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Sugar free Popsicles were my go to. Also.gwr some Chicken/ Beef Broth. Once you can do full liquids Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt tastes amazing and is 15g of protein. Best of luck!

I finally got to have yogurt this morning and it was so good! Glad to have made it to the full liquids stage!

Post op day 5 and I am hungry lol I’m on clear liquids until Saturday and I’m counting down the hours until I can have yogurt! Doing well getting my liquids in, still somewhat sore, but they had a little trouble working around my liver so it’s bruised. Things are getting better every day, though—No regrets and happy about things to come!

Thank you, I’ll double check my labels and the Baritastic App. I used members mark Canned chicken, good & gather brand non-fat Greek yogurt and used the gram weight of the eggs rather than large, med. I noticed there are some Protein gram diffrences between brands so I’m not sure if it is that or something else - but it’s a good point to verify those numbers. It really was yummy, I hope you like it!! 

I have issues (digestive) when it comes to artificial sweeteners. I don’t particularly love the taste of most either. I knew going in I would have issues with the artificial sweetener in the pre-op liquid and post liquid stage when options are limited. Most times my sweet tooth is satisfied by fruits - but sometimes I want something more and try to use moderation. I have found built bars (especially the puffs), which do contain erythritol and were recommended by my nutritionist, more than satisfied my sweet tooth (and offer a nice protein boost) when I was eating solids. (That was pre-op… right now I’m a week out from being sleeved). Those were an occasional thing to tide me over on the go and keep me from getting to hungry and over eating. The Fairlife shakes, in moderation didn’t bother me, but when they were my primary source of nutrition - I struggled. I also have a milk allergy so I need to watch how much dairy I consume. I’m ok with a little - but too much and I get stomach cramps and digestive distress. When I called my nutritionist Monday because of the artificial sweetener causing some digestive irritation - she suggested moderation. One of the yogurts she suggested I try had cane sugar & fruit pectin. It was lower in sugar than regular, and had a bump of protein. I had two days to get through until purees, where I could add in real food and transition away from the shakes… so it was getting through. I try to make healthy choices, fresh fruit or no sugar added in general. Occasionally I have some things with artificial sweetener, but keep it limited because past experience has proven it will irritate and inflame my digestive system. I am working towards a balanced approach. My PCP (whose been my Dr for about 44 yrs now) has always told me he’d much rather I have less sugar in moderation than artificial sweetener as a rule. So I am trying to stay within my program guidelines and follow a balanced approach. It takes some creativity, but so far I am making it work. I have more to loose than you do, but I’m pleased with the progress I have made so far. Since I started my weight-loss journey I have lost about 75 pounds so far (50 leading up to my pre-op, 10 in the pre-op liquid phase & 15 since being sleeved last week). I might have had even better progress had I gone strictly sugar free … but I’m striving for maintainable, steady progress - something I can do forever not just a short term “diet”. Moderation seems to be working for me, but I will keep reassessing and working with my team and make adjustments as I go.

Finally feeling better now that I can have purées. Made a chicken salad that reminds me of a deviled egg consistency - that is yummy and Protein packed. I wasn’t sure I could do a puréed meat - but connecting it to the deviled egg filling helps. 3 oz chicken 2 hard boiled eggs (about 100 grams) 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise 1 tablespoon non fat Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon mustard Whole container about 1 cup: 284 calories, 43 grams protein, 2 grams carbs, 1 gram sugar, 11 grams fat Used the mayo we had on hand - will probably exchange out for a lower fat one going forward, but it was a welcomed change from the liquid of the past 2 weeks. Going to slowly introduce new purées over the next week so I don’t upset my stomach. I’m on the purée stage for two weeks before I go to soft foods. Other than the ricotta bake… (hoping to make that sometime this weekend), anyone have any staples you have had good experience with or favorites to share?

Most any sensible diet works post op and can be adapted for the immediate post op transition period as well. Vegetarian/vegan is tricky for a while because of the low protein density of most foods and the small amount that can be consumed for a while, but there are some veg protein drinks out there that can be used. Does this surgeon have an RD associated with the practice? They would be the most helpful in tailoring a diet for your needs - most understand that for a diet to be successful, it has to work for the individual. Some surgeons will jump on the latest fad diet, like keto, as a way of "tailoring" their program to the greatest number of potential patients while keeping it "one size fits all". When I went through this, there was a clique of patients on these forums who were all gaga about their surgeon because he was a strict low carb fan and they were all hooked on the low carb fad and many chose him specifically for his diet (Keto wasn't a thing then, more classic Atkins was the then current fad). A great marketing tool for the surgeon, and an OK diet for many patients, but hardly a necessity. Our program was quite flexible, aiming mostly to get maximum tolerance while keeping to the protein levels and textures required early on, Right out of the hospital we could have eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, sloppy mashed potatoes, refried beans, yogurt, etc. and it was quite successful for most everyone. So no need to get into any of those fad diets, or put up with docs who do.

Hi all! Everything went off without a hitch but this gas pain is a b#%^+. Last night I was going in circles around my bedroom trying to dislodge some. No nausea or vomiting. That whole tastebuds changing thing is really real! But I was still able to eat some of my greek yogurt. I can eat about 1oz before feeling full. The last doctor I saw before I left told me not to worry as much about eating. And to focus on my liquids. I need to make those 64 oz daily, but she said to remember that my protein shake counts towards that. She said dehydration would land me back in the hospital faster than anything else. If I can just get rid of this gas I would be doing fantastic.

I will add that I found a pill crusher at Walmart pre surgery (I didn’t end up needing it though). Anyways, they are fairly inexpensive but as mentioned above ask a dr or pharmacist to make sure your meds can be crushed safely first. Crushing certain medications can be dangerous. Also, my pharmacist said you can mix it with as much applesauce or yogurt that you want but you must obviously eat it all to get the entire dose of medicine so keep that in mind. Also, I did end up crushing a big antibiotic my husband kept gagging on. I mixed it in a full yogurt and he said he couldn’t even taste the medicine. It may not have been one of the bad tasting ones to begin with though. I’m not sure if it tastes gross which would be better a tiny bit to just tough it out or a little more to help dilute it some.

Not all programs are alike. I’d suggest looking for a program/doctor who has a flexible nutrition plan that’s more inline with your eating plan. My program takes a balanced approach and there really aren’t foods I can’t have - but I can’t have them all at every stage. I am allowed beans, complex carbs and minimally sweetened yogurts. So check around with different programs to see who might be a better fit for you.

I went to one bariatric surgeon who said I'd have to go on the keto diet after surgery. I'm a vegetarian, and I have no desire to go on a diet that doesn't allow beans, complex carb grains, and minimally sweetened yogurt (the kind recommended by bariatric surgeons). If I tell another surgeon that I will not go on a keto diet after surgery, are they likely to deny my surgery?

I lost 11 pounds during my pre-op diet. Gained 7 back after surgery. I knew this was fluids, water and swelling but it still sucked to see the number go up. After I got home from the hospital I've lost weight every single day (except today!) so I'm down a total of 21.4 pounds (9.7 of it post-op). Same here! I am very rarely physically hungry (mentally, that's different!) and when I do eat things they are either: too sweet or just gross. I have to set timers to remind myself to eat otherwise I'd go all day without eating anything. The only things actually taste good to me are (all pureed): egg salad, the ricotta bake, runny sunnyside up eggs and Fairlife shakes. Yogurts and puddings all taste too sweet right now.

So I start purées tomorrow, but I’m allowed yogurt, soups, etc today. I notice when I take sips, but especially when I eat thicker things like yogurt (with a spoon), I have what feels like some air pressure when I swallow. I’ve used a reg spoon (metal), flexible rubber baby spoon to flatten it out - almost pressing the spoon flat with my tongue so there can’t be an air pocket with yogurt. But still I’m having a tiny bit of mild diaphragm pressure when I sip or swallow. After a few bites or sips I burp (or every so often- sorry for this… pass gas) and then I feel ok. Until I do burp, I have an uncomfortable diaphragm pressure … Is this normal? If it is normal, is this a forever thing or just while you are healing? Thanks.

I'm also 14 days full liquids, 5 days post-op. I can move to puree on Sept 1. I think I might try liquifying yogurt today. So far I've had strained lobster bisque, tomato basil, and squash soups. Been mainly focusing on trying to get all my water in. I've found if I pour a little 2 oz. Cup of water with my protein mixed in and time it every 10 minutes it helps remember to drink. My incisions are itchy too.

My doctor allows Greek yogurt after day 3, so it’s really by doctor

I'm not even allowed the yogurt preop! The one thing they said I could have is one cucumber or pickle per day if I needed something to crunch. I bought a huge jar of pickles this week. 😁

I’m on a two week liquid diet and it’s been a killer (again! This is my second bariatric surgery.) I can have protein shakes or greek yogurt for my ‘meals’ every three hours. I would be lying if I said I had been perfect throughout this process. I’ve slipped up a few times by stealing a fry off my husbands plate or eating a couple of olives when I was simply sooo hungry. I’m going to have the hiatal hernia repair during my surgery on the 29th and the revision to RNY, as well. The GERD burns me up a lot of the time so I take esomeprazole in the morning and Pepcid in the evening. And thank goodness for Tums during the day!

Apologies for the inconsistent message - I meant asking more long term once I’ve moved into maintenance, as I am hoping it won’t take too long to get there. For now, I’m still strict on plain Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken salad, etc.

You will probably get mixed responses here about that because everyone is different in what they need to do to stay on the right side of the slippery slope. By that I mean that some people are able to have a little sweet treat here and there and be satisfied with a small amount on truly rare occasion but others need to 100% abstain in order to maintain that control. I was sleeved I’m March 2021 and I have found that I actually do crave sweets more post surgery and I used to be like you and crave salty most of the time. I do have the occasional chocolate covered strawberry or frozen yogurt bar and they both have sugar. For the most part I am able to satisfy my sweet cravings with fresh fruit but when that doesn’t work I try to have one of these healthier choices that I actually still enjoy. I think You just have to be honest with yourself and be willing to reassess often and make changes if you find that you are having those treats more than once in a while. Also, it’s probably best to save those for once you reach maintenance. Having said that I tried a few things early out just to make sure I could tolerate them post surgery but of course that just made it take longer for me to lose. The thing you want to keep in mind is that those hunger hormones do eventually come back. Sooner for some than others and it is ideal to do everything you can to lose your weight before that. I have seen people who have lost after their hunger comes back but they say it is that much harder so if you can just avoid these foods until maintenance you will most likely make things easier for yourself.

I take our favorite Mayo and use 1/2 of it and 1/2 plain greek yogurt - choose which ever variation your plan might suggest. Add some protein and helps cut calories. We usually use Hellman’s (the olive oil one works well with this) and occasionally have grabbed the store brand to do this with as well. I have been doing this long before surgery and actually my kids (adults) ask for me to make it that way now. Even use this for deviled eggs. I have also done this with sour cream (half and half) and no one ever noticed. Trust me, my family will point out if anything is “off”.

Purée has been really challenging for me. I had a really horrible dumping episode during my liquid stage when I ate some pho broth and since then, I cannot even look at a broth without feeling sick. I'm still doing a lot of full liquids like shakes, yogurt, and protein puddings, but here is what I have added as purée: refried beans + taco seasoning + a sprinkle of low fat cheese chicken salad (canned chicken, pureed + fat free greek yogurt + low fat mayo + celery salt + pepper) mashed potatoes (the low sodium instant kind) french style scrambled eggs (really runny) + turkey sausage (pureed) + a sprinkle of low fat cheese sunny side up egg egg salad (same as the chicken salad, but add a bit of pickle juice; eggs are pureed) I'm not going to lie, getting past the texture & smell of the chicken salad was ROUGH, but it tasted good.

I’m 4 days out from gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia repair as of today. Woke up a little dehydrated this morning and not feeling great. Yesterday was the first day I missed my water goal. (yes I had other things that contribute to my water, but I’ve been pretty good about getting 64 oz plus those other liquids) I have had super low energy today - sleeping way more than normal. I’m working hard to get my water in but no matter how much I drink my mouth seems dry - and this stubborn headache won’t go away. Today has thrown me for quite a loop because I expected to feel better day 4 than I did day 2 and that is not the case. The day after surgery I was walking around the ward and feeling relatively good - considering the surgery. I was up and around and went for a short walk on day 2. Day 3 I didn’t do as much but I did get time in on the recumbent bike - energy level was low, so I thought I could take it easier on the bike and still hit my movement goal. I have been getting my water in ok today - despite the nausea when I got up earlier, had a frozen juice popsicle and that went down ok. Had some protein soup (broth only with protein powder) - powder was not the best with that broth, but I got it down. I’m struggling with the shakes today (which I usually have no issues with - but today they aren’t appealing). I struggle with artificial sweeteners - they upset my stomach and can trigger headaches, so I’m limited in some of the options I have during my liquid phase. The yogurts suggested are of course the ones with artificial sweetener which makes them not ideal on a day I’m already not feeling well. Which eliminates yogurt based smoothies that are suggested in place of a store bought shake. Can anyone tell me if you experienced anything like this your first week? I’m still on full liquids, transition to purées Wednesday. Maybe it’s the low calories kicking my butt energy wise? I’m struggling to even hit 800 calories, my goals are 800-1200 … I’m getting about 770-780 most days. I don’t think it’s a Keto flue because I’m allowed fruit juice and I use that for popsicles. I haven’t had caffeine in months so I don’t think it’s withdraw from that either. I’ll call my nutritionist Monday if I’m still not feeling well, but since it’s the weekend I thought I would ask if others experienced anything similar and how you got through. Any suggestions or advice appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Before my VSG, I only lost 2 lbs during my 2 week pre-op diet! Talk about discouraging! They had me only eating/drinking protein shakes and greek yogurt. I never eat yogurt because it’s too high in calories and carbs. I think that is what kept me from losing any weight. However, my surgery went very well and I recovered quickly so there’s that… This time around (I’m getting ready for a revision from VSG to RNY) I’m drinking protein shakes but not eating much greek yogurt. I’m sipping on chicken bone broth a lot instead. I started my pre-op diet 4 days ago and I’ve lost 3 lbs. so far. Hang in there! It’s all going to work out great! Just stick to your pre-op diet and everything will be fine. You’ll start dropping weight after your surgery. I lost almost 80 lbs in about 3 months after my VSG.

I never tried baby food. The thought of it was disgusting (weird how we feed it to babies, though!). I ate things like refried beans and hummus a lot. And Greek yogurt.

One items that I tried and still use that kills two birds with one stone is Oikos Pro Yogurt. It has 20 grams of protein so you get a shot of protein along with the puree type meal. I still use these for breakfast nearly every day.