Post-op Diets and Questions

I'm hungry all the time! I'm doing the low carb, high protein diet, but while trying to not overeat, I feel hungry all the time! What's up with this? is this the famed "head hunger?" I've been fat so long, I guess I don't know the difference.

Ok so we went out for lunch and there was nothing on the menu I could have. So after my family finished eating, we went to Chik FilA and I got chicken Soup. They were nice enough to give me extra broth (I am on full liquids). So I had my broth and was set! I saved the rest for dinner. I got this wild idea to just throw the rest of my soup in my Magic Bullet and blend with some extra broth to thin it out. Well I threw it all in, noodles, carrots and chicken chunks. I blended it up, heated it up and drank most of it. Now I feel so sick. Was it the blended noodles? Was it the blended veg? My tummy is so freaking full, it hurts. I have horrible gas pains. Maybe I ate too…

I keep seeing people commenting on always drinking lots of crystal light. When I was growing up, I drank it all the time. I found that the more I drank, the more I ate. It gave me the munchies bad. Are there any other drink mixes that would work as well as crystal light but without the munchie attacks?

I have been struggling a lot in the last year and decided this is the best place to start for advice. I had sleeve done in August 2009 and have lost 60 pounds down to 170 pounds. I have seen a little of an increase over the last couple of months and know that I have not done my best for diet and exercise. I have been going through a tough divorce since September 2009 and was able to lose most of the weight without diet and exercise. Because it came off so easy, I never really developed an exercise routine or high Protein diet. So needless to say, here I am at 2 years post-op and need to get back on track. My goal weight is 150-155. I need advice on what people who ha…

I had my Sleeve done on 3/16/2011 in 5 days I will be 12 weeks out. My weight came down nicely and fast! Yay! So now the issue becomes IM STUCK between 231 (morning) and 234 (by night). My Boyfriend brought a scale in the house and I cant keep off of it. I have weighed myself everyday morning noon and night from mid May till now and I am just not loosing as fast as I was. Is my body platouing?? I have started excersize Water aerobics, just started eating wheat bread again, and eating meat for Protein intake. I just cant digest Protein shakes so I dont drink them, I do drink 100% Cranberry juice all day, water make me hungry...What am I doing wrong? Am I being impatie…

Hey everyone! I am working on my 3 months of PSWL and it has been three weeks since I officially started the low carb diet. Pretty much I have to stay under 30g per day. I have no limit on anything else, but I have not gone crazy and started gorging on steak lol. Anyways, it has been 3 weeks and I have lost... nothing. I am definitely below the 30 per day, I am drinking between 50-70 oz of Water per day. I was told to do 10-15 minutes of exercise per day... I am doing that plus some (i just joined a gym near me that i love). Has the low carb diet ever NOT worked for someone before?

Hi All- I've read so many great posts here I decided to ask YOU, the experts. My pre-op consists of 3 days, full liquids, which I understand should be low calorie. Basically we're starving ourselves for 3 days to shrink our livers so surgery is easier. Post -Op when I'm on Full liquids for 5, yes, 5 weeks I'm wondering if I need to really worry about the carbs? I know I will search for low fat, low calorie, lower sodium but the Soups all have tons of carbs as do alot of other things. Aside from boiling Water and adding some onion, celery and chicken and cooking until it falls apart and then pureeing I don't know how to do LOW carbs except for only drinking Protein s…

I'm almost 3 months post op. I've been having a lot of difficulty with myself. On memorial day I went to the hospital with chest pains to find out I was 6 weeks pregnant. It was a shock to me cause in my 29 yrs of living I thought I was not able to get pregnant. I miscarried 2 days later. I can't seem to hold anything down. I don't really like food cause of the way it feels going down to my stomach. I tried the gerber graduates meal last night it taste good but Is it ok? Can anyone help me out?

I am 2 weeks out from surgery and am wondering when and if I can have a cup of coffee in the morning and perhaps an adult beverage? The nutrionist said you can't have an adult beverage for at least 18 months. Did anyone else hear this? I miss my coffee. Thanks!

I had my WLS on 5/5/2011. Since then I have been on the usual liquid post op diet. My typical routine is listed as such... I wake up, start my Protein drink (11FL. OZ. 30g Protein), take my chewable Multivitamin (1 in the morning and another at night), sip Water through out the day, have a sugar free Popsicle, and repeat the routine for lunch and dinner. Here is where I feel lost. I have no clue where my stomach capacity is... I AM NOT TRYING TO PUSH MY BOUNDARIES or GO AGAINST WHAT MY DOCTOR HAS INSTRUCTED. After reading different posts I am getting the feeling that either I am sipping wrong or my surgeon did my sleeve wrong (sarcastic undertone). When I sip, I take…

Since starting the odd liver shrinking diet on May 9th I have lost a total of 22lbs, which is great! But since the actual surgery, I am nervous about the amount of liquids I seem to be able to drink. They say in the pamphlets that I should take my time and not gulp and stop when I feel full. I don't always feel full though. Especially not with liquids. I seem to be able to drink Water and milk in large quantities without discomfort or that full feeling. Is something wrong? Did I stretch out my pouch already or is it not until I get to solids that the full factor becomes an issue? Also, the 22 lbs dropped off but I weighed myself over the last four days and have been the…

How many steps does your program run you through between surgery and being on your new normal diet? I just learned today there's one more step to my program and it's really set me back in terms of tolerance and attitude. I've tried very hard to be patient, as my program seems to advance people slower than others do. In these first 3 weeks when most of the healing takes place I'm fine with it. In fact, when I read stories about people who are on regular foods at 5 or 6 weeks, it sort of takes my breath that they are that brave..or able. But then today I learned that "mushies" and "soft" are two different stages in my program, each 3 weeks long. So after surgery: …

I've been on a liquid diet for 2 weeks. Tomorrow I can start my soft/protein foods. What did some of you eat during this stage? I've got cottage cheese, refried Beans and potted meats so far. Anyone have any good ideas? I've seen Egg Face's Ricotta Bake recipe and I think I will try it one night. Thanks guys! Hope you are all having a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!

Is it necessary to lose weight befor surgary? My doctor didn't tell me anything about that. I'm 95kg and 163 cm. I prefer to lose some weight befor surgery. I have decided to lose some but I can't control emotional eating. How and how much should I lose? Any advise?

http://heartspring.net/list_of_high_protein_foods.html

I am going to be sleeved on May 23 and I am on the liquid pre-op diet. I can have 3 or 4 sf instant breakfast shakes, sf jello, sf popsicles, broth and non carbonated caffeine free sugar free drinks. Do you think a little FF coffeemate in my decaf would be OK? Skim milk just tastes horrible in coffee. There is so much great info in these forums! Thanks to all of you!

Is it necessary to lose weight befor surgary? My doctor didn't tell me anything about that. I'm 95kg and 163 cm. I prefer to lose some weight befor surgery. I have decided to lose some but I can't control emotional eating. How and how much should I lose? Any advise?

I am anxious to try creamed soups for the full liguid stage. Did anyone have any issues with them?

I am 3 weeks post op and was wondering what are other's eating or have eaten at this time period?

I was really not very prepared for the "diet" part of WLS -- in fact I sort of was not prepared for any of it -- I just picked Dr. Aceves and went because I knew if I thought about it too hard I just wouldn't do itt. But that leaves me in certain quandaries. Like I never "tested" Protein drink brands. I just ate whatever, and found myself wandering the grocery store aisles trying to figure out what to eat. I am certain this contributed to the Baby food Incident and Operation Isopure's complete failure. So it's day 21 tomorrow and I can have mushies. I have no idea what to try first. I was thinking a litttle bit of cottage cheese and maybe some mashed potatoes or …

I am in my second week of thin liquids...rapidly approching thick liquids! I bought some cup-a-Soup and thought I'd punch up the Protein by adding some unflavored powder! Yuck! The "unflavored" Protein powder is not really unflavored...It has a slightly sweet, vanilla flavor and is good to add to applesauce, etc. but it is NOT good in soup! Does anybody know of a good truly unflavored protein or even better a really good high protein soup? Thanks...Barb

I was sleeved on 05/02/11 and as of 05/12/11 have been on pureed foods and seem to be doing well with that. My questions are as follows and any suggestions or advise would be appreciated. I still feel a little weak and tired. I am following my doctors orders to the tee and taking my vitamins as prescripted. Secondly, the itching is out of control and making me crazy. The areas are healing nicely and I am avoiding scrathcing, but how have others handled this phase. Thanks for the input all!~ Ann

Has anyone tried these before? Are they good? I have been trying different Protein shakes, but of course not this one! And now I'll have to drink 6 scoops of it a day for 14 days.... It comes in five different flavors & I ordered a couple sample packs from MyBariatricPantery.com. I was just wondered what the general consensus was on the taste? Thanks. Wendy

So I am trying to be practical with the whole Protein powder purchases and I am wondering if you bought one or the other which would you choose? I tried the unflavored in my decaf coffee and as long as I hold my nose it isn't a problem. I think it would be fine mixed in to other things such as crystal light and broth where if I get chicken Soup, well I can't imagine it in anything except broth. Thoughts? At this point I am pre-pre-op as I have 3 more visits with my primary doctor but I am trying to get a grocery list together so I can order things in early July before my last visit. Thanks for the input!!

Per my plan I could start having basically solids at day 8. Supposed to eat proteins foods for first month then at week 5 (next week..yippee!) I can start adding cooked veggies and fruits minus citrus. Just curious when everyone else started eating things like hamburger meat, popcorn, top of pizza, bread, chips? I am not a volume eater so once I am able to eat these things I am fine with just eating a bite or a couple. I also know I can't eat some of these all the time only on occasion and in moderation.

Would just like to hear how different your post op diets were. Thanks

Last night I was wanting some bread quite badly as I have not had any since before surgery in January. I found a recipe on The World According to Eggface that used Protein powder and multigrain pancake mix in small quantities. It sounded like it would taste good and certainly would have more protein than something I would buy in a store, so I made it. It cooks in the microwave so it was done in about five minutes. I cut a small slice (about half an ounce) and gave it a try. It tasted fine but felt awful in my stomach, like a big ball sitting in there. I measure my food and don't eat until I am full so I can honestly say that this is the first time I have felt what …

Seriously. How do you keep carbs under 30grams? I hit 60grams today without trying....I think my downfall was 8oz of black bean Soup that was 14 carbs LOL. So do you count actual carbs or net carbs? Because that would make a huge difference.

Is it good? I'm having a hard getting all the water I'm supposed to be drinking and thought maybe flavoring it up would help. I like Crystal Light OK but I get kinda tired of it.

Oh dear, lately I have been having a raging case of snack fever. I'm one of those folks that never lost their hunger pains after surgery, but because my sleeve was so small the first few months after surgery, a little food would take me a long way. Now I find if I am not eating dense protein numerous times throughout the day, the carb monster starts calling my name in a major way. I don't have too much of a problem avoiding sweets -- my major downfall is salty/crunchy carbs. I no longer eat potato chips but do love me some rice chips. My weakest times are afternoon (3 - 5 pm) and evening (8 pm). And frankly I have caved a lot and had salty/crunchy snacks even though…

Hello everyone........ So I'm two weeks, actually 11 days away from my surgery so I'm doing the two week Opti Fast diet........ THIS IS SO HARD...... I'm ok while at work, because I stay busy and my co-workers are all rooting for me and I have two friends at work; one which already had Lapnand and one having the sleeve and they are really supportive. But when I come home it's a different story. I live near every fast food restaurant you could imagine and it SEEMS EVERY COMMERCIAL ON TV IS ABOUT FOOD. Not to mention the Opti Fast is gross......... I wish I could drink something like slim fast. How did you guys make it through this pre-op diet?

Has anyone questioned the amount of effort they have put into prior diet attempts???? It seems that this medically supervised diet is causing me to call into question if I really have ever tried to lose the weight. I KNOW I have tried, gyms , trainers, diet books and all that. Hell, I even spent a fortune on those dame pre-packaged meals. Is this normal??? Thanks!

Tex Mex is one of my faves so today on day 3 of mushies i mixed refried Beans, a tablespoon of greek yogurt and some cheese 4ozs of pure HEAVEN

I tried sugar free jello from the box which my wonderful husband made for me, but it's really nasty! I can't stand the artificial sweetness. Looking at my post op diet, everything says sugar free juice, popsicles, pudding, etc...is it really necessary or is it because they don't want us consuming the extra calories that are in the full flavor stuff? With the small amounts that we're eating this early out, I can't imagine overdoing it on those types of foods so I'm wondering if the sugar does something to the sleeve which is why the post op diets say that. Any input would be great.

I found these today at Wal-mart. They come in 3 flavors; strawberry-kiwi, pink lemonade, and ice tea. They have 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. You add to water. I thought these might be good for both pre-op and post-op to help get the protein in during the clear liquid pjase. Has anyone tried these, and how did you like them? They were in the diet and nutrition area near the pharmacy, not with the crystal lights or other drink mixes. Thanks, Kelly

Not sure if this is the place to post this....I'm six weeks (almost seven) out. On mushy's, I'm finding eating food is a challenge. I can not find one thing that is appealing. I smell it and its like oh that smells so good but when I eat it, It's like yuck!!!! Is this normal???? I hope so. I barely can eat anything on my list that is allowed. My taste for food has so changed since being sleeved. I could see this as a positive. Any insight as to why this has happened so that I can understand and know what to expect. Deb

How long did your surgeon make you wait to eat chicken post-op? (Not pureed)

Two days ago I noticed while I was sleep I was getting heartburn, I guess... in the morning I had this pain in my lower neck on the left side close to my shoulder. Has anyone had this feeling before? I'm post -op 14 days. I also had the fuzzy sound coming for my stomach.

I found great-tasting Basil Pesto tilapia fillets at costco, 18 gms of Protein and 120 calories for a 3 oz. serving. I have been having them for about two weeks now, the box is about half-gone. Never a problem eating them, they make their own sauce when you microwave them and the fish is flaky and moist. I made one for lunch, ate it watching the noon news, and I have had a stomachache ever since! I did not eat too fast or too much, it's just that today my sleeve decided that it didn't want tilapia for lunch. I can feel where it is (or was), in the bend before the duodenum, because that's where it aches. Thankfully, it's getting better as the day goes on, but honest…

Hi guys, just wondering what some vets think........I have about a half loaf of wheat bread left over from my neice's visit this past week, and was wondering if I could do french toast with it, since I am on mushy stage. Was thinking I could add more egg than normal and make it really mushy, and have sugar free syrup to use. This would not be a normal occurance, just hate to waste food if I don't have to.....what are your thoughts?

LESS THAN 12 Hours for my surgery! I cant think of any suitable words to say it or express it! But this boars should take an award soon!! and it will have to be the very first resort for anyone who is looking for real support! What I love about it here? Is people still comes back! even at their goal.. They update their status as if they are updating their fb! "Yeah I was a freak and watched it closely" I will be sure to recommend it to anyone who is considering the sleeve! It is really safe.. at OH I had to stop posting cause spam emails started stocking my inbox.. I NEVER found one rude/mean/unsupportive response here! It is crazy but it is absolutely perfect! I lo…

There seems to be a plethora of different post op diets and diet plans. To me, this is somewhat disappointing as I feel like there has to be a "more" or "most" correct post op diet. Even if it has to be altered a little bit here and there to meet specific patient needs, there should be a solid, standard, uniform post op diet guideline for foods and scheduling or "phases". For instance, the very well made, professional looking guideline I have says that I am to be on the "soft food" diet after just 3 days. This includes just about anything as long as it is pureed or mashed. Here is a clip from that: "• 3 Days to 3 Weeks Post-op: Home Soft Diet (high Protein foods)…

I've been noting that the post-op diet is all low-carb and sugar free. It would make more sense to me that in the post-op period with very few calories allowed anyway that sugar would be allowed. Real fruit juices, non-sugar free koolaid and etcetera. Does anyone know why only sugar free things are recommended?

It's almost two weeks until I can eat solid food again and I've been thinking about diets. Dr. Aceves' eating information is kind of freewheeling. His recommendations are to attempt to eat small amounts of Protein foods, veggies and fruit and to limit carbs because most breads and rolls and etc are hard to digest; stay away from sweets because of blood sugar, stay away from crackers, and you know -- junk. That's not exactly a low carb diet although I've read some people here who seem to be on a serious lowcarb diet and I was wondering if there was a specific recommendation from your docs about that. Also I've read almost nothing about fat. Cheeses, nut butters, oliv…

So I am 10 days post op and I am wondering if everything is on track. I just started Protein shakes and I can only get about half down (so I will say its 28 grams of protein) and I track my calories on MyFitnessPal and I am averaging around 450 cals a day. I know I'm early out so I'm not sure. I am moving on to Full liquids for the next 18-20 days, but I think I am not on track. I only weigh myself twice a week (Wed, Sat) so I don't know what the lost had been since Saturday (-7 pds). I started Your Shape Fitness yesterday and burned 100 cals (about 10 mins). I am starting out slowly, but my job is pretty stationary (at my home office) so I am trying to do something.…

Which gives the most authentic and best Peanut Butter flavor? PB2 or Torani PB???

I am clueless how to eat during the pureed stage and wondered if anyone used baby food? How else could you get your pureed protein...need ideas for this please.

Hello Everybody........................ I'm getting prepared for my surgery on April 5th............. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! I was wondering does anyone else use UpCalD? It says that it's tasteless and you can put it in anything..... what are your thoughts?

How many calories are you consuming after surgery at 4 weeks?

Honestly of all the things that are required post-op this is the one thing I am struggling with. Is it true I can never have coffee again? I don't see any mention of coffee but I have been to one seminar that listed it s something that as to go. I have always considered it one of the few vices I would take to the grave with me and it is truly harder to separate from than any kind of food. Waaaaah!