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Hello everyone. So glad I found this forum and I hope it's active because I don't really have anyone other than my surgeon, his nurse, and my nutritionist to ask questions of and they don't have time to be my BFF. Hahaha! My surgery was Friday, June 10th so I'm am on day 10. I feel much better than I did this time last week but dangggg I'm starrrrrving and I am so very over jello, Popsicles, broth, protein shakes, etc. Surely there has got to be something else with a bit more body that I could start to try to get my mini tummy ready for week three, which I'll only have two days to adapt to before returning to work, that will also keep me from feeling like I'm starving. I've been super duper strict and had hoped to do so the entire time but I'm actually concerned about other things because of lack of nutrition. I have been dealing with dizziness, lack of balance, minimal energy (which is highly irritating because I had cleaning plans to work on the two weeks I would be out of work) and just overall weak as all get out. I am getting lots of water, some jello, broth, and Popsicles, and I try to do two protein shakes a day so plenty of fluids, but how in the world can I find something to give me some energy that won't ruin what my nutritionist gave me in an eating plan? I know I am SICK to death of sweet stuff. Blegh! Haha! I have backyard chickens. Would it be bad to try a backyard Fresh scrambled egg and see how my mini tum tum handles it? If not, what other ideas do those of you who are more experienced have?

Thanks again for all the insights. Spoke to the nutritionist, I have no exercise restrictions so I’m good there. She said I just need to listen to my body when it says to stop since I am on such a low calorie diet. Weight lifting and high impact activity is aok. She was surprised my calories were as high as they have been. She said I’ve been making all the right choices and I have been averaging more protein than many of her patients. She also thinks the weight loss is appropriate so not to worry about it too much. She said she’d be surprised if I average higher than that over the next two weeks on the soft food diet. So onward and upward (or downward as we’d all like!)

I am gad someone else was excited as me to read this. I do make regular homemade pizza but this sounds so good and even more protein and fiber!

Ok I really appreciate this feedback. I’ve been hitting all my protein goals and I’d say I’ve been pretty good but not perfect on the water. I’ve just been logging so as to keep track of macros and have a sense of what’s going on. I’ll let you know what the nutritionist says about exercise and check in with my doctor. Thanks so much.

I’d avoid the strenuous workouts too. Remember your poor healing tummy & all the staples & sutures holding it together. Most of us are advised to only walk for a few weeks. Remember you also have restrictions on how much you can carry/pull. Check with your dietician re calorie. There are lots of different requirements & it is always best to follow your plan. Personally I wasn’t given any caloric goals (only portion sizes & protein & fluid goals) & by the end of my first 4 weeks I was barely eating 300 calories but that was me & all I was capable of plus not hungry or interested in food. My surgeon & dietician was okay with it as I was slowly increasing what I was eating.

Collagen peptide is considered an incomplete protein & won’t count towards your protein goals. It lacks many of the essential amino acids. Whether it helps with hair, skin, etc. is another question. I added collagen (& silica) to my yoghurt for about 5 months I think. Don’t think it really did anything though. Certainly didn’t change the texture of my new hair growth. (It won’t stop the post surgery hair loss as that hair is already dead & meant to fall out it just falls out faster for a couple of months.). My nails weren’t stronger. I upped my facials & did some other treatments to stimulate collagen production as well but I can’t say any of it really did anything except a temporary short term glow & plumpness. You might have a totally different reaction. It’s not uncommon for you to look drawn & notice additional wrinkles & facial creases while you are losing. But once your weight has stabilised, you’re eating more & a broader diet & your body seems to redistribute your weight you will look a lot better. I went from being told I looked like death while I was losing in my first year when taking the collagen to looking beautiful in my second year when I wasn’t taking it (according to my outspoken uncle 🙄).

Oh, how awful for you. I hope you feel better soon Go back to your doctor & ask when you should be starting back on protein shakes & then other foods. You need protein & other nutrients for healing. The other concerns is the longer you go without popping the harder it becomes to go. You have to retrain the muscles. Even a clear liquid diet has some calories & if dehydrated has solids so there will be some waste building in your bowels. Are you drinking enough & meeting your 64oz fluid goal?

yea - I was told nothing but walking for the first four weeks, and no strength training until eight weeks out. as far as calories, no way you could be eating very many. We were told to just count protein grams and fluids when we were early out....no calorie counting.

I had my surgery on June 8th and exactly a week later I was in the ER because I couldn’t stop throwing up. I just spent five days in the hospital and was released today. Turns out, I had a lower bowel obstruction which is a terrible experience to have to go through. Anyway, now I’m scared to even drink anything because it’s not totally clear yet and I don’t know how I’m supposed to know when it is cleared. Also, I am expecting to go to the bathroom and have a huge bowel movement and that’s how I know it’s cleared except if I haven’t eaten for the past six days, is it even possible to poop? For the past 3 days, I’ve been on a clear liquid diet. I’m afraid to even start having protein shakes and a full liquid diet again because I don’t want it to build up and I get sick again. So is it possible to poop (big) without eating if I had a bowel obstruction? Anyone else go through this?

Thank you. I have no idea if I have a glitch on my end because I literally uninstalled it and re-downloaded and it still doesn't give me an option. Oh well, I really appreciate your help. Sent from my SM-G986U using BariatricPal mobile app

Love, how do I update my surgery info on my profile? Am I not seeing the option cause I need to be on an actual computer?

Not sure you should be doing "strenuous" workouts this early out from surgery most surgeons say no workouts other than walking for 6 weeks but that is something you need to talk to your surgeon about. I had no idea how many calories I was eating in the early days but the fact that you are very limited by the amount you can eat keeps it very low. The important thing is to make sure you get enough fluid and protein in especially if you are exercising to keep your body burning fat and not muscle.

Hi. First time poster 13 days out from ESG. The first week was super rough. I’m feeling pretty great now. I am down 12 pounds since the procedure. I’m consuming about 750 calories on average and I’m getting my 60-80 grams of protein. I have no idea how many calories I should be taking in. I am doing strenuous workouts three times a week (just started, I’m a week into it. Orange Theory for the win!). Would love some insights from the group!

lol I like how you say I only have 1 or 2 or 3 a day lol said like a true addict ,not knocking you cause I am the same. so straight after surgery you are not really going to feel like having soda so that wont be an issue. the hard part will be when you get a few months down the track and you can try some soda to see how it goes and if it goes well then you really have to try and control that addiction again. which is where I am now . you have really answered your own question by saying its best to stay away all together for both soda and sweets. My boss has a lolly jar on his desk for staff to dip into and when I am at work I have about 200 unnecessary calories a day due to this darn lolly jar. I have asked him to get rid of it or at least hide it but he wont 😡. So yeah use the time leading up to and directly after to get these things under control and the longer you don't "try" them after surgery the better off you will be. With your water just put a dash of something in it be it juice or cordial I also used flavoured protein powers straight after surgery, it just makes it a bit easier to get down I think around the 4/6 week mark I discovered Powerade as I was just so darn thirsty and water wasn't cutting it. it was much easier to drink and has electrolytes etc in it too. I also used the flavoured protein powder in plain Greek yoghurt just gave my protein intake the boost it needed and it tasted yummy satisfied the old sweet tooth as wel

Let's see... I had chicken curry, chicken alfredo, there was Thai something, even did Mongolian BBQ. Basically I pureed my favorites using the meat and a little sauce for moisture/flavor. Protein first, in quantity at least, it's hard to tell once it's pureed. I always went for big bang for meals: big flavor, big spice, big heat, small quantity. Good luck, Tek

1st off I hope this gets easier for you soon. I'm 9 weeks post op and haven't been able to tolerate food in weeks. Protein is my biggest Aversion. Can't eat it or drink my shakes. I've never been able to Meer my protein goals. My surgeon and dietitian think it is the hormones being wacky from severe dehydration. They put me back on clear liquids for a few days but I'm still not able to reach my fluid goals. Everything is upsetting my stomach (yes, even water). I went and got a myers bag IV (banana bag) 2 days ago but no relief yet.

Hey everyone- im on day 4 post op. Everything went well, and had minor gas pains. No heart burn but my doctor has me on omeprazole twice a day for a month I’m also taking sucralfate 4 times per day. Anyone else taking this? If so, for how long? The next 17 days of full liquids will be difficult. Not getting them in. I have no problem drinking 64 oz plus some protein shakes. But I feel pretty hungry. My doctor said it may diminish, did anyone else experience this?

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well. I had a question - I am 8 weeks post op and for the past two weeks I don't feel like eating at all. I have to remind myself. Previously I was ravenous. I also noticed that I am tried when I previously wasn't. I manage to hit my daily protein targets through shakes. I am having all my supplements. I am struggling with water and food. Has / is anyone else gone / going through this?

It's been a year as of the 4th I've lost 110 pounds and still loosing.I went from 336lbs to 240lbs I still eat small amounts. The only things I cannot eat are hotdogs and french fries they don't agree with me now still trying new foods.but it's been easy so far.drink lots of water and protein shakes hope this helps if you want to ask more about it just let me know I'll do my best to awnser your questions Sent from my motorola one 5G ace using BariatricPal mobile app

I have ordered the Collagen Peptide powder from BariatricPal. I already do 2-3 smoothies a day with frozen strawberries and unflavored protein powder. They are delicious. I use to drink ensure until I started to dislike / despise them. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I use unflavored protein powder from Unjury and BariatricPal. I put it in fruit for a smoothie - mostly w frozen strawberries and a pack of Splenda. It's the best. I can't eat dairy either. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I didn't have any buyers remorse until I hit my first stall. It lasted 2 weeks and I actually gained 5 pounds and then was just stuck. Once the stall broke, I started losing weight really slowly compared to before my stall, and I got SO upset. You can find my posts about it somewhere on here. Now things have picked up a little bit again (not as much as pre stall, but definitely better than right after) and I'm happy as can be again. I'm 6 1/2 weeks out, and I can eat what I want. But I'm very careful on making sure it sits right with my stomach and I only eat the amount I'm supposed to. I also make sure I'm taking in between 60-80g of Protein per day, less than 50g of carbs per day, and less than 50g of fats per day. I also eat 3 meals and sometimes 1 snack per day, and I eat less than 1/2 a cup of food per meal (or no more than 4oz of food if I need to use my food scale instead of a measuring cup). I never had a sweet tooth, and I never really cared for bread, Pasta, rolls, etc. So none of that has been an issue for me. MY big vices have always been fried, greasy, savory, tart, slightly sour flavors (for sour, think green olives). I also used to salt EVERYTHING....a LOT. Now I'm much more sensitive to salt and only use a very small amount on the rare occasions I use it at all. I will say this....if you are thinking about the same thing, or same types of things, over and over then it's head hunger and not real hunger. I know I'm hungry when my stomach starts to hurt a little and I would eat anything you put in front of me. It's usually after about 4 hours from the last time I ate. When I start thinking "I would sell my teenager for some tater tots and chili cheese fries" then I know it's a craving, which is head hunger. So I drink through it (protein shake or a smoothie or whatever I have on hand) and busy myself so I don't focus on it. When it's genuine hunger, then I eat. Eventually you WILL be able to eat what you want. But you have to hold yourself accountable and make yourself stick to your diet and portion sizes. No grazing. I never lost my hunger hormone and I never had an aversion to food like a lot of people on here do. So it's been a real struggle to stay on track. But it's possible, and sloooooowly my brain and body are learning that I AM actually eating enough and I DON'T need to eat until I feel like I'm going to pop. I promise you'll get there. And when you get on the scale and see it move every day or every few days (depending on how often you choose to weigh yourself) it'll give you that extra motivation to stick with it and keep going. You got this, and it'll definitely all be worth it in the end

I didn't have any buyers remorse until I hit my first stall. It lasted 2 weeks and I actually gained 5 pounds and then was just stuck. Once the stall broke, I started losing weight really slowly compared to before my stall, and I got SO upset. You can find my posts about it somewhere on here. Now things have picked up a little bit again (not as much as pre stall, but definitely better than right after) and I'm happy as can be again. I'm 6 1/2 weeks out, and I can eat what I want. But I'm very careful on making sure it sits right with my stomach and I only eat the amount I'm supposed to. I also make sure I'm taking in between 60-80g of protein per day, less than 50g of carbs per day, and less than 50g of fats per day. I also eat 3 meals and sometimes 1 snack per day, and I eat less than 1/2 a cup of food per meal (or no more than 4oz of food if I need to use my food scale instead of a measuring cup). I never had a sweet tooth, and I never really cared for bread, pasta, rolls, etc. So none of that has been an issue for me. MY big vices have always been fried, greasy, savory, tart, slightly sour flavors (for sour, think green olives). I also used to salt EVERYTHING....a LOT. Now I'm much more sensitive to salt and only use a very small amount on the rare occasions I use it at all. I will say this....if you are thinking about the same thing, or same types of things, over and over then it's head hunger and not real hunger. I know I'm hungry when my stomach starts to hurt a little and I would eat anything you put in front of me. It's usually after about 4 hours from the last time I ate. When I start thinking "I would sell my teenager for some tater tots and chili cheese fries" then I know it's a craving, which is head hunger. So I drink through it (protein shake or a smoothie or whatever I have on hand) and busy myself so I don't focus on it. When it's genuine hunger, then I eat. Eventually you WILL be able to eat what you want. But you have to hold yourself accountable and make yourself stick to your diet and portion sizes. No grazing. I never lost my hunger hormone and I never had an aversion to food like a lot of people on here do. So it's been a real struggle to stay on track. But it's possible, and sloooooowly my brain and body are learning that I AM actually eating enough and I DON'T need to eat until I feel like I'm going to pop. I promise you'll get there. And when you get on the scale and see it move every day or every few days (depending on how often you choose to weigh yourself) it'll give you that extra motivation to stick with it and keep going. You got this, and it'll definitely all be worth it in the end

Hey, I am 8 days post op today and I definitely recommend the multivitamin patch as well. My Doc doesn't have me starting the bariatric B vitamin complex till I see him at my 10 day post opp on Monday. The first 7 days post opp I had my 1 oz medicine cups and I was advised to shoot for 4 cups in an hour-so I would give myself 15 mins to finish 1oz. I kept a timer on my phone and it helps alot. I am now on thin liquids and still using the same method. Protein is key so I drank Premier clear Protein during my clears week which helped. I have not felt hunger but I noted feeling weak/fatigued, which clues me in that I am not getting enough calories in.

re: no appetite - that's very common for the first few months after surgery. Hunger and appetite almost always come back sometime during the first year - mine came roaring back at five months out. To be honest, I wish it never had. Although it's very weird and a bit unsettling at first, it'll never be easier in your life to lose weight than it will be right now (and for the next few months), when you're never hungry and don't give a flip about food. Take full advantage of that!! in the mean time, you do need to keep hydrated and get your protein and other nutrients in - so if nothing else, eat and drink what you need to for those reasons.