JoanneLaRusch

I'm enjoying this thread!!

I was recommended this from my nutritionist. They are not bad, although I like to add some hot sauce for some extra zing.


Another recommendation from my nutritionist:

This was really good-- Especially if you LOVE cinnamon toast crunch. I add 1/2 a vanilla muscle milk for more Protein instead of regular milk.

I love this thread!! I'm in Australia and some of these products are from Australia or New Zealand, but I don't want to miss out on the fun. Besides, the American supermarkets seem to have a version of everything so most of you can probably find something similar.
1. Dark roasted Peanut Butter - I eat this with apple or banana, on top of my oats, in my smoothies. As a rare treat, I will sometimes have this on gluten free toast too.

2. Kombucha - passionfruit flavour. I gave up Diet Coke (had a die hard addition but I think the sugar substitutes were making me crave real sugar) and high calorie juices. When I don't feel like Water, I'll have this. It's delicious, I don't know if it actually does anything in terms of Probiotics for the microbiome, but I like the taste.

3. Taco spice from costco. I buy these giant bottles of taco spice and throw it into beef mince or with chicken (I love a Mexican salad, taco Soup, or bowl of chilli carne carne). This actually lasts in my pantry, unlike those little sachets.

4. Halo top. Any kind - but peanut butter is my favourite. Lately, I've been buying the sticks as I can easily eat a whole tub (which is 280 calories). This is perfect when I want dessert (e.g. most nights).

5. Caramel collagen Creamer - I'm pretty sure this is available in the US, or will be soon. I think they have a dairy and non-dairy version, but I usually grab the regular kind. My skin, nails and hair look so much better when I'm doing collagen - it's a little miracle. I love the taste of this one, I stir it into smoothies, iced coffee and even my oats every morning to add Protein.

I have tacos at least once a week.
2 tacos 205 calories, I just add veggies & use dry seasoning.
I use 96% lean ground beef 3 oz is 105
Hard Taco shells are a surprising and crunchy low calorie item. 50 calories a piece.

Turkey sausage to serve with scrambled eggs.

Just crack an egg. I could prepare the ingredients myself but this is great for when I’m lazy. I use an egg white instead of a whole egg.

In my line of work, I had a case of HS and had to do some in-depth research. What a miserable condition. You have my complete sympathy.
The cause of HS is multi-factorial. Experts believe flare-ups could be related to hormones, diet, excess weight, or metabolic syndrome. All of which the obese community seems to have in spades.
Know: you didn't CAUSE this by your hygiene. Unfortunately, you seem to be pre-disposed AND surgery can certainly knock your system out of whack.
Talk with your dermatologist (or whatever doctor treats your HS) for treatment recommendations.
Here are some resources for you: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation American Academy of Dermatology Association-HS I also find The mayo Clinic-Hidradenitis Suppurativa a good resource that's easy to understand.

So! Today I got the Bariatric hot chocolate in and OMG I love it!! It has Protein in it and I'm not getting near the protein that I am needing because if lactose intolerance and issues with the Protein Shakes. So I'm one happy chick today!! So glad to get something to get my protein intake up! Also got some of the protein soups! Excited to try one of those for lunch later!!

I was also told when your Fluid levels are low you will think you're hungry, but in reality you're actually thirsty. Try drinking a bit more. It might help!

Thank you. I def realize this is going to be a big adjustment. I ate some Soup for dinner, and felt just fine. I think going back to work, I'm use to snacking, and going out to eat with my coworker so I was just in my head most likely. Ty for your response

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Ok, so this is probably not what you want to hear but ...
When you had your surgery, most of the area within your stomach that produces the ‘I’m hungry’ hormone, ghrelin, is removed. Small amounts can be produced in the brain, pancreas & small intestines. So while some of the hunger you are experiencing may be real, most of it is likely head hunger.
You’ve been on a liquid diet for weeks & consciously or subconsciously you’re probably bored & wanting some solid food & the foods you always used to eat. You’re also coming to terms with smaller portions, eating slowly & less frequently. Your head is saying to you: this isn’t enough food for me I need more. Plus this has all been very stressful. Prepping for the surgery, the surgery itself, the change to your diet, etc. & many of us turn to food when we’re stressed or emotional. This is all head hunger not real hunger.
This is some of the hard work you have to do. Understanding your hunger - why you eat, when you eat, what you eat - is important to your success. But you can do it. It will get better & easier. Just give yourself time to come to terms with it all & what it means for you.
It’s going to be soooo worth it. Good luck.
BTW - Protein reduces the production of ghrelin - another reason why you need to work at reaching your protein goals each day.

Same!! I'm on my last week of full liquids and I just want to actually eat something. I feel like broth and popsicles and Jello just are not doing it!!😭💔

Hi Joanne - I' 6 days post op and feel like I've been hungry since day 3! My program has me on Clear Liquids until my 1st post op appointment which is 8 days post op. I am so hungry, and it's definitely not head hunger, it's real hunger. I can't tell you how excited I am to move to the full liquids stage. I don't need to feel full, I just don't want to be hungry.:) I'm hoping other people who have gotten a sleeve and are further out can confirm that being hungry in the beginning is normal for some people!

I haven't experienced the stomach pain but I have heard from others that sometimes the temperature of what you are drinking makes a difference. Maybe try cold if you're drinking hot or vice versa, or maybe even room temp. I hope things are better for you now. Congrats on your surgery. I had VSG on 10/27/20.

I am exaclty one week post op and I was surprised and disappointed to be hungry within this time span. It's easy to fix it; I'll have some broth typically it I'm between meals. But it's definitely hunger. I'm already taking Prilosec so I know it isn't stomach acid. You are not alone.

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I ate soooooo much yogurt during the purée stage because I simply couldn’t handle puréed meat. Instead I did yogurt and pudding and applesauce and all things puréed that were allowed except meats. I basically was getting all my Protein from high protein yogurt (like Greek or Skyr) and Protein Shakes.

I recommend you do your plan as your Doc/Nut require.
Do NOT chew, chew, chew in the first few weeks because when you don't chew enough, and you won't, your food will stick in your tender surgery, you're gonna wretch, and you be in pain, and you could cause bad things to happen to your surgery. Don't do it.
I thought puree would be yucky but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went for high flavor profiles.
Following your Doc's plan is about both learning to eat appropriately AND actually following through on a plan. We got to needing WLS by not following plans. Invariably, if we didn't abandon the plan completely, we started making changes, which made other changes easier until we were, well, needing WLS. Losing weight by following the plan gives us positive reinforcement for good choices, and for actually following through on our commitment.
Good luck,
Tek

Hi so I’m 2 weeks in and I feel like I’m failing at this I’m craving foods like crazy I can’t do the Protein Shakes I feel like I’m messing things up! Help please

Oh yeah, that first time you overeat is not pleasant. But it does help to reinforce the eat slowly rule. I still ask myself if I really need the next bite, not that I just want it or am eating out of habit. I tell myself: put the cutlery down & push the plate away.
To make things even more difficult you may find your tummy just can’t tolerate certain foods or that some foods make you feel full more quickly than others. I had a spoonful of mashed potato a few weeks back & it sat like a lump in my tummy for ages.
Good luck on your journey. It can be a roller coaster of experiences but so rewarding.

Wow, that was horrible. About to go to phase 4 and eat solid foods. Was eating some pureed Beans and some mashed up potato salad. took about 2 bites too many. All the sudden it got hard to breathe....and 15 minutes later I threw it all up. Not a pleasant experience lol. But it was a good reminder to follow the rules. Stretching my stomach is a CONSTANT fear of mine. I know to stick to the plan, but I'm always afraid I will fail.

The pre-op diet is definitely hard, but you've made it this far! Hang in there for 2 more days.
I found it hard, but even harder post op being on 3 weeks of liquids because I hated all the sweet stuff!
You can do this!!

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I think most people have some doubt. I know I did. Power through, it will all be worth it in the end.

I am just struggling massively right now due to my pre op diet. I am constantly hungry and so tired of the liquids and just not in a good mental place. I feel like I’ve chosen the wrong time to have my revision and worried the surgery isn’t even going to accomplish anything. The wish to eat food is just SO strong and I feel so angry and anxious all the time. I’m just wondering how I’m ever going to make this succeed.
I have two more days until I go in for my surgery and am hoping that at least the restriction will make this a little easier as I won’t be constantly starving.
just really struggling right now.

As an alternate perspective, I have never counted calories as a post-op.
My Doc's plan is simple: 3oz Protein, 1oz veggies, 3 times per day. It's probably ever so slightly more some days, less other days.
Which has always suited me fine as I did not want to spend the rest of my life eating calories rather than meals.
As always, follow your plan, what we do is beside the point.
As mom used to say, "If everyone jumped off a cliff would you laugh?" or something like it.
Good luck,
Tek

Wow, you can have Mountain Dew? I was told no carbonated drinks, ever again. Does it bother you at all? I'm just curious about why I was warned off of it so strongly...

Wow, that is AMAZING. Congratulations! I started with a BMI of 69 at 393lb. and 5'3". My goal is to be under 200. You've given me hope that I'll make it!
You must feel wonderful!

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