Post-op Diets and Questions

Hi guys, I'm just curious as to how many people here are the primary cooks in their family. It's just me and my husband, but I do all the shopping and 95% of the cooking. He can make eggs, grill (which we only do in the summer) and easy stuff like a frozen pre-made skillet dinner. Handling meat is very scary for him (LOL). I'm not bitter, I enjoy cooking and it's been a hobby of mine for a number if years. My favorite is making big Sunday dinners for us and maybe a few friends. So that being said, I know a lot is going to change once I have VSG (scheduled for 11/11). For a while my husband and I will probably be eating different things, but after some time, I'm cur…

I'm seven weeks post op, doing VERY well with my Protein phase, although so boring. Met with my NUT today and she cleared me for vegetables. Nothing starchy and to start with cooked (soft). Of course I got the lecture protein first and maybe save two bites for vegetables. So what goes down easy. I hated wasting the time cooked and trying to eat protein that just didn't sit well and went straight into the trash. Does cauliflower go down easy if mashed? I don't care what, I'm going to put some chopped onions in my tuna and egg salad. lol I can't imagine lettuce would be good and you can't really chew that to liquid consistency. Any advice? I'm so ex…

After weight loss surgery, you are best off if you drink, and drink, and drink. Getting enough Fluid can help you recover faster from surgery. After surgery and as you get further out, drinking enough Water can help you feel fuller and lose more weight. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get in your 64 or more ounces every day. The rule to separate liquids from meal times, and the fact that you can feel overly full especially right after surgery, can make it hard to get enough to drink. It is also common that your tastes change. You may not like the taste of plain water, or you may find flavored water too sweet. With all these challenges, how do you make sure to …

Caffeine is a hot topic for weight loss surgery patients! It can delay healing of your wounds from surgery, and it is a trigger for heartburn. It can also interfere with nutrient absorption at a time when your body is already struggling to stay nourished. Still, as many as 96% of Americans use caffeine, and 85% use it daily. The average daily intake for Americans is 165 mg – about the amount in 1 to 2 cups of coffee or 3 to 4 cans of a caffeinated soft drink (such as Coke, Pepsi, or Mountain Dew). If you’re among the majority who depend on caffeine to wake up and stay sharp, weight loss surgery can put a damper on your style. Some surgeons suggest staying away from ca…

Are there any out there that are safe for bariatric patients?

Idk what's going on some days I eat super small portions other days I can eat the house I had surgery feb 1,2016 and I have lost 190 pounds but I feel like I will fail could I just be paranoid Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well you all know it.. the struggle of getting in enough oz of liquid during the liquid post opp phase.. I've finally made it there and I'm living on tangerine and strawberry flavored Outshine no sugar added popsicles. I LOVE them.. the problem is.. I can't figure out how many ounces of Fluid they are.. i'm eating the ones that are single bars (as opposed to a double bar with two popsicle sticks) can anyone help? What ounces did you count these as... ?

Protein, protein, protein. And Fluid. Those are the most common nutritional focuses after weight loss surgery, and for good reason. They help fill you up and keep you energized. Post-op, your food choices and the space in your stomach are limited, and you might have your hands full trying to get in your protein and Water. After a time, though, things change. You are able to eat a greater volume of food, and you can tolerate more food choices. Weight loss and maintenance may still be your highest priority, but you may also start to be thinking more about your long-term health and a sustainable diet. That is where fruits and vegetables may come in. Eating more fruits an…

Please post your staple foods, shakes, recipes for the full liquid phase. Remember that all surgeons are different and don't get distracted someone else had different guidelines from you. This thread is part of a series: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292196-staple-foods-for-pre-op/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292197-staple-foods-for-the-liquid-phase-phase-1/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292198-staple-foods-for-puree-phase-2/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292199-staple-foods-for-the-soft-food-stage-phase-3/

I am loving deviled eggs lately. Lately, I've been experimenting with fillings, with a goal of being healthful and yummy. Tonight, I filled some egg whites with jalapeño lime hummus (yum!). I also made a filling with the yolks, light mayo, and horseradish (also yum!). I've tried swapping out mayo for Greek yogurt, but didn't care for that. Anyone else doing interesting things with deviled eggs? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm a month out. I was cleared for soft and mushie foods from day 12. I'm not fond of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. I guess I'm picky. I'm not cleared for vegetables or fruit yet. I can't wait so I can make the foods a little more tasty. I've been okay with eggs, cheese, tuna, chicken/turkey. This week I tried shrimp and deli roast beef. Neither worked for me. I just couldn't chew enough to get it liquid enough, nor did I enjoy the task - so quickly gave it to my dog (who I think is gaining weight). I had some liverwurst, which was easy to eat and delicious. Although my NUT said Okay, just not to eat too much because of the high fat. I'm not a big f…

Please post with your go-to foods or recipes for the soft food stage, when foods need to be easy to chew to a similar consistency as purée, and should not be too stringy, chewy, or fibrous. Remember you can have foods from the purée or liquid phases while you are on the soft phase. This thread is part of a series: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292196-staple-foods-for-pre-op/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292197-staple-foods-for-the-liquid-phase-phase-1/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292198-staple-foods-for-puree-phase-2/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292199-staple-foods-for-the-soft-food-stage-phase-3/

I'm in the process of deciding whether or not to get the gastric sleeve surgery. A couple of years ago, I went on a camping trip in northern Minnesota in the dead of winter. We were on the trail for 4 days, the highs were in single digits and the lows dipped to -20 F. The guides had us eating a lot of rich food to keep our internal furnaces stoked. Will it be possible to do the trip again post-surgery and be able to eat enough to keep warm? Thanks. Bob

Hi guys , for those of you who can only have Water based Protein while on your post op liquid phase I found this at my local shoprite. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

I'm kind of new to this group. I was sleeved on 7/7 so I'm about 8 weeks out. I'm having a lot of trouble eating/drinking enough. I ate 1/2 ounce of fish & was so full I couldn't eat or drink for hours. I can't get in Protein drinks either. I drank maybe 4 oz over an hour & now I'm too full to take my Vitamins. I've had an endoscopy that only showed mild swelling so I don't know what else to do. I'm pretty sure I need more than 120 calories/day. Any ideas? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just thought I'd share this- At my last NUT appointment, I mentioned to her that I had occasionally been eating the Quest chips. I know there are other brands out there as well (whisps). Her reply? "That's fine, but I DO NOT count those towards your daily Protein goal" Why? They have been processed in a way that prevent your body from using it like meat, dairy or shakes. Ok then. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So on monday evening I can start with my surgeon's version of mushy foods. He said it was pretty much anything that does not have to be chewed. He suggested tuna salad, egg salad, ham salad, etc, but he said they must be like mushed to a puree stage. So I am thinking it has to look like baby food. Please help me come up with some ideas!! I am on this for two weeks! I really can't stand tuna, and the idea of pureed tuna is just revolting. Egg salad I will definitely try since it is one of my favorites and I will try the ham salad (any recipes out there?) for sure. But, two weeks. What else can I do? Thanks!

Hello everyone. I am 10 days post gastric sleeve. I am looking for post op food suggestions. Next week I get to start eating things like tuna, chicken or egg salad. Steamed veggies and soft fruits. Does anyone have any recommendations? Also, I have been hearing alot about Wendys chili, does anyone else recommend it? Have you tried Wendys chili? Also, tomorrow I am supposed to start on some oatmeal, what was your experience with Quaker minute oatmeal? How about watermelon? I was suppose to start on a moist food diet Tuesday but, was to much of a chicken and today at the doctor they told me I really need to try it. Thank you all.

I don't know if I'm overly cautious about eating. I've been on mushie/soft 11 days now. I have never thrown up. I may get mild hiccups or burp a little. But when it comes to denser food, I just feel the need to not put that next bit of food in my mouth, or else. Is that the signal? its not a feeling of fullness, as much as it is in my chest/throat. I feel I'm not getting in the Protein from "food." Yes, I'm making it up in shakes/ protein powder; but it seems others and easily eating 3 and 4 ounces each meal, which is my goal; but no way. Should I push myself even if my mind is telling me to stop? What is the signal for you?

So, as I sit here 5 months out, complication-free, and so happy I had this surgery, I have been thinking about meat. I love meat- any and all kinds. My pouch, not so much. Tried them over and over in all different manners and they just don't agree. chicken is about all it will tolerate. Any beef is absolutely out of the question and while I'm sad about not enjoying it any longer, especially a good rare juicy steak, oh well. I have my life back! That far outweighs any issues of sadness over it. The thing is- I would be completely fine not having meat again. I'm not talking becoming a vegetarian/vegan or anything like that. I still love meat-based broths and Soups, start…

So I started on "soft/mushie" last Sunday. After botching a couple of meals in my magic bullet, I'm finding it much easier to just cut up (if needbe) what Protein I'm going to eat. I just cut it teeny tiny and puree it in my mouth, chewing until its watery. I don't sit there and count, but I know when I've chewed enough. Anyone else not really use their food processor? And things like eggs, yogurt, refried Beans, hummus - there is nothing to puree. Again, just make it mushy in my mouth. I'm really surprised how easily I am eating and drinking. I have wasted a lot of money of useless items.

Hi, I can't have soy or dairy - what options (that hopefully don't taste terrible!) are there for Protein shakes?

I dreamed of this day for the past month. Finally. I've read every post, every failure, every success. I decided I'd try and egg and most said they could tolerate a poached egg. What? Hmmmm, I've ordered enough eggs benedicts from restaurants and such, but me, make one. Okay, I pulled up youtube, got it down pat. Had a fresh dozen free range XL chicken eggs. I know how to crack and egg, but for some reason the yolk broke into my little saucer. WTF. Okay, back up plan, I added a very small capful of skim milk, scrambled it up and cooked it very slowly over a med heat, it came out perfect and moist. Although I sat down to watch the morning news, I …

The few weeks after surgery are tough for many of us. You’re getting used to your new way of life, and you may be in pain. Also, you’re on a pretty restricted diet. Your first post-op stages are the liquid diet and the pureed foods (“mushies”) diet, and they’re not always fun. liquids can be tough to get down even though you know you need the Protein and fluids. Pureed foods can be boring or there may be a lot that you can’t tolerate. These diets can also get awfully boring. So, what are your tips for the liquid diet and mushies diet? How did you get through (or how are you getting through) these stages if you’re post-op? If you’re pre-op, what are you doing to prepa…

Has anyone tried them ? I saw they have a fat free and low fat smoothie and I'll be out that way today and was wondering are they ok to drink ? Or worth getting? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Such a naive question even though I am 2 years out. Are olives OK to eat for RNY people? What are they considered? Veggie? fruit? Carb? I have discovered jalapeno stuffed olives and I have been eating them but then wasn't sure if it was ok. Thoughts? TIA

Amazon prime day had a big discount so I took the plunge. I haven't been in a cooking mood so haven't even taken it out of the box, but want to experiment. For those of you that have one - any advice on where to find good recipes etc? Any favorites?

I have three medications I take regularly, 1 of which I have stopped since my surgery for the time being since it isn't really important, but the other two I need to be taking. As far as I know there are no alternative forms of these (levothyroxine and topiramate) so I am forced to take the crushed pills twice daily. The topiramate is AWFUL. Today I tried mixing it with chocolate pudding and I had to keep adding more pudding until I had added almost 1 1/2 cps just to make it bearable. Obviously that is not a reasonable amount to eat just post op RnY. It takes about a cup of cottage cheese for the same effect. So I'm wondering if anyone has a better suggestion. Toni…

From August 4th to August 28th Costco is running their 5.00 off per case. Time to stock up if you use this!

This stuff is really good, 21g of Protein for 170 calories? That is tough to beat. http://powerful.yt/ I found it by accident at the Walmart grocery. Who knew?

I'm not seeing how this math adds up. My food intake pre-op usually takes place between 8 am and 7 pm (11 hours). Or am in interpreting this wrong? Post op instructions from CCF. Phase I – Day 2 home from hospital (2 to 3 days) (CLEAR LIQUIDS) NO Protein shakes YET Drink 1 – 3 ounces Clear Liquids every hour (up to 64 ounces per day) Phase II – FOR 2 WEEKS - sugar free Liquids - HIGH Protein Shakes. NO SOLID FOODS YET Drink 60 grams of protein per day in the form of liquid, high Protein shake Drink 4 -8 ounces (1/2 to 1 cup) protein shake 3 times per day. Do not skip meals (set alarm) Stop drinking when you feel full Drink SF clear liquids in betwe…

I would like to use my Magic Bullet (the smaller one) to make my pureed foods. Will that work? I've never pureed foods, I don't have a clue. I have a nice blender that I use for Margaritas oh wait, yeah, no more margaritas. I like my magic bullet size. Also I travel a lot and will still have some traveling a month out when I'm still eating soft pureed and mushy foods. I prefer to travel only with carry on. Has anyone had experience going through TSA with their Magic Bullet or similar blender. After googling, I've seen people say they got thru while others said no, they had to check. Anyone do this lately and get thru with no problems? Also …

In preparation, I'm working on my "out of milk" app and want to see what everyone is buying at costco. I have a membership but never go myself, my husband uses it occasionally. I'd like to add, that lots of articles say our taste bud changes after surgery. I'm really hopeful because I'm Irish, grew up on meat and potatoes (and ice cream). I can eat light yogurt, but always hated the taste of Greek yogurt. I can eat shell fish, but never cared much for any other fish and salmon, only if its covered in a french sauce. So I'm hoping my taste buds change and I welcome Greek yogurt and fish. Thanks

I have recently been suffering from constant constipation and painful bowel movements. I know its from the high Protein diet (in the past 2 weeks I've been pure protein) and I'm slacking on Water intake. Im refocusing this week and aiming to go back to 2L per day. I want to also add some veggies that have high fibre. I want to reserve taking supplements and/or medication as a last resort. Any recommendations for quick fix veggies with high fibre. Do Beans have fibre and protein? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How soon post op did you try eating lettuce? And how did that go for you? I'm 2.5 months post op and have been all food for a while now. Thanks.

As of 7/18 I am 6 months out from surgery and down a total of 110lbs (80 since surgery). I have hit my first real stall and I'm not sure how many calories and carbs I should actually be eating at this point. I work 12 hour shifts 3x a week (on my feet for most of it) and work out with a personal trainer 2x a week for an hour (mostly lifting/weight training). I'm working on adding in cardio/more exercise in general.

I'm in the process of getting everything ready for insurance submission while I also am trying to change some of my habits so the transition will be a little easier. My question is about protein. I've really never been big on protein - like chicken, for example, is usually so bland and dry. I love red meat and seafood so that's one area I'll focus on to increase protein but I was hoping to get some ideas from all of you in terms of how you increase your protein intake. I know I will need to supplement with protein shakes but I'd love to have a solid list of ideas of proteins (and ways to eat them) going into surgery. I don't dislike chicken, I just find it bland. I'm open…

I think I may have a problem, I eat Sriracha sauce on everything now!

I am aware this is a hot topic.. My surgeon discourages drinking diet pop but I personally enjoy diet pop.. I've never found it a "slider" food for me on any previous diets. And I know several surgeons DO say it's okay.. I've heard that surgeons say drinking diet pop will stretch your sleeve. I have a feeling this is a scare tactic either because a lot of docs just don't support diet pop and the artificial sweeteners that are in them or are worried about them being "slider foods" so they just say "Oh it'll stretch your sleeve" If it would really stretch your sleeve wouldn't all surgeons be united in agreeing that diet pop is bad? I'm basically wanting to hear fro…

Hi, I'm a newbie, 12 weeks out on Tuesday. Sleeved 4/19. 33 year old female 5'0" HW: 240 lbs SW: 190 lbs CW: 163 lbs GW: 110 lbs I'm currently on Phase 3 Soft / Semi-Solid. 600-800 calories, 80 grams Protein. I work out 1 hour 5-7 days per week - weights and track in my wheelchair. Currently averaging 2 lbs loss per week. I'm a paraplegic with Spina Bifida fighting a pressure wound on my foot. I'm desperate to get all 80 grams of protein without going over my calorie limit. I try Protein shakes but they take 1 1/2 hours to drink. Solid protein only takes about 20-30 minutes to eat but I can only get down about 2 oz at a time. With both I'm full for hours aft…

I am currently on a 9 week cut. I'm down about 7 lbs with 3-5 more to go. I have been cutting on a lower carb diet with total carbs around 50-60 grams. My cut ends at the end of July at which time I want to have a planned refeed day and then slowly start reversing out for 8 weeks. Has anyone done a refeed? What did you do? Can anyone give advice on the best way to reverse? How much do I increase carbs and lower fats and at what rate? My hope is to begin a lean bulk after reversing out of the cut.

Yes.. I know you're not supposed to drink while you're eating. Yesterday I had a bit of a schedule mismatch because I got so busy that until 6:30 pm I drank a lot but forgot to eat anything but 4 oz of cottage cheese all day. Yes. I am aware this isn't good for my body.. it was an accident. I'm only 4 weeks out so I'm still getting used to "scheduling" meals (especially when I'm busy) because my body doesn't tell me to eat anymore and I'm sooo not used to that - before my stomach would never let me skip a meal.. So I don't have it down to a perfect science yet. So basically let me prefix this with.. I don't need scolding or warning that that wasn't wise.. It was a m…

Hi all. I was sleeved on 6/1. I should be starting puréed food at this point but what I have read for suggestions turns my stomach so I'm still on Protein shakes only. The idea of baby food makes me nauseous. I love cottage cheese but if I'm reading correctly, I need to purée it with a liquid? I feel stupid for asking but I'm starting to get sick of the shakes. Help??? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 8 months out. The first 5 to 6 months I did great but then some bad stuff crept in. Been an emotional time. Working on getting back on track. I am making a big pot of turkey chili. It's something I came up with after surgery that really hit the spot. I can eat this stuff almost daily and not tire of it so I decided to make it again. Since I make a large batch I never calculated the calories, Protein, carbs etc in it. I just added up everything (math is hard!) and divided by 10. I am certain I will get way more servings than that once I portion it out when it's ready but wanted to get a rough estimate. Your thoughts on these numbers are appreciated! 90% of th…

Does anyone have issues with severe stalls then gains? I was sleeved in December of last year quickly lost 78 then haven't lost basically a pound in 3 months and then now I actually gained 8 pounds. I strictly monitor my intake and am wondering if I am one of the sleeve failures now.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anyone use and can give reccomdations for an app that can help pre-plan weekly meals and nutrition info?

So this has been hashed through before- but with newer members, or as time has progressed for older ones, let's see what's new. Convenience eating is usually loaded with calories and stuff we need to avoid post op. What are some good finds for eating out on the go? My latest comes from of all places Dunkin Donuts!!! It's the wake up wrap- egg, a piece of cheese and a smallish slice of thin ham on a steamed flour tortilla that is about 4 or 5 inches round, folded like a taco. Total of 149 calories and one fills me up completely. Who's next?

Does anybody know the french for Cottage cheese? I was told fromage blanc BUT after having bought it i see that is definitely not the word.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

so after surgery, I know all aout Vitamins nd Protein - but how many calories does your personal plan have you intake poxt pop?

Has anyone tried this diet post surgery? I've begun doing some reading and bypass is a contraindication for the diet. Anyone know why? I was 432 at the time of surgery, and reached a low of 298, but have been residing between 303 and 310. Any insight would be great. I have been noticing some old eating patterns creeping in and am working to address them. I have a goal of being between 250-275, but have been stuck for months now. I will be two years post op this coming October. I don't think I have utilized this site enough,and I don't really have a support system of other patients to bounce things off. My wife is great and my friends too, but no one really knows…