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I bought some really good creamed soups like cream of tomato, potato leek, and broccoli. They had no chunks and were velvety. I would add a scoop (which is about 1 Tablespoon) of Genepro protein (it is unflavored and 1 little scoop has 30 grams of protein) It made things much better. I don't like sweet drinks so I always hated the protein shakes.

popcicles, various flavors of protein shakes, strained french onion soup (nice break from chicken broth) hot herbal teas of all flavors.. sometimes sweetened with splenda, sometimes not. Green tea, iced or hot (make sure your doctor allows it, I was drinking it in the hospital and my doctor has no restrictions on green tea, he only said to limit my black tea/coffee intake to two cups a day) jello, treat yourself to sugar free drinks you might not ordinarily buy.. I enjoyed some vitamin water zero in all flavors except citrus(not allowed) At first I didn't love water, so I did drink a lot of flavored drinks.. now I'm back with water and I'm enjoying it just as much as I used to.

There seems to be a divide among nutritionists regarding fruits. Personally, I'm 100% convinced that eating fresh fruits did not make me fat. I'm pretty sure it was processed flours, added sugars, and excessive oils that made me FAT! Now sure, when you're trying to loose weight, I totally get that you have a limited number of calories and you need to focus on getting in proteins and also vegetables because vegetables are more micronutrient dense than fruits. As long as your maintaining your weight and are able to still get in all of you required nutrients, I really don't see the problem.

My favorite drink has become unsweetened iced tea. And it's great by itself but you can also add unflavored protein powder to it, which gives you some protein.

You can request three free samples from: www.doctorsbestweightloss.com Once you go to this site, click on the purple bar in the lower right corner that says "leave a message" or "chat now". If it's after business hours, you will have to leave your sample request as a message. Otherwise, you can chat with an online chat person. They will let you request a Protein bar, Protein shake, protein pudding or Soup in your choice of flavor. I sampled some protein pudding (Bariatric fusion chocolate) and liked it so much that I ordered a tub of it. They have great prices and service. The samples only take a few days to ship to you. Also, Bariatric Choice will give you two samples at your request. It's usually a chicken broth and chocolate pudding. Click on the following website and fill out the online form for these samples: http://www.bariatricchoice.com/sample-request?utm_source=bariatricsamples&utm_medium=postcard&utm_content=BC3Q2015&utm_campaign=professionals

Don't worry it'll come....I was also sleeved the 21st. I'm down 26 so far but I didn't weigh in pre surgery. That's my pre op diet starting weight. I find the better I get in my liquids and protein....(spread out the protein so you get it across the day) The more loss I have. I did stall earlier this week but I adjusted my intake to more protein and more water...voila! Losing again.... you're sleeve wont fail you... it just takes time and learning.

Hi, I had my surgery 2 months ago and until I had my 2nd fill last week, I was doing great. I've been reading some of the posts from others, and it's glad to see I'm not the only one experiencing some of these things. I could feel the restriction right after my surgery. My surgeon told me he had put 3 cc in my band. I got to where I could eat almost anything without any problems, just not as much as before. At my first fill, he added another 1cc. I cut back to soft and liquids for a few days after my fill and then I could eat almost anything again (except bread), just less than before. I had my 2nd fill about a week ago, and have noticed a definite restriction. I again went back to soft foods and liquids for several days but haven't noticed any improvement. I tried to eat some eggs, but they got stuck which was a horrible feeling and persisted for a while. I wasn't able to get it to come up. So, I had to suffer through it. I've been very careful since, but everything seems to cause what I can only describe as a spasm like feeling as soon as it hits the bottom of my esophagus. I've tried increasing my fluids, but it doesn't matter what I eat or drink, I get the same feeling. Which is quite uncomfortable. So, I've been drinking/eating hot liquids, thick Soups plus my Protein shakes. I plan to go my surgeon on Monday and have him remove at least part of that last fill. I'm glad I found this site. I have only told a couple of people about my surgery, as this was a very private decision for me. Any other suggestions I should try until I can see my surgeon?

One of the reasons I can think of for going sugar free is that we are suppose to get our nutrition from our food (as opposed to Vitamins and supplements). To get in the required Protein and stay within the recommended daily caloric intake, will naturally force us to choose foods that don't have much processed sugars in them. Most any foods with sugar or high fructose corn syrup are going to quickly push us over our recommended daily calories/usually have low amounts of protein/and be low in nutrition. And on top of that, sugar can be a trigger food - causing hunger to increase/spike insulin levels/and leave you feeling lethargic when insulin levels crash. I know that when I eat starches that I get hungrier the more I eat - until I'm busting full. Then a few hours later, my insulin levels come crashing down and I get hungry again.

Being retired was a huge post-op advantage for me because I was able to recover without worrying over a work schedule and dealing with people all day. At nine days out I was on purees and transitioned to soft foods at fourteen days through twenty five days. At that point I was permitted to adventure carefully back into cooked whole foods chewed well. I waited another month before eating raw veggies and fresh greens. By nine days I was not taking naps, but was really exhausted at bedtime and slept well. I was no longer constantly nausous, but I was still using the patch that goes behind your ear, and taking an anti-nausea pill every morning plus a PPI (Omeprozole). If you are going back to work at nine days, just be sure that you have Water bottle handy so that you can sip throughout the day. Protein shakes will be your new best friend even if you don't appreciate the taste. Adding a little bit of pureed fruit or vanilla and a sweetener may help. You can alternate between standing and walking and leaning on your desk. Take advantage of every opportunity to rest for a few minutes. I would think that if you have a textbook recovery (no pun intended) you could work at a teaching job so long as you are not the gym teacher.

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I am having hunger pangs that feel the same as "very full" pains. I can hardly get enough shakes in me to meet my Protein goal. I am just finishing up my first week on all liquids. Next week will be pureed foods. Are these pains normal? Is anyone else feeling this?

You did not mess up your sleeve. Cottage cheese goes through rapidly. However - eat the suggested portion size and stop. It takes time for your brain to get the message you are full. You don't want to eat until your full. Concentrate on getting in your fluids and protein. Track your food.

Almost every single WLS patient has a stall somewhere around the 3 week mark. It's known as the "Dreaded Week 3 Stall" and can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Just focus on your program. Meet your protein and water goals. Take your vitamins. And move around as much as possible. Put the scale away for a while.

It is very hard at first. I remember feeling the same way. But, you do have to eat and drink protein to feel better. If you don't, you will end up in the hospital with an IV. Your body can only go so long. Please try to sip water with G2 Gatorade at least. I always sipped half and half and it help keep my from getting dehydrated. You will feel so much better if you make yourself do exactly as the Dr. says. Good luck and I hope you feel more like yourself soon!

So I was sleeved on Jan 9th with no complications,except a little burning feeling in one of,my incision scars. But my question is how do I know when my stomach is full. Not getting any signs and scared I am gonna over eat. I am getting my proteins, vitamins and water in and am only down 8lbs since the 9th. Been on a 8 labs weight loss for almost a week. Is this normal, because I am feeling frustrated. Amy helpful hints would be much appreciated, thanks so much!

@ Hi Jake, We are all here to help each other. The thing I had to learn is that everyone is different. The speed of recovery from surgery and what we can eat and when. And right after surgery is very different from where I am today at 8 weeks post-op and I'm guessing it will change again and again. The band seemed different. I was eating most things pretty soon as long as I chewed like crazy. Like the band surgery, I had no real hunger for weeks. Someone told me, the sleeve (and all WLS) allows us to hit the pause button while we figure out how to make serious life style changes. Eventually that honeymoon is over, just like the band. I say this for me, cuz this is my last chance to get it together. With the sleeve I was on mushies longer than most cuz I kept vomiting. When I could eat mushies I did measure out a small amount but it turned out to be too much. Realized too late. Also if I went too fast I'd vomit and believe me it didn't feel like I was eating fast. So to answer your question, no I didn't seem to have any clues that I had eaten too much or fast. ((but some sleevers do) I kept having a band mentality, thinking I would know immediately. So I had to learn, to eat a very small amount slowly, just a few tiny spoonfuls and then wait. It was a while before i could eat 4 oz and even now I can't eat 4 oz of chicken at one sitting. I have to be careful about introducing new foods. There are some in my January group that are eating salads and all foods. The only vegetable I can eat is steamed broccoli and steamed squash. Still no raw fruit. I also can't eat Protein and vegetables at one sitting. I have to eat the protein, then wait 30-40 minutes and eat cooked vegetables. I expect at some point that will change when the swelling from surgery is gone. Also I have been told that it can take 2, even 3 months for the sleeve to heal completely. The band healing is much faster. Today I feel real hunger. With the band I could get satiated when hungry with a small amount but it always hurt so bad. The sleeve at 8 weeks does not hurt at all. If I feel real hunger I eat 2 oz of chicken (I weighed it initially but now I know what 2oz is) and slowly eat it. Within 10 minutes I am no longer hungry for hours. At first I could only eat 1/2 cooked egg taking 30 minutes to eat the egg and then I wouldn't be hungry for hours. Now I can eat one egg. My Doc and NUT told me that eventually I will be able to eat more and then to plan on 3 meals with Snacks. But for now, they told me to eat when I have real hunger. Keep track of protein etc. And get the fluids in. Doc said I probably had more swelling than some (the vomiting didn't help) which is why my tiny little tummy couldn't hold more than a few tablespoons. Having said all this, the sleeve is much easier than the band and it doesn't hurt. What they don't tell you with the band is that after surgery, when all is healed, the band has far more complications than bypass, sleeve and RYN. Because a foreign object is in your body can erode, slip, break, etc. The sleeve once it is healed has very few complication risks. Now no one told me that when I got the band. I am SO glad my band is gone. No more tightness and pain in my stomach, no more port moving around tugging at me. Do you feel that freedom from the band too? Probably TMI, but there you have it. Best to you!

Hello All, I had my surgery Monday evening, I was discharged yesterday. I have only been able to take in about 24oz of liquid. That includes 37 grams of protein via protein shakes. Is this normal? I find it hard to get all these liquids in

what caused me to look into this elective insurance option is I noticed that Dr. Kelley in Tijuana offers the cover for $250 but I later found out it only covers complications during surgery or while you are recovering in Mexico. It does not cover complications when you return to the U.S. I'm signed up with Corvala at Hospital Angeles. They said that they have looked hard for insurance to cover post op complications but haven't been able to identify any policies that would make sense for patients. That caused me to look at my own health insurance policy fine print. I am fortunate to be covered by two health plans but neither covers bariatric surgery. The first plan is silent as to whether it would cover post bariatric surgery complications. The second plan does cover post surgery complications for elective surgery but I had to dig through the fine print to find it and the insurance company rep I spoke to orignally gave me the wrong answer over the phone and I had to correct her leading to her eventually agreeing with me. If you are going to have elective bariatric surgery and are under a health plan you may want to check to see if your plan will cover post op complications(i.e. leaks or strictures) from elective surgery. If it doesn't cover post op complications and you are one of the unlucky ones that develops complications it could obviously lead to very large out of pocket medica bills.

Feeling just like you. Sleeved 11/28! Im tired. Having trouble getting in fluids/ protein etc. I know from hearing from others it gets better but it's really hard to see the light from here

Im 4 weeks out and have only lost 20. I was excited until my story group last night. Some people who are the same time as me Were down 30. I wanted to cry. Then I remember I have not been at 280 in 6 years! I know I should do more, get more Protein, more Water etc. But I can't. The nausea stops me dead in my tracks, the random diarrhea makes me nervous to go out nevrrmind go to the gym. Also I have fOund doing A 600 calorie diet then av day or 2 og increaSing it had helped.

Im hoping some seasoned sleevers can help me. I feel badly posting this when I read some of the difficulties people are having. I'm a little over a week post op- started purée today and am having no issues. With anything. I can see where getting your fluids in can be tough in the beginning balancing food and hydration, but I ate just about a little less than measured for each: 1/4 cup egg at Breakfast, 1/4 cup refried Beans at lunch and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and chicken purée. I still have to have one Protein shake. I didn't feel too uncomfortable, it didn't hurt and then I worried that my sleeve isn't working. I know this is dumb because I shouldn't have to have issues ( and don't want them!!) and know that I'm still so early on--- what do I know!? I'm most terrified that it is not working and I won't lose. I am trying to really watch my sugars and carbs and only incorporate them where I really want (said refried beans). Has anyone further along and successful felt like this? My calorie count today after my last Protein Shake will be about 550. All last week on liquids I was around 300. Now I know this is ridiculous because no one is going to gain weight with that count!!

Greetings! I finally had my sleeve done on Monday (11/28). My surgeon also did a hernia repair near my navel. I suspected something wasn't quite right as my navel looked a little asymmetric. I've had no shoulder gas pain to nausea to speak of. However, my abdomen feels like I did 1000 sit-up in one sitting. The pain is pretty bad. I'm thinking the surgeon may have had to cut some muscle when he repaired the hernia. Any others have hernia repair done at the same time? I "think" the pain is getting a little better but I may just be trying to talk myself into thinking there is less pain. The thing I'm missing the most is soda crackers. Pre-sugery, I was addicted to eating soda crackers with fruit juice. While I'm enjoying my sugar-free popsicles, I hate this Clear liquids phase. Tomorrow, I get to start my Protein drinks and I can't wait!

Gween, I saw this posted today. Looks like you're looking for this. Hope it helps and keep up the good work! OK, so here it is. Now this isn't what my dtr told me but I read this in a book. "Living and Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery." Author Susan Maria Leach. ( Now she had GB, but the rules are still the same.) You may want to dble check with your dtr and make sure he's "on board" with this number. But this is what she writes in her book; "It is good nutrition for us to be able to rely on a daily Protein supplement of 25-50 grams and add to it with high-protein, low-fat and lower-carb foods. To determine the right amount of protein for yourself: An active person needs around 1.25 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight. (1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds) So we want to divide our goal weight by 2.2. Then we multiply that by 1.25. We use a person's ideal body weight to calculate protein targets because fat tissue does not need protein. So for example, a person weighing 247 pounds who exercises and has an ideal body weight of 145 would need 82 grams of protein daily to maintain muscle mass and good health.(145 divided by 2.2 pounds per kilograms then multiplied by 1.25 equals 82.3) Note that these figures are the recommended grams of protein needed for good nutrition and to keep muscles intact. We want to lose fat not muscle. Our vital organs are mad of muscle and need protein to function efficiently. So when we talk about 65-100 grams of protein a day, this is not a high-protein diet, it is a minimum fulfillment of or basic protein needs." Hope this helps Susan:biggrin2:

When I went for my appt with the nutritionist, I was told based on my weight, etc. I needed to take in 77 grams of Protein a day while healing. No one has told me to have less and my surgery was 8 weeks ago. I know that SOMEWHERE I saw a formula for figuring out how much protein I should have now that I'm over 40 pounds thinner. Just can't find it of course. Does anyone know the formula to which I'm referring? It wasn't the .4% g/lb....it was a more complicated formula. If anyone knows it, or if anyone weighs about 270 and was given an amount, that's what I'd go by. Thanks very much.

Gwenn, I buy very high protein products through a web site Home. It provides a link to a store that has wonderful food on it that is very high in protein. Most items have 12 - 15 grams each for bars or entrees or desserts and drinks.