Natalie Stein

Hi Donna,, That's great - soaked and ground are perfect! If you're in a rush, just soak them ahead of time (even overnight), then throw them into your shake. By the way...the new system is that I'm on Facebook Mon/Wed 3pm Pacific time, and Saturday 12:30 pm Pacific on the BariatricPal Surgery Deals Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariatricSurgeryDeals/ Take care, Natalie

Hi Donna, Chia seeds are fine. I recommend soaking them before using them. Ground versus whole: may not matter, but it is possible that ground are better because their nutrients may be better absorbed. Protein: 65-110 grams/day. Hope that helps! Natalie

Hi Marcela, I hope you are doing well! Great question - almonds are super healthy because of their healthy fats, Fiber, and Protein (but be careful with serving size). The problem is that they're pretty sharp and can hurt your sleeve. I'd wait another few weeks just to be safe, if you can stand it. Have you already introduced most other foods? I'm sure you've gotten a bunch of different Proteins in, and probably some fruits and cooked vegetables. Once you get through all of those just fine (don't rush it!), you might think about almonds and other nuts - but never rush it. Hope that helps! Natalie

Hi, Great question...and sorry, no tomato soup! You're right; it's too acidic for right now. If you're looking for something a little different than your typical pureed cream Soups (like cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, etc.), you could try pureed pumpkin or butternut squash Soup. Natalie

Hi Amiweil, You're not doing anything wrong that I can tell....and you're getting great results! You've lost 30 lbs in 10 weeks! That's 3 lbs per week. In the first year after the surgery, a GREAT amount of weight to lose is 80-90 lbs...or an average of 1.5 to 2 lbs per week. You're at 3 lbs per week! I am sorry you're feeling frustrated, but you're doing so well! We can get into details of what you're eating when we talk in your consult when you schedule it, and I'll send you some sample menus when you schedule it, too. But you are doing great!

This Saturday, September 5, I will be hosting the BariatricPal in Mexico Nutritional Support Chat Session. This live chat is your chance to ask me your nutrition questions and connect with each other. Bring your questions, or just see what other people want to talk about. When: Saturday, September 5, starting at noon Pacific time/3:00 p.m. Eastern time/2:00p.m. Central time. 1 hour. You can drop in at your convenience, and you do not need to stay the whole time. To get to the chat room: Go to http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/bariatricpal_chat.html. OR look at the bottom right corner of your screen - there should be a button that says "Chat Now." Click on it, and you will be in the chat room! If you can't make the chat session: A transcript will be available! I will post it after the chat session. I look forward to talking to you on Saturday! Natalie

That's great! Make sure your sweet potatoes are peeled and mashed well!

Awesome, Marcela! It's good to think ahead, like you are! And to ask questions, like you are! Natalie

Hi Marcela, I hope you're doing well! You can have pureed, well-cooked vegetables on the pureed foods stage, which starts at 2-4 weeks post-op. Examples: pureed cooked/canned peas, carrots, beets, and peeled zucchini. That's on page 2 of the diet guidelines I sent you. On the semi-soft foods stage, which starts at 4-6 weeks post-op, you can add other soft-cooked vegetables (not fibrous or stringy; peeled). That's on page 3 of the diet guidelines I sent you. On the full diet, at 6 or more weeks post-op, you can add other vegetables. Hope that helps! Natalie

Hi marcescobar22@hotmail.com, Yes, it can be super tough to get in your protein right after surgery! It sounds like you’ve got a good start with the protein powder in your broth and with your yogurt. I think adding a couple of shakes to your day should help you hit your goals. You might also look for a low-sugar protein shake (or protein powder). If you’re interested in “all-natural” foods, look for a shake labeled “natural” or sweetened with stevia instead of artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. These are some suggestions: Pure Protein Whey Protein (vanilla or chocolate), About Time shaes (http://tryabouttime.com/), MRM whey concentrate, Jay Rob Protein, Terra’s Whey. If you can get in a couple of shakes a day, plus some protein in your broth, plus a yogurt, you should be pretty close to hitting that 60-gram goal. Also, remember to take your time. It’s not going to be easy to get protein down at this point so early after surgery. It can take 30 minutes or more to get a shake down. I hope that helps! Natalie

Hi Amazon13, Great question! Yes, sucralose (Splenda) should be fine. Good luck with your surgery. Natalie

Hi dml77, I just sent you a PM and look forward to talking to you tomorrow! Natalie

Hello, I would recommend taking a separate iron supplement in addition. Your doctor should be able to make further recommendations in a few months if you go in for blood tests (including for your B12 as we talked about!).

Thanks - I'm excited, too!

Hi Kym, Talk to you soon! Hope you got my note about Skype. Thanks! Natalie