Food and Nutrition

Just wanted to share a great review on our line of BariatricPal Protein Soups available in the BariatricPal Store by our good friend The Bariatric Foodie.

Does anyone follow a ketogenic diet? Given our lower caloric goals, what do your macros look like?

Just wanted to share a turkey meatloaf recipe I made this evening. Meatloaf ingredients 1 pound lean ground turkey 1 can rotel(w/green chiles) drained 1 egg beaten 1/2 cup onion about 1/2 cup quick cooking oats Teaspoon of salt and pepper Topping for meatloaf: 1/3 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon mustard 2 tablespoons brown sugar Directions: Mix all ingredients for meatloaf and place in a loaf pan. Mix topping ingredients and spread over meatloaf. Bake at 375 degrees for an hour! This meatloaf is sooooo delicious and goes down so easily on my little pouch! I'll usually skip out on the ketchup topping. It tastes just as good without it!

There are a lot of foods you can’t eat after surgery. It could be that you’re intolerant to it, like some sleeve patients can’t tolerate meat for a while post-op. Or it could be that it makes you sick, like sweets and fried foods can give gastric bypass patients dumping syndrome. Or it could be something like popcorn, where the kernels can hurt band patients. Or, it could be anything that’s too high-calorie or unhealthy to fit into your post-op diet. Which foods do you miss the most from the old days, and how do you substitute for them? Do you have healthier recipes, like eggplant lasagna instead of regular? Do you have different foods to serve the same purpose, like mu…

Can anyone recommend any? If I'm going to consume cracker carbs, I would want them to be of a healthy variety. What are you guys using? Appreciate the feedback!!

What meat can you eat? I'm around 2 months out. I've been trying to introduce new foods. Beef and pork don't work for me still. I tried turkey sausage and chicken sausage too and both of those bothered me as well. What can you eat? What about from someone farther out than me? Do you eat beef, pork etc?

The Super Bowl is starting now…how are you celebrating? Are you one of the nearly 200 million people who tune in – whether it’s for the game, for the half-time show, or for the commercials? What kind of Super Bowl traditions do you have…or are you starting some new ones this year? And, what kind of food is at your party? Do you go to (or host) a party where have to face “the works” – chili, wings, pizza, brownies, Cookies, chips, dip…and everything else? And how are you planning to deal with it? Can you pass up the junk food? Of course, one of the best ways to avoid caving into the temptations and overeating junk food is to bring your own healthy foods. It could be …

Here is an interesting article about some research into obesity as it relates to poverty. I don't think the results are definitive, but definitely interesting. http://www.psmag.com/business-economics/how-inequality-creates-obesity

Here is a good blog post about Mindful Eating. Since starting to prepare for WLS and since surgery, I have tried to eat more mindfully and slowly. I have found that by slowing down, taking smaller bites, chewing thoroughly, and really paying attention to what I am eating, I can really savor and enjoy the food I am eating. I also find that I am satisfied with smaller amounts of quality, fresh, nutritious, and delicious foods when I am practicing eating mindfully. Do you practice mindful eating? How has your approach to eating changed since WLS? http://www.mindful.org/how-to-set-up-a-daily-mindful-eating-practice/

This article reads like an opinion piece but it has some good information related to the role of Water in good health and treating or preventing obesity. http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2016/01/17/is-lack-of-safe-drinking-water-linked-to-obesity/

I made it to phase 2, the final phase, of the Triathlete Fit contest. If I win I'll be on the cover of Triathlete magazine. To enter I shared my story about how WLS and exercising, specifically triathlons have made me more fit. Please vote. for me, Julie S. Below is the story I submitted. You can vote on all your devices, (desktops, iPads, and your cell phones). Contest ends on Monday February 8th. Thanks. http://triathlon.competitor.com/…/top-10-vote-triathlete-fi… In August 2011, I had weight-loss surgery. Like many, I had tried to lose weight on my own with diet and exercise, but I wasn’t successful. After the surgery, was it easy to lose weight? Yes. Was it e…

They listened and changed. I got free samples of the new formula and they taste like the old ones! They still have the corn Fiber but they claim they won't produce the side effects the first corn fiber formula did-- https://www.facebook.com/QuestNutrition/posts/1102553853117988:0

deally, you cook your own meals from scratch every night. You know what goes in them, how much you can have, and what the exact nutritional stats are. In reality? Not a chance! There has to be the occasional or even frequent day or evening when you eat out. It may be because you run out of time to cook at home, you have plans to go out with friends or family, or you have a work function. You can’t let these restaurant trips destroy your diet, so what do you do? Do you order from the menu and just eat the parts of the meal that are on your diet? Do you ask the server for a staple like chicken breast and a salad? Do you bring your own food? Do you just sip on ice Water …

Beef goes down hard for me. Two bites and there is a rock in my belly. And I'm only slightly happier with chicken and pork. Fish is good, especially undercooked salmon. Eggs are hating me. Tonight, at a fancy restaurant, there was a chicken liver appetizer. I thought, mmmmm, that's like mostly pre chewed food already! They were cooked perfectly, not overdone, and they went down easy. Stayed down. I chewed and swallowed 3 lovely, lightly fried chicken livers. I didn't even feel overfull! At 57 cal each - fried - and 7g protein each, worse choices have been made. Check it out! It was good. (8.5 weeks post op, me, and almost 30 pounds down, feeling really good.)

I got two of these toddler containers at CVS yesterday. They are the perfect size for nuts. I divided up a 4 oz bag of pistachios between the compartments and it worked out great.

Ingredients 1 cup raw organic sprouted almonds - soaked overnight (this step reduces the level of phytates- here is a good tutorial) 4 cups pure filtered Water vanilla bean (optional) dates, honey or stevia (optional) Instructions Soak almonds for at least 12 hours in pure water with ½ tsp sea salt. This is an important step as it breaks down the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors and cultures beneficial enzymes in the almonds. (side note: soaking nuts should be done before eating them as well. Soak nuts in salt water for 12 hours, rinse them, and dry in oven on lowest heat. See tutorial above.) Rinse almonds well. Mix almonds with pure water in blender or Vitamix. Ble…

Fortunately, most of us can take for granted access to clean, quality Water. We know that drinking at least 64 oz. of water is crucial for health and for weight loss. With the Flint water crisis making headlines, I thought that sharing this article was very timely. How to test for lead in your home water supply http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/health/lead-testing-home-drinking-water/index.html

May have been posted here in a thread before but just in case... After sleeving it is possible if one did not have lactose intolerance before, they will after. Resulting in very loose motions! One can buy lactose free milk usually @ very inflated prices OR buy a product called lacteese, lactase or similar from the pharmacy & fix their normal priced whole milk, to be close to lactose free. I use the liquid form [16 drops to 2 litres] & will go through that in 2 or 3 days as iced decaf coffee....good food, IMO.

Our diets change dramatically after weight loss surgery! For many of us, we turn to an entirely new way of eating. At the same time, we give up tons of old favorites, such as French fries, ice cream, pizza, nachos, chips, brownies…and so on. Most of the time, that’s okay. We feel good, and we’re satisfied eating the new healthy foods. But what happens when the old cravings strike? Or how can you keep some of the old favorites in your new rotation of healthy meals? Recipe swaps! You can healthify recipes by changing some ingredients, and I know there are tons of creative ways to do this. So, what are your favorite recipe (or food) swaps that let you eat something delic…

Protein has the reputation of being the most important nutrient and the one to focus on at each meal. People think of protein, and they think “good.” That’s especially true in the WLS community. Gastric sleeve and bypass patients in particular need to focus on protein to prevent malnutrition. Plus, protein helps you stay full and lowers blood sugar swings. But carbs? You hear all sorts of things about them…many of them pretty bad. However, there are all kinds of studies linking carbs to health benefits – as long as we’re talking “healthy,” high-fiber, less process carbs, and not refined starches and added sugars. Think oats, Beans, fruit, and vegetables – all linked to …

I was wondering when people who got the gastric sleeve done were able to eat certain foods. I have been craving a few things and I was wondering when I could have a taste of them. Namely potatoes, pizza, tortillas, and bread. Before anyone goes off and talks about how you're supposed to change your habits and all of that, I have. I've lost 177 pounds in 15 months, 117 of it before the surgery. My eating habits are great now. Every once in a while you just want a taste of something to satisfy a craving. I'm even open to alternatives to those foods if anyone has suggestions.

Okay, I know we’re not supposed to be on diets. It’s a lifestyle. But maybe, just maybe, a few little treats crept into your diet over the last few weeks with the holidays. So, here are my questions. First, how “bad” did the holidays get? Did you learn a few things about yourself, such as what was worth eating and what wasn’t? And did you come up with any strategies that worked for you to pass up some of the temptations? And now, what are you doing to get back on track? Are you eating special foods and/or cutting out certain foods? Are you going back to the basics of measuring and logging? Are you drinking tons of Water? What’s your advice for getting back on track?

Since having the sleeve, I eat at home and prepare my own food much more often, but I haven't completely given up going through drive-thrus. I do know that the stock at most fast food restaurants and the coca-cola company must have really taken a hit when I had surgery. I regularly go through our local Sonic and order a medium cup of ice after I have been swimming and take it home to put my Mio drops in. I know they are trained to upsell, but they seem so confused that that is all I want -- every time I go, which is almost daily. At Sonic, I have been known to just order the toppings from a New York Dog with cheese (grilled onions, sauerkraut, spicy mustard) and or b…

I had Gastric sleeve surgery August 5th and since then have lost 81 pounds. My problem is I'm having a difficult time trying to find what to eat. I was throwing up everything I ate and was malnutritioned. The doctor did an ex ray while I swallowed a pill just to see if there were any obstructions. There weren't but he said my stomach is smaller than usual and the food is getting stuck in the bend of my stomach. When the doctor showed me my stomach on the ex ray it looked like a vein it was so small. Now I'm having a difficult time trying to get 70 grams of protein a day when some days food will stay down with pain and some days I throw up everything all day even the prote…

For many of us, we have (or used to have, before surgery), trouble passing up food. If you’re a mindless muncher, you drift towards anything that’s lying around, whether or not you’re hungry. That’s definitely a habit that contributed to my weight gain! If you’re an emotional eater, you can dive for whatever looks good at the time you need comfort. Mindless muncher or emotional overeater, any junk food in the kitchen can call to you and throw a wrench in your healthy eating plans. The best strategy is to get rid of the junk food and only keep healthy, non-trigger foods around…but that’s not always possible if your family protests! It could be your kids wanting certain…

At 8 months post RNY I've realized I need to keep better track of my nutrients. I've written all of my food in a journal since surgery but haven't tracked nutrients for several months. Started tracking on My Fitness Pal and found I'm over....way over, where I should be. I've always struggled with making satisfying low calorie, low fat meals, apparently I still do. Now that I have quantity under better (not perfect) control my next hurdle is meal planning for optimum health. I'd love to see how others do it. It being eating 60-100 grams of Protein and 60-100 grams of carbs while staying satisfied and eating whole, less processed foods. If you do it dairy free even better..…

Why didn't I know about this sooner? I'm in heaven!!! 2 scoops has 20 grams of protein plus I mixed it with 1.5 cups calcium/protein fortified soy milk which brings the protein up to 29 grams of protein. I'm in heaven! Each serving has 2 espresso shots to boot. Perfect drink on the go with ice. I ordered mine on Amazon.

I was so cold last night that I wanted something hot to drink to warm me up. What is your favorite decaffeinated hot beverage? I haven't had caffeine yet even though I know we can. coffee, hot chocolate or tea suggestions?

So good! 2oz has 12g protein, 1g fat and 0 carbs. Just pork, water, salt and sodium phosphate. Kinda high in sodium for those of you watching that (240g) but it's one of my new favorites!

i used to drink kombucha pre op for probiotics not in a pill. i'm 5 months post sleeve today, and am eating a little fermented foods daily(sauerkraut, pickles). i am about to start making kefir. does anyone drink kombucha? it is VERY mildly alcoholic and effervescent. would that little bit of carbonation cause problems? i'm just trying to make some really smart/healthy choices.

I'll be starting purees soon. People talk about pureeing Hormel chili. Something like that, do you heat then purée? Or purée then heat?

Okay, we’re not supposed to go out much after weight loss surgery…but let’s be serious. Most of us do, either regularly or occasionally, and either by choice or because friends, family, or work demands it. So how do you get by? Please share your restaurant secret – either tell us which menu item you order at which restaurant, or give a general tip! Here’s my go-to trick. Don’t limit yourself to the menu! Most restaurants are happy to serve whatever you ask for, whether it’s a side of veggies instead of fries, or a bowl of cottage cheese that’s not listed in print on the menu. Whatever you want, there’s no harm in asking for it! What are your tricks and tips?

Is anyone using extracts instead of Torani to mix up their shakes? I'm wondering if a few drop of almond added to chocolate would be good. Or better yet, root beer extract added to vanilla with a little ice and whipped up in the blender.

Blog post today about my new routine! Going to earn this belly of mine. Post tummy tuck pics included. Www.phatchances.wordpress.com

Cyber Monday at The BariatricPal Store! It’s our biggest blow-out ever! We’re offering 25% off everything, plus free shipping! No minimum purchase required. And wait…there’s more! We’re giving you triple Rewards points! Use coupon code CM2015 upon checkout. Keep reading to find out about The BariatricPal Store’s biggest sale ever. It’s a great place to spend your Cyber Monday, because our products will help you get back on track after Thanksgiving weekend! The More You Buy, the More You Save! It’s so true. Hurry, though. These deals are for Cyber Monday only! Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Triple Rewards Points Today Only In addition to great discounts off y…

It’s time for a Thanksgiving Giveaway! We’ve been thinking about what we’re grateful for, and our members top the list. To thank you, we’re giving away four $50 gift cards to The BariatricPal Store! We’ll be holding a random drawing for the gift cards on Thanksgiving weekend, and we’ll notify you if you’re the winner by Sunday, November 29. That’s just in time for you to go shopping at The BariatricPal Store on Cyber Monday! What can you get at The BariatricPal Store? Bariatric Vitamins, Protein bars and shakes, Fiber supplements, hot and cold breakfasts, protein chips, Cookies, and other Snacks, instant low-carb meals…Stop by and browse! You can enter t…

Never hurts to ask

I will be on soft foods for Thanksgiving and do not want to even attempt traditional dessert. What is a "dessert" dish I could bring to eat?

I read a lot about the benefits of coconut oil both internally and externally. Just wondering if anyone uses it and how? Have you been able to notice a difference? Thanks!

There are a lot of foods you can’t have regularly after WLS, at least when you make them the traditional way. Think pizza, fried chicken, Pasta salad, brownies…the list goes on. Do you still crave those foods after weight loss surgery? Which foods are most tempting to you? If you still crave these junk foods, how do you satisfy your cravings? Do you completely avoid these foods because you know they’re trigger foods? Do you have a small bite and leave the rest alone? Do you have recipe swaps that make the foods healthier but still satisfying? One of my favorite recipe swaps is for lasagna. Now, I can make it with sliced zucchini or eggplant for the noodles, extra chun…

We all have foods that we love and just aren’t allowed to eat much of anymore. It could be that half a pizza, or a huge burrito, or a bag of chips, or a pan of brownies. How do you handle it when you’re faced with one of your old trigger foods, or you have a craving for it? Are you one of the people who can have just a bite and be satisfied? Or does “a bite” throw you off and turn into “a binge?” And, what are your tips for preventing binges due to cravings?

Hey there, So I am officially a week post op and I have noticed I am not drinking ANYWHERE near the amount of fluids I should be intaking. The first few days I was able to at least get down one Protein shake a day, maybe 16oz of Water and 4oz of Soup. As of the last 3 days I have barley gotten down 3 full water bottles in those days all together-maybe a few sips of Protein Drink and soup. All my Protein shakes that I liked at first I can't stand anymore--to sweet, so I am trying the flavorless but I still have to mix it with something. My real qualm is it still really hurts if I don't teeny tiny sip (Like not even enough to wet my mouth--then I am full for the next 4…

How far along were you when you first ate out at a restaurant? Where did you go and what did you order? I'm 3 weeks out (VSG) and cleared for pretty much everything in 4 weeks.

Some interesting information about eggs. http://www.almanac.com/content/useful-and-surprising-facts-about-eggs

I ordered several of the variety packs from the new BariatricPal Store. I didn't order any Protein shakes because I hate Protein Shakes. Soup Sampler: I haven't tried any yet but an excited for protein rich foods. Hot Chocolate: I did not receive the irish cream which I was looking forward to but did get a second of the regular flavor. Regular is certainly better than any Protein shake I've ever had. Cinnamon: probably going to be my favorite new protein treat! A note on Protein Bars. I'm not a fan to me they all taste like shitty fake candy bars. High Protein variety pack protein Bar: 12-15 g Protein/bar the small size makes it easier to ea…

This is an interesting little study. http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20151027/cutting-sugar-from-diet-boosts-kids-health-immediately-study?ecd=soc_fb_102815_news_kidssugardiet

Hey Everyone, I got weight loss surgery to try to get my life back. I knew the journey would be hard, but I was desperate. I had struggled with weight for years, and my high weight was 255 lbs. I just wanted to lose weight and get healthy. You Need Healthy food I learned that success on the weight loss surgery diet is all about having the right food. It needs to be high-Protein, low-calorie, and low-carb. It needs to be convenient, quick, and affordable. And it needs to be delicious! The BariatricPal Store Works for You I took what I learned from my own journey and created The BariatricPal Store. It’s your one-stop shop for your bariatric nee…

I've been on this site for about 5 months since having VSG in May 2015. I'm glad to say that I'm almost at goal but I have also been trying to make sure the food decisions I make are the most health conscious ones, trying to eliminate processed foods, GMOs, sugar and beginning to really notice a difference in the way I feel and think. Sometimes I seriously am concerned about the recommendations given by individual members which don't seem to have any consideration of the health factor, most are about the same type of approach that has failed in the past for many of us. One of the challenges of having this mindset is that some members on this site feels very " married" …

I am generally always prepared. However, yesterday I found myself leaving in a rush and unprepared for the busy day that was ahead. Usually if I have a hectic day, I pack a cooler with Water, Protein drink, and healthy Snacks. I had a crazy busy day at work and then my son had a football game that was 2 hours from home. We live in a very rural area and it is not unusual to have NO options late at night. This is my question. If you find yourself in a situation where there is nothing healthy to eat, is it better to do without completely or is it better to cave and eat unhealthy? I chose to do without and ended up with only 400 calories for the day and not enough …

I am just beginning this journey and I am curious to know what items to keep in my pantry and what to get rid of. I live alone, so I don't have to keep anything that I don't need to eat there. I'm also on disability so I can't afford to waste food I love spices and seasonings and I realize that I have to be careful with the seasonings. I figure the spices I have are good. I grow some herbs and dry them or freeze them in ice cubes. What about any condiments or dressings? I figure I'm getting everything out of the house now so I'm not tempted. My hubby (we're separated but still best friends) is going to get a nice package of food!