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I'm almost 3 months post op and gone from a UK24 to size UK16. I haven't been that weight in years. This time last year, I never would have even thought it was possible. This time 6 months ago when I was approved for surgery, I never even thought any of this would be possible! My knees hurt less when walking, although my butt hurts because I have less padding, so sometimes I actually prefer to stand. Never thought I would do that. I do sometimes still grieve food but not for the reasons I thought. I grieve the way I used to be in some ways because my best friend and I would get together and eat and we don't really have that anymore. We are still trying to find other things we can do together. But also, sometimes I grieved I can't order a pizza or other takeaway anymore because I live alone and don't have anyone to share it with so to avoid wastage, I actually need to cook even if I'm too tired. This year, I'm going to get my health on track and finally move out of London. I can't afford to live here anymore and I want a new start. Now that I know goals that seemed impossible are now achievable, I want to start new goals.

It’s always best to refer to whatever literature your dr gave you but I was told that anything that I could fairly easily cut with the side of a fork was considered soft food. i was lucky and didn’t have any issues with intolerances but i did go real slow starting with eggs and fish. I stuck with stuff I know was fine from days before for breakfast and lunch and had one new food for dinner. That way if I did have any issue I was home and I knew the most likely culprit.

I don’t know about you but pre WLS when I was eating bad I would not get on the scale and it spiraled way further out of control because I basically ignored my changes in eating as they gradually got worse and worse. You didn’t do that, though!! You got on that scale and took accountability. As females our bodies are designed to pack on pounds and hormones make things even harder. You are not the only one that has times of the month that their bodies make them want to eat more. I think all we can do is give ourselves a little forgiveness if we slip sometimes. Maybe try your free foods. Did you have those on your pre op diet. I had several on the list but the ones I recall were sugar free popsicles, pickles and lettuce. If I was hungry, I was told I was allowed to eat as many of those foods as I wanted. And to this day I still consider them to be free foods. Those are the only calories that I do not log on my calorie app. I allow myself to have them when I am hungry so I never feel like I am starving. Just maybe not getting what I would prefer to eat.

@Justarwaxx I'm sorry you are struggling right now. I can definitely relate; with Christmas and also recently having my period, I overate, especially sweets. It happens. You have to remember that you are fighting years of bad eating habits and those aren't just going to change overnight because you had surgery. I know for me it helps, that even if I have made bad eating choices, I still log my food and feel better seeing that it's still not over 2000 calories a day, which in theory means I'm still below anything that would make me gain weight. It's not helpful to shame spiral, because there is no lesson learned in shame. You are okay. And tomorrow is another day and another chance to make better choices. I hope you are feeling better now.

Sorry that was the easy answer and what has (at least temporarily) worked for me. The hard but probably more effective in the long term answer is to address our relationship with food if it's in any way dysfunctional. A bariatric counsellor might be an excellent investment (I am currently considering but they're expensive and not easy to find).

Some people (including me) find it helpful to go back to protein first, veg second, small amount of carbs third at every meal. Cut out processed foods and sugar. As Arabesque says, check whether you are really properly hungry before picking up anything. Try to introduce more veg and fruit if you can tolerate those. Veg sticks pre-prepared have been my lifesavers over the last few months when I was trying to lose a big regain in my third year post procedure. And track absolutely everything - when I stopped that (complacency) my regain started because it's so easy for little things to add up. Some people who have regained after WLS have done well on Ozempic/Mounjaro type drugs, and some bariatric teams will prescribe those I think - worth asking your surgeon? I hope you can sort this. You've done the right thing by seeking advice - there's so much experience on this forum.

Even though my surgery was in July 2023, due to all the complications I suffered, I only consider that my journey started in January 2024 and even then it was a struggle most days to just breath and get out of bed but I have been doing and feeling much better since around May/June this year after (what was hopefully) my final WLS related procedure. I now feel comfortable in myself and enjoy the lighter side of life. Since the surgery I have lost almost as much weight as I now weigh (62kg/136lb/9.7st vs 58kg/127lb/9.1st lost) which amazes me, I didn't actually think it was possible to be this 'light'. I didn't grieve food as I was just too exhausted most of the time to give it much thought so in a way I take that as a positive. I am trying my best to respect my new stomach in that I give it small yet good/nourishing food choices and allow myself the occasional treat and glasses of wine. I have enjoyed finding and trying out new recipes. I took up aqua aerobics and pilates in February and used that to help build up my strength and then in October joined the gym which I love. I find it funny now how my body and brain tells me I need to get up and walk, and I obey, whereas in previous years I would have just ignored the notion and stayed on the sofa. I love the feeling of wanting to move and then being able to move, not restricted by the weight. I also see in myself how I am changing, pre-op if I had a set-back or upsetting day I would usually sit on the sofa for hours/days and drink and eat on repeat but now I think it out, do an activity etc to get through - for example a couple of weeks ago my beloved cat of 16yrs had to go to sleep and it was so upsetting for me (and still is) and in times gone by I would have stayed in bed or on the sofa with a bottle (or three) of wine, popcorn, chocolate etc but this time I scrubbed clean the apartment one day, sorted somethings out for donations another day, went to the gym and just focused on the movements, went for walks. I just hope that I can keep up this sensible me for the years to come! In the last year I have learned to listen to myself, take care of myself and not take sh*t from anybody and I intend to keep that up for 2025. Also for 2025 I look forward to continuing as I am doing now; mindful eating, exercise and enjoying life. Happy New Year everyone 🎉

As much as it would be great if we could reset our tummy to the loss of hunger phase after surgery we can’t. You can reset your thinking and your head though it’s not easy. Start by going back to tracking everything you eat and drink & maybe keep a second record of what you were feeling at the time you ate or drink to see if there are any specific emotions (boredom, frustration, anger, sadness, happiness, stress, etc.) driving you to eat or any events that occured or situations you were in (Friday morning tea at work, socialising, at the movies, a sporting game, holidays). Identify things you ma have let slide: portion sizes, protein intake, food choices, fluid intake, snaking, etc. check your activity levels. Then make a change. Drop a snack or work on reducing your portion size. After a couple of weeks make another change or two like increase your activity, or increase your fluid intake or swap out some food choices to better ore nutrient dense lower calorie options. And so on. Gradual changes are much easier to adapt to and adopt and always seem more achieveable. Become more mindful about your eating. Are you eating because you need to eat (real hunger) or just want to eat (head hunger - associated with emotions, situations or events). Eat slowly to allow time for your full/had enough message to register (takes at least 20 minutes). Slowly work your way back to how you were eating when you were first maintaining. You’ll get there. All the best.

I didn’t read all the replies but 800 calories doesn’t sound like a lot until you break it down and supply your diet with nutrient dense foods over energy dense ones. Here’s what I would do for an 800 calorie day- Breakfast- 6tbsp egg whites, a medium diced tomato, 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1oz reduced fat cheddar with 1/2 cups blueberries Lunch- a tuna packet mixed with 1tbsp light mayo, on one slice 35calorie keto bread with 2 cups salad greens and half a cup sliced cucumber afternoon snack- protein shake dinner- chili made with 1/2 cup canned kidney beans, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup diced onion, and 1/4 cup diced bell pepper dessert- 1/2 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt mixed with sugar free, fat free pudding mix. Total count- 803 calories, 77g carbs (24.5g fiber), 16g fat, 95g protein

This year was An awesome YEAR ...8 months post op. I went from a full ugly cry at the counter because chicken would not go down right after surgery 😂😂 and grieving all the unhealthy food that I loved, to actually learning how to eat, loving my new body, eating with Intention and loving the the things I actually can eat. I have learned to cook foods that I enjoy and make it bariatric friendly. Who knew our food could taste that good! I had no idea I could continue to enjoy all the foods in a new way! Movement is an activity that I enjoy and aided in my rapid weight loss. I hope to continue to move, I hope to add new movement skills (hot yoga, rucking, boxing). What is your year ends review? What did you learn? Any setbacks? Anything you are looking forward to in the new year?

This year I had so many WINS! It was An awesome YEAR 8 months post op. I went from a full ugly cry at the counter because chicken would not go down right after surgery 😂😂 and grieving all the unhealthy food, to actually learning how to eat, loving my new body, eating with Intention and loving the the things I actually can eat. I have learned to cook foods that I enjoy and make it bariatric friendly. Who knew our food could taste that good! What is your year ends review?

Basically eggs lots of different ways, and soups and stews. I loved adding lentils to lots of dishes at the soft food stage. And yes - loads of minced pork, beef, turkey, again in as many different ways as my family would tolerate. That list above from @AmberFL looks amazing. It ended up lowish carb eating focusing on protein too. And as much home cooking as possible so you really know what you're getting!

I hear you on adding more food. It can definitely be hard, especially at this point of your weight loss journey. While I suggested a few hundred per day, you might honestly need to start with less and work your way up. Even 150 calories of lean protein like chicken or fish would be a good start. That's only around a half cup or so, depending on which food your choose. From there, work your way up to around a cup.

2024 was a great year. I lost a sh*t ton of weight and became HOT and athletic again, landed a dream job, my relationship transformed and its the best its ever been, I am thriving and thankful. 2025: Travel (3 trips booked) Build my booty back Manage my anxiety through guided meditation Read 40 books (read 38 in 2024) Save more (have been so reckless with my spending) Continue eating the way I do, never depriving myself of anything but never going overboard with anything either, taste and put it down if I didn't like it, prioritize protein, nourish my body and continue to be anxiety free regarding food and lifestyle

I second the suggestion to track everything you eat or drink. I know it can be annoying to weigh/measure and record everything but it is the best way to ensure your portions are too large or you’re missing hidden calories or underestimating them. For example ate your potatoes mashed with butter, milk & are you counting them? Try to focus more on home made foods too so you can control the ingredients and cooking methods. I’d also suggest eating more regularly aiming for three small meals of real food not two meals of shakes. I was someone who lost their hunger and interest in eating for about a year. I ate to a routine to ensure I was getting in the nutrients I needed. I still eat this way. Even if I’m not all that hungry, I’ll still eat something. At 800 calories, most of your meal would be protein with some vegetables. Take your record of your tracked eating & drinking to your dietician and ask them to review it and make actual suggestions of what you could eat (add or remove). Demand better advice than an eye roll or general you must be eating something that’s sabotaging your weight loss.

Yep, it is exactly like a growing baby’s stages of eating: liquids, purées, soft food then solids. Most of us are told no pasta (rice or bread) because it swells in the tummy and takes up valuable space which should be dedicated to protein and then vegetables. Plus they are simple carbs with little nutritional value when the nutrient value of what we eat is so important. When you are able to eat carbs look to whole or multi grain complex carbs and then only if you are able to eat them after eating all your protein first, then vegetables, (then fruit if you are able) and finally carbs. You’ll be getting some good carbs in any vegetables & fruit you eat. Some, like me, can never go back to eating pasta, rice and bread. They just sit far too heavily in our tummies. Don’t be worried if you eat a meal that is solely protein either. I often did that but it wasn’t for all my meals or every day but sometimes the protein was all I could eat at a meal. Also yes to high protein yoghurts. Blend them with milk for added protein & to make a smoothie. These were a game changer for me in regards to meeting protein goals. The yoghurt I buy used to have a pre-made yoghurt drink with 34g of protein & I would sip it during the afternoon. But be careful of some pre-made ones as they can have lots of added sugar or artificial sweeteners and not much protein.

I was also allowed scrambled eggs and I made pureed egg salad (that wasn’t bad). My saving grace were refried beans with a little 2% cheese and the ricotta bake. Just be sure your tomato sauce doesn’t have chunks or that you puree it if so. I got a little kitchen aid food processor. Not cheap but cute enough to leave on the counter and I use it now to make pico and guacamole so it wasn’t a waste (they do make much cheaper ones though if you have room to store it I just have a tiny kitchen). I imagine you could use a blender or nutra bullet in retrospect in a pinch but it doesn’t give you as much control over the consistency. The nutra bullet comes in handy to make drinkable yogurts and smoothies later too. The drinkable yogurt you should be able to do during the puree phase as well (i just used yogurt, fruit and almond milk).

I have a few questions for you. The first is, how is your hunger level right now? Are you ravenous, totally uninterested in food, or somewhere in between? Second, how much preparation of fresh food do you do compared to eating of premade or processed foods? I have some ideas that might help, but a lot depends on how hungry you get and how open you are to preparing your own foods from scratch. Also, if you could give us an idea of what your current eating routine is, that might help. Like, how often do you eat each day, and what does a typical menu look like for you? Are there any foods you absolutely love or hate?

Yes to your first question. I only lost like 60 to 70 lbs. My surgeon staff only wants me on a 800 calorie diet loss weight. Except low cLorie sweet tea I don't eat much food let alone it's hard to eat anything when most foods have above 200 hundred calories.

I too skipped the whole pureed stage, continued on thicker liquids (mainly lentil and chicken soup) and protein shakes.

I have this craving for salty, so it's not terrible. I do drink my broths and whatnot, I can eat scrambled eggs, so I'm not entirely liquid. I've been referring to this stage in my diet as the baby led weaning stage, because I'm able to eat soft foods but most of my intake is still liquid. The only thing I have found that my body didn't like was pasta.. I deconstructed my dad's Christmas lasagna, ate a very small piece of pasta, and regretted it. Next day, I was fine with pasta. It was weird.

I hear you about the shakes. I found them sweet too and also very grainy so texturally off putting. I used to dilute the shakes to try to reduce the sweetness and had only one a day. Shakes aren’t your only source of protein if you’re still in the liquid stage. Bone broths, consommés, cream soups can all be eaten/drunk during this stage. I found the bone broths salty so drank cream soups ( just strain them to make sure there are no stray fibres or random chunks). I agree with @summerseeker’s suggestion to make your own shakes with milk, yoghurt, protein powder, skim milk powder and an unsweetened powdered flavour if you wish. You will likely find this sensitivity to certain flavours, textures and even smells continues for a couple of months. Your tummy can be pretty fussy. I described mine as a petulant, temper throwing 2 year old child. You may find you tolerate something one day but not the next. It does pass so don’t think you’ll never be able to eat those foods ever again. Multi vitamins can make you nauseous too. Make sure you take them after you’ve eaten or with the last few sips of your shake, broth, etc. Also if you have to take multiple vitamins spread out across the day when you take them. I’d take one multi in the am and the other in the pm to reduce the effects of the nausea. Also have you tried taking an anti nausea med to get you through this period. Your liquid stage will soon be over and then you’ll be on purées and that can be another interesting experience in finding something you can tolerate eating. It does get better and easier.

While I absolutely do not agree that it’s likely you will GAiN weight on 800 calories, 800 Calories can be a pretty good amount of food depending on what you eat. for example this is 757 calories and it’s 100 g of protein. breakfast: Caramel “Proffee” made from a premiere protein caramel shake with iced coffee mixed in. (It’s really good and filling with the protein btw). lunch: three eggs omelette with 2% cheese (1 ounce) and tomatoes and onion (1/2 cup). dinner: grilled chicken breast (3 ounce) and zucchini and onion (1/2 cup). snack: oikos triple zero yogurt I use the Baritastic app and I always have the same breakfast but then before I have lunch I plug in my plan and an idea for dinner to make certain it’s okay macro wise. I do pay some attention to calories but protein, added sugars and fat are more important. I also pay attention to my carbs because on some days my exercise is higher and I actually need to increase them a bit. If your dietician is not asking about your activity and your food choices and inky giving you a cookie cutter plan without real guidance I would be asking more questions. These plans need to be tailored to you specifically. if you are having a difficult time finding foods you like that meet the criteria you are definitely not alone. I had to do a ton of research and trial and error with recipes to find a couple weeks worth of meals that I enjoy and I was doing 900ish calories. I scoured the web and found low calorie recipes and also ways to cut calories from things I knew I enjoyed. Basically type “healthy” in front of anything you like and you should find ways to make a more bariatric friendly version. Some days you may need to reduce calories further by having two shakes or egg whites instead to budget for a higher calorie dinner. I don’t love to cook so I make double batches of things and freeze them in individual portions. this has been my lifesaver. For the 800 calories you may have to do a lot of lower calorie lean meat and veggie type dinners unless you cut calories during lunch. For instance instead of 3 eggs you could do five 5 whites and you could even omit the cheese if you need to cut calories further. i would imagine you could still lose on a little higher calorie budget and you have more flexibility in your menu but it may not be as fast as you would like. Either way, check out Baritastic (or another calorie tracking app). It’s very helpful to see exactly what’s in different food and to play around with these meal ideas on an app because you can add and delete and adjust the measurements to figure out how to make things work to fit your plan.

That’s a shame. I believe if you contact customer service they guarantee their products if you don’t like them (let you exchange it maybe). . I know they made me pay return shipping though, which I didn’t love and they require you to purchase insurance as well, but I guess you would get the difference back after that at least. I have been satisfied with the quest products and the vitamins I purchased on there but I admit that I haven’t tried many others. I ordered the oatmeal, chili and some other items for purée stage but they were delayed in shipping (not their fault) so by the time I got them I was done with that stage so they ended up at the bottom of the pantry 😢 I suppose some day I may have a craving for oatmeal but it’s not my favorite food so who knows. The chili just sounds gross now that I can make the real deal.

My surgeon and I spoke about my other health diagnosis and food habits at length. I was very adamant about wanting to be able to eat a variety of foods after if possible. Since I didn’t have previous GERD issues, and based on my other health and meds requirements, she suggested the sleeve was the best option. I also in my research saw there were just a few less complications with it so I was comfortable with that.