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I know this sounds stupid.. but how do you know when you're full?? I am 4 days post op and I am in so much pain that I can't tell what's going on at all. It's excruciating. I don't know if I'm hungry, if I'm stuffed, if I'm dying, if I'm going to be just fine. I just don't know. Water is getting easier to swallow and my full liquids are simple to eat and keep down.. but I don't know if I'm eating enough to fill me up. I ate a half cup of reduced fat cream of chicken soup today but I didn't feel any different afterwards than I did before I ate it. How much should I be aiming for as a serving size for soups and puddings and yogurt?

I started eating cooked veggies around 2 months out. I only just recently started eating fruit, and when I do, I stick to the lower sugar fruit (berries). I will mix them into my yogurt, or just have a handful for a snack. As far as veggies, I probably only eat a couple bites because I follow the Protein first then veggie rule. Most of the time I'm too full from the protein to have too many veggies. I'm trying to incorporate more veggies in salads and Snacks to get more in.

Another Great post b52 and kat Life seems to stay in the same rhythm for me. I don't think very much of food...faithful in exercise...Never would have been the case 9 years ago. It is just a different level that I never foresaw... I don't know that I think of maintenance.... Just regular days. Small meals. Once in a while frozen yogurt..... Or what I chose..I know it won't be much. Very happy to COMPLY... Tho it took years of training with PBing... And adjustments My thoughts are it appears 900-1200 calories are what we gals eat on a very regular basis... I don't lose or gain within a few lbs. Wondering if this is true for others on a long term basis ?

Thursday!! Today is Sunday. OMG! It has been a long, hard road with many hoops to jump through, and now, "suddenly", it's here! I am nearly there. I am nearly sleeved. I'm nearly having a difficult time with pain from a drain, and not able to drink a bottle of Water at one sitting. I'm nearly barely able to eat a tablespoon of greek yogurt at a sitting. My life is nearly changed for the better. One day soon I will be searching my closets for smaller clothes which I saved back from when I was smaller. I'm so excited to begin this journey to health and happiness, I am nearly able to polish my own toenails, to lace up my shoes. Nearly able to run up a flight of stairs and not be winded and keep up with my grand kids. It's Sunday...I'm nearly there!

My understanding is that your body uses the energy stored in your muscles first and that you need more Protein to rebuild your muscles. It also helps to keep you fuller longer, so you don't want to eat as often. I a recommended to get 60-100g of protein, but for my height (5'3"), the ideal amount is 80g. To get my protein I make sure that I am choosing items that are high in protein and eating them first. I also make an iced coffee Protein Drink, which i could drink all day long. My doctor is ok with Protein drinks at all stages assuming it is high in protein and low in carbs/calories. I also mix unjury or Be Pure unflavored Protein powder into other foods. This morning i had greek yogurt and mixed in half a scoop of protein powder. That made my yogurt have 25g of protein. I will mix it in with a lot of other foods as well. I am only 4 weeks post op, so I have just recently gotten to the point that I can get enough protein and most of it is still via shakes. I do get at least 60g and usually have 80-90. I recommend switching up the flavors of products. If you can cook the products to taste differently than you won't get tired of them as easily. What stage of the diet are you? That will help us to give you some recipes.

Can someone please explain to me in layman's terms how Protein works in speeding up weight loss? I read an article last month in which a famous nutritionist whose name now escapes me (on a reputable site) claimed that you should eat protein equal to your goal weight. For an example, he stated that if you weighed 180 (ha ha) and wanted to weigh 140, you should eat 140 grams of protein per day. When I mentioned this to my nutritionist, she became concerned and said that much protein would not be good for your kidneys, which is what I thought as well. She then went on to say that protein IS vital to weight loss and that I really should be trying hard to get 80 grams per day. I explained that I'm probably averaging closer to 60 which she seemed okay with, but did encourage me to increase it. I'm struggling to get my 80 grams per day because I'm growing increasingly sick of eggs, Protein shakes, and greek yogurt which have been three of my biggest sources of protein to date. I also try to eat 4-5 Quest Bars per week (has anyone received their free samples for that other link yet? I haven't) as those have 20-21 grams of protein and taste good enough to eat fairly regularly. I don't want to eat more than one per day due to cost and the fear that I'll grow increasingly sick of those (see eggs, shakes, and yogurt above). I guess my questions are: 1. How does protein speed up the weight loss process? 2. How close do you come to reaching whatever goal your surgeon/doctor/nutritionist set for you (mine is 80g/day)? 3. How do you increase your protein intake without getting tired of eating the same things regularly? As of today, I've lost 68 lbs since dieting pre-surgery (beginning the day after Thanksgiving) and have 49 to go to reach my goal. Originally, I wanted to reach that goal by my oldest child's birthday in August, but that would still leave me at nearly 4 lbs per week which is pretty high based on how I've done the last 4-5 weeks. Modifying my goal to this coming Thanksgiving instead seems FAR more realistic. Halloween would make me very happy, though

For anyone who happens to read my posts, you might know that I am not great at getting in Protein and I hate Protein shakes. It has been 1 year and 7 months since my surgery and I have had less than 4 protein shakes in the entirety of that time. They are, in my opinion, so gross tasting and I would rather just eat a few pieces of chicken than slurp down chalky tasting milk. Also, milk and sugar tend to make me sick so that was another part of my rationale. I decided this week that while I am at goal, I would like to drop 10 more pounds, which would put me at the goal I set when I was younger. I keep reading everyone's post about how they always eat protein first, which I don't do, I eat whatever tastes good first, which is usually something with carbs. So, I decided I would make a conscious effort for the next few weeks to put protein first, which started with trying to make a protein shake/ smoothie that didn't make me sick and didn't taste disgusting. Below is what I came up with: 12oz Almond Milk 1 container Yoplait Whips Yogurt Cupcake flavor 1/2 tablespoon raw organic honey 2tbs PB2 1 packet Body Key vanilla Protein powder Total: 465 calories, 31g protein (makes a HUGE cup, so if you try it, you will probably only drink 1/2-2/3 which makes the calories a bit better) I froze half the almond milk the night before and the container of yogurt so I wouldn't need to use ice. I mixed the other half of the milk with the protein powder and PB2 in the blender first, then I blended in the frozen milk and yogurt. I got some organic raw honey the other day for something else so I tossed that in, but in the future it mostly adds calories more than flavor so I would probably leave it out. I also like vanilla almond milk just to drink, but in the future I would probably use the non-flavored version which drops it from 135 calories in almond milk to about 65. A frozen banana would probably also be good to add. In the end, I have a giant cup that tastes like a cake batter flavored milkshake. It is ridiculously good and really filling, so I only ended up drinking about half before I was full. Ideally in the future I can modify it a little so I don't end up with so much leftover. So, since I have read a lot of Protein shake recipes hoping I would find one I like, I thought I'd share. Happy Sunday Everyone!

The goal is to loose some weight prior to surgery to shrink the liver. The data is out there. Each surgeon probably has experience with what they think works for most people. My program was a hybrid. Combo of shakes and one sensible meal, along with snack of fat free cottage cheese / yogurt. In the end, I ended up being offered a surgery date a week away and never really did the preop. The date was a cancelation from another patient, I didn't want to wait any longer so I took it. I"m 5 days out from surgery and feeling pretty good. In addition, I have been following the clear liquids/ protein shakes diet since surgery. I think the pre-op probably helps people get adjusted. I'm doing fine.

So one of the things listed on my pre-op diet, that I can have as much as I want, is PLAIN greek yogurt. What?!?!? I have tried, unsuccessfully in the past to try to choke this stuff down. Fail, fail, fail! So for the past 2 months, in preparation for becoming a "yogurt eater", I have given it another try...like the be all end all "get yer shit together girl this is the final FINAL chance you get to get accustomed to tolerating and accepting that this icky good Protein source is going to be on yer menu and in yer fridge for the remainder of yer life" kind of "try"! Sooooo....I started out with the delightfully yummy whipped sugary flavored yogurts...of course I did...and started eating one a day with my lunch. Established the habit in two-ish weeks. Then graduated to the Dannon Light & Fit...better on the label as far as sugar and calories go. I'm 6 weeks out on surgery now and know I must transition to the plain (icky) greek yogurt...>sigh< I did some experimenting in the kitchen this morning and here are the results.... Plain Greek Yogurt with Peach Mango Crystal Light powder mixed in is DELICIOUS! So is the Cherry Pomegranate!! Those two flavors were the only 2 I had on hand, but I will be trying other flavors very soon. Since I was impressed with the unjury strawberry Sorbet, I tried sprinkling that in...again, I am not really a strawberry fan but am getting used to the strawberry flavor that seems to be in EVERYTHING!!! I'm still iffy on the unjury in the yogurt, but if you like strawberry, you would most likely really like it. It mixed perfectly, no clumping. I have vanilla unjury that I may try instead of the strawberry. I feel like I'm rambling on and on...but IF any of this info helps someone else who may be struggling with the same thing...I'm happy to ramble more! LOL

I avoid Pasta all together. Occasionally I'll have a slice of bread or 1/2c rice, and this is maybe once a week. Other than that, the carbs come from fruits and veggies, yogurt (Carbmaster yogurt) fat free cottage cheese etc. My work outs include both cardio and strength.

I agree some of the previous responses were too harsh. In the future hopefully you will be able to add the watermelon. Your body could have also been quite thirsty and watermelon has a high Water content. I actually experience some dumping with certain fruits but for the most part handle them very well. I am almost one year post-op. I reached my surgeons goal a while ago and am working on reaching a lower BMI and increasing muscle mass. Previously I saw that someone had said no carbs and no sugar ever. Incorrect. Our bodies need carbs and sugar for brain function and energy etc. We simply have to be quite a bit more restrictive with them. Also, as far as not being able to have pastries and such. Guess what? I make my own. Yep...they are many bariatric friendly recipes and I have been coming up with my own as well. I make delicious flourless breads and muffins which my family loves. You can absolutely live deliciously but it does require a bit of research and experimentation in the kitchen. People always apologize and say "oh I'm sorry you can't have that can you," pitying me. So, when the family gets together I make bariatric friendly dishes and don't tell them until after...lol. Yesterday I made an apple crisp (no sugar except what is in the fruit) and I made a buffalo chicken dip with Greek yogurt and reduced fat/calorie cheese with quinoa chips which have 8g of Protein per serving plus all of the protein in chicken, cheese, and Greek yogurt. I told them after they ate it all up, as well as a little for myself, it was "bariatric friendly" and they were shocked. Don't pity me people of the world I can still eat yummy foods...lol...but that is the stigma that comes with the surgery. My guidelines are also very strict. In my classes we had forever do's and forever don'ts concerning food and behavior. We never had to buy any shakes or foods from the University's Hospital I went to (personally I think it's a way to take advantage and make a chunk of change from patients) but in order to think the best of people it could also be because they care about what you ingest those first few weeks. Like it was mentioned before guidelines vary from program to program. Even from the most prestigious of places. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I think we can all agree we want the best for each other and want all to succeed. Sometimes we just don't put it as delicately as we should. But such is our dealings with the outside world as well. Don't let it scare you away please continue to share and contribute your triumphs and struggles. ????

11 days post op gastric sleeve. I started to feel hunger on Friday (it's Sunday morning now) I had messed up my daily order that day. I had ran out of milk, and was going to go out with my dad to go get more Protein mix and milk. So I had a yogurt instead of a shake. My dad was suppose to pick me up at 10, but was not able to arrive till 12:30. By the time he arrived I was hungry ( I ate about 9 15 am). I got a Protein Shake in and felt better. I felt hungry again Friday night, and ate two ounces of baby rice Cereal and felt full. Felt hungry a couple times on Saturday, and I am kinda feeling hungry right now. I am following all of my surgeons orders (eating 2 ounces 3 times a day of the approved food list. and clear liquid diet in between- Protein shakes and clear liquids) I am getting about 8 to10 cups of Fluid a day, and getting between 50 and 70 grams of protein a day. Nausea is under control, and I take 20 mg of an acid reducer twice a day. Is this normal, does this just mean my pouch (April) is healing and am getting ready to eat pureed diet? I see my surgeon on Weds, and will be allowed to progress to pureed at that time. I know this is probably common, but I just need reassurance. Sorry and thanks in advance.

Yes I felt this way my dr office was rude and unhelpful I was told before hand I could water down juices for a while so I used to trop 50 orange juice and baby apple juice And v8 also did unflavored protein powder in soups yogurt Unsweetened applesauce etc also after a while I was told I could have mashed carrots and beets which I also added the unflavored protein powder to it took me a while to be able to tolerate sugar free drinks again I ended up getting true lemon it's by the crystal light it's got stevia in it tho not artificial sweeteners I couldn't tolerate it after surgery anything with artificial sweetener made me extremely sick even tho I used it before surgery I also used whipped cottage cheese the texture is very small it has a decent amount of protein in it too and u can add the unflavored powder to that also lower sugar/ fat p nut butter mix in the unflavored powder and u get lots of protein and drink drink drink warm drinks went down better for me in the beginning u can add the protein powders to those too put powder in mug add a few drops of water to wet it then add hot water etc or else it clumps up it does kinda make clear or light color drinks look muddy tho lol I used darker teas and soups u couldn't see it that way hope this helps

I was pretty much the same as you at that point. Have you tried using water enhancer drops in your water to get in your fluids? You could try using those same drops with unflavored protein powder in your water for the protein if shakes are intolerable. You can also use that same powder in broth and soups for extra protein. How are you with thin scrambled eggs? Lots of protein there. Also add protein powder to milk, and/or dry milk powder to regular milk (I used this ALOT). Are you able to get down yogurt? Stir in a little protein powder in it, or dry milk powder. It DOES get better, just try not to overdo. All the best to you....

Good Evening Everyone - I was on clear liquids from 24 hours after surgery and for 2 days post op. On day three I was on "Full liquids" which included my protein drink, yogurt (under 90 cal) diet pudding, high protein soup (couldn't find any) and low sodium V8. This stage was to last 16 days. On day 17 I was to start the "pureed diet" I tried it for a few days and couldn't eat the pureed food. I was a consistency thing for me so I asked my dr. if I could eat soft foods (really soft like cottage cheese) and he said it was fine as long as got my protein. I an at 3.5 weeks now and still have been eating soft foods, just a bit more. I have tried some "solid foods" like chicken cut up extremely small as well as a few pieces of sausage. I mostly eat the soft foods though still. I purchased a scale the other day to make sure I was not eating over 3oz and once I measured what I was actually eating I found out I was only eating like an ounce to two ounces. I use the little red condiment cups that they serve sauces in at Chilis. I fill that and its about 2 ounces. This satisfies me enough. I am baking a turkey breast Sunday and am going to try and have some of that. We will see how it goes. I do still drink at least 2 protein drinks a day as well and am doing very well with the water. I purchased 2 bottles that hold 24 oz of water, fill them both in the morning and have to have them both gone by the time I go to bed. If I don't drink 2 protein drinks, I drink an additional bottle of water to get my daily amount. Oh, I have eaten eggs as well, scrambled and an omelet (which is actually 3 meals for me) and greek yogurt which I can not finish a full cup of. Thank you all for all the great posts - it does help to read them and have questions that you don't think of when your at your follow up visits answered.

Congrats audnmac8, I'm on day 5. I also am not allowed yogurt or pudding. It's gotten a little bit easier but it's still a huge struggle. All I keep thinking is just 10 more to go. stay strong

I don't get nauseous, but I really dislike the taste of whey Protein. I bought the unjury unflavored and mixed it with crystal light and Water and t took all I could to get it down. I also bought Syntrax strawberry kwi proten powder (to-go packets) and is is bearable but I still don't like it much. I read somewhere on here cottage cheese is very high in protein and so I will be making a trek to the grocery store to stock up on the nonfat version. Eventually I can mix it with a bit of fruit to make it tastier. I found "Powerful yogurt" in my specialty grocery. It packs 21grams of proten in one cup. It's kind of high in carbs but I may sacrifice that to get the protein in at this point because I'm getting only about 20 gms in a day

Day 3 yay for me lol.....thank you but for me no Greek yogurt or pudding!! It would be so cool if I can have those too but my nurse said I would have to wait until after surgery but all other liquids unlimited!! Sugar n fat free

Greek yogurt is a great option.

Eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, Greek yogurt, steak, string cheese, cheese slices, ground turkey, ground beef. Just a few things I eat regularly-I am fortunate to be able to tolerate all meats-I just cook them medium and cut each piece smaller than a dice and chew, chew, chew. Good luck!

Hi there, I recently found Fairlife Milk from another post- it has more Protein. To make a great shake I use 8 oz Fairlife milk (13 gm protein) 1 5 oz cup of greek yogurt (I use Dannon Light and Fit coconut/vanilla 12 gm protein) handful of raspberries Blend until fully liquid. Very yummy and 25 gm of protein!

I'm 4.5 months out I've lost 70lbs since surgery and total of 110lbs since I've started the program a year ago. I'm very happy but very scared of going back. Typical day 5 oz low fat yogurt with my crushed medicine. Protein shake about hour later. This is where I'm worried lunch I eat 6-8 oz low fat cottage cheese. I get my water and at least 2-3 protein shakes that's not my worry. Dinner 3/4 cup fish/chicken with salad. I'll sometimes swap lunch and dinner ,but the fact that I can eat 8 oz cottage cheese worries me. In between meals I'll sometimes eat a banana 3/4 of one. I've done this with minimal exercise plan on changing this very soon as weather gets better. Just very worried I can eat so much without sickness.

Protein, protein, protein. Carbs seriously slow my roll. I got to the point at about where you are at, that it would be ok to put crackers in my chili, or eat my tuna salad on a piece of toast, or have just that sample bite of cake at the grocery store bakery. Here is what happens to me: starches and sweets make me hungry for more starches and sweets. This past Sunday, I decided to stopped drinking beverages that I was putting sweetener in and stop putting sweetener in everything I make (chili, tuna salad, deviled eggs, yogurt and berries, etc. Frankly, I was putting it in everything to not feel so deprived of sweets. Since I eliminated 30+ sweetener packets a day, the scale has started moving again. I bought some gherkin pickles and eat one with an ounce of cheese for snack. That vinegary taste kills the desire for anything else for quite a while. Plus, I am brushing my teeth after every meal and snack to get the food taste out of my mouth. I was eating nuts for snack, but one ounce quickly becomes a cup with mindless eating. Also, I have gone back to weighing, measuring, and logging everything to regain portion control. I have upped my Water to 100 ounces. I have increased my exercise. If I can give one word of advice, it is this scientific concept of research: You cannot control that which you do not measure. What I had to do was get rough on myself to regain my power over the beast. I did not like working up a sweat when I exercise, either, but I have come to realize that sweat is fat crying.