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1. Hummus. Despite being made from chickpeas, the average store bought hummus has only 1 gram of protein per tablespoon. Instead, opt for homemade hummus, homemade black bean dip or homemade Tzatziki (made with Greek yogurt) as dips for your veggies. All of these dips are significantly higher in protein when made at home compared to their store-bought counterparts. 2. Chicken broth. Surprisingly, the average store bought chicken broth has only 1-3 grams of protein per cup. For this reason, your bariatric team likely recommended you choose higher protein soups immediately after surgery (ex. milk based soups or pureed legume soups). Instead, opt for more filling thicker soups, such as a curried lentil soup, a roasted red pepper black bean soup or a hearty chili. 3. Cream cheese. Despite ‘cheese’ being in its name, the average store bought cream cheese has only 1 gram of protein per tablespoon. Instead, opt for ricotta cheese (with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds and a drizzle of honey!) or peanut butter on your morning toast. 4. Quinoa. Quinoa is a filling grain product not because of its protein content, but more because of its fibre content. While quinoa is the only grain listed as a ‘complete’ protein, it only has 2 grams of protein per ¼ cup of cooked quinoa. Always top your quinoa with a true protein source such as meat, fish, legumes, tofu or tempeh to make your meal truly balanced. Quinoa should not be the main event! 5. Almond/Cashew/Rice/Coconut milk. Despite these beverages having ‘milk’ in their name, these alternative milks contain on average a measly 1 gram of protein per cup. Instead, opt for cow milk or soy milk when you are looking to add an extra splash of protein to your cereals, oatmeal or smoothies. Moral of the story? Don’t let misleading product names or sneaky advertising fool you! Get the facts. Always double check the nutrition facts tables on the back of your foods to learn the full story. - Monica & Lisa

Many times prior to surgery we are unaware of the extent of our obesity. We do not really look at ourselves in the mirror. We avoid being in photographs. Therefore, it isn't obvious how much weight we have really lost when the pounds begin to drop off. Before I had surgery, I took an very unflattering photograph of myself and then after surgery at the 6 month mark, I took another as a comparison. I used the same pose.

I am 8 months post op and more or less at goal. I eat a protein bar or shake every day for breakfast. Lunch is chicken or turkey, a little no fat cheese, and a small tortilla. Sometimes I make it a salad instead of the tortilla. Dinner is typically the same, but I do indulge now and then. Today I had part of a turkey club and a few fries. I have a protein bar in the afternoon, and usually a protein shake after my dinner around 8:30. Occasionally I'll have some berries or nuts as a snack. When I really want something different, I'll have a part of a waffle or a piece of pizza, but rarely. I average about 1400-1500 calories a day, 140-160 grams protein. That's more protein than most sleevers, but I lift weights four times a week. Occasionally I get a craving and occasionally I indulge it, but I'm satisfied most days. It comes and goes a little - some days I'm hungry and eat could eat more, others I get full quickly. I've found the key thing is to plan ahead and measure. Measuring keeps me from overeating since I'm always eating a predetermined portion.

Feeling gross and looking gross are 2 different things. What is your goal weight? I wouldn't expect you to see or feel a huge change with 20 pounds either. I don't feel like some of us really appreciate what surgery does for us until we hit uncharted territory. I appreciated my loss but it wasn't until I got somewhere I had never been and never imagined, a size 8, that I was really in awe.

Just got a call from surgical scheduling, arrival time is 6:15 am, they will start shortly thereafter. I'm the first one of the day. Please say a prayer everything goes well and doctor is able to so the revision. So excited and nervous. Thank you all!

Start Pre Opt diet tomorrow [emoji15] surgery 6/6 I'm nervous

@grrlann I have been overweight since I was 3 years old. It's been a lifelong struggle, one I'm trying to break free of now. That's great you are doing so well! Congrats to you!

This is a diet like any other. Most people begin to be able to eat more and deal with regain unless they change their relationship with food and by that I mean to STOP dieting.

I hope my insurance approve me that fast! Congratulations! Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

I think virtually all of us have skewed self-perceptions. The easiest way to see your true self is actually video. See if you have any footage of yourself before and take some now. Even if you don't have the before, use photos, or even try on the old large size of clothes. Since most of us will never have perfectly smooth, flawless bodies, there will ALWAYS be lumps and bumps to focus on in the mirror... proving in our minds that we are still less than perfect. The video footage is far enough removed, that we can be more objective.