Food and Nutrition

I had Gastric Bypass (RNY) Surgery on 3/16/15 and I'm very worried about my eating problems. When I eat a gas pain starts and it's very painful until I finally burp it out with vomit of gastric liquids. 2 -4 times then finally pain goes away. Pretty much I can't eat anything. I'm on Protein crunch bars, and protein pudding. When I try food it's in very small portions, and distance bites between 3-5 min each small bite. I feel like I'm going crazy and very worried about my health. Doctor check for stricture and everything is fine. I take omeprazole and carafate twice a day. I'm regretting this surgery big time. This was a stupid idea. But there is not way out. I'm so mad a…

Does anyone forget to eat? I do. Before I had this surgery, I used to look at "skinny girls" like they had 3 heads when they would say they forgot to eat. I could NEVER forget to eat. Now, I get busy or distracted and forget. I have to remind myself to drink constantly and to get my Protein intake each day. Some days are easier than others. Such as today. I got up and had some Water. I took my Vitamin and Biotin and then I got distracted with cleaning and kids. I started shaking and that caught me by surprise, so I had to take a time out and have a banana with Peanut Butter. I'm good now, and I know I have to be careful (as I am only 3 months out). Just wondering if th…

Hi everyone. I'm 14 months post-op at goal and looking for ways to increase my Protein intake to increase my muscle weight as I exercise. I came across recommendations for GENEPRO on this website but the claims of one scoop having 30 grams of protein seemed too good to be true. After a bit of research on Amazon reviews and searching here it seems others have caught on too. It seems the label is possibly misleading and never states what a serving size is. one scoop may only have 15 grams of protein. I don't have the product so I'm hoping someone out in Bariatric land can confirm the facts and let me know! Can someone also tell me how many calories are in a scoop? http:/…

Thinking of buying a vegetable spiralizer wondering if anyone else has tried one and what they think

My surgery is in a few weeks so I've been trying a whole bunch of protein drinks. Today I tried the Cherry Nectar and it was HORRIBLE! I tried adding some Crystal Light Cherry Limeaid drops and it helped it slightly but I couldn't make it through a 16oz glass. Do they all taste bad? I'm trying specifically to find things for the clear liquids phase and I'm getting really nervous. I tried just pouring the powder in my water bottle but it was too clumpy so I put it all in my NutraBullet and then it was a huge frothy mess. After the froth died down I drank it (well about 3/4 of it) but the aftertaste and texture was bad. HELP? Please give this newbie some advice, other brand…

Here is an article from the Splendid Table with kitchen organization ideas that help with portion control and making healthier choices. http://www.splendidtable.org/story/5-things-you-can-do-at-home-to-avoid-overeating

I realized today, that being summer and being more active has presented quite a challenge leading to improper eating: the "grab and go" syndrome. So I decided instead of just grabbing something "forbidden" in my rush out the door, to make up several "Snack Bags" just for this purpose. I will keep one in the car, and several at the ready in the house. I'm figuring to put in small, divided containers of nuts, dried fruit, an empty space in which to put meat and cheese cubes. Pre-made shakes, Protein bars, and other "allowed" goodies will also go in. What would YOU guys put in? Please give us some ideas, to help relieve monotony and revive interest! Thanks!!!

Here is a good overview of why we may feel hungry, even when we aren't. Why you are constantly hungry http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/11/health/always-hungry/index.html

I was playing around with my NINJA blender the other day and discovered this fantastic recipe! 1/2 container Premiere Protein chocolate shake 1 SF Jello Dark Chocolate pudding Cup Handful of crushed ice (5-7 cubes) Blend until smooth! It tasted JUST like brownie batter and was a great post-workout drink that satisfied my craving for chocolate and sweets. I'm a bit obsessed now and just had to share! Only 140 calories and 17 grams of protein!

Does anyone have a Vitamix and is using it often post op. I am on the fence as it is a bit costly. Thanks

What it is: Doctor Kracker pumpkin Seed Cheddar Crispbreads. Serious awesomeness in a box! I just got these (off Amazon.com) today and am in love. I searched Protein crackers (I love crunch!), and these came up, among other varieties. It is a 7oz box (I got the set of 6 boxes), and has 8 servings per box. It is a large (3.5"x5") cracker, thick with pumpkin seeds and covered lightly with cheddar cheese. It is very crunchy, lightly seasoned, and I found them delicious. It is a very substantial portion, with 100 calories, 4.5g fat, 13g carbs (now subtract the 3g dietary Fiber for 10g carbs), and 4g of protein. I think it will go great with cheese, melted or not, hummus, dips…

My 2.5 month plateau has finally been broken! I was at my wits end. I tried everything. Thankfully this morning a 5 lb weight loss I'm 7.5 months post op One happy chica I didn't give up ! I guess that's what matters.

Has anyone tried carb cycling type diets after surgery? I am more than a year out, healthy, etc. Just curious if anyone has tried it and what your thoughts may be.

Whoever came up with these Greek Yogurt 100 Calorie containers is an outstanding person because this is the ONLY thing getting me through my pre-op diet. I can have one of these a day and it's becoming the highlight of my entire day. So thanks, Yoplait!

Yesterday at the store I noticed something I had not seen. A dairy product called filtered milk. The label says 50% more Protein and 30% more Calcium and 50% less sugar. An 8 oz serving has 13 g protein. The brand is fairlife. What do y'all know about filtered milk? Does anyone know how it's made? Does anyone use this kind of milk? Does it taste like regular milk? As a general rule the more processed a food is the less healthy it is, but the idea of milk with extra protein is appealing. I was just curious if anyone knows anything about this new product. I am going to ask around, do a little research and if I see it in the store next week I might buy some.

I hear a lot of comments about how after surgery folks have changed their relationship with food. I understand how the immediate weeks after surgery are different, but I'm wondering about long term. From the time your doctor gave you the go ahead to eat what you want? Some folks say that items they used to like they don't anymore. And other say that they don't think about food any more, while other say they still do. Have you taste buds changed or is it psychological along with the psychical changes.

What Vitamins and pills are all of you sleevers on as a result of the surgery? Trying to get a list going and do some research on everything thanks !! Ashley

I Received my penpal goodie box today & Sebrina really went above & beyond thank you so so much & Tasha this penpal thing you so nicely coordinate is awesome. Thank you also

How many carbs should you take in daily? In weight loss phase and then in maintenance phase. Thanks

Hello, I have been on a 3 month stall. I had the gastric sleeve late July. I was wondering if anyone used herbalife wls? I'm looking for jump starting my weight loss again. I still weigh 240 post surgery and am looking to loose at least another 80.

Many people blame rising obesity rates on the high costs of food and I have to (go figure!!) disagree. Is fast food really less expensive than "real" food? I know it's easier, but let's talk cost. Sure, I agree that buying a week's worth of food at one time feels like you are spending more overall, but broken down by meal, your savings can be pretty good especially if you shop store brands and watch for coupons and sales. Fresh eggs are inexpensive as is a loaf of whole grain bread, generic Cereal, quick cook oats, applesauce. Frozen concentrated OJ, apple juice or grape juice is cheap and I've always watered it down by half to lower the sugar per serving and my kid…

I know what you are thinking. Who would eat food from a dollar store? Can food that only cost $1 be good? The answer is yes! Not only is it good, but their is a good selection of high Protein food sources. I live in central Missouri and shopped at my local Dollar Tree store for some inexpensive food for my post of Bariatric Eating plan. Yes, the food brands are a little obscure and come in small packages, but I didn't notice any taste difference compared to a large grocery store. Some of the canned meat was average to below average. Below is a list of exceptional food (for only $1) that are also high in protein: 1. Frozen Salmon Fillets-4 oz., 21 grams protei…

I want to purchase a green superfood powder as a supplement and have narrowed my search to two choices: 1. Boku superfood 2. Amazing Grass Green Superfood Both appear to be outstanding products based upon the research I have done. Which would you buy and why? Do you have any other alternatives that are in the same class as these two that you would recommend? I am not really at a place in my life where I can go mix up my own version of superfood ( not enough time nor the desire) so will be purchasing one. I have used superfood powders in the past, but they were not good enough for me to continue on them. I do not otherwise eat very many veggies in my post op …

This is a great recipe that involves NO cooking and some pre-prepped help! PS If you want it hot rather than cold, it's easy to toss into a pan or a microwave

Ok, so my cholesterol was 201 just prior to my sleeve in June 2014, and as of yesterday it is now 231... I've lost weight, more active, is it my meat protein source? I'm thinking others have had the same issue, so what should we be eating? I dont eat eggs and not much cheese, but I do eat red meat pork, chicken fish and nuts.

Are almonds not ok? I'm a month post op with RNY. It's the only new thing I ate today and have terrible diarrhea

Since a lot of us on the east coast are getting snow I found this recipe for snow cream I hope you all enjoy

When I was a (fat) kid I used to take my mashed potatoes and kernel corn from my dinner plate and put them between a slice of white bread. Gross! What strange and super unhealthy concoction did you eat before weight loss?

An interesting observation... It was many years ago that I had bariatric surgery, and even more years since I've followed weight loss diets pre-operatively. I recall that whether it was that I was following a weight loss diet to try to defeat obesity, or after my surgery following the bariatric diet to achieve weight loss, that family often did not take my dietary needs into consideration. I'd come for dinner or an event and food was presented that I could not eat. However, once I developed celiac disease and lactose intolerance and thus have specific dietary needs (not unlike I had specific dietary needs as a bariatric patient) that those same family members take tho…

Here is a new article about a change in US nutrition guidelines related to cholesterol. It's pretty comprehensive and illustrates why nutrition guidelines evolve. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/02/10/feds-poised-to-withdraw-longstanding-warnings-about-dietary-cholesterol/

Same deal as with Quest, but this time you only get 1 bar or 1 Protein shake. The pictures show a choice of a chocolate Peanut Butter bar or the Premier Protein chocolate shake. The page really doesn't tell you the flavor you will actually get. I'm assuming you'll get the flavor in the picture. As usual, they need your email add. and an address to deliver your goodie. After I filled in the info and clicked on the picture of the bar, a red circle was in the background behind the picture of the Protein Bar. Then I clicked the "Next" button, but nothing happened. I guess I'll have to wait for the confirmation email to be sure my free bar is on the way. https://www.prem…

How have folks dealt with eating with family after surgery. Do you cook separate meals? Do you eat a separate times? Do you do your own grocery shopping for specific items? Its just me and my husband. While he is very supportive of my decision to move forward with surgery, I fear that our relationship after surgery surrounding food will be an issue for both of us. He loves, loves, loves to cook. He can spend an entire Sunday in the kitchen cooking. Over the years I've tried to curb his cooking, steering him to cook more healthy meals (and he has) and modifying recipes. He is pretty much on board with all of that, however I'm concerned that my new meal plans may be a hards…

I have heard several people mention that their band is tight in the morning and they are unable to get much of anything past their band until afternoon. I am experiencing this same thing, and at "certain times" of the month it is so tight that only yogurt type things will go past it. My problem is the yogurt is not filling satisfying me, unless I eat 2 or 3 of them, and I could do that- but don't wanna get burnt out on it at this point in the journey. Does anyone have any really good food choices that I'm not thinking of, that would pass by my band? I'm getting tired of yogurt and really tired of getting stuck Thanks everyone!

Can we talk Edamame? Steamed pods with sea salt, or even better, with lemon pepper. It's so easy to prepare and the nutritional stats are amazing. Some people prefer it out of the shell, but I find that I eat it more slowly when I have to do a little more work. If you've not tried it, you should. For me, this is a staple I often order at restaurants (thank GAWD it's trendy!!) as my meal. I can stretch out this app for the entire meal and still have leftovers and it's rarely more than $4. YUM. YUM. YUM. From WebMD: Here's what you'll find in a half-cup serving of shelled edamame (or 1 1/8 cup edamame in the pods): 120 calories 9 grams Fiber 2.5 grams fat 1.5 …

I posted like that cause i feel to go to eat this weekend before my surgery 10/9/12 to the any of those buffet in town and eat like a cow. That will be my last.that day i will put on the side the siping and chewing well cause i wont be able to eat like a cow never ever again.

This is the thread where you can post what you received from your pen pal. Remember, the most important thing is a quick thanks!! Make sure you thank them for what you received. This is a great chance to meet a new friend for life! Hope everyone has had fun and continues to have fun!

So I have been good with all my cravings. Practically none to really worry about...except my sweet tooth. Are there any VSG friendly desserts that I can buy in the store that doesn't taste like artificial garbage?

I needed more Protein and more liquid, so this product seems to satisfy both needs. Does it taste good? No, but it is tolerable and it does not leave an after taste. The website is www.DrinkProtein2o.com. 70 calories, 2 carbs, no sugar and 15g of protein.

This could be an awesome thread if everyone will help make it MAGICAL. I have been coming across lots of bariatric websites that have countless recipes, and I'm sure some of you have, too. I have even seen a bunch of free bariatric cookbooks! So, what if we all shared our links on one post and that way everyone would have access to all the recipes?! *EDIT* Thanks to @@Rovobay for suggesting that I update this original post by copying and pasting each response so you don't have to scroll through page after page. @@norcalkitty posted this free cookbook back in October and it is amazing: http://www.chicoweightloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BariatricCookbookJuly2014.pd…

I have been 1 year post op and it has been an incredible journey. But recently i went to go eat at a restaurant and once i got home i threw up and had diarrhea. This is the first time since the surgery. I have eaten at other restaurants before and this never happened. I dont know if something happened in my stomach or if i got food poisoning. Again why would this happen now? Plus i am super dizzy and took medicine but just threw that up too. Help!!!

Now that I'm trying to eat cleaner and preparing more of my own food I am experimenting with herbs and spices. How do you use herbs (fresh and dried) and spices? Do you have any favorite herb mixes? What are your staples and how have you used them in the various post-op phases?

I'm not sure if anyone is struggling with finding ways to moisten the food they eat but I found Barilla makes a light Alfredo Sauce and Bella Vita makes several flavored pasta sauces that are pretty good tasting. I obviously do not use them on pasta but chicken or deli turkey and vegetables. Whatever you can get creative with using it on. I Just thought I would share as these are better tasting than Walden farms in my opinion.

Hey all. I'm reaching out to all my sleeves for help! I sit at a desk all day and don't have easy access to a microwave. I'm looking for snacks that I can keep in a cooler at my desk. Right now I keep lunch meat, chicken salads etc and cheese. I'm getting very bored and if I don't eat every few hours I'm starving. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I need hep from u veterans

I just got an email from Nashua Nutrition and wanted to share! The are offering free shipping on orders of $49 or more when you enter the code HALLOWEEN at checkout. The offer ends. 11/2/14 at 11:59pm est. Happy shopping! They offer samples of almost every Protein shake they sell for $1.95 each. They will package an individual serving from manufacturers who don't offer a retail single serving. This is a great way to try many different manufacturers and flavors without the cost of a large container. Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

If you haven't had nature box omg it's so yummy and -Less than 200 calories per 30g serving -no hydrogenated oils -no artificial colors, sweeteners &flavors -no added sulfites -yes to high quality nutritious ingredients if you don't agree with it okay but here's a code and your first box is $10 off the price. Enjoy!! G322-8TL

Has anyone purchased or using the Hydracoach Intelligent Water Bottle. It has an alarm and timer on it to help remind you to drink your water and reach your daily liquid intake. I've read good and bad reviews.

Headed to Trader Joe's tomorrow and hoping you'll share with me what your favorite finds have been there. Thanks!

Yesterday I went to GNC because I'd heard a lot of people talk about how great the Quest bars are there. So I bought a few different ones and saw these Reese's Cup sort of things they make too so I bought a couple thinking they would be a nice healthy treat. OMG!!!!!! I had never had anything with Stevia in it before and even though I have never minded artificial sweeteners and have used just about every kind ever made, that stuff tasted like bug spray!! It took hours to get that horrid taste out of my mouth. I will definitely be reading labels a lot closer now and not buy anything that contains Stevia. So, I wondered if others here have the same aversion to it or if i…

Hi all, I'm celebrating my fourth fall since WLS surgery in May 2011. Here's my fav fall foods that keep me at goal: pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt: I mix one large Fage Yogurt from costco with 1/2 can pumpkin (not the pie filling), about 1 1/2 cups Splenda, 1 Tablespoon vanilla and a few shakes of cinnamon. I eat it in the morning for Breakfast. For a nightime snack, I crush one graham cracker sheet (just put it in a baggie and roll a can over it) and pour it over the top. Pumpkin Latte: I make a cup of decaf espresso or use a packet of Starbucks Via Instant Decaf French Roast, add a cup of soy milk and a big splash of Torani's sugar free Pumpkin Pie Syrup. Pumpkin C…

My Doctor told me that I have to do a pre op diet for 2 days before my surgery. Not bad except that it has to be Clear liquids, Jello, and no Protein. I really don't know how I am going to stick to just Water and broth. Surgery is in 8 days.