Apple1

I tried those and I cannot drink them, they taste gross to me. I am really trying to get most if not all of my protein from real food now. I still drink a shake occasionally for breakfast or after my workout, but now that I can eat meat I prefer it, and it keeps me full.

I am curious what you are consuming to get to 100g of protein at your calorie level. I am working on increasing my protein levels and I am not hungry enough to add another meal. I am really not forcing myself to eat more calories. I am just listening to my body and Not purposely trying to stay lower calorie thinking I will lose more weight.

Breakfast- cheese stick & turkey stick lunch- 2.5 oz chicken & 1oz broccoli dinner- 2.5 oz grilled burger with a slice of cheddar After workout snack- protein shake

That sounds like a great idea. I should do something similar, but I didn't really take a pre-op photo. Im looking forward to your photo collage!

Sounds like you had a good workout! I am sure that got the endorphins flowing.

I'm very sorry you had such a bad experience. It is good that you posted about it so others can be aware.

Prayers for a safe surgery and a quick recovery.

You look fabulous. You are a inspiration.

Congrats on your great weight loss!! You definitely must be doing something right.

Good for you getting back on track so soon. You can do this!!

I think finding a new hobby or spending more time doing something you enjoy is a great idea.

I had to take a stool softener everyday for the first 10 days. It took my system about 2.5 weeks to get back on track and regular. Everyday gets better. Try to drink some good homemade broths. The warm savory liquid felt the best for me the first week. The sooner you can get your protein and fluid levels up your energy will get better. I would experiment with cold/hot room temp fluids because sometimes the temperature make all the difference in how it feels.

I am going to keep this in mind as I move through the stages and add calories. I think this maybe the best nugget of information I have read and is a smart way to look at how much to eat. I have been attempting to eat until I feel full and have always worried about eating that one bite too much. I do weigh all of my food so I have an accurate record of what and how much I am eating.

I am off today and so I have had some time to sit and reflect on my journey thus far. I have been thinking about changes since surgery and really have not found anything to be super tough to adjust too. Really for me not drinking while eating and 30 minutes after has been the hardiest change for me to implement. I think my environment and a supportive husband has been a key factor as well as having this forum for support. I only have to cook for myself and my dh. He has no problem eating whatever I cook for him and is on board with healthy eating. I have had a few instances of head hunger, but I really think they were just from habits that were ingrained in my mind about what and how much I should be eating. I am in the process of making cardio exercise a daily habit with the purchase of the elliptical machine because I feel it will help with my fitness goals. What has been the hardest adjustment for you all after surgery? what challenges do you think will be toughest down the road?

I was also told to avoid tomatoes due to the acid content. I have only had a minimal amount in the sauce on the ricotta bake, and so far so good.

It depends on what the food is. Yogurt or cottage cheese I can eat 4oz, but dense protein like chicken or ground turkey only 2-3oz. I weigh my food so 1 cup doesn't mean much to me. How much does that 1 cup of food weigh? I am only 3 weeks post op though so keep that in mind.

Your plan is much clearer than mine. To be honest I have been taking the puréed to mean chew very well before swallowing. I just can't imagine blending my meat. I have been eating veggies most of last week though they weren't on my plan till this week. I only eat a few bites anyway because like you said there is only so much room in our stomachs. I am able to eat at the most 3-3.5 oz total depending on what I am eating. If it is yogurt or cottage cheese I can eat close to 4 oz, but if it is chicken or ground turkey only 2-3oz. Cereals are added on my plan this week ,but I do not know if i will eat any of them. I have never been much of a cereal eater anyway. Here is what my week 4 looks like

I agree with this. We cannot continue to eat the same foods or quantity of foods that got us into this position in the first place. I am still a newbie in this whole process so I only know what I have experienced thus far and what I have read both online and in books on the VSG. Anyone that wants to can find ways to eat around the surgery, but does the stomach actually stretch out?? I don't know. I have read arguments for both cases. I do know that I don't plan on doing anything to find out either way.

From my research though, the stretchy part of our stomachs was removed during surgery. What we have left should not have much ability to grow in size.

That number of calories doesn't seem like enough especially if you are an active person. I am not pushing myself at all. Like I said I haven't actually reached 800 yet, but I think I will be there at 4-5 weeks post op. I am an entomologist and I have a very active field season during the warmer months into Fall. I have started daily exercise on my elliptical as well as walking. I am not over doing it. I am just gradually increasing my exercise and calories as my body is healing. I do not want to risk a slow metabolism by staying so low in calories. I honestly could not function at 646 calories with the amount of walking I do in a normal day a work.

I would call your doctor. That much acid is not normal and you need to find a medication that you can take and that works.

Praying for a safe surgery for you.

That is beautiful!! Thank you for sharing.

Walking was the best medicine for the gas. I agree with what @Newme17 said about warm liquids. Room temp or warm/hot was all I could tolerate for the first week. You should be feeling better day by day, just listen to your body and rest when you need it.

Congrats on getting your surgery date. I have been taking the Bariactric Fusion berry flavored chewable. I don't mind them much at all. They taste ok and don't make me nauseous. I am just 3 weeks post op and I have lost about 15 pounds. I am happy to lose slow and steady and I am trying hard not to compare myself to others. Everyone is different and will lose at their own pace. I wish you good luck and many blessings for a safe surgery.