is from my band experience. My relationship with food has changed so much I don't even recognize it! At 200 pounds I feel like I have a new lease on life. Progress has slowed considerably these past few months, but hey! It's still progress!! At this point in my band journey I was missing so many nutrients in my diet I always felt like I was in panic mode. I was already having issues with restriction and I could not eat meats very often at all. With bypass, I can eat anything I want to, and what I want is protein and veggies. Oh, and nuts. I loves me some nuts!! I eat breakfast now. That's definitely new for me. I start my day with a high-protein 100-calorie Greek yogurt and I swear it helps keep me in check for the rest of the day. Atkins frozen dinners are a staple in my diet due to the high protein and low carb count. I am full and very satisfied with the portion I get from them, and they are delicious! My husband is still gone with work most of the time, but when he is home and my eating plan is disrupted a little bit I have zero problem getting back on plan. That has never, ever happened before with the band or any other "diet" plan I have been on. I really do feel as though my eating habits have changed for the better and for good! I avoid simple carbs, but I do have potatos every so often with a meal and they don't trigger me. I found that good bread tastes delicious, and that scared me so I stay away from it. It has been incredibly easy to do so. Again, I'm amazed at just how fine I am with avoiding the things that got me to 284 pounds. Exercise is still not my friend. I have a feeling I would have reached goal months ago if I was able to stick to a regular exercise routine, but I just don't. I am getting ready to re-enter the workforce and this time I will probably be working outside the home so that should help get me up and moving. My back pain is under control now, but my knees are still hitchy so I am anxious about that. No more surgery for a very, very long time, thank you very much! A year ago I was depressed and just felt awful all the time. I was sleeping 8 hours a night and was exhausted all day long. I took naps every time I had a break from work (worked at home) and I felt like I was getting sicker and sicker every day. Now I sleep 6 hours a night on a good night and I have energy throughout the day. Who knew 6 hours was enough sleep for anyone?! I move quicker and I think better. My mood is good, even though this year has been a "rebuilding year" for my family, with a ton of crazy changes, most of them scary. Today I feel like I can tackle whatever life throws at me, and I look pretty darn good doing it! Oh and that ladie's Seahawks shirt I wanted so badly last year? I know own TWO. One is a pink ladies jersey and the other is a cute hoodie my daughter, who works at Pink, got me-in a size large. It doesn't get much better than that! I am between 15 and 25 pounds from goal and I am confident I will reach it by my 1-year surgiversary in April. I am in no huge hurry to reach goal because I feel I have made significant life changes already and I can definitely live this way for the rest of my life. If I keep doing what I am doing I will get there. Next, stop, onederland!!!

I eat prunes 2 per day. Yogurt and protein shake seems to help with constipation. I asked my doctor about prunes and he said yeah. Agree this is a pain and probably the worse problem to date. So really not that bad if i plan my attack well. Lol

If you can find it....try SIGGI'S - it's an Icelandic yogurt and has the lowest sugar count I can find, it has a lot of protein, and it's delicious.

In addition to Greek yogurt, look at some of the other high protein yogurts like Icelandic.

@ - HI! My travel is usually the same way. I use Quest Protein packs and a shaker in additional to high Protein Bars (like Premier Protein, quest and think thin) to help as Meal Replacements if I need something for protein. I have also gotten good at finding good choices in airports - like jerky! And some places now stock yogurt... yeah!!!! Also - I am no longer afraid to ask for it prepared just as I want it. No starch, double veggie. And bring tupperware.... the to go boxes from restaurants tend to leak!!!

After reading all the input, I agree that I would be better served to change and use Greek Yogurt. I will go to the store today and try to find the brands that have higher Protein, lower carbs, and an acceptable sugar content. We are fortunate to this forum to exchange good information,,,, Thanks,

Hi all, I was sleeved on Dec 1. I realize that everyone's experience is going to be different, but I hope that by sharing my own observations, maybe I can lessen some of the anxiety for someone else. I did a lot of research on the sleeve right up until the day before I got it. Even with all that, I felt unprepared and pretty nervous about what was going to be a permanent change. My friend dropped me off at the front of the hospital for my pre-op check-in. My family all lives out of town and I didn't tell a ton of people what I was up to. So I texted a few well-wishers from the waiting room and then the party started. There were a lot of questions, a fancy air-warmed paper gown and skidproof socks to change into, and some vitals and blood taken. So far, so good. I didn't get really, really nervous until the anesthetist showed up during the prep and I think it was because that was the first time I'd been left alone since arriving, so I had time to consider what I was about to do. I was dialing my friend to ask him to come back and take me home, but then the team swept in, being all efficient and professional, and I just kind of let it go. You know, I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I wanted to go home so I could eat. I was THAT hungry. I don't remember much after the IV was started. I think I was transferred from the surgical gurney to my bed on an inflatable mattress, but I could have been imagining that. I didn't have much pain at all -- more discomfort than anything. I intended to stay one night, but ended up staying two because the air from the procedure wouldn't er... move out. They said that's common. I also wasn't getting enough fluids in -- also very common. I packed according to lists I found on here. The clothes I wore to the hospital (t shirt, loose jacket, fleece pants, underclothes, warm socks, boots that I could just slide on) Phone charger with a looong cord An electric throw (this was GREAT!) A comb, face soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand lotion Aquaphor (or Chapstick) A copy of my healthcare directive I braided my hair while it was damp the day I left for the hospital because it tends to tangle a lot. The band was fabric, so they let me keep it in and it held the mess together pretty well for a full day. I didn't touch the magazines or the washcloth I'd brought along. I was given an inspirometer the week before my procedure and I brought it with me as instructed. After surgery, they gave me another one, so I just left the first one in my bag. I also brought a heating pad on the advice of a friend who'd previously had the surgery, but I ditched it for the cozy throw. Plus the throw was nice to use in place of a pillow for the ride home. I left a bottle of Water in the car for the ride home as well. This provided a good distraction from the bumps and turns. I wish I'd brought along an extra set of underwear, pants, and socks shampoo and conditioner something to keep all the paperwork in an MP3 player -- my roommate was inconsiderate my FitBit to track my steps I wore the fleece pants to cover up my bottom while I trucked around the halls, but I was strongly urged to keep the hospital gown on because of the IV. I had a couple of friends visit later on the day of the surgery and can't recall much about the time except that they brought me a sign calling me a loser and some shakes and I was really, really tired. I remember the surgeon stopping by, and a LOT of other people checking in. (I was at a university hospital, so I expect I had a few residents inspecting the surgeon's work.) It's all kind of fuzzy and I just have an impression of people popping in to ask a few questions and look at my belly. The staples came out the day after the procedure. It hurt a little bit, but not unbearably and it was over quickly. I was allowed to shower after that and they only gave me a couple of trial-size bottles of Johnson's, which doubles as a body wash. So it took a bit of work and a lot of energy to get my hair combed out afterward. I had a lot of choices for "meals": vegetarian, chicken, or beef broth (all too salty); juice; Gatorade; lemonade; oatmeal; yogurt; popsicles; teas; coffees; and sherbet. I fixated on the sherbet and popsicles because for some reason, cold felt better than hot. I noticed right away that the artificial sweetener chemical aftertaste lingered and lingered and lingered. Through several cups of water and Gatorade. The lemonade kind of helped, but I couldn't drink enough to get rid of it completely. I sucked on ice chips whenever I had them handy. I was encouraged to walk as much as possible, and I got in a few laps. I had to pee in a bowl that fit under the toilet seat to monitor my input/output. That was kind of weird. But when you're drugged up, you get a little less self conscious. Since this is about the hospital, I won't detail the liquid phase or any of that stuff here. I will say that I came home, put a pillow under my knees and an extra one under my melon and I slept like a frickin' princess. (I'm a week out and just now able to start sleeping on my side again.) I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but hopefully this will give you some idea of what to expect when you go. I don't think I was well prepared by me surgical team as far as what to expect after the surgery and I plan on sharing that feedback with them. But I was prepared enough and always felt like I was in competent hands. Welcome to the adventure, you Losers!

I use a frozen smoothie mix in a bag (there are several variations with a combination of fruit and veggies, and they are about 60-80 cal per servings -- I'm sure they have similar options in every region); low fat yogurt (also low in cals); and a protein powder. I use low carb protein powders like I did pre-op, so it helps keeps the carbs and calories low as well. I mix it in a blender, and it's a meal replacement; usually breakfast or lunch. It's very filling, and quite tasty! I like to play around with the flavors so it doesn't get boring. Use your preferred yogurt, smoothie mix, and protein powder.

I drank CVS whey Protein mixed with almond milk, ProSource Nocarb mixed in herbal tea or warm Water, Isopure unflavored protein mixed in vegetable broth, water & Kefir yogurt drink. I was on Full liquids. (no clear stage for me). I started the day with the ProSource Nocarb in herbal tea. It's what they gave me to drink in the hospital. Around noon I made a shake with the CVS whey Protein powder and FAGE 0% greek yogurt. Sometimes I added a hand full of spinach or a tbsp of almond butter instead of the yogurt. I blended it in the nutra bullet and thinned with water if necessary. dinner was broth with unflavored protein powder added. It was a nice break from all the sweet stuff. In between I sipped water. Sometimes I had the Kefir as a snack.

I am ten weeks out and am having a hard time getting 4 ounces of any kind of beef or chicken down. I take two bites and I'm full. If I try to keep eating to get more protein I get sick. Does this get better? I have no problem with yogurt, cheese and shakes.

I usually eat Greek yogurt for breakfast. Today I had taco soup for lunch. Dinner hasn't been planned yet but it will probably be a little chicken and that's it. 3.5 months out.

I eat shrimp cocktail often. I make my own cocktail sauce using reduced sugar ketchup (had to search for it, but it is usually available in small bottles), horseradish, lemon juice. Just thaw and then serve the shrimp chilled but not frozen. Super easy. My big go-to is chicken salad. I do canned chicken, low fat mayo, green onion and grapes (cut up), with some curry powder and celery seed if I am out of actual celery. I only do about 3-5 grapes depending on size and just cut them up into small pieces, but they add so much flavor along with the curry... makes it taste AMAZING (my husband now requests this in his lunch - so I know it's not just me). Just made a pretty amazing fritatta the other night too. Tasted nice hot, but tasted way better room temp, so we only heated up the leftovers to take the chill off... sooo good! I did sort of a "kitchen sink" version where I threw in grape tomatoes, celery, bacon, onions and green peppers. Then added some cheddar cheese and followed these directions (had to add some cooking time as mine still was REALLY jiggly in the middle at their time, but you want a little jiggle as it continues cooking in cast Iron, but a pie pan would work well too): http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/ultimate-easy-frittata-recipe-article And when I'm not feeling like cooking anything, I have morningstar farms sausages or griller patties in the freezer. I love eating the sausage with a scrambled egg, and the grillers are really nice topped with some cheese and a bit of mustard and with onions on the side (I love onions any way you can think of - raw, grilled, caramelized...). I also have a large amount of Kroger's carbmaster line of yogurts in my fridge at all times. They have some nifty flavors and are under 4 carbs I believe with only 60 calories per serving. And I also keep mootopia milk (there is also fairlife milk if you don't have mootopia available) as a fridge staple. I usually just drink that in the mornings for breakfast sometimes.

how far out are you? I had my sleeve Sept 2 and can basically eat anything I want. at home sometimes I have a vanilla Protein shake with some ice cubes and frozen strawberries lunch, a couple slices of cold cuts and cheese on a few crackers snack, a handful of grape tomatoes dinner some chicken/fish/meat I made an amazing chicken the other day. I used white meat but you can use any kind. I mixed one individual size cup of plain greek yogurt with three finely diced garlic cloves, tsp of salt, tsp of oregano and the juice of half a lemon. Marinade your chicken in t his mixture for 2 to 4 hours and then roast the chicken until it's done. So good! Also if you like salmon I love this simple ceviche recipe, I make this whenever salmon is on sale, I buy half a pound and munch on it all day long. Cut the salmon into bite size pieces, and finely dice half a red onion (you can use less but I like a lot of onion in mine) then mix the salmon and onion with 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and a tsp of salt. I love the simplenness of this but you can also add diced tomatoes, avocados and capers

Yes, if you are cleared for "seedy" fruits, I would have the lower sugar fruits if you really want some. I add some raspberries, blueberries or blackberries to my yogurt every so often. So yummy! And I get my fruit fix

First 5 days I lived on Protein shakes, greek yogurt, Cream of rice, home made chicken broth, (frozen into ice cubes for easy storage... do this with all your Soups btw). Only thing I can think that I didn't have was chewable Tylenol. I munched a couple of Tylenol Jrs when needed rather than the narcotic syrup they sent me home with. Just didn't need it and it tends to give me icky tummy on a good day so I skipped it.

@@BobbyD - walmart also carries a greek yogurt in four packs that are 80 calories. Not as many varieties but I love the strawberry cheesecake! You can add Protein to bump up the content, but watch the sugars and calories as well. I was told to try to get single digit grams of sugar or under (1-9 grams) and double digit protein (10 or better)

The difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt is the protein content. We need a higher protein to carb ratio than regular yogurt provides. We have to learn to read labels very critically.

I like the Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt. It has 15g. of Protein and comes in good flavors. Only 120 calories per serving.