Search the Community

I thought I was the only one who turned into a ravenous hungry bear during that time of the month! I allow myself to eat more and I do not feel bad about it. I eat more protein and nut butters by the spoonful. I also workout a lot so I don't care. If a lady wants to eat then i shall eat. 😂

Thank you. I understand the reasoning for it, it just threw me off when she said it was forever. I even had to ask because I thought I misunderstood her, but nope, she confirmed they’re asking us to avoid the 4 c’s of drinking and to eat deconstructed, protein first. That makes perfect sense to follow the plan while losing and hopefully through that time, build a better relationship with food and learn to choose healthier options along the way. I appreciate the feedback and advice.

Things I’ve eaten: This beautiful egg sandwich with bacon, cheese and spicy mayo between perfectly toasted buttery brioche bread. I picked it up early in the morning but decided I didn’t want to eat it when I got home. Later at night fixed myself half of it with ketchup: A couple of bites in I decided I didn’t feel like eating the bread so picked out the bread and ate the insides of the entire sandwich. Here’s an after of the unfortunate bread (it was so good but too rich and filling): The next day I made 2 ribbon eggs with shallots, feta and pepper flakes. Ate it all with one protein toast (who dis? The secret is taking one whole hour to eat it and eating soooo slowly) also it was after a strenuous hour of exercise ha!

So I get very very very hungry right before my period and the first few days of my cycle. It is so intense that I feel that there is a hole in my stomach where the food disappears 10 minutes after I’ve eaten. It is so weird and I have never experienced this pre WLS. I have clocked 1750 calories for 4 days straight and a whopping 120 grams of protein because I can’t seem to get full. Then I just lose interest in eating for the rest of my cycle, anyone else experience this? Things I’ve eaten the past few days: Galore of burgers. Double smashed cheeseburgers, a classic burger, and a spicy crispy chicken burger. Maple buffalo shrimps Up close and personal on the spicy chicken burger. So hubby was quite taken aback at how much I ordered (knowing he’ll have to eat most of it, teaser: he did) I got excited to try everything (teaser: I didn’t). I hade around 3/4 of one half of the smash cheeseburger, and a bite of the spicy chicken burger which was soooo good but then I felt so sick and regretted eating that. Hubby ate most of the shrimps, his whole burger and my half. The rest was put in the fridge. There was also a large portion of fries which I didn’t taste.

Not that uncommon and comparatively not more strict. There are variations between surgeons and surgeries with many of these things. Sometimes it’s also related to you, your health, how much weight you have to lose, your relationship with food, etc, Not being allowed carbonated drinks is common. The differences arise in length of time of this avoidance and then whether you can tolerate it. Also you may be allowed sparkling water that you let go flat a bit but not sodas. Same with alcohol avoidance but there are three main reasons often behind this. One is concern for addiction transfer which can occur after weight loss surgery. Secondly, alcohol is calorie dense and offers no nutrients which are vital while we are losing and eating small portions and lastly it will slow your metabolism & dehydrate you. Again some surgeons just put a time frame on it but it does depend on your surgery too. Caffeine is another thing that is allowed by some surgeons and not by others and again there can be differences in for how long you should avoid it. Deconstructing meals is not a forever thing. Certainly while losing, focussing on eating the protein component of your meal first is very important. If you are able after you’ve eaten the protein in your meal. you then can eat your vegetables then any carbs you are allowed. (There were many times I could only eat my protein at a meal and nothing else.) This is because of the small portions we can eat initially & the necessity of getting that protein in to meet your protein goals. It does make tracking your food much easier too. When you near your goal, and are eating larger portions, it’s not as important to eat your protein first but you must continue to hit your protein goals forever so it will be something of which you are aware when you’re eating. In saying that I often ate soups, stews & casserole type dishes, omelettes, etc. which combined protein & vegetables while losing but not every meal and not every day. Actually not allowing protein shakes is also not uncommon. For example, in the UK, many aren’t allowed protein shakes in the pre surgery diet (they drink milk instead). Protein shakes aren’t the sole source of protein & nutrients in that first stage after surgery. Bone broths, consommés and cream soups are also options. Thank goodness too because after surgery those protein shakes can be disgusting. I found them unpleasantly grainy and crazy sweet & struggled to drink one a day. Best advice is to follow your plan while you are losing.However, if you find it difficult to tolerate your food options or to reach your goals ask for alternatives that will allow you to still meet protein goals & other nutrient requirements within any calorie guidelines you are given. How and what you eat once your weight has stabilised is up to you, what you’ve learnt about your eating and relationship with food and if it allows you to maintain a lower and healthier weight & lifestyle.

Hello - for anyone who has gone through the northern California Kaiser bariatric program, how are you handling the diet post op? It is very strict, not allowing any protein shakes, carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol. We’re also taught that we have to eat our meals deconstructed, eating all the protein first before anything else. I’ve asked the nutritionist if this was forever and she said yes it is. I keep, however, seeing videos and post from other people who have coffee daily and who make meals like for example, the ricotta cheese bites where everything is mixed in a small muffin pan. I understand different programs do things differently, it’s just strange to me because it’s the same surgery everywhere. Thoughts? Experiences?

Do you like seafood? I mean have you tried it post surgery. I didn’t like it presurgery. Would occasionally have a little Mahi just because I knew it was good for me but never really liked it. Post surgery I usually eat seafood at least twice a week, I also have things with ground turkey such as a Mexican skillet, meatballs or turkey taco filling (I just do the meat and toppings without the taco shell or the lettuce). The lettuce would be fine of course but it just takes up valuable room. I also do things with lean beef such as chili. I will also do a “pasta” dish once a week which is either the ricotta bake which I make with a protein and veggies added, zucchini noodles with fresh basil pesto, or a low carb Italian bake that I found the recipe for online although I make mine with turkey sausage to cut the fat a bit. There are quite a few bariatric recipe sites that have some great recipes. I did like 3 weeks of all different recipes. You can also do like a white chicken chili or southwest chicken with peppers and onions. Just so your don’t have to eat just plain chicken nuggets. If you don’t love to cook the southwest chicken and the chicken chili are recipes from seasoning packets so they are fairly simple if you have a Walmart the southwest ranch is a street taco seasoning from McCormick and the white chicken chili seasoning is by McCormick as well. Those two and the McCormick tex Mex chili are three of my favorite meals that are relatively simple and the chili Freezes well so I have been doing a double batch and then use my souper cubes to freeze single servings. The chili does have healthy carbs though so of course be mindful of that. I am allowed some carbs because I’m pretty active but I still budget for them by doing pretty low carb for breakfast and lunch on days I know the plan is chili is for diner.

I took all my meds today and kept them down… I didn’t hit my protein I think I was like 10 g shy but today was the only day I haven’t hit my protein goal

Thank you so much. For the detailed repsonse i am indeed fed up of nuggets and shrimps which’s what my diet is predominantly composed of not bec of any indigestion but the restriction of the sleeve and my no interest I. Cooking I don’t like Greek yogurt. would love trying oatmeal but thought that would be too high carb frutis fill me fast at the cost of protein and fluids soups sound divine and recipes would be welcome ideas to diversify proteins beyond baked chicken and nuggets would also be very very appreciated

It’s great to hear about the positive changes you’ve experienced since switching to a plant-based diet! Staying hydrated through water-rich vegetables like cucumbers is a fantastic benefit. Craving cucumbers and apple cider vinegar also shows your body might be responding well to these healthy foods. It’s interesting that after hitting your goal, fresh fruits and vegetables have become more appealing. Surgery and lifestyle changes can sometimes alter taste preferences, making healthier options more satisfying. Does anyone else have similar experiences with cravings or new food preferences post-surgery?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I do absolutely think my skeleton is adjusting itself! I can tell when I am walking that things have definitely shifted and my balance has changed. I hadn’t considered this before, but it does feel almost like my bones are adjusting themselves. I do have a check-in with my surgeon soon and will go over what I’m experiencing. We’ll see what she says. I’ve also added in a small banana into my morning routine. I think both the carbs and the potassium are helping. I was sometimes getting leg cramps, which can be a sign on dehydration or lack of potassium. I'm really good at watching my protein, but not as good at making sure I’m getting much for carbs. I’m doing better this week with it. I do think my total carbs were wayyyy too low.

Wow girlie this looks good! I wanted some ideas to do something with cantaloupes that was different! Almost 6 months out and some days I do not feel like eating and I don't. I no longer force food down some days I can fast all day for multiple days at a time, some days it's just protein shakes. This I will try soon! Without the food noise I can now listen to my body!

Did you tell your team about the changes in your stool. It sounds like they are trying to help with the nausea and the constipation but that sounds like something they should be aware of. Especially if it’s more than once. It could be something simple like one of the meds you are taking causing it but the doctor will know. If you are able to eat some foods, what about high protein yogurts or unflavored protein powder added to things? Also, if you are not getting enough fluids it could actually be causing your nausea. It’s sort of a catch 22. The more nausea you feel the less you drink but the more dehydrated you get the more nauseous. Do you have other signs of dehydration like darker urine? And have to talked to the Doctor or NP or just the front desk. Maybe schedule an appointment if not and just be sure that the medical team is getting all of the details because sometimes when trying to type it out in an email or whatever things get left out. It’s okay to be the squeaky wheel right now, you are struggling. Their job is not just to chop you up and put your back together. It’s to get you through the healing process too. That includes getting you back to being able to eat and function normally. You will get there. ❤️

HI all, The surgery itself went well, the GERD is gone and my hiatal hernia has been repaired, however, I am dealing with terrible constipation (so much pain!), stomach cramps, and nausea (especially when trying to drink protein drinks or any zero sugar drinks). My surgeon has me on stool softeners, Miralax, and Smooth move tea, and Zofran for the nausea to help me to drink and consume more protein (they say I am in protein deficiency). They also want to get me an IV infusion to up my fluids intake with the hopes that will also help with the constipation. Mostly I'm just mentally and physically exhausted from it all. I know it will all be OK and a resolution will come eventually (whether it's a few weeks or months though is why I'm kind of worried about it all), but in the meantime I am at my job and uncomfortable sitting in my desk chair, feeling like I'm cheating my time because of how much I spend in the ladies room, and so close to a breaking point (there are other work issues) that I just want to quit so I can stay at home and convalesce in bed with my pets for a few more years. LOL I have lost a few pounds, which is a bonus (SW 286, last weigh-in was Sept 17 and I was 279, I think I'm probably below 275 at this point) since the surgery wasn't to lose weight but to fix the acid reflux issue. But I kind of feel like I just traded one problem (GERD) for another (constipation) and it's really dragging me down mentally. I hope everyone here is doing well and not dealing with any major issues post-surgery! Christine

They gave me a questionaire to fill out online and sign. One of the questions was what meds are you on and do you suffer from any mental illnesses and I put yes and told them I was on some antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. I'm sure that will come up during the interview but I was afraid that would make me fail the evaluation but if it's easy to pass as long as you're getting the surgery for the right reasons than I guess I have nothing to worry about. The evaluation is today in about 5 hours from now. Mine is through video too. I had the option of driving to my psych eval but I decided to do it through telehealth instead.

Hi all, I had revision from sleeve to bypass on August 26th (5 weeks ago), the surgery itself went well, no complications or issues (so far - touch wood!), but I do have a few side effects that I'm concerned about. I had the revision to fix the severe acid reflux/GERD that I was dealing with from the sleeve and to repair a hiatal hernia - the acid is gone!! (I'm so happy about that!) - but, in its place I am now dealing with constipation (with crippling pain), constant stomach cramping (and gurgling, so much gurgling!), and terrible nausea (making it hard to consume anything, but especially hard to drink any protein drinks or zero sugar drinks). Per my surgeon I am taking a stool softener 3 times per day, plus drinking Smooth Move tea at night before bed, and they have me on Zofran to help with the nausea. TMI - my stools went from an olive green, almost clay-like consistency, to a pale beige that floats (in a matter of a few days - keep in mind that in the last 5 weeks I've had maybe 4 or 5 bowel movements). I can eat some food (I'm on week 2 of the soft portion of the post-op diet) without needing Zofran, but if I want to have any protein drinks I HAVE to have the Zofran. I feel so disheartened. I feel like I traded one problem for another, even though I know in my heart and my head that things will get better and I will find a good balance, I'm really struggling. I started back to work yesterday and I find myself disinterested in being out in the workforce anymore (I'm 53, way too early to retire), I just want to be at home in my bed cuddling my pets in an almost constant state of near-crying. I am on antidepressants, I don't feel like the surgery has affected the medications in anyway, overall I feel good mentally, I'm just not used to struggling this much physically and I'm at a loss as to what to do. I've been in near-daily contact with the surgeon's office and they are super supportive and have been trying to work with me, but I don't want to become "that patient" that sucks up all of their time and patience because "my tummy doesn't feel good". LOL You know what I mean? Anyway - not sure if I'm just looking to vent or looking for suggestions or what, I think I just needed to be able to say it all out loud because I can't have these convos with my family or friends without sounding like a constant whiner. LOL Thanks, Christine

Just an update. My team had me start with a high ADEK chewable and switch to capsules when I got to purées. I started with the Procare health all in one multi with 45mg iron that I took after a protein shake in the morning and switched to the SADI specific one once I was able to drink the shake a little faster (just to make sure that there was a whole shake in my tummy with that higher level of iron) so it didn’t come back up. That seems to have worked I get my labs near the end of month so we will see what they say.

Oh my god that sounds amazing 🤤I have so been craving cake lately 😂 I've ordered some things from the Skinny Food Company, and they have a muffin & mini doughnuts that are high protein & really low sugar so I am excited 😂 Glad to hear you had such a lovely time ❤️ That is very true! I am gonna try and wait as long as I can, but I am in dire need of some work clothes! I will be going this week I think! My boyfriend shouldn't need my car after today so I will be able to get there safely as I don't want to be walking in the dark!

I wish more people had it. It’s a great tool for me. However, if you have a Whole Foods there’s a QR code in your Amazon app that lets you save more in their store on certain items. Trader Joe’s is also a great option as well as local international stores for certain things. Im guessing by the user name you live in FL. If you have a publix check out their weekly ads and shop based on that and digital coupons. I know Kroger sends me coupons for stuff I buy often as does Meijer (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana based) which is mostly free or cheap produce or meat now so I’m sure other stores do the same.

Oh my goodness, I find it so hard to shop for clothing in stores right now because I can't tell by looking whether something will fit. I order a lot of clothing online, and for that I find the measurement chart helpful because those don't lie the way numbered sizes do. For going into winter, I've bought 3 pairs of jeans, some skirts, and several sweaters. I'm keeping the summer clothing until next year but not sure how much of it will fit by then. I'm less than 20 lbs away from my goal weight now, so that will maybe be one more size down? I guess we'll see! For now, I have been buying cheaper options, but I look forward to buying some nicer brands once I hit maintenance.

Thank you for this timely post - I'm 4 years out and have gained ~25 from my lowest. For months I've stuck my head in the sand and pretended it wasn't happening. Got on the scale Sunday, felt sorry for myself - blamed it on work stress, home stress, etc - Decided to log in here on Monday and this was the first post I saw. THANK YOU again for the wake up call. I restarted tracking yesterday (let's hope it sticks this time!) and rather than "just eat", purposely made better choices, got my protein in - Found that if I eat what I'm supposed to, I really do get full quickly. The tool works, you just have to let it.

@ShoppGirl I am having the same issues right now. I have been up and down the same 2 pounds for almost two weeks. It’s like the doctor jinxed me. He told me I should lose 20-25 pounds between my last appointment and the next visit in 8 weeks. Well, tomorrow makes 2 weeks since I have seen him and I have only lost 2.3 pounds. I am really struggling to get calories and rarely hit 600 for the day. I also struggle with my fluid goals. I can hit protein no problem. I still can only eat about 1/3 cup at a sitting and since I have zero hunger, it makes it hard. I feel like I am forcing myself to eat. I have committed to making the gym at least 4 days a week. Because my knees are “bone on bone” I am limited to which exercise machines are comfortable and walking is not. I think I may call the orthopedic surgeon and see about more shots for my knees. It is funny when you hear people that think this journey is easy. There is nothing easy about this.

At 6 months I started to incorporate more carbs, but now at 8months post op this is what I do: Morning weight lifting Post work out -Protein ice coffee Breakfast- Egg White Turkey Sausage Bowl Snack: Nuts and fruit Lunch: This week is a chicken teriyaki bowl (I meal prep every weekend so bfast and lunches are always prepped) Post cardio snack: mini archer beef stick and sargento light cheese stick I have a yogurt with granola before I go home so I am not munching on junk while making dinner Dinner: is whatever I make the family just mine is smaller and instead of a lot of carbs Ill load up on the protein and veggies. Dessert: I made these chocolate pumpkin almond butter yogurt bites that are DELISH! I am not perfect by any means I am eating around 1800-2000 calories a day, 150g + protein, 120-160g carbs and 40-70g of fat. I have been able to maintain my weight -/+ 3lbs this month by doing this. Also, I weight list for 30-45min in morning and run 3miles in the afternoon M-F and Saturday I do HIIT workout for 35-40min and cardio for 35min. Which is why I eat a lot. I am coming to terms with it, last week I had a slight panic but this group is awesome. They gave me the advise do this for a month and see how it plays out. if I gain then I need to tighten up the rains, If I still lose (which I have not) then go up in 100calories increments.

I know I am a bypass patient so it is a little different, but I tend to eat similar things as others have said this far out! Breakfast (when I manage to eat it) tends to be a protein porridge pot, or if I don't feel hungry in the morning I have like a protein iced coffee & a protein shake/Huel shake. Lunch tends to be either some form of wrap with chicken, or some sort of salad pot. I don't pre-make my lunches which is probably a bad thing, but also just to encourage myself to walk to the shop at lunchtime so I can get some steps in 😂 Dinners really vary, but I have found that I can eat most things: chicken, beef, fish, seafood etc. So I just cook normal things like spaghetti Bolognese, curries, salmon & broccoli, anything that takes my fancy really! I can eat a small amount of carbs, especially things like brown rice & pasta, but burger buns are just too much so I just take the bun off 😂😂

I try to eat similar food for breakfast and lunch (because I work and they're packed) so a sandwich for breakfast (one protein toast, turkey breast, lite cheese and jalapenos) I cut that in half. My lunch is usually a salad with grilled chicken and between breakfast and lunch I have a bag of protein chips, fruit, some nuts, a protein bar and an oat milk flat white before breakfast. Dinner is the one hot meal I sit and enjoy with my family and it's different every day, but it's almost always a protein and veg with a side of carbs. So think smash burger tacos with a low carb tortilla with a side of broccoli and air fried fries or baked wedges, enchiladas, Thai basil chicken, stir fries, ceviche, poke bowls, steaks. I like my dinners to be elaborate and varied, so we try a lot of recipes and make entrees and side dishes. Due to restriction I only eat the protein and some vegetables but later snack on something that has carbs (prefer to have some carbs before bed because it helps me sleep better). I started having protein toast at 3 months post op, then regular bread (not daily though) at 6 months post-op (my surgeon recommended I add carbs to my diet). I eat everything, I eat carbs and I eat dessert and I eat out weekly (never stopped) but I eat more consciously and in much smaller amounts. I try to make good food choices but I don't deprive myself of anything. Disclaimer though: I workout a lot and that contributes to how I eat and what I choose to eat.