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Same here! just know that since there are no additives it may seem bland, that is where the bouillon comes in. Protein broth thats good for you tummy... yup .

Awesome, I can't wait to try it! I'm a sucker for anything savory ! Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

haha all good! I dont think it is on amazon, but you can order from the website! I am sure any broth would work, but this one has 20grams of protein ... not 8 like most!

I asked my dietician in the group zoom 3 month check in yesterday and she said "because we don't do that. It's not recommended after surgery" so I asked her "ok, but why? Will it make me sick? Will it hurt me? I know the bariatric diet says low fat but my body responds better to high fats, very low carbs, low sugar, and high protein. Is the fat going to hurt me? I don't do all eggs and bacon and all that, and my cholesterol is always perfect. What is bad about it?" and I still got the same response of "because it's not recommended for after surgery". So I never actually got a real answer for why keto isn't allowed after surgery.

Literally the brand is Naked Bone Broth "Protein Powder Supplement - Naked Bone Broth – Naked Nutrition" they are great. Clean product and transparent company! And I mix it with the veggie Better than bouillon. Its like a warm hug hahah.... looks like I cant attach the link. but if you search whats in quotes, you will find it : )

Hey all, eeppp first post. I am still waiting approval on my surgery, but really loving the info you guys are sharing on here. I have been on the Naked Bone broth train for a while now and I love it. Mixed with a little veggie better than bouillon (cause this gal loves savory stuff) and its just soooo good. 20 grams of protein per serving as well.. : ) All the best!

I use Baritastic because I like that it's tailored specifically to bariatric patients. It let's you add vitamin reminders, protein shake reminders, and focus on protein, carbs, sugar, and fat. I've used MFP, Sparkpeople, and other tracking apps, but they can get overwhelming when trying to put in specific nutrition goals. I also like that Baritastic is free. I've found the app on my own, and only been using for about 3 weeks but I do like it.

Here is my considered reaction to the people who say, "You can't do keto once you have the surgery" "Says who?" I am a firm believer that in the days and weeks after the surgery, you need to listen to your surgeon and be conservative with what foods you try -- you don't want to cause any complications. But the further you get from surgery, the more you have to find a healthy routine that works for you. Now, post-surgery keto probably wouldn't look exactly like pre-surgery keto. The fats you can tolerate will be different. Your protein goals would be more important than your macros. It would be a process of trial and error. It may turn into a dirty/lazy keto diet (that's what my wife does. She eats whatever she wants as long as her net carbs stay below 20 per day). Your current way of eating like a bird and working out like an athlete isn't doing you any good. You are stuck in stalls because your metabolism is trying to account for not getting enough calories while you are burning like crazy.

I can totally relate to a lot of this. I was 48 when I had surgery 2 years ago and did not look my age. I have also lost over 200 pounds. Now I definitely look my age or older and I don't recognize myself sometimes. I did not have wrinkles before and now I do. That bugs me. But I just try to remind myself why I did this, and it was to get my life and health back. I do have energy now, so I'm lucky there. I probably have a more relaxed eating approach than a lot of people. I do not believe in good or bad foods. I have no forbidden foods. I pretty much eat what I want. Luckily, even before I did this, I preferred healthy foods like veggies and did not like things like fast food or fried food. I am proof you can be fat on healthy food. Too much of a good thing is still too much. I have "junk" like ice cream when I want it. Like, I am not a chocolate person except during PMS, and then it's like I NEED it and I have some. I just keep my portions of everything much more reasonable now. I do track food just to make sure I get my protein and keep my carbs reasonable but I'm not completely militant either. It certainly can be exhausting tracking everything, but I can't promise that I track every single taste. I just make sure to track all my meals and snacks. For 2 years, this has worked for me. I have eaten this way the whole time. If something changes, I will adjust, but for now it's working. I just started maintenance so we will see how that goes. I am lucky that I don't work at the moment. I am an RN, but when my son was born I stayed home with him (11.5 years ago! [emoji15]) and I've been planning to go back but something always happened to keep me home. I really do plan to get another job soon. I know what you mean about work t extra hard as a fat person. I always felt like I wanted people to see that I wasn't lazy just because I was fat, because all fat people aren't lazy! It will be nice not having to worry about that when I go back. I became a nurse in 1997, and I was fat the whole time I worked, so that will be a first. I do live in fear every day of gaining all my weight back, but I hope that if I keep eating like I'm eating I will be OK. That is all I can do. When I look at all the loose skin, it can be discouraging sometimes. It's really bad on my arms and legs, but I know how hard I have worked to lose weight and even if I didn't have a weight problem, skin does tend to sag as you get older, and I am going to be 51 in 2 weeks. I would love to have it all removed, but it's just not in the budget right now since I paid out of pocket for my surgery. Maybe it will be when I get a job, but I refuse to be ashamed of my body. I'm proud that it carried me through being so morbidly obese for so long and it's still here carrying me. It has put up with a lot of stress and it has been strong for all of it. I'm definitely weaker than I was but I'm working on strength training now. I know I'm rambling here but I just want to say you're not alone in your feelings. You have accomplished so much. Just try to remember that! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Fast food was so hard to overcome! I started putting convenience over cost for healthy grab and go foods and it became easier. Also, when I do get something I opt for smaller portions (4 nugget happy meal for example) and simpler options and find that works as well as the big meals used to. keep working and hopefully we will be surgery buddies!

Just keep in mind that your body can only absorb so much protein at a time when taking in those larger doses.

Hi. I’m looking for a good app to track protein, fluids, etc. What is everyone using?

Yeah that's what I have to do with my protein powder. No one carries it so I get it off Amazon. Maybe I'll get some Fairlife there too. I don't use shakes much now, but my husband had his surgery in May and he still does. It's a good idea not to get too many before your surgery though.. I couldn't stand Premier after. I will say Fairlife is the only one I could stand.. It got me through! I could only find vanilla around here though. Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Okay. I have found the holy grail of protein. Gladiator Vanilla protein powder from Smoothie King. It has 45 grams of protein per serving and it is unnoticeable in smoothies to me, and I’m super picky. I use 1/2 cup fairlife milk, fresh strawberries and banana, 10ish ice cubes, blend it, add the powder, blend a little more, and it’s perfect. This is a lifesaver to me. It’s $45 per big canister at Smoothie King stores. Totally seriously, I would have no idea I was drinking a protein shake if you didn’t tell me. It’s that good.

We’re all +/ - 4 months out from surgery. Would love to hear some check-ins and see how everyone is doing. I’m 32 and my starting weight was 213 and I’m currently 168. I haven’t had any issues and seem to tolerate everything. The only thing that I struggle with is my fluid intake, I’m usually only getting in about 40 oz everyday including my protein. I’m still aiming to drink 2 shakes a day.

Yes, I'm allowed solids. I have to replace 2 meals with shakes, and I get one protein & veggie meal. I also get 2 snacks (yogurt, cottage cheese, and other approved things), and unlimited veggies. I snack on cucumbers and grape tomatoes a lot. When I drink my shakes I have my yogurt or cottage cheese with it instead of making it a separate snack. So far so good, and under 1000cals/day. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

The fairlife protein shakes taste like melted ice cream to me... def. my favorites. I also really enjoy the clear protein20 drinks (there are 2 options with 20g of protein and no caffeine).

I got the sleeve, and I will admit, sometimes I wonder "would my weight loss be faster with the bypass?" Especially times like now, when I am dealing with slowed down weight loss even though I am sticking to program. But then, when I really analyze it, I don't think I would be doing anything differently than I am now. I'd still be eating the same amount of calories, per my program's advice. I would be working out the same amount I am now. So, the tool would be different but I'm not sure I would be doing anything differently as a result so in the end, does it matter? People do incredibly well with both surgeries, and others "fail" with both options (I'm using fail loosely, but basically to mean not reach their goals or even much weight loss with either surgery). It's easy to get caught up in this sort of thinking, so I try not to do it. Especially because I am totally at peace with the sleeve (I was not so keen on bypass unless I needed to do it based on medical advice). I just have to use the tool as intended.

If you’re using unflavored protein powder to add to soup then what you’ll want to do is mix it with the milk first before heating. It helps to disperse it instead of trying to add it after. Look into the protein broths that bariatricpal sells. I drank the beef and chicken ones daily for about 3 months. They also have a tomato soup. Steer clear of the mushroom and broccoli and onion ones until you are eating things with chunks though.

Has anyone figured out how to utilize GenePro protein powder and not have your foods taste like a chemical lab experiment?! 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

Hi ViaLia! My starting BMI was higher than yours at about 42, and I can only comment as someone 10 months post-surgery, but it's been a fantastic surgery for me. I'm not far off my goal and feeling very good. The restriction is strong, but I've had no issues getting my protein, water and vitamins. No dumping - however I'm still very wary with the foods that can cause it. My weight loss has slowed down a lot now that I'm getting closer to goal, my appetite is easy to manage. It may be possible for some to lose too much weight, but I don't expect that would strictly be the fault of the surgery. I eat about 1000 to 1200 calories a day now. That will go up a little more once I reach my goal and begin maintenance. I would never have gotten to where I am now without the MGB. It stopped the self-sabotage and I couldn't be happier with how it's gone.

I was a low calorie intake - barely 900 at 6 months & at goal. I eat about 1400 now. But I was not actually ever told a calorie goal. Just portion size, protein & fluid goals & of course food choices recommendations. Plus I worked at establishing new eating behaviours & eating only what I needed not what I wanted. I just checked my calories now & again out of my own interest. Best is to ask your dietician for guidance because we all have our own needs. Like you’ll need more if you’re very active. I’m short, pretty finely built & not very active so my caloric needs will be very different to yours. I could never have been physically able to eat more than I was while losing either.

As everyone has said it is to support the healing of your tummy & not to stress & strain it. Remember all those sutures & staples holding your tummy together. Think how you would protect a large wound & sutures on your arm or leg & how long that would take to heal. Purées are thicker which is why they are the stage after liquids. They should still be runny but not watery like the liquid stage. With soft foods think slow cooked, fall of the bone tender, minced meats, braised, etc. Foods that needs some chewing but not a lot. Think how much work your tummy has to do to digest thicker & then more solid denser foods. Plans differ but they also have a lot of similarities too. Some surgeons, like mine, tailor the pre & post diets to their patient. Some have specific requirements based upon their experiences. The best advice is always to follow the one you were given. But of course you can ask your surgeon & dietician why your plan is as it is & you may be able to negotiate slight adjustments based upon your recovery & needs. Yes, some plans recommend avoiding certain foods & liquids to not aggravate your healing. After surgery, we tend to produce extra stomach acid, hence why many are prescribed PPIs for a period after surgery. Carbonated drinks, caffeine, etc. can stir up the acid in your tummy causing discomfort & reflux symptoms. We’re told to avoid foods like rice, pasta & bread because they tend to swell in your tummy, filling you quickly. Remember your focus is on getting in your protein & that can be challenging enough in the post surgical stages. These foods also have little nutritional value. Consuming nutritionally dense food is important while you can eat so little to ensure you’re getting in the vitamins, minerals, etc. your body needs. While losing many of us are advised to follow the rule to eat your protein first, then vegetables as you can, then high fibre carbs only if you are able. If you can only eat 1/4 - 1/3 cup of purée & soft food to begin like I was, why eat food that fills you without giving you the nutrients your body needs. It also gets you starting to think about your food choices & the quality of the food you are eating. I still follow a lot of this: protein first, nutritionally dense foods, etc. Foods like peas & potatoes are considered higher in sugar & in starch (which converts more quickly to sugar). They’re not included in keto diets. Not saying you’re on a keto diet but you’ll notice influences from lots of different diets & eating styles on your food recommendations while losing. The reason why we’re advised to avoid dried fruit is you tend to eat more dried fruit than you would eat them as fresh. We can easily eat several pieces of dried fruits but remember 2 dried apricots is 1 apricot, a prune is a plum. Their sweetness is concentrated too in their dried form so you are continuing to feed your desire for sugar. Same with juice. Honey is just another firm of sugar. This is an opportunity to break some of your food dependencies & cravings. For many of us lots of foods become super sweet & quite awful to eat too during these first months when our tastebuds become extra sensitive. Many are able to go back to eating small amounts of restricted foods while losing or in maintenance. Personally I still don’t eat potatoes, rice, bread or pasta. I find them too heavy & I feel blah on the odd occasion I’ve tried them since I lost my weight. But that’s me. The first months are the most challenging because the food you likely depended upon to comfort, soothe & make you happy has been taken away from you. So you think about & crave them more. But food doesn’t actually comfort you or make you happy you just think they do. Realising & understanding this is part of the head work we all have to do. This whole process is about breaking poor eating habits, poor food choices & establishing new habits, introducing new foods, etc. & discovering what works best for you. The most restrictive aspects of the diet are only for a short period of time & are to benefit your immediate health & recovery. The long term changes you will choose to make are to enable you to maintain a lower weight & live a happier, more active & healthier life long term. Sorry for the 10 000 word response.

any way* (hate my typos and I can't edit on my phone posts) I forgot to add that almond milk unsweetened vanilla also makes my coffee taste yummy. However, Silk Cashew milk is my favorite. Only 25 cal a cup. I use it for everything once my protein goals are met. Otherwise I use Fairlife milk (high protein) is I need more protein. I can't drink black coffee either. I wish but I can't. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

This is really true. It depends the food, what surgery you had, how it was done, how tight your esophagus is etc. I find that I can eat one serving of most foods at a time too. Usually like 1 egg and I feel full. I can however resume eating within 1-2 hours pretty easily but you have to be careful not to eat too much throughout the whole day if you need to take a break in the middle of your meal. Sometimes I need a break after two bites because it feels so tight in my throat. But yeah then there are foods I can eat more of like salad, cheese, and bread. I can also eat more than the recommended serving size of chips or crackers but that tends to make me very nauseous so I avoid it. Pureed foods like refried beans, light soups, and yogurt I can eat in large amounts but again I don't because it makes me nauseous. For example today, I had a protein shake for breakfast and felt fine for 4 hours. Then made lunch as i started feeling low energy. made a sandwich for lunch with some protein chips. I use low calorie low carb small slices of bread (45 calorie slice) 45 calorie slice of cheese and 40 calories worth of plant based lunch meat. I got through a bit over half of the sandwich and three chips from a 160 calorie serving bag. Won't finish it, feel satisfied and know if I went back for more I'd start feeling nauseous. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app