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I personally did not find that any of the three nutritionists I consulted with offered anything I didn't already know. They were mostly coming at the consultations from a background of consulting with diabetic patients. Although one was more intelligent than the other two, I didn't think they were very well prepared to work with bariatric patients. The best nutritional advice I've received has been from my surgeon's physician's assistant who is extremely well educated about all things bariatric. Her best advice was not to eat so little during the weight-losing phases that I wound up having to eat very little to maintain my weight long-term. She was right -- I now average 1,800 calories/day to maintain my weight of 135 pounds. Ultimately, you have to learn a LOT about nutrition (macronutrients, calories, Vitamins and minerals, trace elements, etc. to learn how to feed yourself. For me, this has been one of the best things I've done to sustain my health long-term.

It would be helpful if you filled in our profile particularly your start and current weight along with your height, it gives context to questions and helps those replying to give a relevant response. Even with weight lost surgery scale weight can fluctuate on a daily basis due to a lot of factors: hormones, exercise, dehydration or rehydration, medication, sodium intake etc etc. Are you eating to your surgeon's and/or dietician's post op guidelines? If you are fairly tall or carrying a significant amount of weight, less than 500 calories may be too low for you and you won't be meeting nutritonal goals...you don't want to lose too much muscle weight you want to be losing body fat. The weight gain and loss may well be your weight loss pattern, keep track on a daily basis if you are going to weigh daily (but if you can't cope with the daily fluctuation of scale weight don't weigh daily) and you will be able to spot the trends. Its all good as long as the long term trend is going down.

Weight loss and gain is quite normal - you just need the overall trend to be down. 500 calories per day is a very low intake; my dietitian recommends a minimum of 800 as soon as you can get up to that level of intake.

I have not lost weight for the last 2 days....and though I lost 26lbs in the 14 days post surgery, I am hoping that weight loss will pick back up...and last. I had an egg today and can't help but wonder if eating actual food is going to throw me off...although I don't really want to eat that much....the commercials on tv make me crave...and I do get actual hunger...that sometimes a sip of water gets rid of. Sometimes I think it's the gas that makes me feel hungry. So, has it been difficult for you to get that weight off? I get about 400 calories in, and most of my minimum protein in.

ive been doing myfitnesspal.com for about 2-3 weeks now and logging everything i eat and drink. i noticed for the most part that most of my calories come from snacks in between my meals. somedays i dont even eat snacks but somedays i do. one day the total of calories was 720 just in snacks. from now on i am choosing fruits and veg that have less calories and fat. somedays if i eat out even though i choose something as healthy as i can those calories tend to be high as well. i went out to a local resteraunt and got a two egg, cheese and bacon omlet. you wouldnt believe how many calories it was. ive havent been eating out that much thank god. i now realize that its mostly my snacking here and there that add up. i also noticed that my protein is on a average to be about 50grams i do have some days that i eat like 90grams so maybe it equals out? i just wanted to share this info with you, maybe this post with help others andrea

For full liquids, I also really liked the V8 juice blends light. It's lower in calories, comes in many flavors, and you can some veggie servings in with them. I also liked the V8 Soups. No chunks whatsoever so they count as full liquids but they have a lot of flavor. I liked the Potato Leek, Garden Tomato, and Butternut Squash.

I'm wondering how to get enough calories in. I started pureed foods today and so far have had 3/4 of a scrambled egg and 1/2 C. of Protein pudding. Add in my Isopure and that is only 310 calories, 60g. of protein. I plan on some thinned out refried Beans with a little cheese for dinner, but I am pretty sure I won't get in very much before I am stuffed.

The easiest way for me to break down the surgeries for you is: RNY and DS both malabsorptive. DS is the most complicated, and most drastic with a true switch in how your body metabolizes food, fat, calories. High fat intake is necessary, and the Vitamin regimen is on average of 20-30 Vitamins per day, and this is not an exaggeration. RNY had too many long term complications, and far too many people looking for revisions due to stoma or pouch stretching and high incidence regain. DS was a no go for me. You could not pay me to have that surgery. Sorry, but the malabsorptive rate on DS is far too much for me to accept. I know it's a great surgery for some, but honestly I figured if I couldn't lose and maintain with a restrictive only procedure then I didn't need to be having WLS to begin with. All of the others you've listed are, would not be an option for me, nor did I do tons of research on them. The mini GB is a waste of money. So many people have revised to the full GB because of lack of weight loss. RNY with ring or band is just wasteful and most end up revising, most good surgeons won't In my blog, you'll find my reasons for choosing VSG over RNY for my revision. Google : DS long term complications and vitamin regimen Check out obesityhelp.com and look at the revision board, and RNY board so you can get a good view of other people's experiences. I know more people with complications with RNY and DS than I care to count. Also for me, I found great comfort in doing research on gastrectomies performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients. Gastrectomies have been performed for over 30 years, and I found a lot of people living very full, healthy, with either most or all of their stomachs gone. The sleeve has actually been performed as the first stage of the DS for around 20 years. It was actually started as the first step for patients with BMIs over 60 as a safety precaution to get them down to a safer weight to either revise to DS or RNY later after losing some weight. The techniques have now been standardized after the first studies came out showing a higher incidence of slight regain (10-20% bounce back) was seen when bigger bougies were used in the stand alone procedures. When the standard size dropped from 50-60fr to 32-40fr bougies, the numbers for complications, weight regain, hunger returning, all decreased. The bougie is the measuring tool they slide down your throat that the surgeon uses to guide the stapler while dissecting the fundus away from the "sleeved" portion of the stomach. The VSG became a noted successful stand alone procedure when those same super morbidly obese patients didn't need the 2nd stage surgery to DS or RNY. Results were that good, that they started offering to lower end BMI patients, and it's since gained in popularity. New research results will be out next summer from 2 of the pioneers of VSG. Dr. Cirangle and Dr. Jossart. I could seriously go on and go on. And don't want to overwhelm you. I think being informed is great, but make sure you get the good, bad and long term ugly on all of the options. The vitamin regimen, and personal friends in real life I have that have dealt with RNY kept me from having it. Neither the DS or RNY fit my lifestyle, and I wasn't willing to have a surgery that would not last a lifetime since I had already had one that failed me miserably.

3 weeks post op with gastric bypass. Dr recommends 60-80 grams of Protein per day. This is recommended to everyone. Question is, I'm 6'7" - 290 now and large build. This seems low to me. I can get 80 with just food and no Protein shakes. I don't want to add calories for no reason, but feel more protein may be needed. Any suggestions

Limited calories, limited energy. More calories, more energy.

I am 6 months out and losing nicely. Here is what I ate yesterday. Breakfast-fiber one and go lean crunch (mixed together) with 1% milk S1-South Beach high Protein snack bar lunch-can of tuna, tablespoon of ranch dressing, 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (warmed in microwave-it is awesome) S2-Cheez-it 100 calorie pack dinner-low fat english muffin with low fat Peanut Butter and 1/2 a banana S3-light ice cream 1/2 cup I have been eating 6 times a day on the advice of my nutritionist and I am hardly ever hungry!

I was worried that I was not getting enough calories so I emailed the nutritionist who said at this stage it was Norma, (5 days). . My chest pain didn't last quite as long but I know it can take a while to fade.

I am not sure whats going on but i have been getting dizzy/light headed ALOT! I thought maybe i was not getting enough calories but after tracking everything i eat i don't think thats is it. I have been taking my multi vitamin, calcium and doing at least two protein shakes a day......WHAT UP? I am starting to get worried!:tongue_smilie:

I would go from liquids to mushies to regular food and see how much fits. Keep an eye on calories, too. Try to keep it from 800-1300.

You are welcome Sounds like you are headed in the right direction, with the exericise and your food choices, the only thing I would do diferent is stay clear from the liquid calories that go through the band quicker. , instead of carnation instant breakfast which is liquid eat some solid Protein ( like eggs, turkey sausage, cottage cheese) in the mornings, this will help hold hunger much better I have to remind myslef all the time, this is not a race , the weight will come off... this is a lifestlye change..a journey

Hey everyone! Thanks for even MORE advice :-) I've decided to take it one step at a time, and focus on the positive. I'm actually pretty proud of myself-- tonight, my sisters went to get take outs at Panda Express and asked me if I wanted anything. As tempting as it was, I decided to make the right decision and stick with a side of Mixed Veggies (only 90 calories)! They're on their way back, and I figured that while they eat their Chinese food, I can still enjoy some yummy veggies and not feel so left out! Sure, it's probably not as delish as Orange chicken, but I know how awesome I'll feel later just knowing I made the smarter choice. Aimee, so sorry it took this long to get back to you. I'd LOVE for us to support each other in order to keep ourselves going!! I could definitely go for a lap-band buddy to go through this with me :-)

Wow, that's a pretty good major stall. It is so hard when that happens so I feel for you. Have you talked to your doctor or your NUT about this? My NUT's advice was to stay within 800 to 1000 calories. I can barely get to 800 on most days, but I'm only seven weeks out. I watch my carbs too and try to stay around 30 or lower - but that's because I know that my body reacts negatively to carbs, even good carbs. I'm 5'3 so almost the same height as you. Of the calories you consume, how many carbs? What about sodium, could it be a little too high and you're retaining water? Have you tried LilMissDiva's boot camp? I've heard from others on here that they have had success with that. I saw a post from someone else that she's only been able to get success by varying her calorie count every other day or so. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things. You will lose weight. Stay strong and positive and keep working your sleeve.

I could be wrong but my surgeon only wanted me to eat max 800 calories, maybe your caloric intake is too high? Maybe your carb intake is too high? Would discuss with your nutritionist to see where your caloric intake should be at his stage of your journey

Anyone having trouble with their brains making us feel like we are doing something wrong. I'm doing wonderfully. I'm 5 weeks out, down 42 lbs .. Walking 3 miles a day 5 days a week. I'm fortunate to be able to eat everything in 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions only. Currently eating about 700-800 calories per day. The problem is my brain tells me if I put something in my mouth that actually tastes good, it must be bad. For lunch I had a sourdough chicken Sammy from Jack n the box but I removed everything except the grilled chicken breast and cheese. It ended up being 200 cals and 31gms of protein. Healthy right??? My brain says NO! What can I do to get my brain in order?

So, I've attempted to do this for a couple of days but I just can't do it. I don't know how you're able to eat that much, but my sleeve just won't allow me to. I got up to 1200 calories once like three days ago, and I am still full. I'm averaging 750-900 calories on average. I guess I'll be stuck in the 190s for a while. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey everyone! I bought a couple protein drink packages at Target this evening to trial before going into my strict liquid diet. They aren't clear so I won't be able to have them for a couple weeks post-op, but I just thought I would trial some now that I have time and am feeling 100%. I still plan on giving Isopure a try as well-- the pre-mixed drinks to be exact. Below are the drink brands and nutrition info. Do you think they are okay?? Atkins Day Break (Morning Snack/Light Breakfast)- Strawberry Banana Shake (11 fl oz) Calories: 140 Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 58 mg Total Carbohydrate: 10g Protein: 10g EAS Advantedge Carb Control (Ready-To-Drink): Chocolate Fudge (11 fl oz) Calories: 110 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 0.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 340 mg Total Carbohydrate: 4g Protein: 17g Obviously the second product looks better. Not sure how they taste just yet- will update either tomorrow or Sunday. Are both products fine to drink post-op for protein purposes once out of the clear liquid stage? Are there too many carbs in the Strawberry Banana shake?? Also, I'm still confused on how much fat, carbs and sugar I should stick to per day. I plan to keep sugar and fat as low as possible, eating and drinking low fat/fat free and low sugar items. I know my doctor will probably discuss this with me when the date comes closer; however, I would like to know now, allowing me to stock up on items. Also, for those of you who are post-op, how much protein do/did you take in per day with shakes? Thanks for your time and consideration!

My recommendation is to go back to basics. Get back to a restricted calorie/carb daily meal plan, and stick with it. I can not relate to eating until full because on my program the goal was to measure portions, and to not eat until full. Being diligent, and disciplined is the only thing I can tell you that has given me continued success in maintenance. I have to make the best choice on what I put in my mouth, and I still rarely eat until I feel "full". I'm satisfied, but I do not rely on restriction to keep me in check. Don't get me wrong sometimes it's tough to not eat certain foods, but I also know that if I want to stay at goal, I have to make the best choice. I have to remember what got me fat, and those are the things I avoid. I was a volume eater, and loved that full/stuffed feeling, well that's what got me fat so I had to change the behavior. There is no need to redo the sleeve if you follow the guidelines of Protein first, green low carb veggies and then if you have room some starches. I'm almost 2 years post VSG, and still have amazing restriction when I put the "right' foods in there. If I choose to eat crap food, I can eat a lot more of it. The last 20-30 pounds is always the most difficult to lose. And, it's going to take effort and compliance. Figure out a meal plan, I ate 4 meals a day, no Snacks, no excuses. I drank my fluids, and I didn't exercise until I was 4 months out, and it only lasted 4 months. I have never enjoyed working out. For me, working out is just a chore like scrubbing toilets. It's a "HAVE TO" thing, not a want to thing. Food choices are the key to ultimate success/failure. Personally, I can gain weight easily, but I can also lose it easily when I make the best food choices. There is a bit of "give" in the sleeve after a 6-12 months, but that's normal and expected. It's the sleeve maturing to full capacity, and honestly, we can not live on 600 calories a day for the rest of our lives. So, it's not a bad thing to be able to eat more. This is where the "work" comes into play with the sleeve, well with any weight loss surgery option. We have to continually, religiously make the best choice. I can eat craploads of cheesecake, pudding, sorbet, chips, crackers, pretzels, nuts, soft foods like chili/yogurt, but with protein foods, meats, cheeses and eggs, I have amazing restriction. I max out at about 4-5oz of dense protein. To this day, I still can not eat an chicken breast, like the ones they serve with grilled chicken salads. I can eat about half of it, and if I want to get more in, I have to stretch my meal out further. Also, during my losing stage, I never stretched my meal out over 30 minutes once I got to more solids foods. If I stretch out my meals, I can eat a few more ounces of food which defeats the purpose of the post-op dietary guideline. Cheating the sleeve is easy, and all it will result in is cheating yourself out of losing and maintaining your loss. Basics to follow: 1) Measure portions 2) Track food intake religiously 3) Don't eat until full, eat until satisfied 4) Drink 64oz of clear fluids 5) Set a meal plan, no snacks, stick with it 6) Don't make excuses You can try the 5 day pouch test to get rid of the carbs if that is the issue. Days One & Two: liquid Protein low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding. Read more. Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Read more. Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Read more. Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game You don't necessarily have to do the liquid part if you can be disciplined to just eat protein.

My surgeon typically keeps patients off work for 3 weeks. I have 2 weeks if vacation time and don't really want to take the 3rd week and deal with disability, cobra, etc. I asked my coordinator about going back to work earlier than 3 weeks (which I know has been done thanks to vst!) and she said it'll be challenging -- due to being somewhat dehydrated and the body learning how to live off such fewer calories, she said I'd be TIRED. So I was thinking I might be able to go back after 2 weeks and just work 4 hours per day for a week or two. My payroll lady said that was definitely doable if my surgeon put that in my release paperwork restrictions... Thoughts??

I had my band on 9/4.. and have only lost 6 lbs since then. It is very discouraging watching so many report weight just falling off of them while I am plugging along trying to eat enough protein and the scale isn't moving. AT ALL. I start mushies today, so I hope the calorie increase will kickstart my metabolism and get things melting off me soon! :: sigh::

I am currently 23 years old and have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember and my PCOS since I was 13 (although I wasn't diagnosed until 17, looking back I see the signs). I weight approximately 200 lbs. and I am 5'1. I have tried metformin, calorie counting, low carb, no carb, paleo, salad diets, fad diets, Victoza, the gym for 2 hours daily, you name it. Even with all of the things I have tried I can not go below 185. I also suffer from acid reflux and erosive gastritis. I am very nervous, but I think I am making the right choice. Anyone else have similar experiences or advice? THANK YOU!