Food and Nutrition

Hello, I am officially onto solids and a full unrestricted diet. I've noticed over the last week that my fullness doesn't seem to be triggered by pain under my ribs any longer. Seems I am fully healed up now and I am able to consume a lot more, the fullness is now much less noticeable and I worry if I'm eating too much as so many seem to have such tiny capacities. I know the rule was to chew your food to a mushy consistency but I'm wondering if I should chew a bit less now to keep solids more solid and let my new stomach do what its supposed to do and break down food? What do you all think?

well today marks 2 weeks for me post op im down 17 lbs since dec 12 when i was sleeved but the difference in my clothes is unreal. over the holidays though i have had a taste of this and that and i have managed to eat ham and turkey just chewed it really reallly good till it was nothing. my stomach doesnt hurt or nothing so what do you guys think am i healing ok or am i pushing it. i can tolerate everything i eat a little and go do something then i would have a little more. im suppose to be on puree and mushies starting this week but i seem to be fine if i chew everything real well. and when i say well i mean to liquid which is hard for me because im a texture person an…

I ate a whole soft scrambled egg for lunch today...and it was sooo good. I was a little Leary but the liquid is just not keeping me satisfied and I have been feeling weak, needing protien. I am 12days out from surgery and doing great.

I'm sure I'm not the only sleever who's ever done this, but I'm going to come clean and fess up to what I did tonight.... So I had some chicken thighs in the refrigerator seasoned with rosemary, fresh minced garlic, onions, Badia complete seasoning, a dash of cayenne, a smidge of paprika, and a lil EVOO sittin in a ziploc bag since Monday night. I decided to bake it tonight with some biscuits and bacon wrapped asparagus for my family, while I would dine on some chicken broth made from one of the thighs. I ended up dropping some frozen okra in my broth to end it off and pureed it to enjoy for dinner. Delish! So I fed everyone, and then proceeded to the kitchen to t…

I would love any snacks ideas,I am 1 month post op and I need some ideas for healthy snacks,TIA

I'm 5 days post op and in the pureed food stage. I'd love to have a little mashed potatoes for christmas dinner - I'm thinking I'll make them a little watery with some chicken broth - has anyone else done this?

I am about a week out and on full liquids for another couple weeks. I am trying to drink my protien drinks and recently ordered some unflavored protein whey powder from GNC to start adding to my crystal lite but I know all you creative folks out there have some other ideas for full liquids! Also drinking broth and non-chunky soups. When can we make protein shakes with bananas and stuff or how about mixing decaf coffee in? Any help would be appreciated. Starting to feel more and more hungry (probably mental).

Been having dreams about my first meal without restrictions even though it is a ways away lol. What did you guys have and did it go ok?

I have been sleeved since May 2009 and frequently have pain when I eat (been this way since the surgery). I have had every imaginable test and nothing is wrong so I am wondering if there's something I'm eating that's causing the pain and I just haven't cracked the code yet. I DO know eeven a bite of soft bread causes me pain, but crackers do not. I can eat a nice size salad without any pain at all so its not an issue of eating too much oor not chewing well enough. But sometimes even when I don't eat bread I'll have pain that starts anywhere from during the meal to an hour afterward. Could some of you please give me some ideas of other things to consider about my d…

I had my first post op today. I am now on a FULL liquid diet! Could a few of you share with me what your typical daily diet is in this stage? THANKS! 20 lbs. down. YAY!!!!!!!!!'

Hello Guys Im a little under the weather and Im really craving some hot soup. im about a month and a half out and am very restrictive with carbs so all my go to comfort soups like chicken noodle are off limits. After the 4 weeks of liquids I kinda never wanna see broth again, so do you guys have any ideas for a high protein low carb comfort soup for a sick fella?

While I dont rely on them, i like to grab them in a pinch..however they all have either rice or pasta. I am not doing carb-free but just wondering if anyone has found good frozen meals that are not full of pasta and rice?

I just wanted to suggest to anyone havin problems with gettin their protein in or don't like protein powder like me . There is a product called ideal protein and they make soups and juices that are low low carb and In between 15 a 20 gm protein in one packet it was a diet I did a year and a half ago!

I can eat like 5 oz at a sitting, almost one week out of surgery,,, is that too much??? Thats the amount it takes for me to feel full... and it takes me a good 30-45 minutes to eat it though. how were you doing at this stage and how much were you able to take in.?

I have a question. I will be sleeved in January and my husband was sleeved last August. As with most husbands and wives I am the "watcher". He has done really well, has lost 77 pounds in four months. (They said it falls off of men) My question is, he gets his 80 gm of protein in a shake every morning. Then his diet consists of the following, cheese, wheat thins and sugar free popsicles and maybe some peanuts, maybe six. If I cook some chicken and a vegetable he will eat a small portion and forgo the wheat thins and cheese but is addicted to the popcicles. He has continued to lose doing this. I was just a little worried about getting what he needs. Hopefully I will not hav…

Just wonderning because I know that doctors have their different paths for their WLS patients.

I always figure I'm the last to discover new products or foods-but just in case I'm not I thought I would share two foods that (for me at least) are very WLS friendly. The first is PB2. This is Peanut Butter with the fat removed and it tastes like REAL/REGULAR peanut butter. Regular PNB has 190 Calories per 2 Tablespoons, 16 grams of fat and 8 grams of Protein PB2 has 45 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein for 2 Tlb. It comes powdered (you add Water to make pnb consistency). I put it dry into my Protein shakes to add flavor and protein. On their website www.bellplantation.com they give recipes. The first time I ordered it from Amazon although it was …

I am a lacto-vegan. I don't drink milk (almond or soy), only vegetable rennet cheese and soy yogurt, whey Protein I am tolerating but prefer soy. The success of our surgery is framed around protein, which is understandable. However, my wish is that the doctor's office would education themselves properly concerning our lifestyle. My question is suggestions on possible protein recommendations during the pre-op phase and post-op phase. Even a diet you follow would be helpful.

Hey Guys Is there a place on the board for selecting healthy, sleeve friendly meals when eating out at popular restaurants? If there isn't could anyone post up their experiences at places that are well known, what they ordered and how it worked with the sleeve? Places like Chili's, Friday's, Red Lobster, Subway, Panera, Au bon pan, you know the ones easily accesisble no matter where you live.

Today I poached my first egg and it turned out very well. My sleeve liked 3/4 of it. My Basset Hound enjoyed the rest. I used the first video (Traditional method). It was easy. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/how-to-poach-an-egg_n_1121836.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk2%7C116101

My doctor is one who is adamant about 3 meals a day with no Snacks in between-at all. I really haven't had any desire for snacks during the day. But I have my last meal about 6. I eat until I'm full-and that's all good. But sometimes before I go to bed (about 10 or 11) I just want a little something-sweet. Most likely just an old habit. So if you are someone who occasionally wants to have a cookie, or candy, or some nuts or whatever-When and how do you fit that in? I am still only eating about 4 oz at a meal so that doesn't leave me room for a treat with my dinner. And I was never one to have "dessert" right after a meal. I always waited a few hours. I don't wan…

Splurged a little today on some buffalo chicken wings at lunch. When I plugged them into my nutrition tracker, while I was thrilled by the Protein I almost fell out of my chair on the fat grams. That will be a very rare splurge for me! Of course, I got stuffed full on about 4-5 of them (with nothing else on the side) - now I think about how I used to be able to eat 10-12, along with fries or onion rings . . . . and a couple big beers. YIKES, I can't imagine the calorie & fat intake of THAT meal!!

As soon as I wake, I MUST have water- problem is, if I am going to have a "solid" Breakfast, I simply don't have the time to wait so I go for a Protein shake or Soup in the morning. I also find myself unable to resist coffee in the morning- my husband drinks it, and I love it (black, no cream or sugar). What is everyones take on substituting what should be a "solid" meal with something that is healthy but truthfully a liquid? I don't find myself uncontrollably hungry 2 hours later, but I've heard that allowing yourself to "fill up" on fluids it potentially going to stretch out the sleeve. I'd like to call BS on that one, but I don't know enough to say for sure. All …

I haven't been logging my meals the past few days, I keep saying that I'll do it at the end of the day and that just isn't working. I always have my phone with me, and life would be so much easier if I could at least jot it down somewhere in my phone. My girlfriend who is a calorie counter suggested that I snap a pic of what I'm eating with my phone so that if I don't log it right then and there, at least I still have a record of it for later. Thought that was a cute tip to share!

I know everybody's different AND I'm ONLY on my my 5th day post-op and yesterday it seems like nothing is satisfying me:( I had different flavor jellos but I'm just done with it, well at least not every meal.I also do all kinds of broth, pudding..no so crazy about it and an occasional apple sauce. My hubby extra pureed a mashed potato for me on thanksgiving and was really scared to have a little. I had couple baby spoonful of it and was really satisfied. @ of my girlfriends at work said that I shouldn't have no appetite whatsover, so now I am really scared WHY do I even feel hungry then? SO, what else CAN I have besides jello on my 5 day post-op? I have a wonderful hubby…

What does it mean when you guys say, "My new stomach likes this but hates that?" I mean besides the obvious. example: my sleeve loves steak but hates hamburger. How do you know? What symptoms do you get with it? Thanks, Vicki(Oma)

My surgery day was Monday Dec 5. I have been sipping on fluids all day, I've had a serving of jello, just had 1/4c of protein shake...can't tell if I'm full! I know I don't feel hungry, but I don't feel full. Is that normal? I don't want to over do it in my new little tummy, but I am concerned that maybe my new tummy is too big!

I am surprised that I do not see more posts about fish, though I am fairly new on this site. I absolutely love Salmon, does that agree with the sleeve. I know it is quite oily so I wonder?

I have been drinking coffee and other beverages with caffeine like a champ. i have been drinking alot of iced tea(no sugar) and a coffee a day (skinny cap nescafe)....now I'm watching youtube success videos and have come across a video from a doctor saying that caffeine will stretch the sleeve.....is this true? I'm four months out and am noticing ALOT of hunger and I can put it together with my consumption of coffee and iced tea.....I never never had issues with hunger until about a week ago when I began having a cup of coffee a day. Before when I drank coffee it would supress my appetite but now it seems to be waking it up. I'm not sure if this is because of the acid …

How about the veggie meat products are they something to consider id like to stay away from meat as a protein source. also what about hummus after surgury

I have bought several Protein bars and they all taste pretty bad.. Could some of you out there chime in on which are your favorite ones? Rhonda

I was wondering I am 17 days post op how long before your swelling went down!

http://www.howmuchprotein.com/foods/

I "go" maybe once a week- I've tried olive oil, hot Water, hot baths, saline laxatives...and things are still, well...stuck! I know my body is producing waste, I'm in a great deal of pain.. and without going in to detail, it's evident I need to go, but things aren't moving or soft enough to move along. This alarms me, as I am getting food (I'm 3 weeks out, consuming plenty of blended veggies and Protein shakes) and I know I really, really need to go. Has anyone come up with a solution to this that works? I can't be the only one whose experienced hardened stools during this phase! Yuck!

Hi Evenyone I am reposting this because I have been asked a lot about what I ate and what Protein drinks I like. I have been asked so many times on this board about what Protein Drinks are good and some sample meals that I used during the first month and things I did after the 1st month. These are very valid questions and I know when I first started out I had all the same questions. Again this is long so please print this out if you would like. Protein Drinks. My all-time favorite is: Premier Protein Drink. It comes in 11 oz. drink boxes already mixed. There are 30 grams of protein in each box, 160 calories per box, 1 gram of sugar and 5 grams of carbs. The f…

Hi All, This is my first time posting. I was sleeved about a week and a half ago. I am fairly happy so far with the results, but still having severe nausea and often vomiting (more like the slimes - not full on vomting)....after about half of the meals that I eat. I am on a soft food diet. Mostly a bit of refried Beans, egg salad, yogurt, a bit of custard, Soups, etc. Pretty simple and soft, no lumps, type of food. I have been eating tiny amounts, but occasionally have pain and vomiting. Is this normal? I have had almost no care from my doctor regarding what to eat and how much to eat (just a handout that he gives to all patients- this is very common in Australia, unfo…

I need to lower my cholesterol (even after losing this much weight, it is still over the 200 mark) so I wanted to added oatmeal into my diet for the next three months, to see if that helps. I had Quaker instant packages in maple and brown sugar (my pre-sleeve favorite) Its nutrition is: 160 calories 2 g fat 33 g carbohydrate 4 grams of Protein. I also ordered som Maple and Brown Surgar oatmeal packets from Bariatric Advantage website. Its nutrition is: 100 calories 1 g Fat 8 g carbohydrate 14 grams of protein. I ate the Quaker on Saturday and the Bariatric Advantage this morning to compare. I probably preferred the Quaker's taste (I would rate it a 9 on …

Hi everyone. I thought I posted this before but I can't find it and got no responses so maybe I forgot to hit post. I think I left some brain cells on the OR table LOL! Anyway, my doctor said becaus of my age(68) he used a 36 bougie instead of 32. Something about the esophagus as one gets older doesn't stretch as much. So I am wondering if I have enough restriction. I can eat a whole large orange with no trouble! Is anyone else able to do this or is this a sign of not enough restriction. I hate to ask the dr. As he might think I am questioning his expertise. Would, as always, appreciate your feedback!

Ok so I made my first order today at Bariatric Choice and I ordered the Bariatric Fusion chewable in strawberry flavor and the Calcium chewable Bariatric Advantage in Caramel flavor along with Bariwise fruit drinks and Wonderslim smoothies . I wan to know how many of you have tried these and what are your opinions after trying them or which products do you recommend form them TIA

OMG!! I went to Wendy's to get chili.... I left with chili and a Jr. Bacon Cheese Burger!!!! OMG I only ate half of it. But it was so good and it stayed down. I can't eat Applesauce, Cottage Cheese, or Eggs.... But a Cheese Burger I can eat. WOW

Hi everyone. Hope you are enjoying the post Holiday weekend. I am confused about liquid/foods and am asking for your help. My doctor has said do not "drink" 60min. before or after you eat. Ok, seems simple enough. However, lets say you have finished "eating" soup. Liquid or food? Could you then have an entree? Or if you consider the soup, food how about following it with a popsicle? (food or liquid?). I know these aren't big questions but I don't want to "wash" my food out. I know if the soup is so thick you could eat the ingredients with a fork it would be a food, but what about thinner soups? Wondered what your thoughts are. Thanks!

I am 7 weeks out and have intense ice cravings. I read some place that this can be a sign of anemia. I am curious if this has happened to anyone else. I read that seasoning food helps with taste and also wonder if it is due to those spices-nothing real hot-salt, pepper, chopped garlic, onions etc. As always any feedback is greatly appreciated.

What is a typical menu in a day for a sleeved person?

I have been thinking about my family's Thanksgiving meal all day. I can't decide what I am going to do, a bite of several things, or 3 oz of my favorite thing. I am leaning towards just eating 3 oz of my fave - Aunt Bonnie's macaroni n cheese casserole. It has a lot of Protein - along with many calories n carbs but what the heck, it's still only like 400 calories- instead of the 5000 I would usually eat this day!!! Maybe I will even have room for one or two bites of pecan pie later in the day. What are you going to eat? Are you going to stick to your protein 1st rule? Are you going to splurge? I will probably do the chew n spit trick in order to get to savor the t…

Hello! Unfortunately, I am one of those people that just despises cooking! I live on my own, so never saw the need of going through the process of cooking a meal. I know that should change (and hopefully it will), but after 4 years of going to school full time as well as working full time, I am just not in the habit. The microwave is a good friend of mine. In the mean time, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for quick, protein heavy, healthy meals? I thought lean cuisines might be a good idea, any others? I have not yet had surgery (only 24 days away!) so am just trying to think ahead. Thanks!!

Besides meat I was wondering what foods really fill people up quickly. I would like to lose a little bit quicker while my sleeve(aka my portion control pouch) is relatively new. I am just over two months out and lose about a pound or so a week. While I am perfectly fine with this, I wondered if people could share the types of foods, besides meat that really give you that full feeling. Maybe that will help me to lose a little bit more during the honeymoon phase. Thanks

Curious!!

2 months out and nervous/anxious about Thanksgiving...all the food etc...any survival tips from the veterans out there?

Many of us are admitted emotional eaters, myself included; but what happens to us when we lose that outlet. What do we do now? All of us eat for different reasons; for some it is happiness, others depression, still others boredom. I find myself eating to try to calm myself down when I am upset. It can be mad upset or anxious upset; they both effect me similarly. I did it today. The Civitans were selling their annual fruit cakes and I bought one. I ate a big hunk of it (eww) and was not even hungry. I was just upset and wanting to cry because the insurance company is jerking me around, so I stuffed in some food to try to soak up my tears,. So, to you fellow emotional eater…

Hey everyone! I was just approved today for my VSG. I am self-paying to TJ and couldn't be more excited! Last year, in my grand tradition of trying every fad diet out there, I bought some Visalus Shake mix from a co-worker. I really never used it (who knew not eating solids wouldn't work in the long term?!). What I am wondering now, is if its an adequate mix to use during my beginning phase? Or should it just be one on the side, rather than a main mix?