BeagleLover

I just found this and thought it might help someone. smoothies.html" rel="external nofollow">http://www.alighterme.com/post-bariatric-diet-smoothies.html Post-Bariatric Diet: SOOTHING SMOOTHIES During your first four weeks following surgery, you will need to adhere to a diet beginning with liquids only and progressing to soft pureed foods. Higher than average Protein intakes are necessary in the bariatric patient. Using whey Protein powder in smoothies, hot cereals and Soups will help to ensure your protein intake is adequate. The following are some ideas to give your meals variety. The equipment you will need is a blender, magic bullet, or food processor. GENERAL GUIDELINES: Add at least one item from each category to create your smoothie. To the protein powder, add a fruit, protein base, spice, sweetener and Fiber. Process the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Realize these recipes will yield about 10 ounces per serving. Slowly sip the amount you can ingest, usually about 4 ounces at a time. Cover and refrigerate the unused smoothie, stir and enjoy the remainder within 24 hours. THE INGREDIENTS: WHEY PROTIEN POWDER: Add one serving of your protein powder. THE FRUIT: You can blend any fruit into the smoothie, fresh, sugar free frozen, or canned fruit packed in its own juice. Use about ½ cup. Frozen fruit makes a thick smooth drink. When using fresh or canned fruit, add a few ice cubes. THE PROTEIN BASE: To this add 8 ounces of skim milk or soy milk (Soy slender or Continent 8). To boost the protein, add one of the following: 1/3 cup skim milk powder, 6 ounces of sugar free / fat free yogurt, ½ cup of cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup of silken tofu, or two tablespoons of smooth nut butter. THE SPICE: You can add just about any spice that your taste buds want. Some ideas include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, fennel, parsley. Start with 1/8 teaspoon and add more to intensify the flavor. THE SWEET: If you need to, add Splenda or Nutrasweet. THE FIBER: Since constipation is problematic adding a fiber supplement is recommended. One to two servings of Benefiber or Flaxseed meal can be put into your shake twice per day. The combinations are endless, so get creative and be sure to try the combinations you like. The following are some of our favorites: In a blender, add the ingredients and process until smooth. Remember to add the Benefiber. Sip slowly, take your time and enjoy. JUST PEACHY One scoop of protein powder, ½ cup frozen peaches, 6 oz of vanilla yogurt, 8 ounces of vanilla soy milk, 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon VERY berry One scoop of protein powder, ½ cup frozen berry blend, ¼ cup cottage cheese, 8 ounces of milk, 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg HAWAIIAN DREAM One scoop of protein powder, ½ cup crushed pineapple, 1/3 cup tofu, one cup of milk, 1/8 teaspoon of ginger, add a few ice cubes. CREAMY pumpkin One scoop of protein powder, ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree, one cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar free maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a few ice cubes. ORANGE CARROT BLEND One scoop of protein powder, one half of an orange, one small jar of baby carrots, 6 ounces of vanilla yogurt, 6 ounces of milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla and a few ice cubes. Peanut Butter banana One scoop of protein powder, one cup of chocolate soy milk, ½ banana, two tablespoons of peanut butter and a few ice cubes. Adding your protein powder to creamy soups and hot cereals is just as easy. Puree soups and add whey protein, then gently heat. Stir protein powder into hot cereals.

You look awesome! Thank you so much for the hope.

Oh yeah! I would like to be back into a size 4. For sure there are health benefits in getting rid of life-shortening co-morbidities. I can't WAIT to have the option to wear cutie patootie designer clothes I can get really cheap from Ebay!

I suggest you fill out your profile so people have an easier time helping you. Any kind of weight loss surgery will restrict the quantity of what you eat. From what I've read, there is a tendency to gain weight back after a significant time has passed. To minimize emotional eating, two books in particular have helped me: Emotional First + Aid (the bariatric one). From the First Bite (and other books) by Kay Sheppard Good luck on Saturday!

They will change their tune after you've lost a lot of weight. You'll look great!

Sounds to me like your gut feeling about seeing a therapist is right on. Do you have insurance, and could you afford the co-pay? Do you have a connection with a bariatric center of excellence? I was thinking they would be able to refer you to a therapist that has bariatric experience. Do you have any pets?

I suggest you look at the blog, "The World According to Eggface."

PLEASE stop calling yourselves stupid! You are living and learning from experience-- no self putdown deserved!

Don't be so hard on yourself... Middle Eastern food is SOOOOOO delicious!

In case you can't get to OA or don't want to go, there are 2 books that helped me separate emotions from food and set up my environment so I couldn't mess up: 1) "Emotional First + Aid" - there is one on bariatric surgery 2) "From the First Bite" and other books by Kay Sheppard Hope this helps.

Using the pressure cooker is such a good idea for cooking meats. Also, the rest of your diet looks spot on healthy! Congratulations!

I suggest calling the doctor's office and seeing if he or she has an answering service. They could call the doctor to see if this warrants more attention.

Best wishes!

I hope you feel better soon! From what I've read, you're over the worst of it and will gradually feel much better.

Two books have helped me: "Emotional First + Aid," and "From the First Bite" and other books by Kay Sheppard. Good luck! You deserve to feel better!

Wow! You look great!

I went to my 3rd NUT meeting. A woman there said she was not approved since the medically supervised diet was not done by a doctor. It was a different insurance, but, just to be on the safe side, I suggest that whatever program you pick, call the insurance company beforehand to make sure it fits their requirements.

Forgot to mention two books that really helped me with emotions v.s. food: Emotional First + Aid From the First Bite and other books by Kay Sheppard Good luck!

For the dog, you might look into a dog walking service. Another possibility, depending on how your house is set up is to install a flap door to the backyard so the dog can go in and out on their own. You can have a Lixit installed on a faucet *inside* of the house (so you don't have to deal with freezing issues in the winter). The dog licks it, a valve goes up and the dog gets fresh Water any time it wants. That way you don't have to lift water bowls. I can't remember the name of it offhand, Gentle Leader?, but there is a leash that fits around the dog's face/jaw that makes it easier to handle the dog without being pulled too hard. The surgeon will instruct you on what you need to eat and drink and when to do that. For example, for "Clear liquids," you can choose water, diluted fruit or veggie juices, broth-based Soups, flavored water, unsweetened tea, coffee, Crystal Light, sugar free beverages, Jello, popsicles and applesauce. For "full liquids" you might have hot cereals (i.e., oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat), creamed soups, yogurt, pudding, milk, custard and sherbet. Some people drink read-to-drink Protein shakes or add Protein powder to up their intake. I've been told no caffeine after surgery because it stimulates your body to produce more stomach acid. Also, it's best not to drink anything carbonated. Those are the basics. On this site, you'll find many suggestions on what protein powder tastes best and how to make what you're eating taste better. Best luck to you and your pooch!

I suggest adding lots of tofu to add Protein to the carbs. Luuuuuv Indian food!

Wow! Great timing! I just got back from my 3rd nutritional seminar & I just received a handout that gives examples of the difference between clear and "full" liquids: Clear liquids: Water, diluted juices (fruit or vegetable), broth-based Soups, flavored water, unsweetened tea (i.e., Diet Snapple), coffee, Crystal Light, sugar free beverages, Jello, popsicles, applesauce. Full liquids: hot cereals (oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat), creamed soups, yogurt (Greek may have more protein), pudding, milk, custard, sherbet Hope that helps.

That's a tough situation! Kudos to you for sticking it out. Best wishes!

This reminds me of seeing Maya Angelou on TV talking about how her "sisters" were having a race towards her belt!

I go to one once a month at Medstar Montgomery on Prince Philip Dr. in Olney. The Bariatric Coordinator is Kenny Alexander (301) 570-8593. KAlexander@medstarmontgomery.org. He can give you the schedule.

Wow! Almost 100 lbs. in 4 months!!! You are smokin'!!! Congratulations.