Food and Nutrition

We have a chance to go on a 4-day cruise over the Presidents' Day holiday in February. My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 28th, meaning I should only be about 6-8 weeks out when we leave. What should I expect to be able to eat? Should I bring food along? Has anyone else been in this situation, and if so, how did you cope? Any advice appreciated! C

I was reading the board last night and came across one of the long diet links that had been posted here. I can't remember which one it was. It said straws are a no no. Can anyone tell me why please? Is it because of not being able to control the "gulping" of drinks and overpowering your stomach w/ liquid? Right now I'm in the learning/reading phase. I had my first appointment on Wed and my surgeon won't touch me until I've quit smoking for 3 months so I'm looking at a surgery date of sometime in July. *sigh* I've already got my appointments for all the pre-screenings with the different drs..psych eval & medical so I'm at least on the path now.

Because they are like 15 cents vs. a can of broth is two dollars. thanks!

Hi Everyone, I am now 9 weeks post op, is it too soon for me to eat a taco from Taco Bell or make my own? As of now, I can't stomach eating taco meat by itself anymore (hopefully this will pass) :-( Thanks in advance for your suggestions/comments :-) Lady E.

What Protein drinks are there for those who are allergic to milk (incl the whey) and gluten?? Anyone on one of these diets ever been sleeved? Thanks!

I've seen Benefiber mentioned a lot on this board. I looked at the nutritional information today and was surprised to see how many carbs it has, since I know most people are low carb after surgery. It looked like most versions had 4 grams of carbs to 3 grams of fiber and some (powder plus calcium) had 7 grams of carbs. Is that enough fiber to make the carbs worth it?

The one big thing I am super worried about is my eating and making sure I get enough in after surgery. I have MAJOR food issues! LOL I am the pickyest person I know and everyone I know will say the same thing! LOL I always say, I don't know how I got this big when I'm so pickey but I do know, because I like all the CRAP! LOL I don't eat fruit expect banana's every once in awhile Veggies I will eat are - corn, cauliflower, green beans, peas, carrots, lettuce I only like yellow cheese (cheddar, american) except parmesan(sp) (no cottage cheese or string cheese) I do like tuna but I don't "love it" The only fish I eat is breaded, fried flakey white fish I eat mostly…

Hi everyone, I was sleeved on the 27 of sept, I guess we all have issues with food. I can only stomach liquids such as clear broth, egg drop Soup (that i hated before the surgery), V8 splash and Vitamin Water. I can't even keep water down if i am thirsty and drink it too fast. I have what seems like heartburn every day. I am downing tums, take nexium 40mg (twice a day) and I still have acid reflux, please help!!!!! What am I DOING WRONG. LL

I hate to say it but I am SO glad you are all puking also. I am sick for no rhyme or reason sometimes. Last week it was 3 days in a row and then for 4 days I ate small amounts of M potatoes, chicken, beef etc and then yesterday back to puking. The only thing I can reliably keep down is toast and crackers. I sure hope it gets better. I'd like to see some people who are more than 4-8 weeks post op pipe in. I'm getting to the point where I don't want to try and eat all day for fear of being sick at work. The puking is so gross too with all of the slime. My dr didn't really want us to do Protein Shakes after we went on food but I may have to get back to them. Yes…

Hello Everyone, It has been awhile since I posted. I am now 6 weeks post op and have lost a total of 41 pounds. I have been given the ok by my surgeon to start eating regular foods 4 weeks post op. As of recently, my weight loss has slowed. Since that time, some of my food choices have not been the best, or I have no desire to eat (or the things I want to eat such as bread, I cannot have). One of the bad food choices consisted of me eating 8 piece nuggets at chick-fil-a a couple of times, I have also had the insides of a taco or taco salad w/o the shell from taco bell(just meat, lettuce and cheese), and pepper steak w/o rice. I know all of these choices are not the bes…

Hello everyone! Just wondering if there are any other lacto-vegetarians out there? And what kind of foods are you eating post-op?

Any recomendations for low-carb Protein Bars? I like the convience of a Protein Bar for Breakfast but I am having trouble finding low carb choices. Basically I don't want to eat all my carbs for breakfast...

So I am still pre op and on the 10 day liver reduction diet wanting everything I see all though I dont eat it I do have these super vivid dreams about food , The first one was about me eating all these foods that I am not suposed to and I kept telling people that but they kept handing me food then last night I had a dream taht I went to a fine dinning restaurant with the family of my childhood ex best friend and the server just kepts bring the most delicious lobster, king crab legs, rich chocolate desseryts and various other scrumptious goodies. I just kept eating and it was great cuz I never got the uncomfortable super full feeling, then I work up and was thankfully not…

I'm onto full liquids but what does that even mean? Can I take a chunky Soup like chicken noodle (for example) and blend it up till there aren't any big chunks and eat that? I'm going to GNC to get some shakes today so I know I can have those. Is yogurt full liquids? I could drink it through a straw. I wish I had a Costco/Trader Joes around here for the peanut powder and the yummy shakes Enough ramblings. What did YOU eat during your full liquid phase?

So - as many regulars here know, I was put on a 600 cal/70g protein regimen by my surgeon. I am 3 months post-op now and the weight has been coming off excrutiatingly slow. Recently I decided to shake things up and did 3 days of 800+ cals and then 3 days back at 600. It didn't seem to do anything and, in a moment of rebellion-sabotage, I said f*** it and started eating between 700-800 cals. Well guess what? I'm losing weight, better than before. It's only been 4 days of doing this but I've lost about a pound a day. The dillemma is this - should I go back to the 600 cals? If I stay at this higher cal. point, will the positives turn out to be short term? I understa…

I had an appointment with my ophthalmologist today, and since he's located in St. Louis, I took the day off to get in some shopping. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joes are always on my list of stops, and today I picked up a bunch of sleeve-friendly foods! For lunch, I had the Butternut Squash Crab Bisque from Whole Foods Market. 217calories and 10g Protein per cup. A little higher in fat (15g) and carbs (12) than I would ordinarily allow for one meal, but since I knew that I would be out all day, I'd packed my fat free, no carb Protein drinks for all of my meals and Snacks, I had the fat and carbs to spare. I didn't finish a whole cup, only my tiny little sleeve kep…

I'm five weeks out and I crave sugar free popsicles. It might be related to the fact that I'm not taking in as much fluid as I should. Is there anything wrong with having more than 2 of them in a day? I can get them down so much easier than I can an equal amount of liquid.

Hello all, I am writing because I am concerned that I am eating to much. My surgery was Aprl 16, 2010 and I feel hungry so much. It is like gnawing feeling, I don't know if boredom has anything to do with or what. I need someone to give me a general idea of how much I should be consuming for breakfast lunch and dinner. Am I allowed to have snacks during the day? What kind of schedule do you guys use for eating? Struggling and trying not to be disappointed. Jo:scared0:

Here's my situation. I'm already frustrated and getting disheartened. I was operated August 17. Post-op I lost give or take 20 lbs. To this date I've more than likely lost only about 5 lbs. My 3 week stall happened almost a month ago and I have yet to see the scale moving. This is beyond a stall. I'm beginning to think that I had this surgery just to lose 35 lbs. I keep reading online that most readers are keeping to a strict eating schedule of 30gr of carbs, 60+ Protein, and between 600-800 calories per day. Can anybody out there please help me by giving me a run down of what exactly you eat to maintain such a low carb diet. I've been keeping track of my calories on m…

Hey guys do the same rules of no eating and drinking together apply to sleevers? I notice that I am able to drink larger "sips" than my lab band or RNY counterparts....Sleevers liquids don't seem to pool in the stomach....but rather slide on through... Do you all eat or drink with 30 minute windows between the two? Thanks

The best part of my sleeve: Having no hunger. The worst part of my sleeve: Having no hunger. Don't get me wrong, I love that I don't really have cravings, that I don't feel ravenous when someone even mentions the word "pizza," or that I don't feel the need to wolf down double portions on a regular basis. I LOVE this...Monday through Friday. During the week, I have a routine, I eat at appropriate meal times, I have an afternoon snack, I get all of my Protein in without even thinking. On the weekend, I have no schedule. I stay up late, sleep late, spend the day running around with friends and family, and because I never feel hungry, there is no trigger for me to …

I've mentioned recently that I was in the market for a good high protein food/snack. I had "discovered" Planter's Flavor Grove roasted almonds and Blue Diamond roasted almonds. WELL - they arrived today and all I can say is, they are so delicious I am going to have to keep them at work. If I keep them in my room it will be too easy to just graze my way through an entire bag. I got a couple different flavors, my favorite from the Flavor Grove line is the cracked black pepper onion & garlic, and my favorite from the Blue Diamond is the butter toffee - tastes like something incredibly decadent and high fat but is quite reasonable at 5grams protein, 170 calories for a…

I keep hearing that sleevers shouldn't have caffeine. Why is that? Post surgery, I know I won't be able to drink a big cup of steaming fresh-brewed coffee, but why shouldn't I be able to have a bit of one? I'm a Northwest guy, and Starbucks is the LAW. :001_tt1: Dave

Yep, you read right. I wanted to pass on what's really helped me on my Pre-Op and will probably continue to help. My phone is able to scan calories/protien/fat in (via barcode on most items) and add to my Calorie Counter App or program - so I have a REALLY EASY food DIARY. Now there is a no brainer way of calculating your Calories, Protien, Carbs, Sugar, etc. You can also add your own food/drinks etc. It even worked to scan my Gummy Vites and Water! My regular cell phone died, so I took the opporunity to get one that runs Droid or Google based applications, but I am sure that it will work with Iphone/Ipods and there are plently of other good Calorie counting &a…

So my paperwork from my surgeon says that Splenda is okay, but stay away from Equal and Sweet & Low. Great. My question is what about Agave and Stevia? Has anyone heard good or bad about them? I like Stevia in my decaf coffee and a pinch of Agave syrup on my greek yogurt. I will ask my NUT next week, but wondered if anyone has had experience with anything other than Splenda. I haven't had surgery yet. Thanks!

I've been cleared today to move from liquids to pureed foods. Anyone have recommendations for good pureed foods. The idea of pureed meat is a little challenging for me. I need help.

The diet will progress over the first year. It usually starts with 2-4 weeks of liquid protein drinks and water. Patients gradually progress to thicker food items and by two months are able to eat seafood, eggs, cheese and other regular foods. The diet generally recommended is low calorie (500 per day), high protein (70gm per day), low fat (30 gm per day) and low carbohydrates (40 gm per day). The calorie intake increases over the first year and by 12 months many patients have achieved their goal weight and consume between 900 and 1500 calories per day. This final calorie intake depends on level of activity, age and gender(men can usually consume more calories a…

I'm thinking of buying some protein bars as I seem to get unpleasant sensations from my protein shake for some reason. I used to be obsessed with Zone bars, but I feel like they are not high enough in protein and a little too coarse in texture for me at this stage. Can someone recommend a softer high-protein bar? Doesn't have to be low-carb.

I went to Olive Garden with my honey today. I knew they had soups and thought to see if I could handled it. I explained to the waitress briefly that I had surgery and could only have soup with little to no chunks. (I'm 2 weeks out today!). She was a peach , strained my soup, and gave me more to-go bc I only had three bites. Can I say that those were the best three bites of my life after being on clears for the last 3 weeks! :thumbup: For a real treat, get you some of there yummy soup!

Sometimes food does what medicines cannot do. Some foods have enough content of aphrodisiac to boost the sexual desires. Let us look at these foods and see how they are effective by acting as libido enhancers. Celery You may not be thinking of celery in particular when you are about to have sex or have sex in mind but celery is a great source of sexual stimulation. It contains androsterone which is a hormone released in men?s sweat that arouses a woman. It is best to munch on celery and is eaten raw. Raw oysters This is a great aphrodisiac. Oysters are high on zinc that elevates the sperm and testosterone production. They also contain dopamine, hormone that increase…

I am craving a diet seria mist.. any hints on how to get over this. I know I am not suppose to have it because of the bubbles.. But I really hate water and crystal light and kool aid. right now nothing is tasting good to me.. going crazy...

So here's the deal... I finally went to myfitnesspal.com and registered myself. I entered all my food consumption for the day and apparently I'm barely managing to eat 700 calories a day. And all the other days are not much different from today (meal wise). Accordingly to their data, my body is like in some sort of starvation mode which is why I'm not losing the weight. My metabolism has slowed down which isn't helping me at all. My question to everyone out there is this: How can I possibly consume the suggested 1,200 calories a day when I stay feeling full? :laugh0: I can never fully finish my meals because they either don't sit well with me or because I instantl…

Hello, I have United Health Care and they require me to do a 6 month supervised diet for insurance approval. I have been seeing a nutritionist since early September and she has put me on the pre-op diet right away. My surgeon's office does not do a liquid only pre-op diet, but does a high Protein low carb pre-op diet. I will be doing this diet for the 6 months before surgery and have been having a real hard time. My first month check up with the nutritionist I GAINED 6.2 lbs. I was following the diet to the T! I have been excercising several times a week with a personal trainer and still have been gaining. My nutritionist told me some people on this diet do…

My nurse was suppose to send me my liquid diet directions that I am suppose to start in the a.m. She sent the wrong form and I can not get a hold of her. If someone has this, can they send me a list of things I can have on a full liquid pre-op diet? I'm sure most are the same. Thank you and btw my big day is October 8th!!!!

Hi all Just thought I would check in. About 2 weeks ago I decided the 800 cal 30 grams of carbs a day wasnt going to work for me. I felt like crap and couldent even get around the block walking or riding my bike without a rest. So, I switched over to Atkins. I am down approximately 10 lbs, feeling a lot better and have a lot more energy than before. The nice thing is that I can eat as much Protein as I want, as long as I watch my carbs. I am finding it works better for me. Besides its pretty much what a lot of the docs recommend. I get in veggies during the day, the doc cleared me for salads over a month ago, so I do salads with low carb veggies, which for me is…

A snack that is: 1)relatively high in Protein 2)relatively low in calorie and carbs 3)not beef Jerky or cheese and 4)can be ordered online. Ideas? Anybody? People have already given me SF hard candy ideas, and I'm going to look up almonds to see which package is best.

Hello All, So, last night, I went out to a great hotel for a special dinner. The chef made this wicked Soup, it was chicken Lemongrass. Man, it was like a party in my mouth.... The question: The soup had chunks of chicken (small), mushrooms, and a bunch of other "small" things in it. You still had the "chew" the chunks. So, if you're eating something like this, and you're not supposed to drink pre/post dinner, are you messing up your sleeve? Thoughts?:thumbup1:

At my pre-op yesterday, my surgeon told me that I would go home and be on pureed foods. Anyone have any ideas?

Is it possible to be successful post-op if you don't like to cook for yourself? I've seen tons of great recipes but I just really have an aversion to cooking for myself most of the time. However I know I can't depend on protein shakes either. Are there any options out there that will allow me to still make the sleeve work for me or is it just better to have more control over what you're eating?

I had my surgery on 7/12/10 and can eat mostly anything. My dietary instructions were to avoid salads & fresh veggies until about 6 months. I miss them but I really miss salads. I tried a leaf of lettuce serving as bread for my tuna salad and had no difficulty. Is there a physiological reason that I should wait for salad?

I am headed to NYC this week and I am looking for a couple Snacks I can take with me. I am going with my mom and sister and they will likely just eat two meals a day. I get full SO fast (at each setting) that I need to snack to get any real Protein in. So I am thinking of bringing string cheese, pistachios, almonds, beef jerky... Any other ideas? I am not concerned about fat or carbs. Thanks guys!!

My surgeon lists the following as what to eat: Yogurt with no fruit in it Tomato Soup Strained creamed soup (not sure how to strain or why) Milk pudding Protein shakes Is there anything that I can add to this list to make it more interesting? Remember, full liquid stage only, no puree yet.

okay.... I know nothin from nothin when it comes to cooking. :biggrin2: I bought this great organic mix at the farmers market. Its like a dried Soup mix or something. The guy said just stick it in the crockpot with some spices and enjoy a great source of organic plant Protein. Sounds great but what the heck kind of spices. :confused1: It contains: Barley wild rice oats lentils green peas yellow peas adzuke Beans mung beans anasazi beans Any ideas how to make this delicious? thanks stacey

So... I've been a vegetarian off an on throughout my life. I know this sounds kind of tree huggerish but I struggle with the concept of eating animals, always have. I'm not making any judgements... I know its perfectly natural... its just that something in my brain revolts against it. I've mostly eaten meat because its there... and well... lets face it... its good. Now I'm finding I hate it.... absolutly hate it. I find this to be a good thing... because if I don't eat meat then I can live and eat in a way that coincides with my ideals. I want to quit eating meat copletely but I'm nervous about it. I think the dense protein is a huge part of weight loss (I ha…

For me, it was lemonade. Prior to surgery, Lemonade was a drink that I would choose ONLY if there was no other non-carbonated option, and even then I could only *just* tolerate it. Post-op: I make crystal light lemonade EVERY SINGLE DAY! I toss in some slices of orange and omg so yum! I literally can't get enough. What foods/beverages did you love before surgery but after surgery, not so much? And vice versa?

All, I am about 4 weeks out, and have NEVER hit my calorie requirements. Basically, I am trying to work within these figures: 600-800 Calories 5-10g fat 20-30g carbs 80-90g protiens I'm consistantly hitting the fat (although usually under 5g) and hitting the mid range for carbs, or lower, and always getting my protiens. I understand that at this stage, I need to up my calories, right? I've slowed down on my weight loss, and am thinking that the low calories is the reason. I'm having a hard time finding foods that will keep me within my other guidelines, but up my calorie numbers. What are others eating at this stage? Should I perhaps be looking at inc…

Just watched that infomercial for the xpress ready set go cooker and checked reviews online. A lot of criticisms but it seems some problems can be overcome by using foil over the cheap Teflon and not trying to cook thick pieces of meat. I have a foreman grill so meat not a problem. The reason this is appealing to me despite negative reviews is that the smaller portions that some people complain about seem great for us sleevers who are single. Anyone have experience with this?

I got some Fage in the big tub, it's awsome! It collects Water where I have spooned out a portion, should I dump that out, or stir it back in? Thanks!

Ok, I'm over 10 months out and officially in the middle of the normal BMI range. I can eat almost anything, except, for some to me unknown reason, mushrooms. I love mushrooms, especially chanterelles, but now when I try to eat food containing them, I immediately get an unpleasant bubbling sensation in my stomach. I know this is a tiny thing, and I'm not complaining. Just interested in what would make mushrooms different? Some chemical reaction I haven't noticed before surgery, as my stomach was so much bigger?

I'm feeling the urge to nibble. I knit in the evenings to give my hands something to do but at work I don't want to get into any bad habits - snack foods are everywhere. Does anybody know of some good candies that sleevers can suck on without too much guilt? I'm assuming sugarless/sugar free and I figure if it is a hard candy then it will last longer in my mouth and give my tongue something to do. You might be thinking, gum! But gum is frowned upon in my workplace. A hard candy wouldn't be so obvious. So if anybody has any ideas on hard candies with negligible calories and no sugar, please let me know!