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I've mentioned in other posts that my tastes changed pretty drastically after surgery. I hate Water now, I've been trying to find the right mix of ice and bottled water...it's kinda' driving me nutty. Everything with sweetener in it, like the shakes, yogurt, pudding etc. are so super sugary sweet tasting to me too. I have no idea why. I loved water before surgery and this might only be me. I don't know that I have heard a lot of others saying their tastes changed drastically. I'm just hoping it changes, at least the water part, that's important to me.

I'm almost at one month, and I feel you... I've taken to asking friends to describe what they ate over the weekend! It's like a food porn thing! Lol! I'm losing weight, and that helps, but sometimes I think, "Anyone would lose weight if they could only eat yogurt and boost"... (shrug) It's a process... the hardest part is working on the mental addiction.

I started my 2 week liquid diet on May 27 and that took me all the way up to surgery day 6/10,...I am five days out now and so far I think I'm doing very well. When I woke up in recovery there was pain of course, but I think the pain I don't know I think it was more or so the gas pain that I felt than the initial surgery pain. I was not hungry and it's really weird now it's like I don't feel that hunger anymore like I just I want to eat eat eat but now I don't. I think the gas is all gone now and I am still burping like I have gas but that's not necessarily the gas from the surgery it's more as the nurse practitioner told me today that would be from the food because I'm eating food now I am not on a clear liquid diet. Which is strange because all the reading and learning that I did all my education had said that I would be on a clear liquid diet after the surgery and I'm not now they have me eating mushy foods like scrambled eggs , fish, low fat cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and broth. And I am full after like 3 small spoons like 3 tsps. And drink drink drink your water. Good luck to you all.

Interesting info! I had a lapband first, and had nothing but problems with it from the beginning. My surgeon, Dr Benn from Mpls - Southdale Weight Loss Clinic, seemed nice at first, but on the day of surgery he yelled at me in a very unprofessional manner because his staff screwed up and didn't have a letter from one of my doctors which was important about my medication during surgery. Long story short that issue was fine because the pain staff had the letter and all was well, but to have the surgeon yell at ME when I am laying there waiting for him to cut on me, was very nerve wracking. Then when my band was having major problems with me throwing up, getting stuck on every thing, etc. he blamed ME for the problems with the band. I was on an online group and I was asking him very valid questions and that made him mad. So finally, I called the clinic and was connected with a wonderful PA. She encouraged me to file a complaint against Dr Benn, which I did. Then she switched me to another surgeon, Dr Laguna, who has been wonderful. Plus she informed me that my band problems were not my fault. I kept the band in for 4 years and kept trying to work with it. When I finally gave up, I asked Dr Laguna about converting to sleeve. He said that with the problems I had with the band, he felt that my esophagus had problems with pressure in the round muscles that make up the esophagus. There was a test I could have had which involved finding out the pressure of the esophagus (there are ring like muscles that control the food pushing down and some people have more tension in those muscles, which can cause them to not work right. ) He told me he highly believed I was one with those issues so I decided to go with the gastric bypass and never had that test. I am guessing that maybe some of you that had the sleeve had those same problems and that could have caused your sleeve to fail. I don't remember all the medical terminology now, but he said that the band and the sleeve are both "high pressure" surgeries??? I think that was the word he used...and he said the GB is not. So I would be most successful with the bypass. I have had the GB for 2 years now and got down to goal weight. Now I am getting back into daily aerobic exercise in order to maintain my loss. I do have dumping, which for me is an answer to prayer because I am a sugar addict. It is like being an alcoholic on anabuse. And it works for me. I still get tempted and eat something with sugar and get sick and then I beat myself up for putting myself in that misery again But overall it has been the most successful for me. One problem I wondered about when reading about you who are converting to GB after the sleeve...I had lost most of my weight with the band and my insurance refused to pay for the GB!!! because my BMI was too low!!!!! So I actually had to gain back 30 lbs to qualify for insurance. It wasn't hard and I gained it back in 2 months just by eating frozen yogurt every single day. And I stopped exercising. And that 30 lbs came off very fast once I had surgery. But just be sure and check on the rules of your insurance company before you get too excited. Especially those of you who lost alot of weight with the sleeve and are not severely obese anymore. Good luck to you all and I can sure relate to all the pain and vomitting, etc. Hope you all find success in the end!!! Tracy

Hello, I am pre-op heading towards the finish line with the requirements from the insurance. A few more appointments to go. Looking to maybe early to mid-August for surgery. I have been trying protein shakes like crazy, mostly RTDs and a few powders. I have tried these so far.... Muscle Milk - Vanilla, I liked and it wasn't to thick and no strange after taste. Sorry not really a chocolate person. Core Power-Vanilla. Like it as well. Herbal Life Vanilla Protein Powder - purchased from. A friend at work. Good protein and low sugar content. Mainly only mixed with water which isn't too bad. Today, my co- worker brought in the meal replacement powder flavor Cookie and Creme and I mixed it with Vanilla protein powder and water along with ice cubes and it was good. I purchased some from GNC this weekend -strawberry and Vanilla and will give update on how those tasted. Also purchased some Lean 25 RTDs from GNC in all four favors - Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana Creme and Vanilla of course. I have been making the kids try them with me...they seem to be OK with some of them. They like it when I add Almond Milk or Plain Greek Yogurt and frozen/fresh fruit for a more smoothie type drink. Depends on time in the mornings what they get. LOL! Mama has to get to work.

Happy to stay in touch, I will send a friend request. I will have a 5 day pre-op diet. It will consist of the Bariatric Advantage Protein powder with skim, soy or almond milk 3x a day yogurt twice a day and sugar free Jello and no sugar added popsicles for Snacks. beverages can be decaf coffee, crystal light, diet snapple, herbal tea and Water. I think like you - I won't need to loose a whole lot to look good. And by the way - you are not alone in your fears - I have been having all kinds of crazy thoughts of not waking up after surgery or what if something goes wrong, but I have to stay positive and remind myself to stay sane. Any "food funerals" before you start? I have been eating shrimp gumbo for three days. I keep thinking if I eat it enough I will get sick of it and never miss it after surgery. Lol. (I'm obviously a pure Louisiana Cajun huh! Lol) So glad I'm not alone in my fears but I'm probably alone in my freaky dreams. Lol. I woke up in a cold sweat a couple nights ago. Dreamt I was pigging out on a huge platter of what appeared to be thanksgiving day foods (which is weird cuz that's not really my favorite foods and I never dream... much less dream of food) and mid-way through my husband said "OMG?! What about your sleeve" and I looked down and I was in a hospital gown and my stomach was bleeding. I can break that one down psychologically and know I'm afraid I'll fail or overeat and destroy my sleeve. But wow! That was a scary one! My sanity may not remain intact until June 30th. Haha

One day ahead of me! Yay! I see you are like me and setting smaller goals first which feel a bit more attainable. I personally feel afraid to set myself up to believe I can lose it all and then feel like a failure if I don't. I haven't weighed 215 since junior year in high school and I haven't weighed 199 since maybe my freshman year. (I'm 35 now so it's been a really long time) I can't imagine being that size again. I have a massive bone structure for a woman, so I am fearful of how I may look if I get too thin. Even my PCP suggested I aim for no lower than 175 to maintain optimal health. It puts me above my BMI goal on the chart but I suppose we will see how it goes if I get there and decide losing a bit more won't hurt. I'd be so happy to keep up with you and hear how your journey goes! It feels good to know I won't be alone in my fears, nervousness or recovery that week. Please feel free to private message me or keep up with me here in this post. What does your pre-op diet entail? I suppose I'm lucky that I only have one day of liquids before surgery. Especially since I'll be on vacation in New York from the 25th until the 29th. Happy to stay in touch, I will send a friend request. I will have a 5 day pre-op diet. It will consist of the Bariatric Advantage Protein powder with skim, soy or almond milk 3x a day yogurt twice a day and sugar free Jello and no sugar added popsicles for Snacks. beverages can be decaf coffee, crystal light, diet snapple, herbal tea and Water. I think like you - I won't need to loose a whole lot to look good. And by the way - you are not alone in your fears - I have been having all kinds of crazy thoughts of not waking up after surgery or what if something goes wrong, but I have to stay positive and remind myself to stay sane.

Same here on week 3 puréed and eating protein shakes, refried beans, Greek yogurt, want to try that ricotTa bake from world according to egg face

So I've gotten at least 70g of protein daily every day since I started on clear liquids (surgery 4/6.) Today I'm not feeling well, probably stomach bug since I'm not usually nauseated and crampy. Not vomiting, and I've eaten a little: chicken soup at lunchtime and a soft boiled egg for dinner. There is no way I'm getting more than about 40g of protein today. I thought about a protein shake or some yogurt, but it doesn't sound at all appealing. How big a deal is it if I don't get my protein in today? I'm on track with liquids and I know that's the most important thing.

I am on puréed foods. I eat Greek yogurt and refried beans.

I agree with the previous posting that yogurt is pretty good and Yoplait Greek 100 has a lot of protein and good flavors. Also ensure active high protein has 19 grams of protein and vanilla and chocolate flavors so you can add to your diet. The ensure is 8oz so you don't have to worry about drinking a whole lot. If you could tolerate a egg drop soup that's loaded with protein. You can try making your own. Feel better soon.

Thanks for these excellent suggestions. Perhaps "full" is not the correct term... I'm not expecting to constantly be "full." Satisfied for a good while after each meal is probably more descriptive. What I want to try to avoid is grazing, so protein foods that stick with me for a while rather than sliding right through are ideal. JamieLogical, what brand of turkey sticks do you like? Love the idea of jerky, tuna packets, pistachios. I do use the low-fat cheese sticks and greek yogurt, as well.

Hi May sleeves. I had my surgery on May 26th. I have not been on the scale in a week but at my two weeks post op I was down 14.7 lbs. I will weigh again tomorrow. Hopefully it is down a few more. I am getting back to working out today, just cardio. Food is a challenge for me because I don't know what I like puréed. I just tried turkey meatballs from Trader Joes which are pretty good. I like having the whipped Greek yogurt with protein powder still! Good protein source. I have my one month appointment next Friday so I hope to be down at least 20lbs by then! Keep it up everyone, it will happen before you know it!

I don't think there is a way to make your stomach physically smaller, but you can make more of your restriction than you might be. If you focus on three meals a day with mostly lean protein and a small amount of green vegetables, that's a great start. Restrict your snacks to just a few and plan them in advance: jerky, hard-boiled eggs, a piece of fruit, a small carton of all-natural Greek yogurt, or a small handful of nuts. No liquid calories other than protein shakes. Say no to grains and starchy veggies completely. You'll have to white-knuckle it for the first three days or so, but it gets easier. Lean meats and green veggies engage your restriction in a way that soft, carby foods do not. And keeping your diet high in protein and low in carbs will dial back the cravings for sweets or high-carb snacks that may be sabotaging you now. Good luck!

Walk walk walk! I completely agree! I was up and walking in about 3 hours in the hospital. And at least every 3 hours after that. I was surprised that I actually felt better after that. Today is day 5, and I'm walking for about 15 minutes every few hours. I feel pretty good today. Had a few bites of yogurt for breakfast and herbal tea. I am restless at night too. I hadn't thought about it from being from the anesthetic. Thanks for sharing that. Good luck greenbaymichk! You won't regret it

First of all, dietary cholesterol in food has no effect on the real cholesterol levels in your body. That was disproven a while back and the FDA is considering removing cholesterol from nutrition labels, as it is misleading. So don't stress about eating eggs or shrimp or other foods that are high in dietary cholesterol. It's saturated and trans fats that effect your body's cholesterol levels. Moving on to your actual question, my go-to Protein convineince foods are: Protein Bars Protein shakes reduced fat string cheese Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt (only brand I can tolerate... doesn't taste so "Greek" to me) "beef" sticks ("beef" is in quotations there because I actual eat mostly ones made with turkey or other meat) lightly salted peanuts Edit: Here's a WebMD article explaining what I was talkign about with dietary cholesterol: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/cholesterol-food

That's not too bad for two weeks. I am a carb addict. I laughed when my doc asked me if a contributing factor to my weight gain was sweets. (This fat chick doesn't like cake! Haha) I am a bread and rice girl all the way. I'm thankful he's letting me enjoy them until the morning of the 29th. But oddly have no problem giving it up for good after. He said it's best that I try my best never to allow any carbs back into my diet after surgery other than occasional potatoes or cauliflower. He said he won't restrict me but highly advises against it even in my maintenance phase down the road. I am really ok with Protein and veggies for the rest of my life. Don't like fruit much so no loss there. But I do have a "texture" problem with yogurt, smoothies and pudding so I am a little worried about the pureed stage of post-op. That texture make me want to vomit. I'm praying I can get past the mental problem I have with it so I can make it through that phase ok. I am so jealous that you aren't nervous. I am holding it together ok right now but know I am gonna really lose it the day before surgery. Part of me is ready to get it over with so the anxiety can go away and the other wishes I would have given myself more time to prepare mentally. I'm not afraid of pain or giving up food. I'm afraid of surgery and anesthesia. If I could just make it through that day...I'll be ok.

I'm so ready to be there too! Please feel free to private message me or just post here if you want to talk or share how it goes. Your surgery is on my pre-op test day so I know my nervousness will really kick in that day. I'll be sure to say some prayers for you to have a super speedy recovery while I'm sitting around waiting for all my tests to be done that day. It will be certainly help my nerves to have your surgery to think about and pray for instead of my own during pre-op. Have you had any pre-op diet to follow? How much do you have to lose if you don't mind me asking? Prayers and positive thoughts are always welcomed! Thank you. Oddly enough, I'm not nervous. I'm excited and ready to get this next step moving. Once I made the decision to move forward, I have been really at peace with all of this. My surgeon has a very strict POST surgery program. Until I've lost 75% of my excess weight, I'm not allowed more than 5 grams of carbs at any of my three meals per day. He doesn't want me to have the refried Beans, the oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc. I see so much of from other people's posts. None at all. Only meat, eggs, yogurt, etc. and healthy carb veggies (if I have room). However, he's more lenient on the PRE surgery diet. He just told me that for the two weeks prior to surgery, he wants me to eat low carb, high Protein, and ditch the sods (which I've already done). He said if I could drop about 10 pounds, he'd be happy. His words...."I don't force my patients into a pre-surgery liquid diet."

This happened to me tonight at my mother's birthday party! I actually haven't had any real cravings until tonight, I just really wanted a slice of that ice cream cake and knew it wasn't a good choice. I'm about 3.5 weeks out from surgery. I reminded myself that I had frozen yogurt earlier this week and felt a little better. Eyes on the prize....the cake won't give me health and long life the way eating well will.

I like them (all flavors) but not everyone does. The biggest thing different from other Protein powders is the texture. Since the protein comes from sprouted seeds, it will not dissolve. It is more like a suspension and its best to mix them in a Blender Bottle so you can shake it up before taking a drink. I add insoluble Fiber (ground flax seed and apple fiber) to all of my protein smoothies, so I get this texture no matter what Protein powder I use and I don't mind it. I also use the Raw Protein and Raw Fit to flavor my plain Greek yogurt. The texture isn't such a factor when mixed this way. From a nutritional standpoint they are an excellent choice. I'm a big fan of whole food based supplements, so I also take their Vitamin Code for Women as my Multivitamin as well as their Raw D3.

Hi, So I've had my surgery last Tuesday, when I was around 128 (194cm height, 33 year old male). I was discharged on Friday and spent the weekend at home, resting (binging on Netflix's OITNB ) All I've "eaten" was of course the nutridrink, cup-a-Soups (without the bits) and low fat clear yogurts, following my post-op diet to the letter (as well as taking meds and vitamins), as it was given by the doc. I've been losing a kilo a day since (today I weighed in at 123). But today I've felt light-headed, dizzy and generally beat. Yesterday I tried walking but was bushed after 10 minutes, has to stop over at a coffee shop and rest for an hour. Also, there's been some pain in my stomach and I was wondering: could I be starving? I know it sounds crazy but... I've been eating at least 4-5 mini-meals as suggested, but when I went to bad my stomach had these cramps or whatever? I'm not sure, as all these sensations are new and I don't yet know what to make of them and whether any are red flags. Have my GP appointment tomorrow morning and my new nutritionist appointment on Tuesday, but was just hoping you good people could tell me I was crazy and that it's completely fine to feel bushed not even a week after surgery. Are you seeing anything abnormal in my story? I know it might seem idiotic, but I'm all alone here and kinda freaking out. Thanks, everybody.

I will definitely call my surgeon and pharmacist and see what the deal is. My largest pill is generic Neurontin, gabapentin. It has a half score on it. But wouldn't the sharp edges from the cut pill(s) be a potential harm to the stapled pouch? If not, then why are we straining things like plain yogurt? I'm on full liquids upon arriving home. I still hate to crush. I also take bupropion, which seems like it's coated. But I'm not understanding how we/some can take pills when the pouch is so "sensitive" that we go on special diet protocols to avoid hurting it. I like your ideas on how to take crushed pills, and like even better that some people swallow whole pills. Again, I do what my surgeon says!

I'm at 3 months, I can't eat chicken soup, tuna, yogurt, refried beans, tomatoes, cucumber, all of those things hurt a lot. I try a tamale took the meat off, because was spicy, did fine, try a baked fish stick, the frozen ones I think they are fry before getting frozen, I try an homemade meatloaf with turkey bacon, did fine??? What's up with that? I thought I wasn't going g to be able to eat stuff like that. I'm graving for a salad, and steamed veggies or grilled chicken or fish, I try steamed fish I tough I eat a knife. What should I do? Off course is a very small quantities. Like 3 small fish stick and that's eat for all day pretty much.

My surgeon's guidelines say that any pill smaller than the diameter of a dime can be taken whole, and most that are larger than that can be halved or quartered to equal that size. As a pharmacist it makes me nervous that you're crushing your coated tablets....make sure with your pharmacist that all of your pills can be crushed (if you need to take them that way). If not, you may need to change the form of a med (like from an extended release to an immediate release given throughout the day). As for taking them, probably the easiest is with a bite of "food". When I was released from the hospital I was allowed full liquids right away, and that included strained yogurt, so as an example you could sprinkle the meds into a bite of yogurt or Jello or something. That tends to make it easier. I do take powdered Calcium citrate and just sprinkle the powder directly on my tongue and then swallow Water, but it has no taste to it. Check with your surgeon about rules for meds. We were told immediately that we could swallow less than dime-sized, and I haven't had any trouble with swallowing meds.