6 weeks post-op. Ready to go back to full liquids

[StephanieS0208 39]

**Disclaimer ** Tomorrow I am going to reach out to the dietician.

I'm 6 weeks (almost 7) post-op and I can't eat much. tuna sits like a ball and won't move much even following the chew lots, eat slowly, make sure it's not dry routine. Salmon makes me nauseous. I'm a pescetarian so my options for Protein are limited. I've tried Beans but they're high in sodium and carbs. I've tried a little tofu. It does OK but isn't much protein.

Lately just about every meal has been 1 egg mixed with 2 oz fat-free greek yogurt with some dill relish and it's not boring yet. (This has all been approved per plan)

I mean -- I know it gets better. Guess I'll just keep trying some different things. It's really hard to find a balance with high protein AND low carb AND low calories. And weirdly enough, Water fills me up quicker than anything and then makes me nauseous.

My hair is going through a renaissance and I don't want to lose it. I'd like to get myself on the right track so I don't get low in Vitamins and nutrients.

[theantichick 2,204]

First question - do they have you on a PPI for acid? If not, you might want to ask about it. 2nd, do they have you on any nausea meds? Some people have issues for several weeks with nausea, and the meds help get you through it.

Are you getting enough fluids in? Are you still drinking Protein shakes? How about sugar free Jello or pudding? Have you tried any type of TVP? Don't know what you'd put it ON (I don't eat it by the spoon but some people might) but I love hummus and it's got a little Protein and not much in the way of carbs depending on how you make it. Peanut Butter? Do you drink milk? If so, Fairlife is higher in protein than regular, or you can do what they call "double milk" which is blend nonfat dry milk into regular milk. cheese?

What are your carb limits per your plan? If you're still not able to eat much volume, you're not likely to be eating enough Beans in a sitting to cause an issue with carbs. I don't know about the sodium, is that from the Beans in the natural state or is it because you're getting canned? It may be necessary to give a little with the carbs to get you through a rough spot with your diet.

And yes, it's generally a trial-and-error thing to find what your sleeve likes and doesn't. You do have limited options since you don't eat meat or poultry, but there's still stuff to try.

[StephanieS0208 39]

First question - do they have you on a PPI for acid? If not, you might want to ask about it. 2nd, do they have you on any nausea meds? Some people have issues for several weeks with nausea, and the meds help get you through it.

Are you getting enough fluids in? Are you still drinking Protein shakes? How about sugar free Jello or pudding? Have you tried any type of TVP? Don't know what you'd put it ON (I don't eat it by the spoon but some people might) but I love hummus and it's got a little Protein and not much in the way of carbs depending on how you make it. Peanut Butter? Do you drink milk? If so, Fairlife is higher in protein than regular, or you can do what they call "double milk" which is blend nonfat dry milk into regular milk. cheese?

What are your carb limits per your plan? If you're still not able to eat much volume, you're not likely to be eating enough Beans in a sitting to cause an issue with carbs. I don't know about the sodium, is that from the Beans in the natural state or is it because you're getting canned? It may be necessary to give a little with the carbs to get you through a rough spot with your diet.

And yes, it's generally a trial-and-error thing to find what your sleeve likes and doesn't. You do have limited options since you don't eat meat or poultry, but there's still stuff to try.

Wow. Your stats are great!

I am on omeprazole for 6 months. I supplement with Protein Shakes right now (typically I do a tbsp of PB2, a half cup of Fairlife fat-free, and a scoop of Matrix 2.0. The past few days I have been adding a banana for some variety and I had the calories left for it. Bananas aren't an everyday thing.

They didn't give us post-op "goals", if you will. They were super strict pre-op but there have been no calorie or carb limits post-op. I kinda wish they would give me a daily food plan. It was easier that way pre-op. I'm sure if I talked to them they could give me some suggestions but I know they're busy and it's not like I'm having any bad issues.I work with medical offices often and I don't want to bother them.

I haven't tried TVP yet. I'm worried about the sodium (I have hypertension) and the effects it may have on me as far as swelling and such. But I have some in the refrigerator from a local company and will try that too.

The beans I have tried are canned, but I rinse them before cooking them. Hummus is a great idea and I may add a little bit of unflavored protein to it for a boost.

It's rough but I know it will pass and I will miss these days hahaha. Part of this is in my head. They stressed so much "none of that" or "you can't have that" that even with the recommended items I'm just a little nervous like I'm being judged or watched. It's crazy.

[HuneComz 103]

If you are on Pinterest, there are lots of great boards and info for Bariatric diets and Protein rich foods. I have saved a lot for future.

Right now, I am only a few weeks post op and in my pureed phase but my favorite so far is mini Ricotta bakes. I mix lowfat ricotta, egg, shredded parmesan and Italian seasoning, spoon into muffin pan. Cover with marinara and top with lowfat shredded mozzarella and bake at 425 for 20. I can only eat 1/2 of one "muffin" but it is delicious and the Ricotta is a good source of Protein.< /p>

[StephanieS0208 39]

If you are on Pinterest, there are lots of great boards and info for Bariatric diets and Protein rich foods. I have saved a lot for future.

Right now, I am only a few weeks post op and in my pureed phase but my favorite so far is mini Ricotta bakes. I mix lowfat ricotta, egg, shredded parmesan and Italian seasoning, spoon into muffin pan. Cover with marinara and top with lowfat shredded mozzarella and bake at 425 for 20. I can only eat 1/2 of one "muffin" but it is delicious and the Ricotta is a good source of Protein.< /p>

It's like I'm still at puree and intermittently try solids. I like the ricotta bake but I also LOVE cheese. It's almost a trigger food. I have to be very careful with it.

[theantichick 2,204]

I haven't tried TVP yet. I'm worried about the sodium (I have hypertension) and the effects it may have on me as far as swelling and such. But I have some in the refrigerator from a local company and will try that too.

The Beans I have tried are canned, but I rinse them before cooking them. Hummus is a great idea and I may add a little bit of unflavored Protein to it for a boost.

Ahhhh, ok... makes a lot more sense now. Just FYI, they make a huge deal about sodium if you have hypertension and have for decades, but that's old school medicine. Some people, admittedly, are super sensitive to sodium and their BP skyrockets easily if they get too much. But studies have found that many people with high blood pressure are not sodium sensitive to any real degree. If you already know that you are sensitive, then you do need to pay close attention to it, obviously.

But remember that losing weight, your BP is likely to come down and your sensitivities may change also. So I would advise if you don't already, get a good automatic BP cuff and let that guide you in regards to sodium.

A lot of us when we stop eating so much processed crap, actually find ourselves low on sodium. I've been told to increase my salt intake because I was a couple of points low on my bloodwork at my post-op checkups. Not enough to worry, but enough that I was encouraged to indulge.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

How much tuna, salmon, etc. are you eating? My guealss is that you might be trying to eat too much. You mention another type of food (yogurt + egg) that would be about 3 ounces. If you are trying to eat 3 ounces of fish, or even 2 ounces at this point, it is no wonder you are struggling. I couldn't eat that much until at least 9 months post-op. So, if you haven't yet, maybe try just one ounce of tuna and see how that goes.

I had good results with shrimp and scallops (or, rather, scallop -- just one was plenty for a meal!) early on. Have you tried anything like that? Or maybe some other light fish such as sea bass, halibut, or john dory?

I know a lot of people recommend tilapia, but I personally dislike it, I think it is mushy and icky tasting, plus I've seen how it is farmed and it is revolting! So I can't personally recommend it, though I know a lot of people swear by it.

Good luck!