MissMerryberry

I'm so scared of parchment paper in the oven! Its started on fire the last time I used it. If I overcome my fear I will try this!

If you like tacos another idea is to make some taco meat, I use ground turkey and Ortega seasoning and/or warm up some refried beans.
I do taco meat and/or beans in a serving that I know I can eat, (1/4 c right now, I'm also 8 weeks post op)...then I put some shredded Mexican blend cheese on top and some mild taco sauce (don't want to shock the new tummy with spicy stuff yet).
I dump the refried beans into a storage container and pop it in the fridge so I can keep using it until its gone, same as with the taco meat. Then for the next few days I have taco meat or refried beans, or BOTH to add some cheese to, warm up in the microwave and then top with taco sauce!
My foods are super repetitive, too...but that's okay, cause I like them Looking forward to next week when I am on "easy to chew" foods! Going to wrap lunch meat in a lettuce leaf instead of eating it straight! Like a sandwich!

Hi there! My surgery was July 11th and I was 3 months post op about 2 weeks ago. It is so weird to not be on an assigned restricted diet. I know we have to watch out for soft breads, dry or tough meats, fibrous vegetables, stringy fruits, rice and noodles - but that doesn't feel like "follow this plan" type of stuff anymore. I kinda feel a bit lost and while I'm trying new things, I'm sticking to a lot of the things I'm used to. Oh! I tried 2 pieces of candy - they weren't even fun size, they were the ones that are just like a little square - I really wasn't impressed with them and I don't think I care about candy anymore at all. For reference I tried 3 Musketeers and Snickers, most people eat them in two bites each, I broke it down to 3-4 bites each. The rest of the night last night, while handing out candy, if I felt hungry (this is after dinner) I snacked on Toasted Sesame flavored seaweed, its good! Crunchy and light, with a bit of a nutty flavor, I learned about it from the instagram account theguacwarddietitian - she has awesome videos for recipes, foods to get from the store, (especially Trader Joe's), and other really upbeat and positive motivation stuff!
Oh, so I've been eating a lot of foods that I started eating on the "easy to chew" step of my plan, which was the last step before normal foods. I just started adding beef though, I dunno I had this thing in my head that it wasn't "easy to chew?" or it was harder to digest? I'm weird! I tried eating a hamburger patty, I can only eat like 1/3 of it, and I serve it on top of lettuce/tomato/pickle and put ketchup/mayo on it. Its a mess but tasty I also added eating like 2 mini squares max (a serving is 4 squares) of Ghiradelli dark chocolate mini squares - SO MUCH BETTER THAN CRAPPY HALLOWEEN CANDY!
I started losing weight in March, I lost 30 lbs before surgery and since July 11th I've lost 57 - I'd say 57 in a 3 1/2 months is pretty good! But a total of 87 since I started practicing healthy eating habits in March! I don't measure myself but I have gone from a women's size 24/26 or 3X (mens 1X) to a women's 18/20 or 1X (men's XL). So I'm pretty happy about that, too!
1st Pic - me in Jan 2022 (325)
2nd Pic - me in May 2022 (approx 305)
3rd Pic - me last week, Oct 2022 (240)

Hi there! My surgery was July 11th and I was 3 months post op about 2 weeks ago. It is so weird to not be on an assigned restricted diet. I know we have to watch out for soft breads, dry or tough meats, fibrous vegetables, stringy fruits, rice and noodles - but that doesn't feel like "follow this plan" type of stuff anymore. I kinda feel a bit lost and while I'm trying new things, I'm sticking to a lot of the things I'm used to. Oh! I tried 2 pieces of candy - they weren't even fun size, they were the ones that are just like a little square - I really wasn't impressed with them and I don't think I care about candy anymore at all. For reference I tried 3 Musketeers and Snickers, most people eat them in two bites each, I broke it down to 3-4 bites each. The rest of the night last night, while handing out candy, if I felt hungry (this is after dinner) I snacked on Toasted Sesame flavored seaweed, its good! Crunchy and light, with a bit of a nutty flavor, I learned about it from the instagram account theguacwarddietitian - she has awesome videos for recipes, foods to get from the store, (especially Trader Joe's), and other really upbeat and positive motivation stuff!
Oh, so I've been eating a lot of foods that I started eating on the "easy to chew" step of my plan, which was the last step before normal foods. I just started adding beef though, I dunno I had this thing in my head that it wasn't "easy to chew?" or it was harder to digest? I'm weird! I tried eating a hamburger patty, I can only eat like 1/3 of it, and I serve it on top of lettuce/tomato/pickle and put ketchup/mayo on it. Its a mess but tasty I also added eating like 2 mini squares max (a serving is 4 squares) of Ghiradelli dark chocolate mini squares - SO MUCH BETTER THAN CRAPPY HALLOWEEN CANDY!
I started losing weight in March, I lost 30 lbs before surgery and since July 11th I've lost 57 - I'd say 57 in a 3 1/2 months is pretty good! But a total of 87 since I started practicing healthy eating habits in March! I don't measure myself but I have gone from a women's size 24/26 or 3X (mens 1X) to a women's 18/20 or 1X (men's XL). So I'm pretty happy about that, too!
1st Pic - me in Jan 2022 (325)
2nd Pic - me in May 2022 (approx 305)
3rd Pic - me last week, Oct 2022 (240)

Before surgery i was at a 4XL Shirt. finding 4XL was nearly impossible as most big box stores only have up to 3XL if that. I was having to stretch out the 3XL shirts. Today i decided to buy some new shirts. XL. and sure enough they fit perfect. Excited because now i can fully shop at almost any store. Especially the branded stores at the mall. As for pants I was at a 54 or 56" i dont remember. and i am at a 38 pants size now Still a bit high on the pants size. many of the stores i use to love carry up to 36. Still some work to do to get down in weight more.

Most of you know i weigh myself and take measurements on the 4th of every month...
Surgery Date 04/18/2022

Oh wow! I don't even eat steak yet and I was cleared to eat whatever I wanted 2 weeks ago! Everyone has already talked about why you shouldn't have it yet, so I won't go in to that.
I wanted to tell you that while I LOVED protein shakes before surgery, they were just fine for my pre-op prep. I HATED them after, it wasn't even the taste, my stomach started reacting poorly. Fortunately, I have access to Fairlife milk and Fairlife is easy on your tummy because its lactose free AND it has higher protein per serving than regular milk, its a great protein shake replacement if you are still in a mostly liquids stage and need to get your protein in! I was drinking three 8-10 oz glasses of Fairlife Lowfat milk a day, until just recently because I can now have protein bars and other solid forms of protein. The shakes or the milk are SUPER important to make sure your body gets enough protein until you are cleared for solid foods.
When I was in the pureed stage my go-tos were refried beans with a little cheese and taco sauce on them (still eat that now!), cottage cheese, low fat/low sugar greek yogurt, Protein 2 O (its a protein water!), and Fairlife milk.
Good job on your progress, take care of your new little tummy!

Oh wow! I don't even eat steak yet and I was cleared to eat whatever I wanted 2 weeks ago! Everyone has already talked about why you shouldn't have it yet, so I won't go in to that.
I wanted to tell you that while I LOVED protein shakes before surgery, they were just fine for my pre-op prep. I HATED them after, it wasn't even the taste, my stomach started reacting poorly. Fortunately, I have access to Fairlife milk and Fairlife is easy on your tummy because its lactose free AND it has higher protein per serving than regular milk, its a great protein shake replacement if you are still in a mostly liquids stage and need to get your protein in! I was drinking three 8-10 oz glasses of Fairlife Lowfat milk a day, until just recently because I can now have protein bars and other solid forms of protein. The shakes or the milk are SUPER important to make sure your body gets enough protein until you are cleared for solid foods.
When I was in the pureed stage my go-tos were refried beans with a little cheese and taco sauce on them (still eat that now!), cottage cheese, low fat/low sugar greek yogurt, Protein 2 O (its a protein water!), and Fairlife milk.
Good job on your progress, take care of your new little tummy!

This is just fantastic!! Good for you for doing the work and feeling mentally ready for the surgery. You got this!!! I'm excited to hear about your success as time goes on!!

Oh wow! I don't even eat steak yet and I was cleared to eat whatever I wanted 2 weeks ago! Everyone has already talked about why you shouldn't have it yet, so I won't go in to that.
I wanted to tell you that while I LOVED protein shakes before surgery, they were just fine for my pre-op prep. I HATED them after, it wasn't even the taste, my stomach started reacting poorly. Fortunately, I have access to Fairlife milk and Fairlife is easy on your tummy because its lactose free AND it has higher protein per serving than regular milk, its a great protein shake replacement if you are still in a mostly liquids stage and need to get your protein in! I was drinking three 8-10 oz glasses of Fairlife Lowfat milk a day, until just recently because I can now have protein bars and other solid forms of protein. The shakes or the milk are SUPER important to make sure your body gets enough protein until you are cleared for solid foods.
When I was in the pureed stage my go-tos were refried beans with a little cheese and taco sauce on them (still eat that now!), cottage cheese, low fat/low sugar greek yogurt, Protein 2 O (its a protein water!), and Fairlife milk.
Good job on your progress, take care of your new little tummy!

Oh wow! I don't even eat steak yet and I was cleared to eat whatever I wanted 2 weeks ago! Everyone has already talked about why you shouldn't have it yet, so I won't go in to that.
I wanted to tell you that while I LOVED protein shakes before surgery, they were just fine for my pre-op prep. I HATED them after, it wasn't even the taste, my stomach started reacting poorly. Fortunately, I have access to Fairlife milk and Fairlife is easy on your tummy because its lactose free AND it has higher protein per serving than regular milk, its a great protein shake replacement if you are still in a mostly liquids stage and need to get your protein in! I was drinking three 8-10 oz glasses of Fairlife Lowfat milk a day, until just recently because I can now have protein bars and other solid forms of protein. The shakes or the milk are SUPER important to make sure your body gets enough protein until you are cleared for solid foods.
When I was in the pureed stage my go-tos were refried beans with a little cheese and taco sauce on them (still eat that now!), cottage cheese, low fat/low sugar greek yogurt, Protein 2 O (its a protein water!), and Fairlife milk.
Good job on your progress, take care of your new little tummy!

Nice work!
It is definitely important to have bilirubin checked and to have it followed up with a gallbladder check! Steady and swift weight loss leads to gall stones very very commonly! Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I basically starved myself on WW and lost 40 - 50 lbs (can't remember) really fast....then I started having pain (you don't necessarily have to have pain!) and it was my gallbladder full of "sludge" which is just lots and lots of little grainy stones.
I'm not surprised your doctors are having you do the Ultra Sound, etc because its best to be safe! If they do find blockage and you have it removed, consider yourself lucky to be getting it out BEFORE its INCREDIBLY PAINFUL!
Best wishes!!

Hi there! My surgery was July 11th and I was 3 months post op about 2 weeks ago. It is so weird to not be on an assigned restricted diet. I know we have to watch out for soft breads, dry or tough meats, fibrous vegetables, stringy fruits, rice and noodles - but that doesn't feel like "follow this plan" type of stuff anymore. I kinda feel a bit lost and while I'm trying new things, I'm sticking to a lot of the things I'm used to. Oh! I tried 2 pieces of candy - they weren't even fun size, they were the ones that are just like a little square - I really wasn't impressed with them and I don't think I care about candy anymore at all. For reference I tried 3 Musketeers and Snickers, most people eat them in two bites each, I broke it down to 3-4 bites each. The rest of the night last night, while handing out candy, if I felt hungry (this is after dinner) I snacked on Toasted Sesame flavored seaweed, its good! Crunchy and light, with a bit of a nutty flavor, I learned about it from the instagram account theguacwarddietitian - she has awesome videos for recipes, foods to get from the store, (especially Trader Joe's), and other really upbeat and positive motivation stuff!
Oh, so I've been eating a lot of foods that I started eating on the "easy to chew" step of my plan, which was the last step before normal foods. I just started adding beef though, I dunno I had this thing in my head that it wasn't "easy to chew?" or it was harder to digest? I'm weird! I tried eating a hamburger patty, I can only eat like 1/3 of it, and I serve it on top of lettuce/tomato/pickle and put ketchup/mayo on it. Its a mess but tasty I also added eating like 2 mini squares max (a serving is 4 squares) of Ghiradelli dark chocolate mini squares - SO MUCH BETTER THAN CRAPPY HALLOWEEN CANDY!
I started losing weight in March, I lost 30 lbs before surgery and since July 11th I've lost 57 - I'd say 57 in a 3 1/2 months is pretty good! But a total of 87 since I started practicing healthy eating habits in March! I don't measure myself but I have gone from a women's size 24/26 or 3X (mens 1X) to a women's 18/20 or 1X (men's XL). So I'm pretty happy about that, too!
1st Pic - me in Jan 2022 (325)
2nd Pic - me in May 2022 (approx 305)
3rd Pic - me last week, Oct 2022 (240)

I have been reluctant to buy anything pre surgery, but i plan on stocking up for next winter and buying the better quality warmer things. I do have a comfy which is a giant blanket hoodie that is nice.

Nice work!
It is definitely important to have bilirubin checked and to have it followed up with a gallbladder check! Steady and swift weight loss leads to gall stones very very commonly! Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I basically starved myself on WW and lost 40 - 50 lbs (can't remember) really fast....then I started having pain (you don't necessarily have to have pain!) and it was my gallbladder full of "sludge" which is just lots and lots of little grainy stones.
I'm not surprised your doctors are having you do the Ultra Sound, etc because its best to be safe! If they do find blockage and you have it removed, consider yourself lucky to be getting it out BEFORE its INCREDIBLY PAINFUL!
Best wishes!!

This is just fantastic!! Good for you for doing the work and feeling mentally ready for the surgery. You got this!!! I'm excited to hear about your success as time goes on!!

Oh man, getting that hiatal hernia fixed must have felt amazing though, too!! Way to go on getting a new surgery date, rock on!

At the end of last year, my life was over eating and especially lots of sugar. I binged on little debbie cakes, guzzled icees, had many high calorie starbucks drinks and a lot of fast food.

I ate and drank so unhealthy that it really was a slow suicide. It was killing me and frankly I did not care, but rather welcomed it.

After several things snowballing, the first of 2022 I started to take control. I made a choice to live. I struggled to work out the pain of the past and even current circumstances which lead me to cover the pain in food, especially sugar and non nutrient dense carbs. The pain that brought me well over 400 lbs and climbing. I journaled and cried and started to stand up for myself. I also did take Ryselbus which helped give me a leg up to do the work. My husband took it but the effects wore off some because he didn’t change. I knew i needed to change if I wanted to live.

Over a few months, I did the very hard mental work. I broke addictions to fast food and the sugar. Going through the process sucked. Slowly, I repeated over and over again I was worth forgiving to getting into this unhealthy state. I could heal and forge a new way. I didn’t need sugar or binging on pizza to make me feel better, I could finally start to find empathy and forgiveness for myself.

Now I am two days from life changing bariatric surgery in a good place. I am ready for the huge changes this surgery brings. No longer do I binge on sugar, bread, processed food. I don’t even want to binge 90% of the time and I have self soothed myself with forgiveness and understanding the other 10%. I have changed my eating patterns, my portions, my outlook. Sugar isn’t forbidden forever, but it will now be a treat, a sometimes indulgence.

It feels amazing to be able to make that choice instead of being ruled by cravings. I feel lighter from not having to carry as much of the huge burden of self loathing and self hate I used to carry.

I am worth forgiving myself.

I guess really why I am writing this is I know the struggle is so real. each one of you has your own issues and challenges. Each one of you is worthy of self forgiveness and embracing good things in your life. shed the tears, embrace your flaws and find a way to accept yourself and move forward in a way you want. Even if you struggle, It is worth it.

Nice work!
It is definitely important to have bilirubin checked and to have it followed up with a gallbladder check! Steady and swift weight loss leads to gall stones very very commonly! Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I basically starved myself on WW and lost 40 - 50 lbs (can't remember) really fast....then I started having pain (you don't necessarily have to have pain!) and it was my gallbladder full of "sludge" which is just lots and lots of little grainy stones.
I'm not surprised your doctors are having you do the Ultra Sound, etc because its best to be safe! If they do find blockage and you have it removed, consider yourself lucky to be getting it out BEFORE its INCREDIBLY PAINFUL!
Best wishes!!

Nice work!
It is definitely important to have bilirubin checked and to have it followed up with a gallbladder check! Steady and swift weight loss leads to gall stones very very commonly! Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I basically starved myself on WW and lost 40 - 50 lbs (can't remember) really fast....then I started having pain (you don't necessarily have to have pain!) and it was my gallbladder full of "sludge" which is just lots and lots of little grainy stones.
I'm not surprised your doctors are having you do the Ultra Sound, etc because its best to be safe! If they do find blockage and you have it removed, consider yourself lucky to be getting it out BEFORE its INCREDIBLY PAINFUL!
Best wishes!!

Okay so to circle back - I had the MRI - I literally told like EVERY nurse/technician etc on my way in to my MRI that I had staples in my stomach and an IUD. I asked each one if it was okay, just to make absolutely sure. They all assured me that I would be okay...and I was!! Titanium staples are not magnetic, haha! Also an IUD that is inserted by a physician or a medical provider in the USA is going to be plastic. If it was inserted outside of the United States, check with the doctor to find out what they used and what it was made of

So just came back from my surgeons office for the 6 month follow up. Vitamins all looked great. My iron has gone back up to normal levels. But unfortunately 1 blood test did not and actually is higher than when i personally had it tested a week before which is something called Bilirubin. So they are ordering 1st an ultrasound to see if there are any stones or blockage in the gallbladder. After that if it shows nothing then they are going to do a HIDA scan to check function. Shall see how it goes. but they were impressed with the weight loss in 6 months. They did tell me to eat more lol

Hey July peeps. How is everyone doing? I hope all is well. I haven't been on in a while, but I was taking a break from work and decided to check in.
I continue to make decent progress. It's been a little more than 3 months since surgery. I think I lost 25 in the first month, 15 in the second month and 10 in the third. That's 50 lbs post op on top of the 28 pre-op. I seem to be losing 2 lbs per week at this point, and I'm real happy with that.
I don't remember when I looked at the menu I got from the dietician. But I think I am doing most everything on it, avoiding carbs, doughy bread, sugars, etc. I take my vitamins. I'm tracking my food in the MFP app and trying to get my protein.
Some food/drinks I've found working well for me:
Old Wisconsin Turkey Sausage sticks (Walmart and Amazon) Low-fat/Light String Cheese Quest Protein chips (Loaded Taco is my fave but others are good) Body Tech Whey Isolate Protein Powder (Rich Chocolate) Fairlife Protein Shakes (Chocolate and Vanilla) - Delicious! Ole Xtreme Spinach and Herbs tortilla/wraps Occasionally, when I'm out of the house, I have no choice but to eat what is available. If I can't get something low calorie/low carb, I try to modify the item, like removing the bun, not eating the pizza crust, etc.
I haven't had heartburn in over a month, but I am still on a prescription (Esomeprazole?) for now.
Probably my biggest issue is knowing when to stop eating. At times, I just forget how small my stomach is and keep spooning food in until I fill it to the top. Oh, that's so uncomfortable. LOL.

Hello!
I just had VSG surgery on July 11th, so I guess that makes me 7 weeks post-op! I'm currently in the "Mashed Food" phase until September 12th when I can start "Easy to Chew Foods". I like that mashed food is a bit more like real food than liquid or pureed, but it still feels really limiting. I don't mind eating small portions, but everything I eat basically has to be refrigerated and I can't wait to get to a phase, maybe? where I can eat some convenience foods, aka throw something in my purse in case I get hungry or I need to eat and a restaurant doesn't have what I need.
Anyway, you can see most of my details in my profile, but I can't fill out some of it, which is weird. I'm not pre-op obviously. Oh I know...I lost 30 lbs prepping for surgery by walking, eating smaller portions and practicing the 30 minute waiting and such, oh and more water and no diet soda. Since my surgery I've lost another 35 in the last 7 weeks, I'd say that's not bad! My most recent bariatric nurse appointment was positive and she said that I'm ahead of the curve.
I think I'm losing weight faster because I'm absolutely horrified by vomiting and I may hold back a bit because I don't want to get sick. My local friends that have had WLS said if I've gotten this far without vomit, I've probably done a good job following the rules and its not going to happen to me. I do once in awhile get the pressure in my chest, but then I either don't eat that thing again for a few more weeks or I eat a portion of less than 1/4c.
Has anybody come up with any "life saving" types of recipes or convenience foods that they like???

How was everyone's Labor Day Weekend?
Last weekend through this weekend I actually started doing things with people outside of my home where I was away from home long enough I needed to bring food with me. So far two of my outings were at my friends' homes so it was easy for me to warm up my food. One friend was making kabobs and I had a sliced up grilled mushroom, it was HEAVEN.
I've decided that when people get together for bonfires/drinks that drinking Protein 2 O has really worked well for me, I get a big drink to sip and it makes me feel full. Then, I can just enjoy my friends and conversation.
I'm down another few pounds since my first post with you guys, which is about right. 8 weeks post surgery and next week I get to have "easy to chew" foods! I think other plans call that soft foods! I'm pumped.
I've actually been getting more adventurous with my foods - tried some cottage cheese with a few blueberries last night. I'm also eating cooked green beans as a "side".
I still eat pretty small portions, sticking to my 1/4c which is the amount I'm supposed to eat while I'm in this "mashed foods" stage, which lasts a whole month, but like I said before - its almost over!! Next week - easy to chew foods, yay!
Oh! I also ate at a restaurant last week, that was a huge deal for me. I ate an appetizer portion of ahi tuna (without the wonton crisps), I got all the flavor of the spicy mayo and the soy sauce, which made it super tasty. I also ate some roasted cauliflower (like 3 bites) and a parmesan crusted shrimp (I removed most of the crust), it was so good!
Now that I've eaten outside of my home, in a restaurant and at friends' homes, I feel a bit more confident and less anxious than I have since surgery, I've been so anxious about fitting in when I can't really eat anymore. I don't have gluttonous friends that are food pushers or anything like that though.
I'm hungry a lot and its not mental hunger its true hunger - I think its because I'm so scared of accidentally eating to much and making myself sick. I absolutely hate throwing up and I'll do anything to avoid it! I did push past that and have 1/2 c of cottage cheese instead of just a 1/4 c yesterday and my tummy liked it!
Thanks for sharing all your stories and experiences, keep sharing!!