Erin18

It sucks to not see the scale moving. It makes me feel like im failing. I know it's normal, but ahh! I only lost 39.5 pounds since surgery (2/21/23).

What could I be doing wrong?

What could I do to get it moving again?

Am I eating too many calories? I don't even know how many calories I'm supposed to be having. I don't have anything in my papers. One things for sure, a lot of stuff doesn't feel like I get restriction? The only thing I can't eat really so far is bread, pancakes/waffles. That I know of.

I know each meal is supposed to be 3 to 4 ounces. How do you guys figure out your entire meal size. 2oz Protein, 1 ounce veggies, 1 ounce starch?

Ugh. My next appointment is the 25th or 26th

How much Tylenol can I take? I'm able to take pill form and I used to take 2 before surgery. I have a wicked headache

22 hours ago, SirKat said:

Don’t stress too much! I don’t measure anything. My actual meals are so tiny I don’t worry about overeating.

look at the scale victories and the non scale things: measurements and clothes fitting etc. if everything is trending the right way, don’t worry too much.

Thank you so much. How much should I be losing by week 7? I lost 29.9 pounds so far since surgery

I'm really worried about failing and really worried about stretching my stomach out at this point.

Does anyone have a ink or something that I can follow for meal prep ideas. And every meal is supposed to be 4 ounces total. Like 2 ounce meat, 1.5 ounce veggies, and .5 ounce starch? Or 3 ounce Protein, 1 ounce veggies?

I'm like freaking out over here and I'm kind feeling down about it. I don't want to fail!

6 hours ago, Lisa XO said:

Unfortunately, after surgery, coffee now tastes like poison to me. 😢However, when I was in pre-op, I enjoyed light caramel frap. My doc allows coffee and I would have tried it after surgery. It uses sugar free Syrup and low fat milk. I am sure you could switch up the milk to soy if your plan doesn't allow dairy (mine does, any kind that is sugar free).
100 calories for the tall size. If I were to attempt this after surgery, it would have been about 1/4 of my daily calories so I would have waited until maintenance since eating any amount of calories is difficult enough as it is.

Coffee and tea is allowed on my plan. I drink coffee once in a blue moon tho. Soy, almond and coconut milk are all allowed on my plan and I have unsweetened vanilla almond milk and even before surgery. It tastes great in things, but non fat has more Protein. It is hard to get in the calories. But super hard to get in the fluids and protein for me too.

5 hours ago, pintsizedmallrat said:

Venti hot or iced Americano, black, with Splenda. Zero calories. Zero carbs.

I also want to point out that Starbucks will make most or all of their drinks as a "short" which is 8 oz as opposed to the 12 oz tall size. It's cheaper, and if you prefer something with milk in it, you might want a smaller portion of it,

I didnt know they had smaller sizes. That would be good for me because I'm not a huge coffee drinker lol

I'm not a huge coffee drinker and they told me I can drink coffee and tea. I asked at my dietician appointment today. I know im not supposed to have sugary drinks and what not. That's why I'm asking what everyone's go to bariatric friendly Starbucks drinks are 🤣 to give me ideas if I want to get a Starbucks drink. I see a lot of people getting a shot of expresso. 2 packets of zero calorie sweetener, in a large cup and they fill the rest with their Protein Shakes.

But due to the fact I can't stomach Protein shakes, I wanted something that I don't have to add it in. I saw another Starbucks recipe for bariatric patients for the pink drink.

Anyone have favorite Starbucks drinks for after surgery?

Like iced coffees and fappucinnos? Can they make Frappuccinos bariatric friendly?

On 3/30/2023 at 10:25 AM, Bandedbut said:

I am 1 day behind you, 5 weeks post op today! I start soft foods today, after 4 weeks full liquid and 1 week puree. I'm looking forward to salmon tonight with some roasted veggies! My dietician said to get in a Protein Shake so I have 30 g to start, and while the rest of my Protein should come from food, the focus should be on paying attention to my body's cues, eating slowly, chewing, and stopping when I am full, vs tracking and measuring. I was surprised, I've heard others say to always measure, but it made sense... at this stage. Stop when I am full, vs a measured amount that may be too much or not enough. Also getting into the pattern of scheduled meals vs the all day sipping. Puree'd foods I am able to eat quite a bit.

I am not enjoying coffee like I used to (yes, I'm allowed coffee) but struggle without caffeine so I start my day with the Cafe Latte Premier Protein shake. I'm curious too as to what others find they no longer like.

I've been wanting to write down what I eat, but it's hard because sometimes I can't eat it all. I know what you mean about measuring and not measuring tho. I usually weigh my food. Sometimes it's too much, sometimes it's not enough. But I don't go back for more and I don't want to get more. Ooo I used to like cream if wheat. I had it the second time after surgery the other day, the first bite was good, then after that it tasted like how swamp Water smells lol. I hate Protein Shakes and I can't stand yogurts anymore which sucks because I like yogurt. Broccoli tonight tasted weird. I don't like Vitamin waters anymore, I don't like snapple or gatorade anymore(eventho I got grape the other day). It's funny you say you don't like coffee anymore and I'm craving coffee haha. Starbucks coffee. I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but I do like it once in awhile. I see the dietician tomorrow and I'm asking if it's okay to have coffee and tea.

I get to move onto the soft solid diet tomorrow and I hope she can give me some meal ideas and what ounces I should be having.

I'm pretty happy with my weight loss so far and ever since surgery I've been pretty happy. I've lost 27 pounds so far.

I cant believe that tomorrow I will be 5 weeks post op.

Half the time when I eat a meal, when I'm half way through it, my stomach is like "I don't like thos anymore".

I havent started tracking yet. To me it seems hard because If I don't eat all of it, how do I know what the calories are or the Protein? I'm still not getting enough protein. Or Fluid still.

What is everyone doing at this point of their post op?

I see the dietician April 5th. I'm hoping she can give me some meal options. I want to start meal prepping.

What is everyone's favorite meals at the soft solid stage?

Anybody experience foods that they used to like, no longer like now? There's a lot I don't like now.

What can I have Peanut Butter and jelly with??

On 3/16/2023 at 11:49 AM, DrinkMoreRadium said:

That will definitely help! I started doing 30 min of stationary bike on week 3 - just be really careful about how much you're exerting and make sure you're well hydrated. Prior to sx I was in the gym 2-3 times a week and definitely miss being able to guzzle half a bottle of Water when I start feeling too hot.

29 lbs as of this morning - 4 weeks and 3 days postop! It feels really good and I'm actually starting to notice some differences in clothes. 30% to my goal!

I will definitely be careful especially since it's been awhile since using the treadmill and bike. When I started going to the gym way back in 2015. I was going 5 times a week and it felt great! Yeah sometimes I forget, and I judged a little bit. Oops. I didn't have pain or anything.

That's awesome! I felt the difference in my clothes just a few days before 2 weeks. Oh, my weight did move. I lost around 1.8 pounds. Keep it up!

23 hours ago, Rdy4Change said:

This biggest challenge in the post-op process hit me this week. Work was so busy with presentations, I didn't have time to follow my nutrition schedule. Barely ended each day with my Protein Shakes, only one meal instead of two, and no where near my Water goal.

A couple of times felt so overwhelmed, knowing that I was not taking care of my needs.

Don't feel bad, I'm having trouble reaching my Water goals and Protein as well. I heard for some people it can take time. It makes it harder to get the water in due to wait time after eating keep your water bottle next to you at all times if you can.

Is it okay to drink Vitamin Water?

I tried the sonic water flavor packets that way and it taste much better. You should definitely try it this summer 🙂

I dont either. Its so hard. But I know right? The my ounces went up by 7 ounces. Frustrating! Maybe not eat my last meal so late. Probably my issue as well. I have a weight watchers scale. I can't wait to start going to the gym! I plan on starting at week 5. I have a friend who agreed to go with me 3 times a week. Things should hopefully move better right? I'm only going to start with walking and the bike. Then each week increase the time by 10 minutes. Once I get cleared to do other exercises, I plan on 30 minutes of cardio then whole body workouts on the machines. Eventually increase cardio up to 45 minutes then whatever time it takes to do the other workouts. I have a fitbit watch that I should start using too.

Yay! That's awesome! How much are you down so far since surgery?

17 hours ago, DrinkMoreRadium said:

It's crazy how much tastes change! I used to love pickles and now I can't stand them. The first week or so postop I couldn't do cold Water and didn't really want room temp water so I drank a lot of gatorade zero. I tried the gatorade zero Protein, but could not deal with the after taste. Last week though everything started to taste really sweet so I went back to water and have no issues now with cold water. When I feel like I want something other than water, I just grab a crystal light packet and add it in. fruit punch is my favorite flavor, but I have to double the water I mix it with because it's pretty strong.

Monday was 4 weeks postop for me and it's amazing how much difference 10 days can make! Physically, I feel totally fine - no remaining soreness or pain. My doctor cleared me for soft foods including "chewing non-soft foods to an applesauce consistency" so I haven't stuck to any specific foods but still trying to figure out what works for me which is mostly chicken and shrimp. I finally hit the (delayed) 3 week stall and haven't seen the scale move at all this week, but I'm keeping my motivation up with exercise and hope to see that big dip soon.

It really is weird. Like I love the ricotta cheese in our lasagna, I made the ricotta bake the same way, it's definitely not the same. Then I made buffalo dip and that's not the same either, it's good, but now the texture gags me lol. I can't stand gatorade zero anymore, well the one that I like, I'm gonna try orange. Going grocery shopping later and craving an orange flavor. The fruit punch is really strong, I have to do the same thing. I think im gonna try making a slushy with it later to see if I like it that way with a lot of ice. Have you tried it that way?

I had no soreness or pain really. Glad you feel better! The stage I'm on is puree/soft foods. What exactly is considered soft foods? I'm really craving pickles and cucumbers. Next stage is soft solids. I figured out that pudding mixed in with cool whip doesn't sit good or Kodiak pancake in a cup lol I know it's too early for that. That's probably why, but im gonna still avoid it. Shrimp sounds really good too lol.

I think im at the 3 week stall as well. Do you count the ounces too? Well the ounces keep moving but that is it. It's frustrating and it's hard to avoid the scale. Weight was dropping, now it stopped. But how? We're not eating much.

I can't believe that I'm already 3 weeks out now. I had some meatloaf last night, I know it's not puree, but it was definitely soft. It was the best thing ever! Lol I can't get over how amazing it was. I was so happy and satisfied since I haven't been wanting food. Things haven't tasted good. But that, omg! Lol plus, has anyone just stick to Water? Because I feel like the drink mixes are too sweet and hurt my throat haha. It doesn't satisfy my tastebuds. So water it is. Not a bad thing, but I do want something different too..

On 3/13/2023 at 11:57 AM, JFreeman said:

I am now 5 weeks post-op and I think I experienced my first taste of dumping syndrome yesterday. I had a chopped-up turkey sausage with some shredded cheese and a little mustard and I must have eaten it too fast because within minutes my stomach was cramping and I felt like I was going to throw up. This lasted for a couple of hours and then I got some pretty intense gas pain in my chest, which lasted close to an hour. On top of that I couldn't keep any Water down during this time, so I got dehydrated......and the worst part was when I got hiccups on top of all of that.

I had this exact meal the day before and everything settled fine, so I'm guessing I must have just eaten too fast.

Don't forget the rule, "chew for 22" 22 times of chewing. Put your fork/spoon down after each bite. Wait a minute or two after a few bites. I don't know of what I had a few nights ago was dumping or not, but I ate some fruit with no added sugar in one of those fruit cups with a side of sugar free cool whip mixed with sugar free pudding. I had like stomach cramps all night. With gas cramps too. I felt like crap. But this whole thing is a new learning experience. I won't be having that again tho lol. How are you feeling?

18 hours ago, Yahoo said:

Do those have caffeine?

I dont think so, I haven't had another one

I feel worried that I'll start gaining weight again now that I can eat pureed/soft food.

Is it okay if I can finish something? Other things I can't finish all of it.

12 hours ago, Sigh said:

Oh, thank you guys for this thread. I’m still in phase one but have been trying to think ahead.

I did think of these things:

tofu, avocado, banana, flaked fish, applesauce and other soft blended fruits— so your list helped me expand!

Your welcome!

I tried apple sauce, I found out I don't like apple sauce with cinnamon anymore. I have to be on this phase for 4 weeks! I need ideas because I'll get burnt out haha. I can't stomach Protein Shakes anymore lol.

12 hours ago, Jonathan Carlson said:

On week 4 , I'm allowed shrimp so I had shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce the other night! It was a nice treat.

I'm also allowed chili, so I bought organic canned chili by Amy. Paired it with shredded Mexican cheese and sour cream.

I also eat the foods other people mentioned except ricotta bake. I don't know what that is.

Also, I added shaved deli ham to my scrambled egg and cheese on week 4 .

Ricotta bake is ricotta cheese mixed with egg and Italian seasoning. Top with a thin layer of Pasta Sauce (I used rao's Tomato basil) and top with part skim mozzarella. Bake for 25 minutes at 350

I keep wondering what to have.

Here's what I made so far:

Refried Beans mixed with taco seasoning lower sodium topped with cheese, sour cream and taco sauce. (Fav so far)

Ricotta bake

Egg salad.

I'm going to be making:

chicken salad

tuna salad

Chicken dip

Taco pie (basically like ricotta but with cream cheese and hormel Chilli)

I think thatsball I have planned.

Any recipes?

On 3/3/2023 at 9:24 AM, Victoria_Faith said:

I found that gatorade zero with Protein, and the Premier Protein clear drinks are a nice change from the Protein Shakes. They aren't bitter, and when I serve them over ice and let the ice melt a bit it waters it down a little and it tastes like juice.

Where do you get the clear premiere Protein Drinks? I got the proteinh2o . It's not bad. I'm going to drink it more. I think I need to keep it cold instead of just drinking it as is.

On 2/9/2023 at 6:19 AM, Quetta89 said:

Hey just found this app my VSG surgery is 3/1 can't wait. What should I do leading up to my surgery date? My doctor said I'm at the perfect weight I don't need a liquid diet before surgery. Any advice?

Sent from my moto g power (2022) using BariatricPal mobile app

That's cool! I would still practice eating like you would after surgery. Chew foods 22 times, don't drink with meals, drink fluids an hour after meals or 30 minutes before meals. 3oz lean Protein, 1/2 cup veggies or fruit, light dressings, eat protein first. 3 meals a day. Practice getting your protein and fluids in. I find it hard after surgery so far, but working hard on it every day