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I am one of the lucky ones, I don't have any hunger 27 days out of 28. I find if I eat 4 or 5 small meals a day works well. That way I can get all my necessary food groups in. Pasta, bread, and potatoes are off my menu, no tolerance of them yet. It has taken me almost a year to master this as I was on really low calories for a long time due to severe restriction and nausea. I can manage to get in 1000 to 1300 calories a day this way and all my protein requirements Breakfast will be a protein yogurt Mid morning a small glass of milk Lunch is usually homemade soup, veg, lentil, mushroom, Thai style or Pho Mid afternoon - a piece of fruit and a small piece of cheese Evening meal - meat and salad or vegetables On my hungry day, I don't let my calories get above 1500 by eating lower calorie foods than on other days

Many people don't realise how big a surgery this is. Our bodies demand a slower pace of life for a while until our calories increase. Rest and recover is the order of the day. I was only on 400 cals a day for so many months, no wonder I struggled to do anything around the home. It took me some months to increase my intake and I still have to bump my calories and protein with milk and yogurt. Now I am on about 1200 -1400 a day I feel like Superwoman again. Give it time and you will be the same too Sent from my Lenovo TB-J606F using BariatricPal mobile app

I was about to take them in pill form. I take two different ones, the one is super tiny and the other is a bit larger. Sometimes I would take it in a small spoon of greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce or with a sip of protein shake (this helps to "coat" it so to speak to get it down better). As time goes on, things get easier and easier too.

For me, I've rarely experienced Dumping Syndrome. I had my gastric bypass 9 months ago. I had more issues with the "Foamies" but haven't had that issue in at least 4 months or longer ("Foamies" is when you regurgitate what you've just eaten and you over-produce saliva and start vomitting - for me this was a very slow process and not pleasant - it happened if my pouch couldn't break down what I was eating - i.e. I had a hard time processing chicken breast even if it was so small, etc - this was during the stage of real food, not purees or soft ....anything stringy like kale, spinach, celery, etc. And...if I ate too fast). As far as Sugar & Fat, I never had that issue and I never went Fat Free/Sugar Free either. However, that being said....I don't want to eat fat - especially animal fat, as it made me pretty sick even before my bypass....but I don't necessarily eat Fat Free Yogurt. I tend to look at Nutritional Labels focusing on Protein, Fiber, Carbs. For example, it really depends on the product and it also is a lesson for everyone going through Weight Loss Surgery in Trial & Error. So, you have to see how your body does and if you have any doubt, don't do it. But at the grocery store, I might look at the labels and see what looks like a better fit for me and see how my body does - the Siggis Icelandic Yogurt has less sugar higher protein and my body does great on it. Say for a cheese stick/snack, a regular piece of cheddar is easier for me to digest than fat free. With fresh fruit, I think it's so important to incorporate, along with fresh vegetables. As far as worrying about the sugar content of fruit, I don't think that's an issue at all. I think it's smart to incorporate fruits into your diet - whole fruits whether fresh or frozen, because it's a good, healthy habit that's so good for your body. I've never had ill effects from eating bananas, berries (some of the best fruit for us!), citrus, you name it. Mind you, I'm a former Type 2 Diabetic. One thing that I have had issues with is sugar free products. I think that could be with anyone - I find that monk fruit and stevia are so much better on my body. Most definitely too much sugar free products (ethythritol, xylitol, etc.) can have major negative effects on your system. I have learned to proceed with caution - before and after surgery - with sugar substitutes. Also, your taste buds definitely change after surgery as well. I love using olive oil for cooking. I try to stay mindful and definitely tracking (Baritastic App is my favorite) helps create good habits. Avocados are wonderful, good fats and I try to eat these. I will tell you that my body has "learned" what makes it feel good. For me, the things that make me feel good are oats - just regular, plain oats (not packet) and steel cut are my go-to. Fruit does make me feel good too, I love adding in smoothies with protein drinks and ice and helps me feel great. Greek yogurt does the same. Nut butters without added sugar helps me feel great also. Veggies sautéed in olive oil help me feel good, a light salad and most fish (easy for me to digest and good source of protein). It's all a matter of trial and error but honestly, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself!! I hope sharing my experiences helps you and best of luck to you!!

@ynotiniowa I'm a nurse working crazy hours in hospital too. Donuts, cookies, cupcakes and candy on every counter, that's a nurse's life at work, that's why I needed bariatric surgery...lol. I went to work after 6 weeks, so I was eating regular food and it was not so obvious to others. You will survive 12-16 hr shift by eating Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, boiled eggs, protein cereal with Fairlife protein shake, tuna pouches and prepackaged small containers with protein rich/nutrition foods (chicken, turkey, chili, veges etc). Wish you good luck and success!

Hey! I’m not a nurse but a monitor tech and work 12’s. Your best bet is loads of little things starting out- Greek yogurts, eggs and cheese, string cheese, taco meat, chili, etc. condiment or mini lunch containers are great. Take the time and walk away from the floor! You and your health are just as important as your patient. After all you’ve taken the steps to get to where you are now, don’t let others derail you by being unprepared for success when you come back. Also, water bottle at the hydration station and a phone timer to schedule breaks.

Thank you so very much for your reply and advice. I will try everything you mentioned. I know I am dehydrated, I have been setting a timer on my phone to drink at least every 30 minutes. My hot flashes come with just one bite, so it’s not that I am over eating. Since my procedure I can not tolerate milk and dairy. I did try milk last week and got sick with just 1/4 cup. Many months ago yogurt was my go to, but it too started to make me sick. I will try yogurt again today as well. I do mix unflavored protein in to my water and tea or coffee. I have not been tested for anything. I have only had phone appointments and am told to consult with the nutritionist on different things to eat. I will call the doctors office this afternoon and see if I can schedule an appointment. I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you put into the post.

You need to do as your pcp says and eat. First find things to drink, you sound as if you are dehydrated. Water and milk and thinned protein drinks are safe starting options. Have you tried protein water? Have you tried broth? Find the temperature you can tolerate. I managed hot drinks better than icy cold. You need to eat and the calorie content will not matter for a couple of weeks. Once you get some calories in you will start to feel better. To start you eating again, can I suggest yogurts, high protein tinned or homemade soups [blitz it if you need to] mashed potato and gravy, Custard, instant porridge. and soft baked crustless quiche or cheese souffle. Aim to eat [ or drink your food ] a good amount of foods every 2 or 3 hours. Eat whatever you can, its critical to you getting and feeling better Lack of protein will make you weak. Lack of liquid makes your throat slimy. You feel nausea because you may not be drinking enough. Getting hot or in my case shivery cold is because we have overeaten. Getting the foamies [spitting out foam] is because you have put too much in your new stomach in one go. Eat or drink smaller sips until you get a hang of your limits. Lastly, have you been tested for a stricture? because I had similar problems until about 10 months out because they found my internal stitch line was still swollen. I just had to do the best I could until it settled. You should be getting more help from your team than you are, when did you last speak to them?

Greek yogurt with toppings (pb2, chia, hemp hearts, goji berry, pepita, cacao nibs) and finished it! Making a yogurt bar has added more joy to my life than expected.

I'm on day 11 of my liquid diet. I've been having my protein shakes, water, sleepy tea with skim milk and no fat yogurt. I make sure to drink 64 fluid oz. of water daily----- and I JUST WANT SOME FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want grilled chicken! Hahahahaha! I have surgery Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. So- I won't eat anything solid, but I am exhausted, feel sick to my stomach, and have a massive head ache. Hopefully, after surgery, the headache will be gone, or someone will give me something for it. I'm excited to have my surgery!!!! I'm not nervous at all. I know this will be over and done and I will be healthy and happy. So, one day at a time I will get through this! You can too! Just.... ignore your sloshing tummy and try not to stay in the kitchen when your family is eating! Good luck everyone!

Congrads on your success so far. I think I was down only about 18 pounds on day 30. For some reason I have not had a stall yet (knock on wood). I am now coming up on my 11th week and my tastebuds are constantly changing. For example, when I first went on solid foods, I was loving my cheesy-scrambled eggs. Also some chicken in sauce, but now don't care for either. To be honest, I am not a "kitchen guy", don't care to prep, cook, or cleanup. So for now, right or wrong, I sticking to yogurt, cottage cheese, protein drinks, ready made low cal soups, and microwavable low cal dinners from "Atkins" & "Realgood". Still can't eat any read meat but tolerate pork. Feels like more of a mental thing than an actual stomach issue. Hopefully later in the year I will try different food plus looking at getting back on the grill this summer. Saltwater fishing is a hobby and I am not one of those "catch & release" anglers, more like "catch & grill". 😁 But my first dinner on solid food also happen to be a birthday dinner for a relative at Outback restaurant where I ordered Wood-fire grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar and honey mustard sauce. I ate half and was very, very happy.

One thing that I found helped me was taking probiotics (either a supplement or Greek yogurt) at the same time as my fiber. The fiber acts as "food" for the probiotics and it overall helps digestion and helps to keep things moving.

You seem to like and tolerate dairy products; if you're not tolerating meat maybe consider adding something like yogurt? How do you feel about eggs?

Before this surgery I would have lived on fish and seafood if my pocket could afford it. Over the last 13 months the thought of it revolts me and try as I might, I just can not eat it. I eat all meats, I don't want to eat it but my body needs it. I have started eating beans, pulses and lentils as meat replacements and prefer them. I have very little room for rice, pasta, potatoes or bread yet but can manage a desert spoonful occasionally after my vegetables I have no issues with cheese, yogurt, milk and eggs. I hope I can eat normally at some point

I have had a difficult time with pain after eating yet felt like I was starving. The protein drinks were making me gag and I stopped drinking them. I knew I had to get protein so I began drinking Fairlife and eating Oikos 15 gram protein yogurts as well as canned chicken. I eat very small amounts of food but I'm just wondering when will the pain go away? I feel most of the pain is at the stomach entry. I CHEW CHEW CHEW too. Even liquids hurt. I keep a lot of ice packs in the freezer because I need it on my stomach all day. Feeling anxious. Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you for your response. Even a small amount makes me vomit & my stomach very uncomfortable. It generally smells good though. I’m able to get my protein through yogurt, cheeses, protein lemon tea…. Wondering how common it is to develop an inability to eat meat.

I will meal prep a couple of times a week. Sometimes I get sick of chicken and want steak. Usually I buy a bag of frozen chicken breast from Winco and cook all of it. Or some ground beef so I can make a hamburger patty with no bun, I usually add hot sauce on top, the Frank’s red hot sauce for some flavor or I’ll cook it with Tajin. I’ll have to work back up to those ingredients now that I’m 6 days out from post op. Just a note, Tajin makes almost everything taste better, especially vegetables. I hate most vegetables, but Tajin makes them more bareable. A lot of people have yogurt, I cannot stand yogurt unless it’s froyo. I love sour things, but the taste of yogurt is gross. Used to love Trix yogurt as a kid, but it had a lot of sugar to cover up the taste of basically sour milk. My doctor recommended for my liver shrinking diet a chicken crust pizza from the Real Good brand, which I’m not sure why they recommended it, it’s impossible to find. Since I’ll only be able to eat max a half a cup per meal when I get back to normalcy that will probably be a tiny chicken tenderloin and maybe 2 or 3 green beans lol.

I had the sleeve 12/21/22. I am about a week and a half into starting puréed foods and I am struggling big time. What I’ve tried, hurts, and I can’t think of what foods to try puréed. Anyone out there have suggestions of mush/puréed that worked for them? Right now I am doing three smoothies a day, yogurt, jello, and pudding in between and I’m just not feeling satiated.

my first year post-op I usually ate a light yogurt or some sugar free pudding or Jello when I had a sweet craving.

Strawberries, cherries, grapes, guavas, watermelon, apples are my go to Snacks. Especially late night Snacks. My refrigerator is always packed with fresh fruits. Recently, for guilty pleasures, I really like: That's it organic dark chocolate and banana truffles. (If they don't have those in stock, I get the Natierra organic chocolate banana slices. They are different though because they are crunchy.) Also, I have been into airfried real sourdough San Francisco style bread(lots of fake sourdough out there that don't have health benefits like real sourdough does) with cheese on it. I have been eating a couple of slices every day for the past few months. Also, greek yogurt dill pickle dip. Tons of easy and different recipe on the net. I make a week's worth and use it for a vegetable dip or eat with Korean popped rice crackers.

I made tuna salad with yogurt instead of mayo - added protein to it. Also did this with hard boiled eggs for egg salad. A bit of brown mustard in with the egg salad. The tuna I just used the yogurt and tuna and smashed the heck out of it. Tiny bites and tiny amounts. You could do that with chopped/diced chicken too.

I really can’t understand the science behind why this is happening. I was sleeved on December 19. Tomorrow makes exactly two weeks since my surgery. Yet, this entire past week, my weight has stayed the same. Makes me feel like all this misery is for nothing. I’ve been on nothing but liquids. Protein shakes, chicken broth, jello, and yogurt. I add a scoop of protein powder to my yogurt for added intake. I’m literally starving. This liquid preop and post op has been extremely tough. To the point where I didn’t wanna leave the house and celebrate the holidays with friends and family. What’s the point of going around food and drinks and people having fun when I can’t indulge in ANY of it. It’s hard just looking at other people eat while I sit there with water and a protein shake which I’m so very tired of. Then to step on the scale and see that I haven’t lost a since pound since my first week smh. I know they say don’t weigh yourself blah blah because stall will happen. BUT THIS EARLY???? Has anyone else experienced their first stall this quickly after surgery??

If I'm not hungry I don't eat. Simple as that. Just had major bloodwork ran and all my numbers are super great. Doc was pleased with my progress and my numbers. I went from being an almost on insulin diabetic to a A1C of of 5.1 without medicine. Cholesterol is within normal limits; vitamins are within normal limits. I'm off all the medication I had to take before I had the surgery for medical reasons since I left the hospital. Heck I've even reduced some of my mental meds. I've started listening to my body like I didn't before, and I don't force-feed UNLESS it's the 2nd meal I've skipped then I'll at least eat a string cheese or yogurt or something small since it's usually me skipping lunch and dinner and I don't want to wake up at 11pm hangry. I'm not one to skip breakfast because I know I'll be hangry around 2nd period and not really be able to do much about it. It's almost impossible to concentrate when my new tiny tummy demands to be fed... it seems louder and more persistent than my older, bigger one 😁. Edited to add: Also felt it necessary to say that I don't skip meals often... some days may be smaller meals than others but it's not very often that I skip a meal unless I am just flat out, not hungry, the thought of eating makes me feel nauseous (and that can be because of emotions or exhaustion as much as anything else). Otherwise, especially when I'm working, I'm on a pretty good breakfast, lunch, dinner schedule and I eat when it's time to eat and I eat until I'm no longer hungry which can change the amount. The recent successful bloodwork makes me feel like I'm on the right path.

Haha no way, I remember being tapped a lot while they were waking me up, actually, so strange how little you remember! I am still at the hospital right now, staying here for 4 nights total and then tomorrow I'll move to the hotel for 2 nights. They are really looking after me, which is a big help when you travel solo! I had water and sugar free apple juice yesterday, and now today I have lactose free milk and some drinkable yogurt. My tummy's not ready for the yogurt, it seems, so milk and water it is! The milk seems very sweet, I wonder is it my taste buds or is the milk here just different?! 🤷 Ohhh tea sounds amazing, looking forward to that stage! I will miss coffee too, once I get home, dreaming of some vanilla protein milk in a decaff latte... All in good time! 😋 I hear you, waking up was the weirdest sensation ever. What is boost, exactly? When you say tummy binder, do you mean a tablet or like a garment you wear? Glad you got some sleep! It's the best thing to wake up rested 😁

Wow it sounds like you are doing amazing!! Sorry you started off so rough but you are doing great, you should be so proud! I wish I could forget sweets. I've never been one that ate a ton of sweets but if they are in my reach I'll have some. That's why I usually just don't keep any in the house but Christmas seems to be the exception. I'm finally able to get most of my protein without the shakes but I still enjoy eating a protein yogurt for breakfast every day so that gives me a good start. Although I do love my hot chai made with a protein shake but only the vanilla from fairlife. I tried like 3 other vanillas and didn't like them at all. So I still do eat some protein items but its because I like the flavors instead of needing it. My goal is lower than yours though, I'm supposed to have 60 per day. You are doing amazing at working hard at your goals, can't wait to hear what the next 3 months brings for you I hope our hair struggles are short lived but I know its all worth it in the end.