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Ok, so I support your vegan/vegetarianism. Swearsies. I support your IF and doing it how you want. We all deserve to do our plan our way--regardless of anyone's opinions--even assh*ts like me! I can't answer the questions about cultures who base their societies on plant based foods. I can't even say what will or won't "possibly" happen to any of us who don't get our protein in. Dr. Weiner and Dr. Vuong don't seem to think protein is a major issue. Please don't be stressed out by me! I was just answerin' your question about why I expressed concern for your 4 hour eating window and why I didn't apply the same filter to Silly. ((hugs)) You certainly look healthy and beautiful and I suspect if your doc or RD didn't think so, they'd run tests, and if it was protein related, they'd come up with a plan for you!!! And it would not be a plan developed or espoused by some schmoe on the internet (aka me). You know I'm a professional worrier, right? But what you and Tea say does have quite a lot of logic and food for thought in them and it challenges my belief system. That's ok. What usually happens is they force/encourage me to examine/re-examine and grow in some way--stretching myself and my paradigms. God knows I have not been tearin' up the tracks in the lbs lost department. And I have been the diligent one eating every meal, eating every damn gram of protein...and now worried that I'm eating too much. ROFLMFAO! So maybe you guys DO have the right answers! I do know the thought of eating a snack today or even dinner is kinda repulsive to me. It's 4:30 and work has run late, and I'm just now getting to my green soup! Holy crap! So I truly don't know if it's best to acknowledge that and not force another meal/more protein on me. Or if I should just break it down and have yogurt or PP in coffee. Part of me is afraid to do things like this, cuz I do not want to be that girl that lives on PP and yogurt cuz it's easy and convenient for me and takes zero fuc*s to make. You know? I used to do that with cheese (and btw, did I mention cheese and salami too?) LOL...so it's just my own personal nightmares I'm probably visiting on your guys through projecting! God I would make a sucky counselor!

Hello ... it's me Yes, right before my vacation my schedule was hectic, and work travel makes it harder for me to get all my protein in. Plus when my hair loss stopped, I stopped being as diligent with protein or supplements. Then vacation was a free for all, so not getting sufficient protein then either. I am and always have been terrible with fluids. Before this surgery I probably only ever had 64 oz a day if it was beer But I do believe that protein and supplements are necessary for long term health. I don't push to get exactly 60g of protein. If I get 50g I'm good with that. I know 60 is better but that takes even more protein supplementing, and I can only drink so much Muscle Milk . Pre WLS my diet was very starch based, so I can imagine I rarely hit 60 g then either. As far as IF, and the 4 hour window. Well, I only do IF on days that are easy, and it comes naturally. I don't force it. If I'm hungry, I'll give it a half hour or so to see if it passes, If it doesn't I eat. If I'm traveling and food temptation triggers hunger either physical or head hunger (hard to differentiate sometimes), then I eat. So really, IF is just a function of my lack of hunger, some days. The only thing I have changed since learning about IF is I wait for a half hour when I feel hungry, and I try not to eat too late at night to extend my window. But even then, I'll eat late if I'm truly hungry. So in reality I'm just manipulating my eating times very slightly, and sticking the IF label on it. I would do this whether or not IF was a thing. The fact it may increase weight loss and or diminish hunger, is just a bonus. I really try not to eat if I'm not hungry. Sometimes there is a social obligation to eat. But being around food makes me hungry usually, so I'm then eating while hungry, lol. But if I'm just working at home, or running errands, or whatever. I'm not going to eat just to get my protein in, or to eat a set number of meals, or hit a certain number of calories. I think if my body isn't telling me to eat, then I should listen to it. If on the rare day I go all day without any hunger. I will have a protein shake plus something else protein dense, like a yogurt, or protein soup, or jerky, in the evening to get close to that 60 g goal. So yesterday was a not hungry day, so that's why I did the 4 hr window. My body was really done eating. I seriously couldn't finish that protein soup I had made, with the intention of getting to 57g. No need to be scared for, or worried about me. Although I do appreciate it!

I have also had success with the band. I followed all the drs instructions and have no regrets because it changed my life for the better. I started out at 276 and I’m 178 now! The way I eat is completely different now. I work out and I diet like a normal person. I don’t try to beat the band or see what slides down. I have had zero complications and it has been years. My favorite food used to be chicken wings. I can’t eat them anymore, new fav food is sushi. My taste buds have changed. I used to love chocolate anything. I now eat a balanced diet and have incorporated yogurt, vegetables I can digest, salad is tough sometimes, soups, ground turkey, and even tofu. I don’t crave meat because I can’t really eat it but I try to get my protein where I can. All good things and hope to lose another 45 lbs. and I will continue to do my best everyday. Good luck!

French fries, tator tots, any potatoes really.... they just make me so full after one or two so I steer clear. Pizza I will eat very sparingly, maybe a couple bites once or twice a month bc it’s easy for the family to just have a quick easy mess free meal. Fried foods I stay away from as they aren’t fulfilling and I like to fuel my body, not drag it. So no potatoes for me, def no fried foods. I stick to grilled chicken, lean beef, cooked veggies, fruit galore, water water water, and frozen yogurt as dessert sometimes!

My go tos are: Egg salad Chicken salad (with either low fat mayo or with that cedars tzatziki dip) Chicken cooked in something to keep it juicy/easy to digest Cheese (I eat the heck out of some cheese) Lean ground beef with taco seasoning Greek yogurt Milk Almonds/peanuts (not cleared for these yet so I make sure to chew the heck out of them, but man are they helpful to put you over the protein goal) Deli meats I’ve had beans a few times. They’re not as protein dense as I’d like, but they have a lot of fiber which is helpful!

@ylime Cottage cheese, Yogurt, refried beans, melted cheese, ground beef, ground turkey, mashed potatoes, hot oatmeal, almond butter. Seems like a long list now that I see it but I'm still not getting enough protein because I eat such a small quantity each time. I don't like all the sweet protein shakes, and I learned after surgery I have issues with sucralose. But I finally am ok with ocean spray diet cranberry juice and Unjury unflavored protein powder. I just throw them together in my (cocktail) shaker with ice. Easy. Good luck finding what works for you. I keep inching closer to my 60g protein goal but have yet to reach it. I'm 3 weeks post sleeve surgery.

I can chime in. I’m almost 64 and been banded well over a decade. Very happy with my decision.... however... they’re are days my band is NOT agreeable, so liquids ( ok frozen yogurt or indulgence frozen) may help I get through it , and it can still be frustrating because I can’t see it coming. All and all, I delight in being 90 lbs lighter thru life. I find this world easier to negotiate at a “normal” size... whatever that means to each of us .

Tuna packets, oikos triple zero yogurt, ground turkey with sauce, turkey roll ups with cheese, roasted chick peas in various flavors, chicken salad etc good luck :)

Well there is Halo Top and Enlighten. Lots of people love them, but personally, I don't think they taste good. I like Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars. They are 100 cals and IMO they don't taste like diet food. I also like the No Sugar Added Fudgesicles, which taste pretty damn good for 40 cals. I have heard good things about Breyers Delights, especially the Cookies and Cream. Haven't tried them yet though. I'm pretty fascinated by the Yonanas machine that turns fruit into ice cream. If I didn't have too many kitchen gadgets for my small kitchen, this would be mine! https://www.amazon.com/Yonanas-902-Original-Delicious-Alternatives/dp/B005083ECS

I returned to work after 1 week and it was bone broth and pre mixed shakes. Tomorrow I start pureed foods and I've pre measured cottage cheese, yogurt, and a pureed ruben dip. I'll start my day with a pre mixed shake and the rest are measure into 2 oz containers

My surgery was 8/22, and also included the repair of a huge hiatal hernia. (Huge is the clinical term...I thought they were trying to justify the extra 90 minutes and $16k.) I had some rough pain after surgery, spent three nights in the hospital, and stopped taking pain pills on day six. I tolerate liquids ok, though feel like there’s a traffic jam in the middle of my chest when I swallow anything - even water. On day 7 or 8 (Days have blurred.) I got a wicked rash across my torso and right arm. I’m fairly certain the rash is an allergic reaction to the antiseptic soap they sent home to wash my incisions. I think mostly to keep me sedated, and thus not an inconvenience over the holiday weekend, the Rx for the rash was 200 mg of Benydryl every 4 hours. I spent the last 3 days as a zombie - sleeping so much that I’m afraid I’m now dehydrated. I’d go to the ER, but, since my own doctor’s office doesn’t seem to listen to me, I’m afraid they won’t listen to me, either. I’m feeling panicky... I’m supposed to return to work on the 12th, and I’m only tolerating applesauce and yogurt, and I’m so weak, I can’t begin to describe it.

Protein shakes and eggs helped me get back on track after a week’s vacation full of ice cream and booze. Shake at noon (I did the same morning fast thing, except for a cup of coffee) and then a two-egg omelette every night for the first week I was back. Right now my cheat is 8oz of good cocoa or milky chai at night. Really takes the edge off any late-night cravings. Oh, and Bonne Maman jam in my yogurt.

A few types of ready made protein drinks, water enhancer with electrolytes, yogurt, gelatin, teas, bone broth and a sugar substitute

I guess I've got a strong will, I refused to touch any of those goodies. I wasn't very successful planning meals. Mostly took leftovers from home for lunch, a cup of yogurt, and some extra protein shakes just in case. And I did a very bad job of keeping up with my vitamins!

Hard boiled eggs, yogurts, fruits and veggies So easy and portable I like seaweed snacks for salty snacks to replace chips

I had buyers remorse the first week as well.. the nurse case manager said it’s normal... you will get pass it as I did and I’m over 6 weeks out... we went thru a major surgery... hormonal changes... and have shocked our body.. it will get better... and every dr diet instructions are different.. I was eating yogurt before I left hospital and advanced to puréed at week 1... as directed by doctor and nutritionist... I hope it gets better for all

August sleevers I am 5 days post-op VSG, feeling great but I am so hungry! Other than SF protein drinks, liquids, yogurt, pudding and jello is there anything else you are allowed to eat? Cottage cheese, oatmeal, cream of wheat w/protein added? Each surgeon/hospital have different guidelines. I have 11 more days until I have my post-op check up, moving on to next phase after that appt. Any suggestions?

I’ve found a breakfast that I stick with every day. 1/4 cup part skim ricotta mixed with a packet of Splenda and a few drops of vanilla. I eat that with 1/4 cup of berries or sliced peach. I make a lot of cold cucumber yogurt soup and have that for lunch with a couple slices of turkey breast. When the weather changes, I’ll have to find a hot option. I love Asian style dumplings, so I’ll eat a few of those for dinner, along with spinach or zucchini cooked in some chicken broth. I’m looking for good ideas too. I’m 8 weeks out.

Can you taste the protein power? I’m trying to find something I can mix with yogurt and a little fruit and not taste. Thanks!

I’m 59 and was sleeved on 7/17/18. I lost 37 before and 29 after. It’s coming off slow and steady. I had a lot of problems with nausea-it was my chewable vitamins. I got permission to switch to tablets and I take less but still have to have a few spoonfuls of yogurt on either side or I still get nauseated. That and I’m still working on 2 oz of puréed/soft protein which is our Stage 4 out of five stages.

I haven't done much since my surgery and avoid social gatherings like BBQs because I'm still on the pureed stage. Eating out was a big part of my life but also one the main reasons I gained so much weight. I have a work potluck next week and plan on having a yogurt or protein shake. It's not ideal and it's going to be difficult but I know that eventually I'll be able to incorporate more foods and find healthier alternatives. I am also looking into local support groups for food addiction. Perhaps you can consider doing the same to help with some of the struggles you're having.

I started adding Genepro to my yogurt (Oikos Triple Zero) and I love that you can't taste it at all!

If you're going crazy, so am I - it's not constant, but I certainly seem to be a lot more sensitive to sewage smells post-op than I was before. Some other smells too: I had some rugrats over and for a week afterwards, I'd suddenly get a whiff of berry tube yogurt. My sister later told me one of the kids had spilled a little on a couch and she'd cleaned it up, which I'm sure she did, since I'm the only one in the entire family who keeps smelling it. I'm also pretty sure one of my perfumes has turned, though no one else thinks it has. So maybe it's just a sharper sense of smell?

My hub is in the hospital, so I’m navigating the hospital cafeteria. Spicy Pinto beans with extra broth that I use to mash and a dollop of guac are fabulous! Greek yogurt, hummus and cottage cheese are also working well for my week 2 sleeve post op. Yes

Today I am 45 days out. I take my vitamins daily, get my fluids in with no problem and am tolerating food very well. I almost feel like I'm doing too well...reading some of the things on here have me perplexed. I have to remind myself that everyone is different, everyone heals differently. I'm down 38 pounds. Whenever I get the thought in my mind that I am not progressing fast enough I remind myself that this is the most weight I have lost in ages. I continue to gain and lose the same five pounds, then it finally falls off. Then I plateau and gain/lose the next 5 pounds. Like I said, its frustrating me to no end, but I am trying to be realistic with myself. Slow and steady wins the race, and I am giving my skin time to adjust to the loss as well. Observations and Weird sensations: Sometimes I can barely finish a yogurt while other times I can eat quite a bit more. (For example, a bean burrito from taco bell or a 6 inch sub on flatbread from Subway) I can feel the food shift in my stomach; I've never had that sensation before. Sadly, the sleeve doesn't get rid of PMS cravings. I still have to fight myself about eating crap. The difference is now I can talk myself out of it 95% of the time whereas before I was 95% sure I would eat it anyway. Since I am not consistently on sugar/carbs like I used to be I can actually feel myself crash from eating something carb/sugar rich. It's enough to make me not want to eat them. I've found if I've eaten a few bites too much, I can get rid of that feeling much faster by walking. Walking actually helps move my food. Before surgery, walking while I was stuffed was sheer torture. If I was overly full, I would feel that way for a long time. a couple hours even, before I would get any relief, I definitely feel restriction. I eat maybe a 1/4 to an 1/8 of what I used to. I can't throw up. I've had the sensation a few times and even tried to on one occasion that I overdid it by accident. I didn't feel the restriction til it was too late. I've since learned to slow down when I eat so I have time for my body to signal to me. But the point is, I used to be able to puke almost on command. Not so much anymore. Its not really worth going out to eat at a sit down restaurant. I cant eat like the rest of the folks. While that is a exhilarating feeling, I found myself sulking because I couldn't eat my favorite meal at Chuy's. I had to laugh at myself like really, Tracy? You have wanted to be thinner for years and now that you have the chance you are crying about a chimichanga? I still have to silence my inner fat kid on the daily. I'm hoping that becomes less and less. I didn't realize just how addicted i was to food and food routines. I'm slowly re-learning how to have fun without food or booze and how to incorporate exercise into daily life again.