Kindle

That's a lot of carbs. The biggest part of being successful with this surgery is changing how we eat. You may want to figure out a way to modify the staples to fit your plan of Protein, veggies then carbs. ( all your examples are centered around carbs) For example, you could try and find baked Beans a little lower in sugars, eat the hamburger and cheese and leave out the macaroni in your portion, PB2 on apples instead on PB and bread, use zucchini noodles in place of Pasta with your spaghetti.
Google bariatric recipes and there are tons of good websites out there with delicious high Protein /low carb recipes. I like Bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com. Check out the nutrition sub forum on here for other good links.

I had a BMI of 39 with no comorbidities. (My BP was creeping up and my feet and ankles and knees hurt all the time, but nothing that "counts"). All of my family and friends knew about my surgery beforehand. They know how many diets I've been on, so although they were concerned with surgical risks, they all supported my decision. And I tell anyone that asks about my weight loss that I had surgery. I don't think it's right to mislead people into thinking I just did it with diet and exercise. Since I see a dozen clients everyday, this means I've told hundreds of people and have gotten exactly 2 negative comments. But I have heard the "you weren't big enough for surgery" comment quite a bit.
My work partner gets to hear these comments and discussions everyday. I mentioned to her last week how surprised people who thought I wasn't "fat enough" are to learn I lost 100 pounds. She agreed it was a surprise to her because didn't even really realize how big I really was. People just get used to seeing you a certain way and don't really notice all the extra weight until it's gone. But when all is said and done, I am healthier and I feel great and that's what I tell people.

I just ate 2 White Castle sliders without the Buns. Yum! I also eat pizza toppings and Chinese food (mostly the meat and veggies, but also a teeny bit of rice or noodles). I didn't have surgery to be on a diet the rest of my life. Fortunately I was never a bread person anyways, so taking off the bun and not eating the crust is nothing new for me.

The only thing that limits you to only losing 60% of your excess weight is you. I've lost over 100% and am maintaining easily. I eat whatever I want whenever I'm hungry....protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains. But I also eat ice cream, desert, bread, alcohol, cake, etc.... just everything in moderation. I do not excercise and I've never tracked or counted or measured my food. I didn't have surgery just to be on a diet the rest of my life. I do make sure I drink at least 64oz of Fluid and I do take my Vitamins (but I've always taken Vitamins, so this is no change)
Other than making much healthier food choices, my life isn't a whole lot different than preop. Unless you count Having a normal BMI, shopping in regular stores for clothes, not being in pain everyday, spending a lot less money on groceries, and being able to hike, climb stairs, etc without getting out of breath, Perhaps I am an anomaly, but I just wanted to let you know that there is more than one way to be successful and postop life does not have to be all that complicated.

The only thing that limits you to only losing 60% of your excess weight is you. I've lost over 100% and am maintaining easily. I eat whatever I want whenever I'm hungry....protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains. But I also eat ice cream, desert, bread, alcohol, cake, etc.... just everything in moderation. I do not excercise and I've never tracked or counted or measured my food. I didn't have surgery just to be on a diet the rest of my life. I do make sure I drink at least 64oz of Fluid and I do take my Vitamins (but I've always taken Vitamins, so this is no change)
Other than making much healthier food choices, my life isn't a whole lot different than preop. Unless you count Having a normal BMI, shopping in regular stores for clothes, not being in pain everyday, spending a lot less money on groceries, and being able to hike, climb stairs, etc without getting out of breath, Perhaps I am an anomaly, but I just wanted to let you know that there is more than one way to be successful and postop life does not have to be all that complicated.

December 2013 (day I started preop diet) vs December 2014. I'm 19 months out now but look the same as 12 months post (with the addition of a new tattoo)

September 2013 ( 3 months before surgery) vs September 2014 (9 months postop and 10 pounds below goal

The only thing that limits you to only losing 60% of your excess weight is you. I've lost over 100% and am maintaining easily. I eat whatever I want whenever I'm hungry....protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains. But I also eat ice cream, desert, bread, alcohol, cake, etc.... just everything in moderation. I do not excercise and I've never tracked or counted or measured my food. I didn't have surgery just to be on a diet the rest of my life. I do make sure I drink at least 64oz of Fluid and I do take my Vitamins (but I've always taken Vitamins, so this is no change)
Other than making much healthier food choices, my life isn't a whole lot different than preop. Unless you count Having a normal BMI, shopping in regular stores for clothes, not being in pain everyday, spending a lot less money on groceries, and being able to hike, climb stairs, etc without getting out of breath, Perhaps I am an anomaly, but I just wanted to let you know that there is more than one way to be successful and postop life does not have to be all that complicated.

I had cream of shrimp, cream of asparagus, cream of spinach, cream of mushroom, Tomato, split pea and potato leek Soup. I diluted them 1/2 and 1/2 with Water, ran through the blender, strained and added Protein Powder (20-25g/serving). It was a great change from the sweet Protein Shakes during my 17 day post op liquid stage. When I got to puréed food I skipped the straining step. Didn't even bother with the low fat part because my nut said my calorie intake would be so low, not to worry about it. Besides, we need some fat in our diet in order to make cell membranes, nerve sheaths, hormones, healthy skin, and to absorb fat-soluble Vitamins like A, D, K, etc.

The only thing that limits you to only losing 60% of your excess weight is you. I've lost over 100% and am maintaining easily. I eat whatever I want whenever I'm hungry....protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains. But I also eat ice cream, desert, bread, alcohol, cake, etc.... just everything in moderation. I do not excercise and I've never tracked or counted or measured my food. I didn't have surgery just to be on a diet the rest of my life. I do make sure I drink at least 64oz of Fluid and I do take my Vitamins (but I've always taken Vitamins, so this is no change)
Other than making much healthier food choices, my life isn't a whole lot different than preop. Unless you count Having a normal BMI, shopping in regular stores for clothes, not being in pain everyday, spending a lot less money on groceries, and being able to hike, climb stairs, etc without getting out of breath, Perhaps I am an anomaly, but I just wanted to let you know that there is more than one way to be successful and postop life does not have to be all that complicated.

4 gallbladder attacks. 2 hours of writhing on the bathroom floor in agony, puking and nearly passing out as a result of gallstones formed during my rapid weight loss. Finally had it taken out 2 years postop.

4 gallbladder attacks. 2 hours of writhing on the bathroom floor in agony, puking and nearly passing out as a result of gallstones formed during my rapid weight loss. Finally had it taken out 2 years postop.

4 gallbladder attacks. 2 hours of writhing on the bathroom floor in agony, puking and nearly passing out as a result of gallstones formed during my rapid weight loss. Finally had it taken out 2 years postop.

Not sure what a "long time" is. I made it a point to incorporate veggies into my diet ASAP. I was eating mushy well cooked veggies like cauliflower, carrots, green Beans, and spinach starting in my soft food phase, about six weeks postoperative. I added unflavored Protein powder to mashed potatoes and sweet potatos in my pureed stage. But Like DaisyAmy said, you can't fit in much after trying to meet Protein goals. This is one of the other reasons I kept using Protein shakes even now, two years post. By getting a big chunk of my protein in liquid form, that left me with more tummy space to eat fruit, veggies and whole grains. I feel a balanced diet is important.
I was eating raw cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, green Beans, etc as a regular snack by 3 months out. The only veggies I kind of stay away from are corn, peas, and potatoes.

I had surgery when I was 45. I'm 46 now and hotter than ever!

4 gallbladder attacks. 2 hours of writhing on the bathroom floor in agony, puking and nearly passing out as a result of gallstones formed during my rapid weight loss. Finally had it taken out 2 years postop.

I'm really full, too after just a 1/4 cup of anything puréed. Makes it hard to get all my fluids in. I started making my puree's almost like full liquids by blending extra good or adding a little extra Water or milk. Seriously, I could probably drink my mashed potatoes through a straw. The only exception is my tuna purée, but I only eat a tablespoon of that. New thing this morning.... Plain Greek yogurt with puréed canned peaches stirred in.
Hang in there, ally!

Oh yeah, and I drink a small cup of camomile tea before bedtime. The warmth seems to relax my tummy and helps me sleep.
Hey ally! Didn't "recognize" you. How have things been? (Up till purée stage that is)

I am trying one new thing a day on puréed, so far I've had applesauce, mashed potatoes with added Protein powder, and egg whites. I was a little grossed out by the thought of puréed meat, too, but today my craving for MEAT came on strong. (Haven't had any meat in 5 weeks) pureed a can of tuna fish with a little mayo and nibbled on about a tablespoon with a little bit of homemade mustard and OMG it was good. Tomorrow I think I'll add refried Beans to the menu, but may have to try out Babysheldon's recipe for Sunday's "dinner"

I used my blender. I have a Hamilton beach dual mixer than has two small containers....more or less like a nutribullet. Used it to puree everything....even tuna fish. I actually ate a lot of Soup in my liquid and pureed stages. Added unflavored Protein Powder to them after blending them smooth. However, I didn't puree things like eggs, cottage cheese, refried Beans, oatmeal, etc. they were just fine as is in the pureed stage.

@@Mulepick sounds like you've got a good plan in place. Other than the first 3-4 months of healing, I haven't necessarily followed all the "rules" either. I modified the plan to fit my life. I'm a year into maintenance and still below goal so it's working. If I pop even 1 pound over my bounce range, I simply "tighten up" and go back to Protein, veggies and Water until I get back down to the bottom of my range. Your PA is right, that's really what it takes.
Actually I've been working so much lately that I'm below my bounce range at this point. This is good timing since I'm going on vacation in 3 weeks and will be eating WAY off plan. I'm sure I will gain and be back in my range, but that saves me having to "tighten up" when I get back home.

Good morning, BP Campers. Thought I'd stop in for a a quick visit and update. I started my preop diet 3 years ago today. I always consider this my anniversary, rather than the surgery date. Here's a recap of my journey so far.....
Year 1 - the year of losing all of my excess weight (100 pounds), dozens of NSVs, and a new wardrobe. By far, the most exciting year. Even the month of liquids, 6 weeks of diarrhea and 2 insanely painful gallbladder attacks couldn't put a dent in my enthusiasm. It was all so new and fun and easy. Life was great and I was invincible! Year 2 - the year of finding out life still sucks no matter what size you are, losing my best friend to suicide, sinking into a deep hole of depression and finding that I could no longer rely on my old friends.....food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just struggling to get through each day with really no desire to. Two more gallbladder attacks which I finally put an end to with a long overdue cholecystectomy. Despite a complete breakdown of my emotional stability, I was surprisingly able to maintain my weight loss from the 1st year. I held onto the fact that what I put in my mouth was one of the few things I could control at that point. Year 3 - the year of emotional healing (well, at least a start in that direction) with a grief therapist, testosterone replacement and an antidepressant. Finally able to crawl out the darkness into a somewhat bearable existence. My latest breakthrough is I actually said yes when asked out on a date about a month ago. Considering my introvert personality and swearing off relationships almost 20 years ago, this is an extraordinary step for me. We've been out 1/2 dozen times and I'm actually enjoying it. Who knows what Year 4 will bring. But I've definitely come to realize as time goes on, everything has become less and less about surgery and weightloss and more and more about life. I maintain my weight the same way I lost it....80+ grams of Protein, 100+ ounces of Water, low carb, balanced diet including veggies, fruit and whole grains. I pretty much eat whatever I want but I make smart choices when it comes to quantities. No tracking, no measuring, just mindful eating. I am diligent about keeping any regains in check. I've got too much invested, both financially and emotionally to let a 1-2 pound regain turn into 10-20 pounds. I have labs done annually and follow a Vitamin regimen based on the results. I don't have an exercise routine, just a very busy, active life. Bottom line is a successful WLS result is not rocket science. Whatever you had to do to lose weight is pretty much what you need to do forever. If you can't control sliders and trigger foods, they WILL lead to regain. If you don't make the psychological adjustments and permanently change your habits and behaviors, you WILL regain. It's totally up to you whether or not your surgery becomes just another failed diet. Don't be afraid to seek professional help with the mental side of it. I finally did...thank goodness. Good luck to the newbies. Congrats to the veterans.

The only thing that limits you to only losing 60% of your excess weight is you. I've lost over 100% and am maintaining easily. I eat whatever I want whenever I'm hungry....protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains. But I also eat ice cream, desert, bread, alcohol, cake, etc.... just everything in moderation. I do not excercise and I've never tracked or counted or measured my food. I didn't have surgery just to be on a diet the rest of my life. I do make sure I drink at least 64oz of Fluid and I do take my Vitamins (but I've always taken Vitamins, so this is no change)
Other than making much healthier food choices, my life isn't a whole lot different than preop. Unless you count Having a normal BMI, shopping in regular stores for clothes, not being in pain everyday, spending a lot less money on groceries, and being able to hike, climb stairs, etc without getting out of breath, Perhaps I am an anomaly, but I just wanted to let you know that there is more than one way to be successful and postop life does not have to be all that complicated.

I waited 2 years, 11 months and 9 days. And haven't stopped since ?

I waited 2 years, 11 months and 9 days. And haven't stopped since ?

I waited 2 years, 11 months and 9 days. And haven't stopped since ?