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Not sure why that posted three times but it won’t let me delete it. Gotta love technology.

at 1 month post op, i was cleared for everything. i didn't eat everything (by choice) but still. by 7 months post op (i.e., goal) i eating ALMOST everything...i didn't eat rice, bread, nor pasta/noodles (again by choice) i was also limiting sugar as i was/am a dumper. i would not have alot of it (if at all) at one time or on an empty stomach. like maybe one bite of cake, 2-3 licks of ice cream, etc on rare occasions. by 2 years post i got over my carb-o-phobia and started eating rice, bread, pasta/noodles, yay! still limited sugar though. today - i hit my 6-yr wls anniversary this week! - i still can/will eat/drink everything. i can eat more in volume now that i could at year 2, but still less than those around me. i can also now have maybe up to 1/2 a slice of cake without ill effects (but only if my stomach is not empty). i probably eat out 4-5 times a week, and order take out another 4-5 times a week. i used to cook alot more before, but the past couple years me and Mr. have been empty nesting, and its actually really hard and inefficient to cook for just two people! not counting the past month* or so, i average about 2300 cals a day for the past year (full disclosure: i exercise alot). so long story short, you will be able to enjoy food at your own discretion. how much of it will be up to you.

I am 8 months post op from RNY and what I can tolerate has expanded quite a bit even in just the past few months, after I made it past the 6-month mark especially. You're still healing right now and the next 12 months or so will be very different than the rest of your life that comes after. I love tacos, but instead of filling up on tortilla, I often make a taco salad and just crumble a few tortilla chips on top. Or I order fajitas and eat the meat/veg/cheese but leave the tortilla (or just eat a bite or two if I really want it, which is all I can really manage without getting too full). Ice cream, chips and queso, guac are all fine and I do eat them sometimes as a treat. Try eating guac with carrots when you're okay to have raw veg. It's delicious and very healthy in moderation. Falafel is still a bit filling and too low in protein, but I would take a bite or two. Mac and cheese and pad thai would be pretty low on my list as the noodles are just so heavy. Like, they don't even sound good any more. I do like spaghetti made with spiral zucchini, though. Maybe you could make homemade pad thai using spiral veg instead of the noodles? You could eventually try the Banza chickpea mac and cheese as it's much higher in protein, though right now, I find it's so heavy I don't like it. Over the next several months, you will be able to eat a lot more, both in types and quantity of food. My advice is focus on developing a good routine and keeping your food at 80-90% of the healthy foods like lean protein, veg, and fruit. If you do that, you can indulge in a favorite snack every few days, or maybe one meal a week that isn't so nutritious, or go for ice cream a couple times a month, and it's no big deal. You just can't do it every day. And I suggest not buying anything tempting for your house. I go for a scoop of ice cream at a local farm but I won't keep it in my freezer because I would want it every day.

Thank you, I ended up just adding it to the burrito and it was fine, but I was starting to really question why I was not able to figure this out after going through two boxes!! I used the instapot, three different kitchen pots, made a larger portion, cooked it longer, added more water, and anything’s else I could think of. Finally I was like maybe it’s just supposed to be like this. The one good thing that did come from that experience is that now I know the Insta pot has a rice setting. I may try it with the regular rice which I’m sure is less chemicals.

Hello and welcome in the forum. There is a whole thread listed as Bariatric grief, its very worth a read. I had mine pre surgery. Anything with noodles was my thing. I had lots of Asian food funerals. I promise, it gets better. I eat everything I feel like except I cook it or it comes from a quality restaurant. I live in a part of the UK with out fast food places and the only one is a Dominos Pizza, I dislike the price £20, so would make it at home if that was my thing. I can eat a good amount of good icecream and some good chocolate, too much and I puke. I can eat a Magnum for instance. I eat Falafel with Tzatziki regularly and thats the first time I ever heard of it being off anyones menu. I bake it rather than fry it. I have had some Pad thai but its not really a thing for me anymore as I can eat so few noodles. I will go for Tom Yum or Tom Kha at our Fav restaurant. I can not eat anything ultra blitzed like Guacamole, shudder ... the puree stage has left a memory on my soul. I tried making it chunky but my brain will not accept it. All those slimming classes did have something to tell me after all. Being skinny is better than a bowl of the very best tasty noodles. Saying that .... if I could eat them I would, but not every meal, every day or week.

Well I had a revision (no surgery on my stomach) so I won’t even talk about portion. Also, I’m pretty active (2-3 hours of at least walking) so take this with a grain of salt but my calories are around 900-1000, protein is 90 plus, net carbs are 60-70, sugar is usually under 20 but my max is 30, fiber is still too low but around 10-15 with the fiber powder, fat is 20-30, water is about 80, and calcium is usually around 1800 or above. I was told that calories alone don’t mean much at all and carbs and fat depend significantly on what kinds of carbs and fat. Carbs from fruit and veggies are usually fine in our portions and healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and nuts or low fat dairy are okay too but you do have to measure of course and not have them multiple times. It’s when you get into the processed stuff that you have to watch them numbers so much closer. They sneak things in. I have noticed that the low carb stuff is usually really high in fat. My goal is to keep it to Whole Foods as much as I can. So far I have had the occasional low carb wrap, Turkey jerky, yogurt drinks, and quest potato chips in terms of packaged food. Ooh and that burrito wrap I had to seriously budget for. But I mean like twice or three times a month. Your team will have the best info for what’s right for you though. So many things make these numbers different for everyone. Did you ever find an app that you can access to log your food?. It has really helped me. Usually when I sit down to have lunch, I enter my breakfast, my lunch and play around with ideas for dinner and snack and see how that works out in terms of macros. I always have fish and frozen low carb veggies that I can pull out of the freezer if I am too high for the day. I found these burritos that supposedly freeze well I wanted to make but they used a real tortilla. They do not have the big ones in the low-carb version. I looked everywhere but I needed the bigger one and order get enough protein. I wanted to make those four nights in a row but every time I entered them I was going over on something. I finally was able to have them last night but all I had was my morning proffee and five egg whites with pico de gallo for lunch. Then I added a little bit more cheese because I was 2 g low on protein. Anyways, it makes it so much easier to be able to plug these things in and you can delete and try something else if it doesn’t work or add or subtract snacks. The only thing that I do not enter, but I always allow myself to have. I kind of learned on the preop diet was the sugar-free popsicles they’re actually 15 cal I believe but they were free foods on my preop diet and I keep them that way in my mind. It keeps me thinking that I’m never going to be not allowed to have food. Mentally it somehow makes me think that I don’t have to starve. I can always have something.. I actually really enjoyed them the tropical flavor ones on my preop but I haven’t wanted sweets very often since. I have had them a couple of times when I wake up late wanting something though.

Hi all! New to the forum and this site. So, I just had roux en y gastric bypass on Monday, and I'm feeling a bit lost, scared, and anxious. I'm so worried I'll never be able to enjoy some of my favorite foods again. I guess I didn't realize that gastric bypass was so restrictive. My Dr recommend it because I have trouble with heartburn and said this would be a good option. I guess I'm just looking for encouragement - if I know I can have some of my favorite foods at some point down the road, I'd feel a lot better, but everything I look up seems like I can never eat again. Do any of you have experience eating any of the following foods sparingly, or are they gone from my life forever? Tacos, mac and cheese, ice cream, chips and queso or guac, falafel, pad thai? Please know I am aware these are not healthful food choices and my love for these foods got me to where I am today, but can I ever eat them again in any capacity? Thanks for your kindness to this emotionally struggling newbie. I'm scared I made the wrong choice and just reaching out to the void for people who have experienced these panicky feelings. Thanks!

Hey all, so I’m in the process of getting a revision I have the Lapband wanting to remove it and getting the Sleeve. I have BCBS of MA. How was the process for you guys. What where your requirements, and how long did everything take meaning the whole process and the approval time. I went 2 weeks ago to my consultation, did the nutrition class then my ecg that same day now waiting for to talk to a psych. And the place is taking long I already called bcbs it’s in my network and also got my copay these ppl are taking long I’m ready to start my new journey

same! first day of puree stage i pureed some beef and barfed a little in my mouth at the result. tossed it and just extended my "full fluids" stage another week then went to afterwards "soft foods"

I agree with @ShoppGirl. Either do it 2 weeks before Christmas or 2 weeks after, or beyond that. Not for your family, but for you so you have full access toy our surgeon and their team. The Christmas holiday is a tricky time because so many leave or are off and nobody wants to come in if there's an emergency. I know the feeling of wanting to hurry up and start your new life, but you have to make sure you're doing what's in your best interest.

I never did puree because the idea of eating blended food was just BLECH. I went from liquids to soft, mushed foods. So I did liquids for 2 weeks, then I did soft, mushy foods for 3 weeks. I ate things like creamy soup, refried beans, mashed potatoes, avocado spread, hummus, yogurt, mashed black beans, and then the 3rd week I ate tuna, cottage cheese, SUPER steamed veggies, etc... But I only ate about 2 to 2 1/2 oz each time because there was NO WAY I could eat more.

Congrats on the weight loss so far. I'm 4 days post op from roux en y and haven't lost a pound. I'm sticking to the full liquid diet because I want my stomach to heal correctly. Doc put me on full Liquids the day after my surgery. I have little to zero pain. But I feel bloated. My doc told me advance to the next step of pureed food in 3 weeks. I just want to eat a good salad! But I'm waiting.

I didn't really get a lot of guidance other then 2 weeks liquid. 2 weeks purée 2 week soft than normal. I think I'm going to try smaller portions of purée

Also just to add, in those initial weeks post-surgery, my team recommended that I limit each meal to around 8 mouthfuls (using children's cutlery), just because the signals which tell us we are full aren't healed just yet, and that limited the over-eating!

I wouldn't worry too much about if you have done any damage - I highly doubt you have! Especially if you have been following the recommendations of your surgical team. It is a little bit of hit and miss learning in the early stages - what feels good, what doesn't etc. If you think a puree is too thick, just thin it out a little bit and then gradually increase! For example, I'd have yogurts but just thin it out with milk. My surgeon literally recommended that I have a week on each stage, so that just goes to show you that the gap can be quite small! So long as you aren't in any severe or prolonged pain, I think you should be okay! Always reach out to your surgical team if you are worried though

I'm just over two weeks post op. I was cleared for the pureed stage of foods, so I've been eating pureed foods since Monday. But no matter what I do, it just sits too heavy in my stomach. I feel too full despite eating the same volume as I did with liquids. There was a meal or two where I felt ok, but mostly too full. So I'm going back to liquids. Have I damaged anything by eating purees too soon? Have I set myself too far back in my recovery?

I have 5 from my sleeve & gall surgeries. Same surgeon & he used the same scars for the gall & thankfully didn’t make them bigger or more noticeable. Differences can be in location. Mine are basically in line with my belly button, just below my waist. Got three new ones from my recent hysterectomy: one above each hip bone & one above my pubic bone. They used my belly button one again too which makes three surgeries using it. It’s pretty tiny now from the sutures. The scaring is barely visible fir the sleeve & gall. Was talking about scars with my younger nieces & nephews on Sunday & the 7yr old asked to see them. I actually struggled to find them. (Used Bio Oil for the first 2 surgeries and silicon gel this time - amazingly good.)

Yesterday’s lunch and dinner and today’s breakfast. Lunch- after pics of the salad and mini cannolis. I only ate 2 bites of soup as lunch just wasn’t my jam. Dinner- only grabbed an after of the salad but ate a small roll with about a tsp butter, 3/4 the steak, 4 bites of the underside of the chicken (it was dry and the sauce was gross), both carrots, 2 bites of asparagus (less than 1/2 a spear), and about 1/3 of the mashed potatoes underneath. I ate about 1/4 of the 2 desserts offered because I split with a friend. I also had some 1/3 cup street corn dip, 2 mini pita, half an eggroll filled with black beans and corn, a mini eggroll, and 2tbsp hummus as a snack yesterday and chips with queso during bingo. I gave my alcoholic drink tickets to someone else because after half a glass of champagne I was done drinking alcohol. Breakfast- coffee had half and half and I drank it all. Drank about 6oz of the milk but ate the yogurt and oatmeal. I didn’t eat any of the mid-morning pastries offered today and the boxed lunch I picked was a roasted vegetable wrap with balsamic dressing, 4oz of potato salad, a cookie and I stopped and picked up green beans from the truck stop. I ate 1/4 cup of the green beans, 3/4 of the potato salad, pulled off about a 1/3 of the tortilla before eating the wrap and gave away the cookie. I can’t wait to have surgery next week because within 1-3hrs of eating I’m in unbelievable pain. I can chug my water like I could a few months ago for the same reason and I’m over it.

He just had me work an elastic band and said to do that but I ended up not doing it. But I can walk probably for 2 minutes or so everyday and increase it to 3 minutes next week. Especially when I have to go to saranac next week for my last followup before my surgery. I kind of want to tell them I've been exercising. I don't have a smartphone my wife has one and brings it to work with her everyday but I have a computer that I can setup reminders on. I go on it every morning so it would work perfectly. If that doesn't work I do have a tablet that I can use for reminders but I'm not on my tablet very much. I mostly just go on my tablet to check my email once every few days. My team will be taking good care of me after my surgery yeah. Even if I choose not to have the surgery they want to keep me in the program because I'm overweight and eligible. But I want the surgery because it should be a good tool for losing weight. Next Wednesday is just around the corner and hopefully I'll get all of my questions and concerns answered. I think even if I'm hungry though as long as I fill up fast I don't think I will eat as much as I am now. My problem is I am NEVER full even if I eat 3k calories in one sitting. It's ridiculous. The surgery should definitely change that.

I’ve had like 5-6 laparoscopic abdominal surgeries plus two open ones and this one has kicked my butt. It was including a large esophageal hernia repair also though. IDK but the pain has been relentless not as bad as night of surgery but not good. I hope to not have to use as many opioids after a week maybe but I’m on them anyway because of chronic pain from osteoporosis fractures. It’s hard for me to stand up straight to walk. I have 5 abdominal holes? How many do most have?

Most of the people on here have said it. I do cook most of my food now, hence the name. I think I’m weird because I like to food prep. I weigh myself at least once a week or check how my jeans fit. Then jump back on track (if I’ve wandered) by weighing food, measuring, recording and checking in with my son or a friend to hold myself accountable. I stay in touch with my bariatric group of fellow WLS patients because it’s good positive energy from people working hard to maintain weight loss. I pop on here too, again nice positive energy from folks trying to be supportive and helpful staying healthy!

Lots of people have posted about food, so I’ll tell you my behavior changes I make. I measure my protein on a scale. My personal dietitian told me 4oz protein per meal, or diabetic protein count 20grams. I record it either online in a phone app, or write it down. I can eat as much raw veggies or baked, or steamed veggies as I like, but only at meals with protein. No root vegetables due to sugar content. I drink 2litters of water, sometimes more during the day. I take my vitamins daily. Three meals look like that, then I’m back on track. If I’m hungry, one boiled egg before bed. That’s what the dietitian told my 5’10 son too. When we really want results we share and compare information to hold each other accountable, including weighing in on the scale. I watch the glucose goddess online for tips and recipes, and Dr. Weiner. In maintenance the fruit, nuts, seeds, cheese can come in one once quantities- those are “extras.” Alcohol is only for maintenance, just major holidays. Recap; weigh/ measure food, record it, share with a trusted friend or family to keep yourself accountable. Your dietitian should be telling you what a portion of protein is for you specifically.

I would avoid the week before and after Christmas because a lot of doctors take vacation and close some days for the holidays. Plus the staff is pretty much checked out anyways. If you do have a complication or concern you don’t want to have to be waiting for an answer or have to go to the ER and get stuck with whoever picked the short stick and is overwhelmed by a huge patient load. (Not saying those things always happen but they are more likely with the holiday).

yesterday's smoked salmon avocado salad was so yum, i made another one...this time i added more stuff just cuz. salmon, avocado, strawberries, dried cranberries, gouda, brocollini, and....pumpkin pie!! haha, it was the last slice leftover from (canadian) thanksgiving last week hahah...didn't end up eating any of it anyway (and none of the brocollini either for some reason), but ate maybe ½ of everything else. 704 calories for the plate...not gonna adjust for what i actually ate cuz im most likely gonna finish the rest later. isnt it so colourful and pretty????

I am a baby in my journey 10months today actually, but I reached my goal weight at 6months and I creeped down a touch more for about another month. I have maintained +/- 3lbs for the past 3ish months. I track every single day (eating 1700-2000cal a day), I prioritize protein (hit 150-200g a day) although lately its more like 225g of protein and that is WAY too much my stomach hurts lol so I am adjusting, keeping fat low (under 90) keeping carbs under 200g. I lift heavy (3 days lower and 2 days) along with cardio (running, incline walks, stair master), then 1 day where I do 40min HIIT work out then 30min of cardio. I have 1 rest day. I meal prep every week so all my meals M-F from pre-workout snack down to my last snack before dinner is prepped and tracked. I know what's for dinner every day as I make sure to plan for those. All the food I make is now lower in fat, higher in protein and the family doesn't even notice! Weekends I "indulge" I still track but notice I do not eat as much those days. I eat protein ice cream using my Ninja Creami or sneak in a few bites of my hubby's Ben and Jerrys. I do eat chips, fries, lettuce wrapped burgers, fried chicken **gasp!!** very small amounts but I do not deprive myself. This is a LIFESTYLE change not a diet. So I wanna go buck wild and get back to where I was but I also don't want to be a bird and never enjoy all the yummy treats. MODERATION IS KEY!! Eat healthy 85-90% and stay active, you won't have any issues!