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It's always been interesting to me how different everyone's pre and post op diets are depending on where you go for surgery. I've even heard that many places are still going by guidelines written 20+ years ago. I was allowed to eat during my 2 weeks up until day before surgery. 3 ounces of lean protein and 2 1/2 cups of non-starchy veggies = delicious stir fry. 2 protein drinks, and 1 serving of fruit daily. Felt no deprivation. I was confused too when I was told to drink 20 ounces of full sugar Gatorade the night before surgery and another one 2 hours before arriving at the hospital day of. Reasons given? You will be more comfortable before and after surgery. This will help you feel less thirsty, less hungry and less anxious. Helps your body handle the stress of surgery. Helps blood sugar control after surgery. Your bowels will return to normal function more quickly after surgery. May potentially lead to a shorter hospital stay by decreasing nausea and pain. One bottle has 34g of sugar. Go figure. Must be some of the newer research. But follow your nutritionist guidelines. If allowed I say go for it. I didn't start eating the SF pops till post op but I still love them. Especially the tropical flavors. Good luck tomorrow!!!!

I recently went clothes shopping at an actual mall for the first time in years, and I felt lost, disoriented, and completely out of place, like an alien trying to pass for human. Since I started losing weight, I've mainly been buying clothes from Amazon, Old Navy, and Walmart because I had no idea what to buy and don't want to spend too much on clothes, but I've been maintaining for a couple of years and feel like it's time to upgrade my wardrobe a bit. For one thing, now that I am not plus-sized, the options are overwhelming. I used to be limited to Lane Bryant and Torrid, but now I can shop almost anywhere and have no idea where to start. I felt like an imposter, shopping in stores that, 3 years ago, didn't have anything in my size. What 40-something professional lady has never shopped at Ann Taylor? (Answer: one who had to lose 100+ pounds to fit into any of their clothes.) I've heard of "vanity sizing" and now I've experienced it. In Amazon/Old Navy/Walmart clothes, large or 10-12 usually fits, but in more upscale stores, medium or 8 is on the roomy side. I found a shirt I liked in Eddie Bauer and medium was too big. I was afraid they would laugh in my face when I asked for a small (like, "LOL, can you believe this fat lady thinks she needs a small?!"). They didn't have any smalls left except the one the mannequin was wearing, so I bought that one. I can't believe I wear the same size as the mannequin! At Loft, I was looking in the large section of the clearance rack, and the salesperson looked at me like I was crazy and pointed me toward the small/medium section -- even offered to look for an XS in a sweater I was eying.

I'm not making bad choices i feel like I should be drinking a protein shake for my fourth meal other than eating a low carb tuna wrap. I personally don't care for the protein shake that's my dilemma. I'd rather have food than a shake or yogurt. Sent from my moto g power (2022) using BariatricPal mobile app

I guess everyone's is different, I had my sleeve on the 13th and the 14th my doctor started me on Stage 2, I'm able to particially lay on my sides without anytime of pain, I have to have protein 3 x's a day 3 to 4 ounces at a time along with jello, and or broth, since surgery, everything taste disgusting to me, I have to force myself to eat especially the protein shakes, I hoping on Thursday that I get to try an egg. I hope I still like eggs. I just can't understand why the hunger pains are so intense. I just wanna get through this and get back to normal. If that's even a thing anymore 😕.

I'm one day away from transitioning from clear liquids to protein shakes and so far its a bit hard to get in my fluids with all of this gas pain. Otherwise, I've been researching bariatric friendly recipes on tiktok (which don't really help with the cravings 😂)

Hey Everyone! June 7th gastric bypass surgery recipient here. Everything’s been going great. The pain has finally subsided two days ago. The only thing I can’t really do yet is lay on my side. Hard because I’m a side sleeper. Still on phase 1 liquid diet and really struggling with getting the shakes in. I bought some protein 2o but it’s only 20 grams of protein. Waiting for my protein powder to arrive to mix into my broths and other liquids I take. Question? Does anyone get a salty aftertaste when trying to eat sweeter items? Examples are sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, plain yogurt with added stevia. It’s been a weird experience.

You just had a pretty major surgery & are still recovering it’s no wonder you passed out after undertaking what is quite a strenuous activity for you at this time. Though you hit your protein goal you still are eating very few calories, possibly have some low blood pressure & maybe some hypoglycaemia (sugar drop) as well. Check with your team as to their activity recommendations. Many of us are advised only gentle walking for the first weeks, slowly increasing. Take things slowly & listen to your body. While you are recovering you can’t do exactly what you did before surgery but you will again soon. Not being able to drink alcohol after surgery isn’t an absolute no @Carol97045. Sure if your post surgical plan says no alcohol for a period it time, it is best to follow that. But after that there are a few considerations around the consumption of alcohol post surgery. Empty calories & carbs is one. The habit of usually eating high fat, high sugar, high calorie, highly processed food while drinking. How your body & changed digestive system tolerates it & processes it (like feeling the effects more quickly). The most important is the possibility of addiction transfer - from food to alcohol. Does this mean you can never have alcohol again? No. What it means is you have to make your own choices around whether you do or don’t drink & if you chose to drink how much & how often based on those considerations. I drank while I was losing. Had a gin & tonic at about 8 weeks. Nursed that drink literally for hours & didn’t have another drink for another month or so. Four years out & I still only have a drink maybe once a month & usually only one. I still take a while to drink it or sometimes don’t finish it. My choice. I don’t enjoy it in the same way either. And I used to have a drink every night. And I’m far from being alone in continuing to consume alcohol.

I’m so over the liquid phase I’m ready for the protein shakes and eggs. Hurry up time

So today I’m 4 weeks post op RNY by the date. I passed out today (Saturday) at an outside, pretty physical, 3 mile walk/dancing event. I’ve frequented this event plenty of times in the past before surgery & while drinking liquor in 82+ degree weather (1-2 years BEFORE surgery) This is the first time in life I’ve ever passed out. It was kind of scary when my friend told me I was out for about 3 minutes…. The morning of I had 2 protein shakes and hit 80g before heading out. I had plenty LiquidIV supplements to make sure I stayed hydrated but it seems like that contributed to my downfall according to the EMT. I have not and did not consume alcohol while only 4 weeks post op. But mainly I had no solid food since Friday thinking that i could hit the protein & just stay hydrated but hell no… With the physical activity & no carbs to replenish the energy my body was way deprived so…eat your carbs

Hi I have a VSG scheduled on Monday 06/19. I am required to be on 2 days of Liquid Diet. instruction says I am allowed zero-calorie liquids in between Protein shakes it includes sugar-free popsicles. However they are 15 cal each and has 6 g sugar alcohols. I am confused. Can I have them or not?

Once you have WLS, in the first couple of months post op - what is your mind doing? I know people struggle to hit their Protein and Water goals a lot. I know it's a huge learning curve to adjust to the new stomach and relearn your limits and to feel full faster. But for those of us with food addictions who are looking at this as tool to get us through therapy and really force change - what is your mind doing?? when you realize you can't anymore - are you ok with that? are you angry? are you still craving the food? are you sad? are you relieved? are you satisfied? what is your brain telling you and your heart feeling in those moments as you adapt to not eating foods you used to crave, or if you can eat them how does it feel to limit those portions? I understand this is a tool. I KNOW this is necessary for healing and retraining and to make it through therapy successfully but I'm really wanting to try to know what to expect my mind and heart to feel when this massive part of my life is just ripped away. I am probably to equating it (albeit maybe not fairly) to a drug addiction rehab where they make you go cold turkey... i know i won't have physical withdrawls (aside from minor, potential repercussions while i learn to adapt to the new food intake) but what is my mind going to feel? what will i tell myself? what was your experience? This is where I struggled but I got through it, I felt all of what you asked, regret, anger, denial that I even needed the surgery, stupid for doing it, sad everything, it was like losing my best friend. I also didn't realise how much I relied on food so that was quite a shock too. the first 6 months were rough but once I realised, I could eat normally just in smaller amounts I was fine. Start counselling before you have your surgery, and you should be fine. Keep in your mind if you do go through rough patches that it does get better, and you will be happy you went through it in the end. I don't regret it for a minute anymore and would do it all again if given the choice. You will be one step ahead of me because you are aware these feelings can come up. I had absolutely no idea and it knocked me for a 6 but I got through it.

i’m on a 2 week pre op liquid diet which is 3 protein shakes a day and one small meal of 1 protein and 1 veggie for lunch or dinner

These are instructions I was given: 2 days prior to surgery, start the following: LIQUIDS ONLY (Premier protein shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). No solid food and no snacks during these 2 days. Your stomach needs to be emptied of food particles by the time of surgery. Make sure to drink plenty of water during these 2 days, so that you arrive on your surgery day well hydrated. NO SNACKING in between meals. However, you may have zero-calorie liquids in between meals such as water, Crystal Light, sugar-free Jello, sugar-free popsicles. DIABETIC PATIENTS may need to lower their medications during these 2 days to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you eat any solid food during the 2 days prior to surgery, you operation will be cancelled.

My question is can I have a protein bar? I ask because it's slid and I want to be sure. I also found a choc chip protein cookie that tastes good and I want to be sure that's ok.

I hate to say this, but 1800 calories a day is too much unless you are doing really strenuous exercising. I can maintain my 150 plus pound weight loss at about 1000 to 1200 calories a day, and I currently weight about 160, I am 67 years old and have had no skin removal. My doctors feel that if I did, I would be around 145 to 150. But I need new knees and there is no way I am going to have more elective surgery. But If I eat 1800 calories a day, I gain weight. Fast. Like in a couple days. And yes, there IS more restriction in eating chicken, and fish and other meats. I eat more cheese and dairy than I probably should. But it works for me. I also eat eggs. I make sure at least 2 meals a day have a simple protein like eggs, or chicken or fish, and the occasional beef meal. I happen not to eat shellfish or pork. If I have oatmeal for breakfast, I make sure to have a yogurt for a midmorning snack. I eat few processed carbs and keep my pasta, rice or bread to very very low amounts. Protein, vegetables, fresh fruits. This morning I am having my coffee then, fresh watermelon and scrambled eggs with some shredded cheese. Get back to basics and re check with your doctor or nutritionist about calories. Frankly I rarely if ever count calories; but I know what I am eating and what I can eat to maintain my weight loss. Best of luck and healthy eating to you !

I really didn't think that I was going to feel like I'm deprived of food, but I've never felt more hungry now than I have ever felt in my life I'm on stage 2 of recovery and I want a taste of food I can't wait just to nibble on a soft scrambled egg. But right now I just froze 20 oz cups of protein

We had Chinese about a month ago, or so. I had Hunan Chicken with steamed rice and Chicken Lo Mein. I did not eat the fortune cookies. I didn't dump. But, I took very small amounts and, like you, I definitely stopped before I was full. I don't dump, but I do get reactive hypoglycemia. So, if I'm going to eat something high in carbs, I know that I'm going to have to eat something low carb and high protein within 2 hours, or my blood sugar will crash.

I started my liquid diet this morning. I don't think it's going to be that bad. So far today I've had two 11oz Premier Protein shakes (Several months ago I bought the Vanilla and Chocolate and thought they were both kinda gross, but I found a case of limited edition "Root Beer Float" flavored shakes at Sam's Club and they're great!) about 60 oz of broth, and a couple Jello cups and I feel pretty good. I can't believe that my surgery date is only a week away. It's been month after month after month of waiting, and now it seems like it's coming up faster than a rocket sled on rails!

Thank you! I'm wrapping up day one now. It hasn't been that bad (so far) I've had two Premier Protein shakes (I found a limited edition Root Beer Float flavor that's really good at Sam's Club) about 60 ounces of broth, and a couple Jello cups. I think I'll do okay, but I'm thankful that my surgeon is only making me do one week instead of two or three, lol.

I just got back home from the ER I kept on throwing up everytime I sipped on the protein im much better no pain they had to give me potassium and a B1 shot

These are terrific questions! I think everyone's answer will differ, so I don't want to speak for everyone's experience but I can tell a couple of my own experiences. I used to absolutely love Egg McMuffins. 300 calories, 17 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat....they're really not even that bad for you. I used to joke that they were my personal perfect comfort food....I loved the taste, felt accomplished that I had a favorite that wasn't that bad....and just generally was happy about them. I remember starting solids again after surgery and taking a little bite of one....expecting that wonderful feeling. It was like (pardon me) sex with no orgasm. Zero pleasure. It didn't taste gross or anything, but it wasn't wonderful anymore. All of my EggMcMagic was GONE. I wasn't angry, I wasn't relieved. I was sad. It was a weird loss. The better part of my brain was happy and proud I no longer had such an intensely happy feeling about them....because I know that's disordered eating and I wanted to get away from that. But the nostalgic part of me that was still busy coping....felt the loss deeply. Most days, I was happy and relieved that food seemed to be losing control in my life. It felt good to say no, to throw things away after a few bites. It felt good when I had that crazy moment and bought something terrible like a box of little donuts....took one bite and had the strength to say....What the hell am I doing? And throw them all away. I'm proud I can do that now. That I can have a screw up, get something really awful, and have one or two bites and throw the package away. We're not perfect. We'll have moments. But the ability to pull up sooner and right the course sooner...has been a welcome and wonderful change. And as the years have gone by, I'm getting even better at this. I buy a lot less stuff to throw away now. LOL. Some people have a lot of emotional upheaval after surgery. Marriages can get worse, relationships can change. Be very aware of and use caution with cross-over addictions. Watch alcohol, gambling, flirting, over-spending, substances. Anything that gives you a pop of pleasure and distraction....keep a close eye on. Lots of data to show those things can bite you in the butt. The struggle is real, but so are the rewards. It is WONDERFUL to be able to walk five miles a day and get things done. It is wonderful to find cute clothes that fit, and like how you look in pictures. It is wonderful to inspire folks you love to make healthier choices. Lots of stuff is so nice. I remember the first time I could shave my legs and breathe at the same time. LOL! I remember the first time I tried on a swimsuit and went...holy ****! this looks great on me! The little victories are so lovely. About acid reflux... I have had almost no problem with it, with one notable exception. If I eat and lie down, I can end up with very nasty acid. If I wait an hour after eating before laying down...zero problems. I just need to be careful not to snack right before bed, which is a bad idea anyway, so the reminder isn't even that bad. I get a little bit of heart burn laying down maybe once every month or two now. I take a swig of Pepto and it's gone in a few minutes. Wishing you the best.

Hello all! I'm pre-surgery. waiting on a surgery date - I have been approved by insurance but will be out of the country for two weeks in July and told them I'd like to wait until back. I have lots of questions but two of them are below. I'm hopeful someone can wrap their brain around what I'm asking because I have struggled to find anyone who is able to really answer it for me. It's not that they are telling me what I don't want to hear, it's just not addressing the crux of the question. I'm hopeful this will make sense: Once you have WLS, in the first couple of months post op - what is your mind doing? I know people struggle to hit their protein and water goals a lot. I know it's a huge learning curve to adjust to the new stomach and relearn your limits and to feel full faster. But for those of us with food addictions who are looking at this as tool to get us through therapy and really force change - what is your mind doing?? when you realize you can't anymore - are you ok with that? are you angry? are you still craving the food? are you sad? are you relieved? are you satisfied? what is your brain telling you and your heart feeling in those moments as you adapt to not eating foods you used to crave, or if you can eat them how does it feel to limit those portions? I understand this is a tool. I KNOW this is necessary for healing and retraining and to make it through therapy successfully but I'm really wanting to try to know what to expect my mind and heart to feel when this massive part of my life is just ripped away. I am probably to equating it (albeit maybe not fairly) to a drug addiction rehab where they make you go cold turkey... i know i won't have physical withdrawls (aside from minor, potential repercussions while i learn to adapt to the new food intake) but what is my mind going to feel? what will i tell myself? what was your experience? does this question make sense? Also - i've never had problems with Heartburn or GERD beyond any sort of one-off meal once in a blue moon that may have caused a smidge of heartburn but it didn't last long and those instances are few and far between. BUT - I started taking Omeprizole because i clear my throat a lot and a nurse friend of mine told me it's likely acid reflux. I've not really noticed a difference in taking omeprizole so maybe it's not acid reflux and is just a weird habit. Anyway - should I be concerned about developing heartburn? My biggest fear with this is worrying that they might have to revise to bypass and i don't want a bypass. i'm fine with losing 80% of my somach but i'm not ok with bypassing it altogether... any thoughts or experiences anyone can speak on?

Never hurts to ask; the worst thing they can do is say no. Seniors' menus are another option, but again, sometimes they're more "strict" about such things than others.

I'm sorry. 2.5 oz of real chicken breast is 22 g of protein.

GOOD: All of the other great apes eat their sugar with lots of fiber. They rarely eat meat, they eat lots of plant fats, and eat tons of fruit, figs, and unrefined carbs. They don't keep livestock, milk cows, or eat cheese. Over 90% of their diets are plants, fruits, palm nuts. BAD: Eat your children's vitamin for dessert. Fruit is pure sugar and should be avoided. You should only eat protein and non starchy veggies! Also... GOOD: Nearly everyone with morbid obesity suffers from food addiction. They deal with the constant stress and background noise of food, hunger and craving..... in a ways that people of typical weights don't. Obesity has a tremendous psychological component that must be understood for longterm success. BAD: Trade one form of obsessive disordered eating for another if you want to be successful.