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You are doing amazing but I do understand how you feel. In the very beginning I just wanted to lose the weight as quickly as possible but then I had an epiphany! I need to fix my relationship with food! I'm 10 weeks out so I'm still early days but I know that just losing weight is a sticking plaster for the real reason I used food as a coping mechanism. So I think I need to consider therapy! The food noise gets so bad for me sometimes its like torture! I will be so much more happier when I nail these obsessive food thoughts but it will take time, I've had them my whole life. Like many I have lost up to 6 stone and put it back on quite a few times before I took the plunge and had surgery so I guess I need to be kind to myself and learn to understand the parts of myself that I have ignored for so long. Are you counting calories? at the 5 week mark I was managing around 500 cals a day. I didn't have the protein drinks because I was fuller for longer eating minced chicken, tuna, eggs, lentils, cottage cheese and pureed foods for less calories, a quarter of a cup at a time. I still managed to get in my protein and at least 2 litres of fluids too. If I was a little under in my protein I would drink a clear whey isolate protein squash drink, they are around 100 cals and contain up to 22g of protein! I am on 800 cals a day now as my stomach has done a lot of healing since then. Everyone is different though and I know that some people still can't tolerate actual food at your stage, so listen to your body hun. Here's some ideas for purees for you, a quarter of a cup at a time is about right for the stage you are at but if you can't manage it all that's fine, its just a guide for you. Tuna and mayonnaise - 14 grams of protein Blended baked chicken. I would bake chicken in some tinned tomatoes and season with garlic and herbs then blend it. 50g of chicken has 16g protein Egg mayo - an egg has 6-7g protein Bolognese - use 5%fat minced beef and blend with a tomato based sauce or make your own - 11g protein Protein puddings available in all the supermarkets - 15-20g protein readybrek oats with some protein powder Fat free cottage cheese blended with peanut butter powder and some sweetener if you need it. Cottage cheese has 11g protein per 100g PB powder has 8g protein per serving Ricotta cheese bake - you can find the recipe on Pinterest and even on here! I wish you well on your journey my lovely. You are on a path of healing, mentally, physically and emotionally and you are doing amazing! Be kind to yourself the weight will come off and at 5 weeks you are still healing and probably holding extra fluid anyway. xx

Deli meats, lightly cooked fish, smoked fish, prawns, tuna, softly scrambled eggs, sashimi and cheese were my go to things. As you can see I craved the salty side. At the end of the day I would finish with a protein yogurt or protein pudding and a latte or a glass of milk, plain or made into a protein milkshake made with PB2 powder and banana

I don’t like shakes. In fact I never had another one after the initial liquid stage. But you might find it easier to treat your shake as a drink with a protein bonus and not a meal or a snack as it can count towards your fluid intake. Dilute it a little more so it’s not as thick & heavy then just sip it throughout the day like you would water until you’ve finished it. Boost up the protein content of other drinks by adding flavoured or unflavoured protein powder to coffee, soup, porridge, yoghurt, etc. Find a good high protein yoghurt. That’s what I ate to boost my protein. Or you could try protein water. Lots of flavours available. I had pork scratchings/crackling a couple of times. Handy when travelling. Found a low salt one but it wasn’t worth it - no flavour. Need that salt. Keep to the recommended portion size though cause they can be very morish. Yum!

may not be a popular answer, but if you are looking for a high protein, high calorie, low density food, chicharron (aka pork rinds or cracklins) was my go to back in the day when i had very low stomach capacity and was trying to stop weight loss. worked like a charm. mind you they are also very high in fat (and depending which brand or how you make them, are also high in soduim) so keep that in mind.

I added a high quality whey protein powder to most everything I consumed and I mean everything.. My coffee, my soup, my flavored drinks (crystal lite) etc.

There is no magic bullet here. In terms of protein density, you're just not going to beat whey or soy protein isolate. If you don't like them as shakes, you might try mixing with less water or milk into protein pudding? It may take some experimentation to find one you like the taste of that way. I've never tried them, but bariatric pal does sell some that are prepackaged and designed specifically for making pudding. If you want to go the whole food route, eggs and chicken breast probably come in next in terms of protein density.

I have the same question and can never get a good answer. I don't mind the shakes I just can't always remember or have the time to stop and do it. I don't even need a bunch of calories just the protein.

I am not to goal yet but I can tell you that as long as I keep my protein high i seem to lose weight independent of actual calorie goal. I am 6 months out and am shooting for 130 grams of protein and somewhere around 1500 calories. Continuing to lose a couple lbs a week even though it’s not terribly linear lol.

Maybe, if you are not already, make your own shakes? That is what I do most weekends - cup of coffee chilled down, scoop of a flavoured protein powder (vanilla or salted caramel are my favs) and then some milk and shake it up over ice. I also bought sachets of powdered protein coffee that I keep in the office for just mixing with water. Bought it on Bariatric Pal and its nice.

@swimbikerun yeah I eat protein bars but shakes are difficult for me bc I can't drink a big amount of liquid. I know, I know I'm difficult 😂 I really like the protein shots, but bariatricpal has been out of stock of them for quite awhile now unfortunately! But other than those things, I just didn't know what types of foods or meals there are that are rich on protein and/or calories but aren't a huge amount of food! Thank you for replying tho I appreciate it 😊

Protein Bars or a shake?

How can I intake more protein and more calories without eating a huge amount of food throughout the day, all day long? It's almost impossible for me to get in 3 meals a day, and small snacking all day isn't possible either. So what are some ways I can get in extra protein without heavy shakes/smoothies? Or some meals/snacks that have a lot of protein and/or calories in them, but aren't a huge amount of food (if that makes sense)! Thanks for the help in advance!

I use 'Macrofirst' app! It's crazy easy to use! You can even scan barcode of stuff and it'll automatically pull the nutritional facts up and all of the information for you. It tracks everything including water intake! Check it out because it's the best one I've found so far that you don't have to actually pay for! They do have an option where you pay for it to get more out of the app, but I've always used the free version and it has and offers everything!

So I have what I think is Dumping Syndrome or Reactive Hypoglycemia and it is seems like it is caused by 2 things. Taking a shower and exercise. For some reason after I take a shower at night my sugar crashes so bad I have to take glucose tablets to bring it back up. I don't take hot showers (I hate being hot), just warm and it doesn't happen all the time but often enough that I found a pattern and it doesn't happen when I take a shower in the morning only at night. It also happens after I exercise. I eat dinner at 5:00 p.m. I wait at least an hour, hour and 1/2 and I am not a gym rate that I am doing it for hours - 30 minute treadmill, 10 minute rowing machine (I had a total knee replacement so I do this for my knee at a slow pace to get the bend in) and 3 sets of arm exercises with free weights. Literally there are times I have to stop while I am exercising because I can feel my sugar going down. There have been times it has crashed as low as the 50s. I have talked to the doctor about this and the physician's assistant said have protein before you exercise. Well I am having dinner before I do, which is always a protein vegetable and a small amount of carbs. Has anyone else had this issue? I want to exercise but I am afraid every time I do that this will happen and it happens more often than not. I have taken to as soon as I am done exercising to just automatically taking 2 glucose tablets which is adding extra sugar in but in order to have it not crash on me. Thanks in advance for any responses!

A very high protein diet can do that. I'm a bit surprised your doctor's office didn't cover this with you. It's primarily due to a significant reduction of fiber in your diet. i strongly recommend starting some fiber supplementation and in addition, consider the following: You may need to take a regular dose of a stool softener such as magnesium hydroxide or polyethylene glycol If needed, consider a stimulant such as senna or bisacodyl Acutely, If you're still having severe issues getting things moving, a saline enema may be needed. Otherwise, regular does of the above should be sufficient It can take a while to get all the above dialed in. Keep in mind, you're likely to need some or all of the above until well after surgery since your fiber intake will be really low until you're eating regular foods again.

A content warning first... this post is about poop. I have been on the protein shake version of the LRD for 9 days, and while my... bowel had already slowed down today I suffered extremely painful constipation to a point I have never experienced before. I'm actually historically very regular, if anything I tend to have the opposite problem, so maybe I am more surprised by this than I should be. I was trying to... pass the really hard, dry, dark stool for hours, and there was bleeing involved at some point. I am wondering if anybody else has experienced this, and if they changed their LRD strategy because of it. I can't imagine this continuing for three weeks. I wanted to add that I am taking Rybelsus but I had tolerated it very well until now - however constipation is a known side effect so I thought it was worth adding. I have been on it since November, but my doctor increased my dose about the same time I started the LRD. I have contacted the coordinator for my surgery, but other than making sure I wasn't dehydrated I didn't really get much useful advice. Anybody had a similar experience?

Sometimes you have to do things differently than other people or use some of other people ideas to help with the pre-surgery weight loss task goal. When I started, I drunk two meal replacement shakes that was high in protein (30mg) and for dinner I would eat a small portion for dinner. The amount I would eat for dinner was the amount you are supposed to eat after surgery. I even started drinking my water 30 mins before my meal and 30 mins after my meal. I actually have been keeping this going for the past four months and within the last two weeks I did the full on liquid diet that helped me reach my goal weight before surgery. I know some people talked with their provider and got on medication to help them lose their goal weight before surgery. It will be okay; you will get there.

Hi there! I am getting ready to have surgery on Tuesday. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I did a lot of preparing for this surgery. Three weeks ago, I did the liquid diet that you are supposed to do post op. I just wanted to get a feel of how it would be so I can prepare for what's to come. I started implementing the things that my dietitian and providers told me that I need to do to be successful post op. I stopped drinking all pop and carbonated beverages. I was buying all the things that was zero sugar added and sugar free. I have been drinking my protein shakes and clear protein drinks. I have been keeping up with my water intake and getting in as much exercise as I can. When I decided to go ahead a do the surgery I was weighing at 291 lbs. My task goal weight loss for surgery was set a 5lbs. I actually lost way more than that, I surpassed what they wanted me to lose. I am now 254lbs. I will probably have lost a little more by Tuesday. Starting tomorrow I have to be on clear liquids to prep for Tuesday. Just want to let you know you got this and you will do great. Just stay focus and motivated. I was the same way on edge and excited. Make sure you have a good support team too! This will help and make things feel so much better. It is good that you are nervous and excited! Way to go!!!!

@buildabetteranna How are you finding your journey so far? You made a massive commitment to yourself, and I am so happy for you that you've already had that massive win! The gym classes are really good actually! I started going to a Les Mills legs, bums & tums class and found it hard at first, but now it is easier! I actually went to my first Les Mills body pump class last night and oh my god...I was close to death 🤣 such a challenge, and I ache today, but so worth it. I love seeing what my body is capable of nowadays, and I am sure you will experience that too! Definitely start with something like that and build up, that is what I did! Definitely sounds like it'd be a fun time You too! ❤️ @Lilia_90 I am sorry to hear you have had a rough time recently. I think it is kinda expected in some ways for us to drop below our ideal/healthy weight at first, and then it should balance itself out (at least that is what my surgeon told me) - I hope things improve for you soon though. I know how tough it is to get food in and increase that calorie intake! Maybe add in some protein shakes if you are struggling to eat ❤️ @WendyJane Amazing, well done! All pre-surgery too which is such an achievement! Happy belated birthday also! ❤️ Lamb is one of my favourite things ever, good choice! Such a powerful thing to already be working on that mental side of things prior to surgery, as I find that is actually one of the biggest challenges. I completely get what you are saying there - I also looked forward to having baggy skin, as it meant that I had lost the weight! I don't necessarily hate the excess skin at the moment, but I think that is because I know it isn't forever, but I am just happy my body is healthier! Enjoy swimming! @Arabesque I think a better colour corrector/concealer needs to be made, they all seem really crap if I am honest!! Yeah I am definitely getting some comments at the moment which is sadly getting to me a bit as I have always been really worried about eye bags/dark circles. I hope it'll improve! I use a caffeine eye cream & retinol cream but it seems to just do nothing 🤣 I may look into some other brands when I get paid - we shall see! Thank you for your advice ❤️

I'm doing okay, lost another 10 pounds and still waiting for my surgery day to come. One more nutrition consult. Today is my birthday and went out to a restaurant for lunch with my husband. I had Lamb, it was s o good, and enjoyed them so very much, good source of protein. Otherwise I'm just hanging out, doing as many support groups as possible, and I am learning to love me for who I am. I look forward to the saggy baggy skin, and the removal thereof. Tomorrow, heading out to the pool for a couple of hours of a workout, and hopefully work off some of that lamb I had today. LOL

Which protein wraps are these? OMG looks delicious. I am such a foodie. I'm a bariatric foodie now, though, but still love it.

I'm still evaluating my options (Keep dieting with my RD exericing with my trainer and Zepboundng, Endoscopic Gastroplasty, SG, RNY). I've met with two different medical teams, and my RD. I'm in one surgical in take program. Nevertheless, while I continue to research procedures, I wanted to ask about something that I won't be in any study. Is going through a bariatric procedure something people can do w/o support or consistent support. I have to plan to be on my own. How fragile are people after these procedures? How much help do people typically need? Can these procedures be done completely alone aftercare? Alone as in no one is available to help. Is it safe to be alone days weeks after the procedures?

A few things here: 1. Factor implant weight at 5 lbs. 2. Your body took a break from working out, so going back will cause a lot of inflammation. From experience, I always gain an lb or two when I go back working out (especially lifting) after a break due to muscle inflammation. 3. Protein is extremely hard for the body to convert to fat. The golden rule is 1 gram per pound of body weight, hence you should be at at least 170 grams, so I say you're doing well with your protein goal. You could always experiment and add/reduce, see what happens? Doesn't hurt. 4. Pretty sure you are carrying a little water weight. Again, go by how your clothes fit, I'm sure they're tighter around the chest Lol, but what about your jeans?

My cycle is normal, Water intake is the same aas usual. I have never been fantastic with it. However, my protein is out of control LOL like 175g - 225g a day. Do you think its having the opposite effect? I am trying to lean out and build muscle so I eat a ton of protein in small amounts throughout the day. Maybe my 1 coke zero I drink a day? i did figure my implants probably being around 4-5lbs in total?

First thing, and I know it is really hard to do, is not compare your losses or gains to anyone else from here on out. Our bodies all adjust differently and everyone starts off with different weights, conditions, activity levels etc.. Second thing, don't worry 13lbs is good as don't forgot your system is still in recovery and discovery stage. Think about it, would you have lost 13lbs in just over a month without the surgery??? You will likely have put on a few lbs immediately after the surgery so not sure if you are factoring that into your 13lb loss but still either way you sound like you are on track. Keep following your plan as you start to reintroduce food, for pureed foods I had minced chicken or beef with a spoonful of some mash potato or other veg or stuck with soups (thicker than the liquid stage) and protein shakes. You've got this