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If you have the space in the freezer to store everything then yes you could try to mix it up a bit. I would recommend having something available as a back up just in case, this is where I went wrong one day by thinking the soup I had made would be good for my meals that day only to taste it and it was disgusting, shops were closed and I had no back-up food and had to go to have a protein shake instead. If you are on the pureed/soft stage you could try minced turkey or chicken, bolognese (I had/have this a lot) and then I made a slightly different version as well that I found here - https://www.bariatricfoodcoach.com/lasagna-stew/ I used to put a generous amount of red wine in my bologneses previously, obviously had to cut that out for now 😁

they're both good surgeries. There are some health conditions that would make one surgery more appropriate than the other for you, though. Your surgeon will - or should - let you know their thoughts - but if they say you're a good candidate for either, then it really comes down to personal preference. I had the bypass and love it - and I would make the same decision today. I went with bypass because I had GERD prior to surgery. My surgeon said that although he'd do either surgery, he'd recommend that I least consider the bypass because of my past GERD. The risk of my GERD getting worse with the sleeve was about 30%, and it wasn't worth the risk to me. Another reason was that when I had surgery nine years ago, the sleeve hadn't been done as a standalone surgery for very long - it was just then overtaking the lap band as the non-RNY option. I didn't really want to go with something that didn't yet have a proven track record or much research behind it. However, at this point, the sleeve has been around long enough that I'd no longer have that particular concern, but I'd still go with bypass in my case because of my prior GERD.

I made my own granola in the slow cooker, just cooking on low for a few hours using egg whites, oats, half fat butter, fruit mix, nut mix, cinnamon powder and a small bit of honey plus vanilla essence. I am now using a shop bought one. All granola is going to have carbs but that doesn't mean you avoid it, just need a good balance. The PB chicken I found here https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/peanut-butter-chicken but I substituted a bit so no oil, skinless breasts instead of thighs and I used a chunky protein peanut butter (My Protein) instead of regular shop one plus I doubled up on the chili. I just put everything in to a slow cooker and left it for 6hrs. I got 10 or 11 servings out of the recipe instead of the 4 indicated in the recipe. Actually I just rechecked MyFitnessPal where I logged it all and it works out at 211 (instead of 241) calories, 7g not 8g fat, 9g not 14g carbs and 24g not 26g protein as I had double logged the tomatoes.

It honestly depends on your clothing budget but I would want to have at least a couple outfits that truly fit at each size. Consignment shops and thrift stores are your best bet (the church ones tend to have better prices because they price each item based on brand and condition rather than making all jeans or all tops a set price. Im sorry but a worn out camisole shouldn't be the same price as a silk Michael kors blouse with the tags still on it. Yet at goodwill, you will find them next to each other both marked $4.99 (or whatever price they have on tops). This is great if you find the nice top with the tags in your size but I usually don’t. lol. I would rather go to another store that prices based on quality and pay $10 for the nicer blouse. I wish I had more consignment stores near me because that would’ve been a great option. They would most likely buy back everything as it becomes too large so you would always have a credit to apply to your next visit. Plus, consignments stores tend to sift through and not take that really worn out camisole plus they organize the clothing by sixes a bit better. Tjmaxx, Marshall’s and Ross are good too. Especially their clearance sections. Clothes shopping becomes so much fun as you begin to really lose and I is not deny myself that but I did keep my real big splurges to accessories so they wouldn’t be too big in a few weeks. Whatever you do. Don’t forget to budget for a couple overhauls of your bras and panties. Because as mentioned before those will need to be sized down a few times as well.

Most days I’m ok - still can’t tolerate eggs 🥲 and I love eggs. Currently at the I’m too scared to try again stage… I have gotten better at Water intake 1.5 to 2 litres on average a day now (except yesterday don’t know what happened there I think I just forgot to drink) sometimes I get pain when I try that one more bite (I haven’t learnt to listen to the full cues yet) im back on coffee YaY! - one every couple of days with tasteless Protein Powder ( it’s my go to treat) I need to walk more - but back in the pool

Most days I’m ok - still can’t tolerate eggs 🥲 and I love eggs. Currently at the I’m too scared to try again stage… I have gotten better at water intake 1.5 to 2 litres on average a day now (except yesterday don’t know what happened there I think I just forgot to drink) sometimes I get pain when I try that one more bite (I haven’t learnt to listen to the full cues yet) im back on coffee YaY! - one every couple of days with tasteless protein powder ( it’s my go to treat) I need to walk more - but back in the pool

Hi Lorna, Yes I had the RNY bypass. So today it's been a week. I am already feeling pretty well. Yes, I'm still swollen a bit and tire easily, but relatively pain free. So, a bit better, day by day. But if you are not feeling well be sure to advocate for yourself! The first day in the hospital I had to be pretty assertive with a nurse who wanted to withhold pain meds. I stood my ground, had the meds, and so rested more comfortably so I could heal. That being said since I left the hospital I took a couple of over the counter pills a night ago for minor discomfort. Otherwise I have not had a pain med since the weekend. Get your rest! Get your protein! Get your water! Day at a time!! Elizabeth

HI all! So I have been in a slight plateau, not losing a whole lot anymore. Staying pretty stagnant which is fine I knew this day would come. So I am taking advantage of this and starting to weight lift, light weights more reps with upper body since I don't want to bulk up but trim down, then heavier on my booty and legs to pump them up. Now I am STARVING! I don't think what I am eating is going to cut it anymore, not on days where I am lifting/ cardio. I have been doing pretty well staying 1000cal or under on days I just do cardio, which is nothing strenuous just 40-60min walk. anyone else have this issue? I am thinking that my protein/ decaf cold brew drink in the morning is not enough, might need to add something or start eating more? Any input?

It sounds like maybe you would benefit from a stricter routine. At least, I know I tend to flounder when I am just let loose without many rules. If I have to figure out what to do every day and each day is different, I get totally off track with stuff. But when I get into a routine, it's way easier. I haven't gotten off track yet simply by virtue of not being able to eat very much right now, but I know that establishing habits and routines is the most important thing for me to do before I get to the point where I could. Here are some suggestions, just in case they help! Put your full week's worth of vitamins in a weekly pill case (I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C6XZN1YH). It's especially helpful if you get the kind where you can take the day's box with you for those later in the day doses like calcium. Make the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day, or have a rotation of things you can do that are all close to the same in protein value. Plan a dozen dinners that are also roughly the same in protein. Add them up and make sure any breakfast, lunch, and dinner chosen from your repertoire will hit your protein goal. If not, plan for a snack or two in the same way. Don't eat things that are not nutrient dense, and if you do have a treat on occasion, make sure you're limiting yourself to once a month, not once a day! (And if you happen to love chocolate, consider this for one of your daily calcium supplements: https://procarenow.com/products/calcium-dark-chocolate-500mg-calcium-500-iu-vitamin-d) Consider getting something like the Portion Perfection plates and meal prep containers if you struggle with portion size Buy a bariatric cookbook to help with food choices and portions Put your gym or exercise time on your calendar and treat it like you would a doctor's appointment (I struggle with this so much) Or, if you hate the gym, choose exercises you'll actually look forward to. Going to a gym is not a requirement but moving your body is. Put all your reminders for vitamins, mealtime, snack time, and exercise time in your phone so you get reminders

Fun fact: the Bariatric Fusion chicken soup protein mix I thought was so disgusting I almost threw it out when I first tried it tastes surprisingly okay on the third day of a liquid diet. I'm glad I turned out to be too cheap to toss a $45 container of protein into the garbage without giving it another try. Pro tip: I used one of those plug-in coffee mug warmers with a small lidded travel mug to keep it just the right temperature for slow sips.

Tonight I had chicken noodle soup with protein..however I did blender it and strain it.. I had surgery Jan 30...I had no issues

If you were advised 65-75g protein as your goal & one shake helps you to reach that goal or just exceed it as this stage you’re doing well. When your nutritionalist recommended 2 shakes did they realise you’re able to get 40-50g of protein in eating real food? To me the goal was to be get all I needed nutritionally from eating real food. I never had another shake after the2 week liquids stage, so from when I began purées. I ate a high protein yoghurt or yoghurt drink to give me the extra boost of protein to help me get near or to my 60g goal. (It did take me a while but my surgeon & dietician were okay with that.) To help reach my fluid goals, I started drinking during the night. still do. Every time I get in or out of bed I drink. Get up to pee, drink. If I’m reading in bed, watching tv, on social media, etc. in bed, I sip regularly. I get in another 8-10ozs most nights.

I haven't been told this personally but it's something I've heard can happen. I would suggest trying to increase calories without increasing volume if you can't eat more. You could add a small handful of dry roasted or raw nuts, which are very calorie dense. Or choose low fat instead of non fat dairy products. Even just adding a protein shake in between breakfast and lunch or before bed could give you another 200 calories without making you feel too full.

Ding, ding, ding - we have a winner! You are correct - I went through UW Health, and their program is still very much focused on balanced meals and not restricting. They give amounts to have at each meal (e.g., 1/2 cup), but I always thought this was a little wonky because a 1/2 cup of beans is way different than a 1/2 cup of sugar. I had to BEG my Dietitian to give me some sort of maximum macros for a day, and some of those ended up being way higher than I'm comfortable with (150g carbs per day), so I'm just kind of going with what makes sense to me...hitting ~80g protein and at least 64oz of fluids, and then loosely monitoring carbs and calories. I'm going to get back to tracking every day, just so I can be sure it's not what I'm putting in my mouth that's slowing me down!

Protein is essential but look at your sugars, per serving and added=total. To much sugar you will have dumping. I had surgery in 2008 and I still watch sugar intake. I eat to much, right away I get hot, start sweating then run for a bathroom. Everyone is different but I might be able to eat a half of cupcake or bite of a rich cake then I'm done. I use injury protein powder. I prefer the unflavored can add it to anything. Milk is to sweet and thick for me trying to get extra protein and calcium with milk I have unfortunately turned to skim. Unflavored you can put in yogurt shots with less sugar and adding much needed protein.

I’m February 22nd! Today is day 4 of my liquid diet. I protein shake for lunch and breakfast. One small grocery meal for dinner. Which is 3 oz on egg chicken or fish. 1/2 cup cooked veggies or 1 cup of raw. 1 tsp of fat. And then two miscellaneous items like sugar free jello soup broth popsicle. And of course lots of fluids. Day before surgery is all liquids. I’m meeting all my protein and fluids but feel so nauseated. Anyone else feel like that ?

I thought I was gaining ground and hadn’t thrown anything up in several days, but then I attempted to eat chicken breast for dinner last night and after only a couple bites I was sick because it felt stuck. I just can’t seem to chew it rough or eat slow enough. I only keep attempting it because it seems to be higher in protein than a lot of other meats. The scale is moving for me again so woohoo!!! I’m down to 176lbs. I was 207lbs when I started. I got a new ring that monitors activity so I’m up and moving now. Only 6000 steps a day but it’s a start! Thank you to everyone in my little group here for all your posts. My surgery was February 22nd. I have my post op appt next week on the 25th. I’m hoping my weight loss is on track.

i go through phases of eating the same thing over and over...but mostly because its because it was on sale and i have a lot of it, or i made too much or ordered to much of something. however, i did go through a months long beef jerky phase...i probably had some every day for about 4-5 months...and this was because it was easy to carry around as a go-to high-protein snack. and plus its delicious, lol. i still have it now every once in a while, but not on a daily basis as i used to.

If you've lost weight and gained it back multiple times, you might want to ask yourself if there was something truly, miraculously different THIS time that is going to stop you from repeating that pattern. Because if you have not had a completely life changing experience that has totally altered your approach to weight loss and nutrition forever, there's no reason to think the weight loss this time is going to prove any more permanent than it was before. But only you know the answer to that. Change is scary, and surgery is a big change. The chances of a serious complication are very tiny, but the chances for things that annoy you after surgery are close to 100%. I still find that I get an upset stomach about once a week for reasons unknown, and it can be a real nuisance. And I still have to take protein shake supplements sometimes and I hate how they taste. On the other hand, the power of the metabolic changes for losing weight and improving comorbidities is unmatched. All I can say personally is that I worked with my hospital nutrition and medical program for 7 long years only to never reach anywhere close to my goal and eventually gain every single pound back. I have now reached a weight after only 4 months post-op that I haven't seen in 25 years, no matter how many times I tried. And the surgery gives me a much better chance of keeping it off. So I'm glad I did it. Whatever you decide, just make sure you are being realistic with yourself about the possible risks and rewards of either choice.

I’m February 22nd! Today is day 4 of my liquid diet. I protein shake for lunch and breakfast. One small grocery meal for dinner. Which is 3 oz on egg chicken or fish. 1/2 cup cooked veggies or 1 cup of raw. 1 tsp of fat. And then two miscellaneous items like sugar free jello soup broth popsicle. And of course lots of fluids. Day before surgery is all liquids. I’m meeting all my protein and fluids but feel so nauseated. Anyone else feel like that ?

I was sleeved in 2017. In hindsight, bypass would have been better given my history of GERD. Fast forward years later, COVID piled the weight on (working from home, lockdown, job stress (worked in healthcare during pandemic) and I'm up 65 lbs. That i can deal with though. I know the bariatric lifestyle, and I know what I need to do to lose the weight healthily and such. It's the GERD. I'm up to 60-80 mgs of Prilosec daily, plus antacids and other H2 blockers as needed. I sleep elevated and just always generally feel like I have a pit in my sternum. I've subsequently relocated to a new state since my surgery, so I feel like I'm starting all over. I have an appointment with my PCC this week to discuss the GERD issue. Given what people are stating on this board, it seems like that a RNY may be an option. Honestly, I just want to know why it has escalated so bad over the last several years. It doesn't matter what it is; it comes up. I drank some unsweetened almond milk two hours after dinner, and about 10 mins later I literally burped it up like a baby. No warning, nothing... All over my bed. Other times, it's that hor burning awful acidic in my throat and chest. Makes me cough. I try to eat crackers to help absorb the acid, which is not healthy. I'm really quite scared that's something serious. What have your experiences been like? Will I go through a whole program again? I just want relief. What questions should I bring up with my doctor. What tests will they run? This is still a fairly new PCC relationship and several thousand miles away from where I first was treated/sleeved.

If you stop eating food you will not lose weight. If you don't eat enough food you will not lose weight either... If your calories are too low you will drop into starvation mode and your body will lock down and refuse to lose weight as much as possible in order to keep you safe. Stressful events in our lives can cause this to happen too, but it is most commonly caused by not eating enough food. Your surgeon should have given you a caloric goal along with a sample menu. I think eating protein several times a day is a good sign, chicken and steak are good proteins, as is the yogurt, and most people post op end up using shakes for a while to meet their goals. There is one very big issue with shakes though---they are NOT filling. In fact they will often make you feel hungry. Looking over your menu for the day what I notice is a distinct lack of fiber. With the exception of the little bits you are getting in the fruit in one of your shakes, you have no fiber. Fiber is very important for fullness and many low carb veggies are very low in calories while being quite voluminous. You are 6 months post op, you should be cleared for all foods, that means veggies of a wide variety. Things you can try that are easier on the tummy: baby spinach (both raw and sauteed), baby bok choy (steamed or sauteed), carrots (raw, steamed, or roasted), cucumber, tomatoes (both raw or cooked), broccoli and cauliflower if they don't make you bloated (both raw and cooked in a myriad of ways), asparagus, summer squash (sauteed or roasted), zuchinni (sauteed or roasted), eggplant (baked), heart of palm noodles, spaghetti squash, and on it goes. Beans are also a good source of fiber while being high in protein too. Well cooked and rinsed beans are a great way to boost volume in your diet! You could also do split peas and lentils. A bean soup would be filling while still being low in calories. At least half your plate per meal and snack should be made up of fruits and vegetables. Personally, I'd drop the Atkins shake and add vegetables to every meal and snack. Make sure to pair them with protein: hummus with carrot sticks, peanut butter with sliced apples, boiled eggs made into an egg salad and paired with cucumbers, fresh mozzarella with basil, balsamic glaze, and sliced tomatoes, chicken with steamed asparagus, steak with roasted carrots and squash, small salads with protein toppers, yogurt topped with berries and a few spoonfuls of granola. These things will help you feel full and give you a lot of nutrients that you really need right now to feel satisfied. I'd also skip the macaroni for a whole grain or root vegetable if you are craving carbs. So try a side of buckwheat or quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes, mashed redskin potatoes with the skins on, or roasted pumpkin or butternut squash.

I’ve been weighing every morning too and notice it goes up and down a lb or two but then goes down again in a day or two. Thankfully my body hasn’t realized there’s a three week stall yet but I’m expecting it any day now. I’m working on the exercise 🤦‍♀️ part of things. It’s been hard because I have been getting headaches and nausea the last few days. Today I’m breaking it down step by step and keeping notes of my water and protein intake so I’m on track!

I have a total of 4 weeks preop diet. The first 3 weeks, daily, I could have 2 protein shakes, 2 low cal, low fat, low carb snacks, 3 oz of lean protein, and one cup of non starchy vegetables. Also at least 64 oz water. I lost 22 lbs. this last week I can have 5 protein shakes and at least 64 oz water. I’m on day two of that and I have been very weak, shaky, and sometimes nauseous today. Hoping for a better day tomorrow!

I went through similar, op in July and only finally home from hospital start of November. While in hospital I found it difficult to hold anything down and was put on a feeding tube for a couple of months and then the second time I was put on a tube it was because I had a leak and they wanted to bypass the area so it could try to heal. I am also on daily medication for my stomach, have to take before I eat anything, and I have strong meds for nausea if needed. Over the last few weeks I have slowly started to increase the calories I take and exercise I do, gone from about 500 cal a day to approx 900 cal but for me the more important aspect is ensuring I get enough protein. I am able to now hold food down but it is hit and miss, like Sunday my dinner did not stay down but it was something I had eaten before without issue, it just depends. I have to push myself to eat three meals a day as I just don't feel the hunger (or interest at times). I don't sleep well and am exhausted all of the time which is why I have tried to push myself the bit more on food intake and exercise. I do see small improvements but I am not where I thought I would be this far out from the op and it can upset me at times but I try to focus on the good things. My weight loss as slowed down over the last 6 weeks or so but I am hoping it is just my body is still in recovery mode after going through so much stress since July. I would think your body is probably going through the same, a lot of trauma has occurred and it is trying to cope. Don't compare yourself to others, everyone has a different experience with the op and we all recover in different ways, just try to focus on the progress you can see in yourself. If your doctor is ok with how you are doing that is important and it will get better for you, just need time to recover and destress. Hopefully you will be slowly able to up the food intake or find a source of high protein that you can keep down. I don't know how you are on fluids but for me I can now take coffee again (even the smell of it turned my stomach for the first six months or so) so I take it with protein powder which means I am getting protein through fluids as well as the food I can eat. Same for collagen, I put it in my coffee also and it is another dose of protein so in two coffees a day I get 20g of my protein requirements. Happy to chat if you want. We can do this. 💪