Sullie06

Atkins has a pretty good Protein water/drink that I was able to tolerate much better than then shakes during the early stages.

Atkins has a pretty good Protein water/drink that I was able to tolerate much better than then shakes during the early stages.

I drink out of a straw everyday, I also can drink more water/tea if I'm using a straw. My doctor told me that if it doesn't bother me then go right ahead. I have no issue burping if I need to burp so I don't see any issue with it personally. If it doesn't bother you and it's helping you meet your fluid goals, I say you do you!

I drink out of a straw everyday, I also can drink more water/tea if I'm using a straw. My doctor told me that if it doesn't bother me then go right ahead. I have no issue burping if I need to burp so I don't see any issue with it personally. If it doesn't bother you and it's helping you meet your fluid goals, I say you do you!

I'm 14 months out and I can drink carbonated Water. The most it does is make me burp more. My doctor said as long as I can tolerate seltzer I can drink it, it won't stretch the pouch as that is a myth. That being said I was around 9 months post op before I even tried it.

My programs is 50g or less during the prior to 9 months post op and then 50-100 grams post 9 months and right around 100-120 grams in maintenance.

Completely normal. Your restriction will come as you eat more solid foods and dense Proteins.

I don't let my surgery affect our families 'getting together' for special occasions. I do the best I can, based on where we are. At brunch, I ordered a chicken biscuit, and just ate some of the chicken. At a burger place yesterday, I ordered a cheeseburger without the bun. If I can take leftovers home, I do, but if I can't, I feel a little guilt about wasting food, but not too much. I might munch on an onion ring or a French fry, but I don't beat myself up, and am thankful I have my stomach to tell me to STOP when my head would tell me to keep going.

It's life. If you enjoy it, you can find a way to work it in. Do an extra workout. Order seafood, or other lean Protein. Leave the carbs on your plate. Enjoy the company and the occasion more than the food itself. Don't feel guilty.

One thing I miss, is skipping lunch, in order to eat more at dinner. Our family loves dining out on special occasions and I used to skip lunch to have extra room for dinner. Can't do that anymore.

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Special Thanks to Sullie06 - great feedback

I'm currently 14 months post op and we eat out about once a week with our kids and a couple times a month with our friends in a social situation. When I'm with the hubby and kids, I don't really care to much about my small portions but when I'm with friends I'm more conscious about what I'm eating and have tricks to take attention away from my small portion size.
To answer your questions:
When were you able to start eating out?
I went to a work event at 3 weeks post op that was a sit down dinner, That was my first time out after surgery. I was still on pureed so I drank a Protein Shake prior to going and just ate the mashed potatoes. I was 3 months out when I went to a restaurant for the first time, as we were traveling.
What kinds of restaurants did you find it easiest to be successful in?
I've eaten pretty much every where since surgery. Fast food is hard because you really have to dig for a good option, Wendy's is usually my go to or Subway for a salad. Many national chains have lighter fare menus now but it's pretty generic food but good in a pinch (Core Life, Red Robin, Ground Round and Ruby Tuesdays are usually good options I've found) . We mostly like to patronize local establishments. The food is better quality and I've found the portion sizes are more manageable. It's not just a huge plate of food. We have a big Farm to Table movement going on here so I'm totally loving all the fresh options, even dairy and meat seem to be of better quality.
Did you have a "strategy" in approaching eating out?
I order a lot of appetizers as entree's if they have good choices. Order burgers without Buns, chose a vegetable side instead of fries or onion rings. I usually don't get Soup or salad if it comes with a meal if possible because I can't eat both. Avoid bread. I move my food around my plate a lot so it looks like I'm eating more than I am. I've only had 2 waitress' question if my meal was okay since I've started going out again.
While I understand the diet requirements going forward when were you able to eat a normal meal at home? Meaning a meal that would have a Protein, vegetable and maybe a starch at one sitting. Smaller servings certainly.
Yes, I can and do. Starting at 9 months post op my NUT wanted me adding more veggies and starch to my diet as they are important. My NUT wants me eating a small version of a normally portioned meal now. Prior to that it was all about Protein.
I guess maybe the real question is when could I expect to eat some of the same things for dinner my wife could or would eat?
Post 12 weeks you can start eating a normal diet again, or at least in my program you could. Now I eat everything my hubby can eat but in moderation. Of course there are things I avoid but I could eat if I chose.

Also I still treat myself on occasion (like yesterday was by birthday so I had 3 boneless wings from BWW and it was delish) but not regularly and know your triggers and limits.

I'm currently 14 months post op and we eat out about once a week with our kids and a couple times a month with our friends in a social situation. When I'm with the hubby and kids, I don't really care to much about my small portions but when I'm with friends I'm more conscious about what I'm eating and have tricks to take attention away from my small portion size.
To answer your questions:
When were you able to start eating out?
I went to a work event at 3 weeks post op that was a sit down dinner, That was my first time out after surgery. I was still on pureed so I drank a Protein Shake prior to going and just ate the mashed potatoes. I was 3 months out when I went to a restaurant for the first time, as we were traveling.
What kinds of restaurants did you find it easiest to be successful in?
I've eaten pretty much every where since surgery. Fast food is hard because you really have to dig for a good option, Wendy's is usually my go to or Subway for a salad. Many national chains have lighter fare menus now but it's pretty generic food but good in a pinch (Core Life, Red Robin, Ground Round and Ruby Tuesdays are usually good options I've found) . We mostly like to patronize local establishments. The food is better quality and I've found the portion sizes are more manageable. It's not just a huge plate of food. We have a big Farm to Table movement going on here so I'm totally loving all the fresh options, even dairy and meat seem to be of better quality.
Did you have a "strategy" in approaching eating out?
I order a lot of appetizers as entree's if they have good choices. Order burgers without Buns, chose a vegetable side instead of fries or onion rings. I usually don't get Soup or salad if it comes with a meal if possible because I can't eat both. Avoid bread. I move my food around my plate a lot so it looks like I'm eating more than I am. I've only had 2 waitress' question if my meal was okay since I've started going out again.
While I understand the diet requirements going forward when were you able to eat a normal meal at home? Meaning a meal that would have a Protein, vegetable and maybe a starch at one sitting. Smaller servings certainly.
Yes, I can and do. Starting at 9 months post op my NUT wanted me adding more veggies and starch to my diet as they are important. My NUT wants me eating a small version of a normally portioned meal now. Prior to that it was all about Protein.
I guess maybe the real question is when could I expect to eat some of the same things for dinner my wife could or would eat?
Post 12 weeks you can start eating a normal diet again, or at least in my program you could. Now I eat everything my hubby can eat but in moderation. Of course there are things I avoid but I could eat if I chose.

Also I still treat myself on occasion (like yesterday was by birthday so I had 3 boneless wings from BWW and it was delish) but not regularly and know your triggers and limits.

I drink out of a straw everyday, I also can drink more water/tea if I'm using a straw. My doctor told me that if it doesn't bother me then go right ahead. I have no issue burping if I need to burp so I don't see any issue with it personally. If it doesn't bother you and it's helping you meet your fluid goals, I say you do you!

I'm currently 14 months post op and we eat out about once a week with our kids and a couple times a month with our friends in a social situation. When I'm with the hubby and kids, I don't really care to much about my small portions but when I'm with friends I'm more conscious about what I'm eating and have tricks to take attention away from my small portion size.
To answer your questions:
When were you able to start eating out?
I went to a work event at 3 weeks post op that was a sit down dinner, That was my first time out after surgery. I was still on pureed so I drank a Protein Shake prior to going and just ate the mashed potatoes. I was 3 months out when I went to a restaurant for the first time, as we were traveling.
What kinds of restaurants did you find it easiest to be successful in?
I've eaten pretty much every where since surgery. Fast food is hard because you really have to dig for a good option, Wendy's is usually my go to or Subway for a salad. Many national chains have lighter fare menus now but it's pretty generic food but good in a pinch (Core Life, Red Robin, Ground Round and Ruby Tuesdays are usually good options I've found) . We mostly like to patronize local establishments. The food is better quality and I've found the portion sizes are more manageable. It's not just a huge plate of food. We have a big Farm to Table movement going on here so I'm totally loving all the fresh options, even dairy and meat seem to be of better quality.
Did you have a "strategy" in approaching eating out?
I order a lot of appetizers as entree's if they have good choices. Order burgers without Buns, chose a vegetable side instead of fries or onion rings. I usually don't get Soup or salad if it comes with a meal if possible because I can't eat both. Avoid bread. I move my food around my plate a lot so it looks like I'm eating more than I am. I've only had 2 waitress' question if my meal was okay since I've started going out again.
While I understand the diet requirements going forward when were you able to eat a normal meal at home? Meaning a meal that would have a Protein, vegetable and maybe a starch at one sitting. Smaller servings certainly.
Yes, I can and do. Starting at 9 months post op my NUT wanted me adding more veggies and starch to my diet as they are important. My NUT wants me eating a small version of a normally portioned meal now. Prior to that it was all about Protein.
I guess maybe the real question is when could I expect to eat some of the same things for dinner my wife could or would eat?
Post 12 weeks you can start eating a normal diet again, or at least in my program you could. Now I eat everything my hubby can eat but in moderation. Of course there are things I avoid but I could eat if I chose.

Also I still treat myself on occasion (like yesterday was by birthday so I had 3 boneless wings from BWW and it was delish) but not regularly and know your triggers and limits.

I'm currently 14 months post op and we eat out about once a week with our kids and a couple times a month with our friends in a social situation. When I'm with the hubby and kids, I don't really care to much about my small portions but when I'm with friends I'm more conscious about what I'm eating and have tricks to take attention away from my small portion size.
To answer your questions:
When were you able to start eating out?
I went to a work event at 3 weeks post op that was a sit down dinner, That was my first time out after surgery. I was still on pureed so I drank a Protein Shake prior to going and just ate the mashed potatoes. I was 3 months out when I went to a restaurant for the first time, as we were traveling.
What kinds of restaurants did you find it easiest to be successful in?
I've eaten pretty much every where since surgery. Fast food is hard because you really have to dig for a good option, Wendy's is usually my go to or Subway for a salad. Many national chains have lighter fare menus now but it's pretty generic food but good in a pinch (Core Life, Red Robin, Ground Round and Ruby Tuesdays are usually good options I've found) . We mostly like to patronize local establishments. The food is better quality and I've found the portion sizes are more manageable. It's not just a huge plate of food. We have a big Farm to Table movement going on here so I'm totally loving all the fresh options, even dairy and meat seem to be of better quality.
Did you have a "strategy" in approaching eating out?
I order a lot of appetizers as entree's if they have good choices. Order burgers without Buns, chose a vegetable side instead of fries or onion rings. I usually don't get Soup or salad if it comes with a meal if possible because I can't eat both. Avoid bread. I move my food around my plate a lot so it looks like I'm eating more than I am. I've only had 2 waitress' question if my meal was okay since I've started going out again.
While I understand the diet requirements going forward when were you able to eat a normal meal at home? Meaning a meal that would have a Protein, vegetable and maybe a starch at one sitting. Smaller servings certainly.
Yes, I can and do. Starting at 9 months post op my NUT wanted me adding more veggies and starch to my diet as they are important. My NUT wants me eating a small version of a normally portioned meal now. Prior to that it was all about Protein.
I guess maybe the real question is when could I expect to eat some of the same things for dinner my wife could or would eat?
Post 12 weeks you can start eating a normal diet again, or at least in my program you could. Now I eat everything my hubby can eat but in moderation. Of course there are things I avoid but I could eat if I chose.

Also I still treat myself on occasion (like yesterday was by birthday so I had 3 boneless wings from BWW and it was delish) but not regularly and know your triggers and limits.

Don't worry about the weight. Your body is just getting used to it's new normal. Stalls and plateaus are a normal part of the process, you will start losing again.
As for the Protein Shakes try the GNC Lean 25 shakes. I could not tolerate most shakes after surgery but these ones were tolerable and they come in so many flavors. They are also thinner consistence than the Premier which is what I drank pre surgery.

October 16- 275 lbs. My highest weight was 301 in July 2016.
June 10, 2017- 211 lbs

Surgery: 12/30/16
HW: 301 (7/19/16)
SW: 271
CW: 200

HW: 301
Day of Surgery: 271
Current: 192
This before picture was about a month before my surgery, not my highest weight but right around 275.
I cannot get over how amazing I feel, no regrets at all!

10 months post op
HW: 301
CW: 188

Congrats you are doing great! Its such a wonderful feeling isn't it? I've gone from a size 22 to a size 10/12 and a size S/M top. It's insane! It is a hit to the wallet though, especially if you have to wear dress clothing for work.

Just wanted to share my most recent before/current
HW was 301lbs in July 2016, though it could have been a little more since I didn't weigh regularly.
SW: 271 (12/30/16)
CW: 185
GW: 175, then reassess.
The left picture was October 2016 at about 275 lbs while working my pre-op diet. The right was Monday at 185 lbs.

11 months post op
HW: 301
SW: 271
CW: 187
GW: 175
The left is June 2016 at my highest weight and the right was on Thanksgiving.

Just wanted to share my most recent before/current
HW was 301lbs in July 2016, though it could have been a little more since I didn't weigh regularly.
SW: 271 (12/30/16)
CW: 185
GW: 175, then reassess.
The left picture was October 2016 at about 275 lbs while working my pre-op diet. The right was Monday at 185 lbs.

Just wanted to share my most recent before/current
HW was 301lbs in July 2016, though it could have been a little more since I didn't weigh regularly.
SW: 271 (12/30/16)
CW: 185
GW: 175, then reassess.
The left picture was October 2016 at about 275 lbs while working my pre-op diet. The right was Monday at 185 lbs.

New York is amazing. I live about 3 hours from New York City and I try and get down any chance I get because the city just feels so alive to me.