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I eat cottage cheese, nut butter, and yogurt as snacks to get protein. You could also try soft fish. It has a lot of protein in it.

Not a good idea. I also attempted real food at week 3 and that was sugar free plain yogurt because I couldn't stomach the texture of eggs. I believe I could eat watered down oatmeal as well week 3. Didn't your surgeon provide any post-surgery guidelines? If not, I would contact the office and request it.

Wow those are great ideas! I asked my NUT for suggestions on the pureed meat and she said "why eat something that looks like cat food when you can drink your protein?" And I thought well okay. So I've been living off of v8 with some lime and salt. Scrambled with yogurt and mozzarella. And triple zero greek yogurt. I think I'm going to try the pureed tuna/chicken today. I was told I could have peanut butter. I attempted a baby spoon of smooth creamy peanut butter mixed with yogurt and instantly I felt blockage, so that was a no-go for me. I tried checking pinterest for recipes and all that comes up are soft diets and I wont start soft stage till March.

Hi, pancakes yum. How much protein would them 5 give you? I have 6 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, three eggs and some berries in it every morning. It gives me around 30 grams to start the day. I do not know what else to have that gives you high protein. I do not have protein powder, my surgeon here in Tasmania thinks it is not a good habit to get into. I have not really cooked anything, basically living off yogurt, prawns, tuna, cottage cheese as I feeling sick and heavy in the chest all the time. I had my op in August, second one to remove gallbladder and stretch the bowel a little so I do not get malnourished again 6 weeks ago. Any advice please

There are a bunch of them out there. I just wing it and put half a cup of oatmeal in my little smoothie blender with three egg whites, maybe 1/4 cup cottage cheese, a half a teaspoon of baking powder, and a glob of greek yogurt. If it's too dry, I add more yogurt and sometimes a little almond milk. After the batter rests for a few minutes it will get very thick as the oats suck up the fluid. I make silver dollar pancakes and eat about 5 and put the rest in the freezer. This recipe is awesome with blueberries. Maple Grove Farms sugar free syrup is 5 calories a serving and isn't bad! I also love them with home made apple butter made with Splenda instead of sugar.

If you can stand bone broth (add some stuff for flavor) it can be helpful. The caramel protein shakes are great in coffee. I liked the protein bars, particularly the chocolate delux ones. I liked boiled potatoes with lowfat shredded cheese, refried beans with cheese and salsa, tofu, rotissiere chicken (SOFT), soft baked fish. I really loved frozen greek yogurt bars (Yasso makes a great one). Also, protein pancakes were a tremendous favorite. (you make the batter with oatmeal, cottage cheese, egg whites, baking powder, greek yogurt in blender)

That early on, I think it’s very difficult to meet your protein goal without protein powder/shakes and protein-fortified foods. My go-to breakfast is half a container of Greek yogurt with half a scoop of protein powder for a total of 19 grams of protein. You can also mix unflavored protein powder into a lot of things like soups, refried beans, etc. I sometimes use Quest protein chips for a protein boost (I make taco bites using 1/3 of a bag of protein chips + taco meat + lettuce, tomato, and plain Greek yogurt, or put crushed protein chips on a salad). Since you can only eat small quantities, you have to eat mainly protein (typically meat). There’s not much room for anything else, even vegetables. I am 6 months out and still find it challenging to get 60 grams of protein per day. I still use protein powder every day. Part of it is that I don’t eat between meals; I guess if you snack throughout the day, you can probably work in some more protein, but I’m trying not to fall back into bad habits.

I'm so glad y'all brought this up - how on earth do you figure out what feeling means what?! I have no idea if I'm full or not. Today I had a Tbs of greek yogurt twice today and I really couldn't tell you if it made me full. I *think* hunger feels like a wave of a stomach cramp (though the signal definitely does not get to my head). I know when I need to slow down on liquids, but it mostly feels like gas followed by a painful burp. I get all sorts of random pains or gurgles or squeezes - often when I'm not drinking or eating anything. But other than hunger, nothing feels like it used to or makes much sense at this point. I do know anything other than FairLife CorePower is so sweet it makes me want to hurl.

And see I cant hold down the shakes, but pre surgery I could. So all I had for 7 days was protein2o and greek yogurt. I pureed some peaches earlier that I hope to have for dinner, so we'll see how that fills me. I dont think it will though. It's like baby food. But who knows.

I use Bariatric fusion unflavored protein powder low fat Greek yogurt and fairlife skim milk with strawberries and bananas 1/2 cup and kale. Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

In the first pic, I’m the one on the right side of the photo. I was already a mother of 4 wonderful kids, but I was miserable & very unhappy with my weight. I was insecure and embarrassed at how far I had let myself go. So, I started doing 5k runs to help myself lose weight. Being active was never a problem. I was disciplined enough to get out on a track, do step aerobics, or walk/run some bleachers. However, it was my relationship with food that was the problem. When I started my journey to get the sleeve, my surgeon said something that stayed with me: “The sleeve will guarantee weight loss in your first year out, but YOU have to utilize that time to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE in order to maintain that weight loss.” Folks...that is EXACTLY what I did. I changed my eating habits. The sleeve forced my hand with QUANTITY, but I learned about QUALITY nutrition for my body. I completely changed my dietary habits! I got rid of all my trigger foods (and believe me that most of them were/are sliders!) and filled my fridge & pantry with lean meats, veggies, fresh fruits, complex carbs. And as the weight came off, I started lifting weights (heavy weights) to totally recomp my figure. And as the years went by and my stomach stretched and the quantity of food I was able to consume increased, I learned to time my meals and seek out fulfilling recipes that were also satisfying. Foods like: Greek yogurt (with a scoop of protein), topped with fresh fruits; zucchini noodles with chicken & Alfredo sauce; eggs, egg whites topped with fresh veggies like mushrooms, onion, spinach, cheese, with an added side of turkey bacon; zucchini noodles with spaghetti sauce & turkey meat; turkey patties topped with gravy & mushrooms and a side of green beans; turkey chili topped with cheese and a small bag of Fritos; pancakes/waffles made from oats, banana, eggs, olive oil, cinnamon (I add Protein powder as an option, and a sugar free seasoning call Honey Butter & Cinnamon by Icon), and topped with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and sugar free syrups (like Walden Farms); I’ll cook with low calorie marinades (like G. Hughes) and seasonings that are low in sodium and/or sugar free (like Icon) to add flavor and diversity with out tons of calories.  Folks! Life changing!!! I CHOOSE to eat well. I CHOOSE to exercise 5-6 days a week. I CHOOSE my lifestyle. I still eat foods that are not “health” conscious, but I’m in control now. I can eat them without over indulging or losing control. I even drink beer a few nights out of the month. My lifestyle choices have led me down a path in which I’m so much happier! I feel strong, confident, and in control! I’m in a better place mentally, and because of that, I’m a much better parent to my kids! Change is possible, folks. The sleeve is a tool, but you’re the one in control. 

I had my sleeve 2/4 and all I can hold down is greek yogurt and crystal light water.

I feel nauseous almost every day as well. I’m thinking it’s these crazy supplements you chew or dissolve in your mouth - it’s a lot of “fake sugar right off the bat. I don’t know if that’s it or not, but not taking capsules you don’t have much choice. My multi, my biotin, B1, B12, and then there’s magnesium, fiber/probiotic. All with fake sugars. Not to mention my yogurt, and anything I bake......oatmeal? I hadn’t thought of that - might just try that!

Before my surgery, I ordered a lot of different samples of protein powder, and IdealFit was my favorite. I love mixing the birthday cake with yogurt, and the chocolate brownie, chocolate coconut, and mint chocolate are good to drink. I have my eye on the chocolate cherry and butter pecan, but unfortunately, those aren't available in sample sizes and I'm not sure I want to commit to a huge tub without tasting it first. I also got some interesting flavors from 1up Nutrition, Northbound Nutrition (Waves of Whey), KetoShop, and Black Magic Supply. They all have single-serving samples so you don't have to buy a whole tub.

I'm surprised I didn't get very many responses about this, but I guess if you don't live in the middle of nowhere, a trip to Trader Joe's is not a big event 😀. I found some product recommendations on keto web sites and YouTube videos. Here's my haul: They didn't have several of the items on my list, and there were a few things I didn't buy because they seemed way overpriced, but here's what I got (some of it is just general grocery items just to save me a trip to another store): Meat Individually frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs ($7.99) Ground chicken ($3.79) Ground turkey ($2.99) Pork tenderloin ($4.15) Chile lime chicken burgers ($3.69) Chicken sausage ($3.99) Produce Spaghetti squash ($2.99) Organic romaine bagged salad ($2.69) Heavenly tomatoes ($2.79) Head of garlic ($.49) Organic ginger ($1.79) Frozen Frozen green beans ($1.99) Frozen asparagus ($2.99) Frozen raspberries ($2.49) Pantry Avocado oil ($5.99) Kalamata olive oil ($8.99) Sesame oil ($2.99) Rice vinegar ($1.99) Salsa Autentica ($1.99) Salsa Verde ($1.99) Sundried tomatoes ($1.99) Masala simmer sauce ($2.69) Almond flour ($7.49) Snacks Chomps jerky ($1.69) Quest Hero bar ($1.99) Power Crunch bar ($1.49) Freeze-dried raspberries ($3.99) Refrigerated Plain nonfat Greek yogurt ($.99) Green goddess salad dressing ($3.99) Spicy cashew salad dressing ($3.99) I've only tried a few of these items so far. I love the green goddess salad dressing; it's only 10 calories per tablespoon and surprisingly tasty (I actually licked the bowl when I finished my salad). Sadly, it's perishable and only has about a month shelf-life in the fridge. Haven't tried the spicy cashew dressing yet, but online reviewers love it. I like the chicken burgers, but they'd be better on a nice, fluffy bun. I felt so weird buying all healthy stuff and no junk food! If I had made this trip a year ago, I would have been all over the delicious-looking baked goods and the snacks and desserts stacked above the freezer aisle.

Starting purees is great! After the liquid diet, it's nice to be able to eat something resembling real food. You should mix protein powder into purees to make sure you meet your protein goal. My advice for that is to use flavored protein powder for sweet foods and unflavored protein powder for savory foods. Here's what I ate in the pureed stage: Fat-free, no sugar added Greek yogurt (vanilla yogurt + birthday cake protein powder; vanilla yogurt + chocolate protein powder + powdered peanut butter; strawberry yogurt + strawberry protein powder, etc.) Fat-free, sugar-free pudding (chocolate pudding + chocolate protein powder + powdered peanut butter; vanilla pudding + strawberry protein powder, etc.) Unsweetened applesauce + cinnamon roll protein powder Protein oatmeal + cinnamon roll protein powder Pureed refried beans + unflavored protein powder, topped with enchilada sauce + Laughing Cow cheese Pureed black bean soup + unflavored protein powder Mashed cauliflower + unflavored protein powder, topped with gravy

@cantstop1977 I completely understand. My sleeve was on 02/02 and all the meetings and appointments did not prepare me for the gas pain. The bloating is insane, it causes chest pain, back pain, and shoulder pain. It was so bad I didnt wa t to drink anything. I will say after day 3 it does get significantly better. I find that the more I fart the more it helps, I got a little gassy day 4 and much gassier day 5. I will also add today is the first day I ate and I had 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt so that may have played a part. You can do this! It does get better! Hang tight. Tomorrow will be much better! Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok, now hear me out. I had a little yogurt and two bites of chicken breast last night for dinner and never felt the stuffed feeling or even full feeling. I’m three weeks out from surgery. About 10 minutes later I noticed the calcium chew samples that I will need to start in a few days so I thought I’d test one. The minute I ate it I ran to the bathroom thinking I had to throw up but instead experienced the dreaded foamie thing for two hours. What did I do wrong? It’s not blatantly obvious to me because I didn’t overeat at dinner. I never want to experience that again- I’m sure I will, but if there is an obvious reason PLEASE share!

Curious... How long before you could eat your first piece of pizza? It seems as if each doctor has a different diet plan for before/after surgery. For instance, my surgery was 1/29/2021. I am on 2 weeks liquids to include Protein shakes, Protein Water, Water, Yogurt, Fat free/sugar free pudding and low fat ricotta. then i go to 1 to 6 months of soft foods, to include ground meat, deli slices, non-fat cheeses, etc then on to solids again. My main thing is pizza. I just want to know realistically when I will be able to eat it again. I don't want any lectures on how i shouldn't. I'm only wanting one slice vs the 4 or 5 I used to eat. So spare me the anger.

Glad it went well!! I just got sleeved too on February 3. Hospital jello and broth was disgusting! Managed some apple juice while in hospital. Now that I am back home, I’m sipping on cold milk, coconut water, some runny Greek yogurts.

Hey all, I am coming up on 3 weeks post op VSG next Monday. I was allowed to start soft foods such as ground meet/canned chicken, etc. today. After looking through my post op binder, I was wondering if any of you received any sort of calorie limit for when you start more solid foods? The info in my binder mainly talks about protein and fluid daily amounts. I just want to make sure that the foods that I am choosing are not exceeding a certain calorie limit?? Does that make sense? I can give an example of the things that I ate today and calorie/protein total to see what you all think?? Breakfast-small homemade strawberry protein smoothie 165 calories, 37 g protein morning snack-cup of lipton cream of chicken soup 60 calories 2g protein lunch-about 2 oz of light and fit yogurt 20 calories 3g protein, a very small portion of cream of potato soup with protein powder 90 calories 13g protein. I ate an early lunch and could only eat a little bit and felt nauseated so I came back about an hour and a half later and had a small portion of sugar free chocolate pudding 30 calories and a couple of bites of chicken salad 20 calories 2g protein Dinner-1 beef/pork Italian meatball with a small amount of mozzarella cheese on it and marinara sauce 145 calories 14g protein and 1/4 c of homemade unsweetened applesauce 20 calories I drank approximately 50 oz of calorie free fluids throughout the day as well. so about 580 calories and around 70g protein. I know it seems like a weird choices of foods...does this seem normal????? I just want to make sure that my choices seem ok and that I am not going over in calories. I'm getting enough protein everyday along with my fluids. Sorry for the long post!! Just wanted to see what you all think! Thanks!!!!

Hello, New to the forum ad this is my first post. Sorry its so long but I need some help from ppl who have already had the Gastric Sleeve. As of today I am 3 & a 1/2 weeks post op. I had my first follow up with the Dr. 2 weeks ago and will have the second follow up next week. I am past the clear liquid & full liquid phases and stated to move to more solid food. Here's my problem my Dr says I am progressing normally but I'm not sure. I would get heartburn occasionally prior to surgery but a few tums would take care of it. I am taking the vitamins and gerd medicine as directed with no issues. Since the first day of surgery I could feel like whatever i drank even the small sips would sit in my throat, then go down a little at a time and my stomach would "pinch". I also had this when I moved to full liquids and now to soft foods. I can eat something like really soft mashed potatoes, yogurt, whipped cottage cheese or farina and mostly can hold them down. I have vomited a few times but i think its because the food is in the esophagus sliding up and down and its nauseating. When I do "eat" it is only a few tablespoons max and the whole time I feel like the food sits in my throat and doesn't go all the way down, I get back pain in the middle of my back at my bra line and the food hurts in my stomach. I feel like I have to burp and its not air its whatever I've consumed coming back up. I don't have fever or shortness of breath, I don't get weak just nauseated by this liquid/food that doesn't go down and just sits. Did/Does anyone else have this problem?

So, a week since my surgery. One, you gain about 10lbs in water weight from all the iv fluids they pump in ya, but you pee them out quickly. Two, The pain from the hernia surgery far outweighs the pain from the sleeve surgery. Three, Getting fluids in is rough, because it seems there isn't enough time in the day. Four, ZERO Hunger, but every time a commercial for pizza or burgers comes on tv I want one. Five, So far so good. Can't wait to get to soft foods in a week, because the protein shakes, protein water, and yogurt is getting old. Six, Down 10lbs since the day of the surgery Not including the 10lbs of fluids, 50lb mark overall. Not so bad yet.

I do a lot of casserole type things. For example, this week I did "Eggroll in a bowl" - it's ground meat (I used turkey), cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a little rice wine vinegar. I added a little cooked rice as well. Another favorite is a veggie au gratin: cauliflower, broccoli and leek with greek yogurt, dijon, thyme and cheese. I add in sliced dinner sausage to give it more protein. One more: An easier version of stuffed peppers. Ground chicken, quinoa, onions, tomatos and spices in a cooked bell pepper (or just dice the bell peppers in) and add a little pepper jack cheese.

Thank you! I spoke to my Nutritionist and he advised if crystal light is easier then I should drink that instead of water. He recommended blending it and adding a bit of light mayo or greek yogurt. I'll try that along with scrambled eggs. Thanks for your advice!