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I'm 4 weeks and 5 days. Wednesday will be 5 weeks. The only thing I use it in is usually oatmeal/cream of wheat, plain Greek yogurt, decaf green tea or black tea. All I use is just half a packet of sweet n low or Splenda in each. I guess I should've added with the powerades, I have to dilute it half water half powerade. Still doesn't really make sense though. Also, sugar free pudding and jello upsets me. Sugar free creamsicles. Last night I bought a quest bar...I was craving peanut butter and regular PB is filled with fat so I had a TINY bite...I mean pea size bute...of a peanut butter supreme quest bar and YUCK. It tasted like artificial WAX. I will not be eating those. So as of today, I'm cutting out all SF "sweets" and sweetners and just going to drink/eat things the way they come.

@@Daisee68, I am one of those people who can only eat 4-5 bites at a time. I am almost 4 months post-op and measure everything. The most I have ever been able to eat is 1/2C and that is only soft stuff like cottage cheese, yogurt and Soup. Last week I made chili and was only able to eat 1/4C each evening. I don't intend to use full as a measurement, but it just happens because I can eat so little. I hardly ever have more than one thing on my plate at a time and I struggle to meet my Protein goal on a daily basis even though it seems like I eat non-stop (5-6 times per day). Your calorie range seems realistic, but as others have said I would not eat until you were full, you have to leave a little room for expansion. How do you do on your Fluid intake, are you meeting your daily goal?

Sorry - long. My 6 month + "rules": Important Rules: 1. Eat only three small meals a day of 1/2 to a maximum of 1 cup food per meal. Some individuals may need an additional small meal or snack of Protein rich foods to meet their nutritional needs. There is no painless way to melt the pounds away. Total calories eaten must be less than your total calories expended in order to lose weight and maintain weight loss. 2. Stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full. Overeating may cause you to vomit or stretch your pouch and decrease the effectiveness of your surgery. Indications of fullness are:  A feeling of pressure or fullness in the center just below your rib cage.  A feeling of nausea.  Pain in your shoulder area or upper chest. 3. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Chew each bit 20 to 30 times before swallowing to incorporate salvia and begin the digestion process. A meal should take 20 to 30 minutes to eat. 4. Do not eat between meals. Eat meals at regular times. Eat at the dining room or kitchen table. 5. Do not drink liquids 30 minutes before or during a meal. Wait 1 hour after a meal to start drinking. 6. Drink enough fluids during the day. Goal is 8-9 cups (64-72 ounces) minimum. Plan your Fluid intake. You may not always be able to drink when thirsty. Sip all beverages slowly. 7. Drink only low-calorie liquids. No carbonated beverages, sparking Water, beer, alcohol, tobacco and caffeinated beverages are allowed, as they will cause gaseous distention, pouch stretching, irritation, and nausea. No high-calorie drinks such as milkshakes, Cappuccino, cream based Soups, or fruit smoothies are allowed. These calorie dense liquids have poor nutritional value, lead to unsuccessful weight loss, and do not provide a feeling of fullness. 8. Eat only good quality food. Remember to start a meal with Proteins first. No high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as cakes, Cookies, pies, candy, pastries, gravies, high-fat snack foods like chips, regular jellies & jams, honey, sugar, ice cream, etc. are allowed. Keep total fat intake below 30-40 grams per day. Read labels for fat and calorie content. No high fat meals such as salami, bologna, bacon, and sausage. They contain more fat and less high quality protein. No fried foods. 9. Bake, broil, boil, grill, steam, or roast are ways to cook your food instead of frying to cut down on fat calories. BEWARE – you may have problems tolerating high-fat, greasy foods after surgery. Season foods with herbs and spices instead of creams, sauces, and fats. Marinate meats to tenderize, flavor and moisten. 10. Have a meal plan in mind when eating away from home. Beware of buffets and salad bars. Share a meal or ask for a “doggie bag”. 11. Prepare a shopping list and stick to it! Shop after you eat. Avoid your eating triggers. 12. Exercise at least 30 minutes each day. Walking is the best exercise. Exercise may be in small 5-10 minutes increments per day. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Up to 60 minutes per day is best. 13. Keep a daily food and exercise diary. Record amount/type of foods eaten, length of time taken to eat and any triggers that cause over eating – boredom, angry, lonely, etc. Avoid excess TV and computer time. Guide for Daily Eating Provides 1000 to 1400 calories and 50 to 60 grams of protein. Plan for about ½ cup of food at each meal, over time, no more than 1 cup. meat & Bean Group (Protein): 4 to 6 ounces each day. Serving size 1 ounce equals 55-75 calories, 6-8 grams of protein. 1 ounce of lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 egg, ¼ cup cooked very soft dry Beans. Eat 2 to 3 ounces at a meal. Milk Group: 4 choices each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 40 to 50 calories, 4 grams of protein. Serving size ½ cup: Skim or 1% milk, sugar free yogurt, 1ounce 2% or Fat-Free natural cheese or processed cheese. Do not drink dairy fluids with a meal. Vegetable Group: 1 to 1.5 cups each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 25 calories, 2 grams protein Includes fresh, frozen, canned and vegetable juices. Use caution with high Fiber vegetables like corn, peas, and celery, skins and seeds that may block the outlet. Fruit Group: 1 cup each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 60 calories, 0 grams protein Includes fresh, frozen without sugar, canned without sugar, and 100% fruit juices. Chew fruit with skins, seeds, and membranes extra well, or peel, remove seeds and membranes, or cut into small pieces. Juices pass through your outlet without causing fullness. Try to limit 100% real juice to ½ cup or 4 ounces (diluted) a day as part of your liquids. Grain Group: 3 to 4 ounces or equivalent each day. Serving size 1 ounce equals 80 calories, 1 to 3 grams protein. Includes all foods made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or rye such as bread, Pasta, cooked cereals, unsweetened Breakfast cereals, tortillas, and grits. 1 slice of bread, ½ bun, 1 cup ready-to-eat Cereal, or ½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cooked cereal can be considered as 1 ounce equivalent. Choose whole grains with at least 2 grams of fiber per ounce. Note: some patients have difficulty eating bread or any doughy bread product. Try toasting whole grain bread, use whole grain crackers, pasta, and cereals. Try brown rice, chew well, and mix with a vegetable. Eat this group last and after protein, vegetable, and fruit groups at a meal. Fat Group: 3 teaspoons. Serving size 1 teaspoon equals 45 calories, 0 grams protein. Include fats that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive, canola, corn, soybean, or sunflower oil. Some foods are naturally high in oils, like nuts, olives, some fish, and avocados. Limit intake of mayonnaise, low fat salad dressings and soft margarines. A small amount from this group helps to lessen dryness of skin and hair.

So going into my 4th day post-op (October 1st) and it's hard for me to distinguish between stomach cravings and head cravings. I wasn't able to eat anything until a bit of water down Greek yogurt on my 3rd day post-op. I'm very sore and know I'm not hungry, but every now and then I see a pizza or Taco Bell commercial and get that hunger twinge in my stomach. I know it's really all in my head... but it feels real at that moment. Hopefully I can learn to tune those mental hunger pains out over the next few weeks.

I'm about 6 weeks out. Breakfast: 2 oz oatmeal with skim/lactose free milk, half a scrambled egg. Lunch: 2-3 oz tuna fish with light mayo on 3-4 whole wheat crackers. Dinner: zucchini spaghetti and sauce, or broiled fish with vegetables, or homemade brown rice and lentils - no more than 1/2 cup of whatever. My night binges are hard to beat so I have 2 oz of Greek yogurt with Splenda shortly before going to bed. I'm doing ok, losing somewhere around 2-3 lbs a week.

Hi, everyone. I've been lurking but not posting. I'm 3 months out tomorrow and things are going so great! I'm 61 pounds down and feeling better than I have in many years. My only issue at the moment is that I am really stuck as far as my food choices. My surgeon's office is very conservative and I was on purees and soft foods for a long time. Now I'm almost scared to branch out my food choices. Even though I'm cleared to eat whatever I want, I'm mostly sticking with scrambled eggs, chili, refried Beans with taco meat, soft broccoli, ripe peaches and bananas, and yogurt. Occasionally some mashed potatoes. chicken is NOT working out unless it's in chicken salad. I haven't touched any Pasta, bread or rice and have no plans to. But I don't know WHAT to eat! Can you share some daily examples with me of what you were/are eating around 3 months? I would really like to branch out my repertoire. Thanks!

Hello, I'm excited to have found this forum! I have lots of questions all the time and I can't attend the support groups offered in my area because they conflict with my work schedule! I have been dying to talk to someone that has experienced the same things I have! My sweet husband is trying so hard to help but can't give the advise I need! I had my surgery (RY) on September 2nd! It has been a mixture of sad, mad and happy emotions. I could of used this forum along time ago. One month later and I am still unable to eat anything solid! Protein drinks, broths, yogurts and soup with very soft veggies! I am so sad I can't eat normally, food was such a comfort thing for me. I am mad at everyone that can eat whatever they want. But I am so happy with the results, one week after surgery I was off of all diabetic medication and my BG has been normal since, I have lost over 40lbs thus far and I feel so great physically! The sad and the mad are feelings that are psychological and they are far more overwhelming than the happy feeling. Am I alone in this war of emotions?

Compassion is something some just do not have, I had my surgery on the 28th. it will get easier. Same with me on the yogurt though. I don't know if you like fresh lemon aid but that feels good on my stomach also. As for your family, ignore them you have the will power to do this, you can accomplish it with support from others on here.

I was told to do a Liver Shrinking Diet (Make sure it is less fatty, and a smaller size considering the stomach is located under it). I don't start my pre-op diet until 2 weeks before, but the Liver Shrinking diet a month before. This includes: 2 Protein shakes (Less than 200 cal, 12 carbs, 5 fat, 36 protein) 2 Protein Snacks ( Protein Bar, greek yogurt, 2 eggs, string cheese, 3 oz protein, or serving of nuts) 1 Meal (palm size protein, three handfuls of non-starch veggies, or one handful of fruit) Plenty of Water They said I can add a veggie to my protein snack too. Talk to your nutritionist - I am sure at your pre-op class they will let you know if there is anything else. I have been doing it for almost a month, and have lost 25 lbs. And according to my tests, my liver is healthier too.

I pretty much eat a lot of what I did before, just in much smaller portions. I don't eat as much fruit as before. I could kill a cantelope or a container of strawberries in one sitting. I could make a walnut/oatmeal/blueberry/greek yogurt with FF milk of about 1500 calories and eat it in 2 hours. I have my healthy favorites and look on-line or in my healthy cookbooks every couple of weeks for something new. I am a creature of habit. I mostly order whatever I want when I go out to eat and just eat 2 oz of the insides of a buritto, or pick the meat off an entree. I'll order an omelet and short stack of pancakes and eat 4 bites of eggs and 1 bite of pancake and toss the rest. Sometimes I'll see where another member has posted something that looks good and I'll make it.

It really depends on what I'm eating. If I'm eating soup or something like yogurt, I'm probably closer to 1/2 cup. If I'm eating something of more substance, it's probably closer to 1/4 cup

I'm eating nonfat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup and adding 1/2 scoop of my protein powder. It comes to a total of 18.5 grams of protein. It doesn't taste horrible and if you freeze it it's almost like an ice cream treat.

I agree with @JosieAppleHead. I use the Isopure unflavored powder and add it soups and beverages. If not, then start seeking out high protein foods and yogurts instead.

So I had my surgery on September 30th and I'm happy to say that things went relatively well. I only had three things I struggled with after surgery. 1. Immediately waking up I was miserable. They gave me everything they legally could and I still thought I was going to die for like 4 hours. 2. My heart rate. At "resting" it was at 115. When I wasn't feeling good it would get over 140. So they watched my heart really close. I think a lot of it was hospital anxiety. They finally got it to calm down with Valium at like 3 in the morning but by calm I mean 110. 3. Peeing. I know tmi but honestly it was the hardest part. My sips were fine. Swallowing was easy. But when it came to going to the bathroom I couldn't go. On surgery day I had to have a catheter because my bladder reached 800cc (catheter requirement is 500cc). I had the catheter over night and when they took it out the next morning I couldn't go on my own. Eventually my bladder got over 500cc again so they used a straight catheter. I didn't go on my own until late that night. THEN I got to go home. I still struggle now. I have to have Water running and use a wet cloth to get me to go. It's weird but it works. In the hospital they tried peppermint oils, showers, everything. It was so frustrating. Now I'm home and I weighed myself. I've lost five pounds already which is odd. Not complaining but I was expecting a weight gain from fluids and swelling. I struggle with Protein. Yogurt feels good in my pouch. The hardest part about being home is my family honestly. All I hear is: walk faster, walk more, you don't need your pain pills, how's that baby food taste?, don't you wish you could have a pop tart. They actually went grocery shopping specifically for junk food because they know I can't eat it and then ordered pizza. When I said something about it "I wasn't being compassionate" and "I knew what I was getting into".... Mk so let's send an alcoholic to a 12 step program just for them to come home and be like "look at all the booze we bought". I literally just cried. This whole process they were supportive saying we "are all making changes together" and I come home to this. I feel alone. I feel like it's not fair. I've worked really hard to change my life and I feel like I'm being punished because I chose wls. can anyone else relate?

I'm on day 3 of my pre-op diet. The horrible headache I had days 1 & 2 is mostly gone, and I'm not nearly as miserable as I was but I am hungry between meals. I'm really just trying to grin and bear it 'til my body gets used to it. My surgeon does things a bit differently and doesn't require full liquids - his explanation was you're on full liquids for so long after surgery he sees no point in torturing us pre-op, too. I can certainly appreciate that! I *think* they may change my diet up a bit closer to my surgery, which I don't have a date for yet but am expecting late Nov-early Dec. I just have blood work and my NUT appointment (both scheduled) and I can submit to insurance!???? My diet mostly consists of lean meats and veggies, eating every 2-3 hours, a little bit of fruit, light string cheese, nuts or low fat low sugar yogurt, etc. NO sweets, NO white potatoes, Pasta, rice, bread, caloric drinks, etc. and drink 60 oz of Water minimum daily. I am getting more and more excited to start my VSG journey each day, but it just doesn't seem real!

I used the little cups they gave me, until I reached stage 4 -reg diet. The protein is the most important. But for food I liked mushy things like can salad. Turkey salads, puréed in the cups and that was great. Cheese!!!! Fish baked, tuna out of the can with celery salt, Greek yogurts, all have High protein, low low sugars and low carbs.

I add peanut butter to oatmeal for a little extra protein and extra calories. Also, I put low fat cheddar with my scrambled egg. I just eat little bits, but often. I think I stalled because I wasn't getting enough food, plus I would just crash and get really tired. Also I eat Greek yogurt a lot.

My NUT suggested adding a bit of gravy to meats to make them moister. I eat a lot of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Have you tried refried Beans.

Keep in mind that the liquid portion of the soup will fill you up fast so you may not get in your protein requirement this way. If you can't eat solids yet don't push yourself stick with softer foods; cottage cheese, greek yogurt, canned tuna/salmon, pureed beans(chick peas have the lowest amount of protein by the way), soft fish, thin soups with protein powder(easy to get down). Skip ALL of the crackers, useless food right now. I also try to have a protein shake in the morning with at least 30 grams of protein and then I am half way there at least for the day.

@@60&goin4it I think i would kill for a low fat yogurt right now!! For supper last night I had a half cup of chicken broth, Cherry jello (which I discovered I don't like) my optifast and peach tea crystal light (which I also discovered I am not crazy about)!! I just woke up and would love my normal cup of Earl Gray loaded with all the things I can't have..lol. instead I found some peach cobbler tea made by Tazo that is,actually pretty awesome all by its lonesome. I wish we were in the same hospital, that would be awesome!! Well we are getting closer!! @@Jenaenae84 I really am sorry you had to cook for everyone else. I simply could not do that. My willpower would crumble. But just look at how awesome your willpower is. If anything, that shows you how mentally ready you are for this surgery! Great job. Monday will be here before you know it!!! @@395Ron the broth is great. So far it is the highlight but I know it too is going to become monotonous. Pre op is definitely not fun but I do get a little tickled every time my husband gets that look of horror in his eyes realizing he will be doing this in a few weeks!! He has actually been awesome much like your wife. He helped me clean out the fridge a few days ago and he is making sure that he and Seth don't eat in front of me! I really appreciate that! Work has been a different story. I manage a spa and our break room is a constant buffet. I am so sorry that you had such a bad day yesterday but it is perfectly normal to feel those feelings. I am sure the roller coaster of emotions will be with each of us for some time to come. But it sounds like you have an amazing support system which is crucial. Just remember, you've got this!! @@Newnetty Welcome to our family. We are thrilled to have you! @@kiwi201000 It's great to see you on the other side! I am so glad that you are doing so great. Keep walking! I truly hope my surgery goes as easily as your has! @@kristenkek Welcome to our family! Glad to have you! @@covarrubia911 how are you feeling?? Well I am getting out of bed to start pre op day 2!! Yay!!

I am dog sitting for friends while they are in Disney this week. Packing after having surgery on 8/17 is a chore! The things I can't forget.... CPAP, Vitamins, medicine, shaker bottle, scale (for food), scale (because I weigh in on Monday!), PB2, Protein powder, etc. etc and this is in addition to all the other stuff I have to pack for work this week. These two mooks decided they would like to nap on my stuff as I was packing it. They were no help! Plus I have to pack my bento box, containers, cold pack, and little fork and spoon and my yogurt and tuna etc. This is a bit much!

Ok...sorry ,some tough love......your lunch is definitely all wrong.....besides not enough Protein, too many carbs. And I would skip the crackers at Breakfast. How about celery with Peanut Butter for breakfast if you can digest it ok or greek yogurt? eggs and bacon are good. If you are worried about fat, try some turkey bacon. I start my day with a Protein Drink rather than end the day with it so I have 30 grams in me right away. For lunch how about Tuna salad? Egg salad? chicken salad, deli ham or turkey with some cheese and a pickle. Deli ham and turkey are usually moist and easy to digest. Chili, lentil Soup, black bean soup. There are tons of alternatives that are better than peanuts and goldfish.

Have gotten GENEPRO in the mail today, and used it in some Greek Yogurt. Impressed with it so far; it mixed in well and did not screw up the taste. It's a bit pricey, but if it works I'm sticking with it. Will definitely be worthwhile if it gets me out of the stall. For the first time in a while I'm meeting my daily Protein goal of 60 g.

@@edie091371 No I'm doing 3 unjury shakes a day & 1 lowfat yogurt. Too bad we weren't going to be at the same hospital!! We could do our walk together after surgery!!!!! They said I would be going home the next day in the afternoon. I don't have a smart phone so I won't be able to let everyone know how I'm doing until I get home. Kinda cool that I have a buddy going in the same time!!! I will be in Fayetteville Arkansas having mine!

Are you hitting your protein goal? At 2 ounces of protein a day I can't imagine you are getting in at least 60 gms. If you stats are correct you started out at close to the same weight as I was. Have you done anything to make it easier to drink water? Many people use flavorings to make it easier. Some drink herbal tea with no sugar added. Getting your fluids in is important. Are you exercising at all or walking regularly. I found for me exercise was important to help rev up my metabolism. I have a medical condition and take medicine that slows the metabolism so exercise is an important component of my post-op life. Does you NUT not allow Snacks at all. I found an afternoon snack was a big help. Especially in terms of getting in all my protein. Perhaps try a day like this: Wake up: 4 ounces of water Breakfast : Premier Protein shake Lunch: 2 oz of protein of choice. 1 or 2 bites of dark green veg like spinach. Early on you probably won't be able to eat more than a tbsp. Snack: 4ounces of yogurt or 1 serving of string cheese. Dinner: similar to lunch. In between drink water. You can even try the Isopure no carb drinks. Each bottle is 40 gms of protein. If you split that into 3 or 4 servings and add to your water, it may flavor your water and help you meet your protein goals at the same time. In between meals make a concerted effort to get in at least 40 ounce of water. Combined with the Premier Protein you will meet the 64 ounces Fluid goal easily. Walk 30 minute a day. Or do some sort of gym activity 3 -4 times a week.