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Be careful with chips as when you can eat a little more they are a slider food that can get you in trouble. Quest makes some protein chips that are pretty good. I like the ranch ones and my husband loves the loaded taco. They have them at Walmart or target and Amazon.not that I am recommending them this early out but everyone’s plan is different.

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you will then it gets annoying lol after reading the rest of the comments, maybe getting into a routine. I measure and weigh everything. I track everything. I don't really pay attention to fat and carbs, but usually with eating a lot of protein I am able to keep fat under 25-30g and carbs under 60g. movement is super duper important too! I workout min an hour everyday. I know that seems daunting but I started with walking 25min during my lunch break and I built up then about 2-3months ago I started to incorporate weights. I don't drink alcohol (mainly because I have alcoholic tendencies and I did try to have a drink a month ago and it ended up being a 3day binge of a lot so I know I cant) I don't drink carbonation just water, Gatorade zero, coffee, ect.... I know it sucks because we want to be able to eat whatever we want but the reality is that our bodies don't let us and we gain. It is something that we will struggle with the rest of our lives, BUT we choose our hard. to be overweight and hurt? or sacrifice all the treats or just indulge a little bit. I still eat ice cream off my husbands bowl, or have a sip of his soda. I dont restrict myself crazily. You got this!!! dont give up!!! were here to help!

I am in USA and started my pre op diet today. Surgery date is 7/17. I have a pre op diet of up to 800 Calories. Most is consisting of protein shakes, protein water, bouillions, an occasional very low fat, low sugar yougurt. (High protein so Greek). I was wondering why someone had a 300 calorie a day post op diet. Wouldn't you not have enough protein? Saffy1, what is on your diet?

Well you really do have to lot your calories if you have not done that (and measure things- don’t just eyeball it (because you would be surprised how little the portions look that we actually need after years of feeding an obese body and don’t go by what others think because they are used to seeing you eat so much more so it’s just as much of an adjustment for them as it is for you BUT, if you have tied all that, don’t just give uP, you’ve still got options

Our weather here is really weird these days. Its July and its cold. So I have gone back to winter food. Today I am eating Corned beef hash. Its basically veg, potatoes and tinned corned beef. Start with the longest to cook. I add barley and lentils for extra protein and roughage. Its simple, made in one pan or slow cooker. Yesterday I had What I call finger food. Stuff I don't need a knife and fork for. I was really hungry and needed stuff super quick. I put on a plate, celery, cream cheese, grapes, prawns and a few cashews. It could also have different stuff for protein, cheese, deli meats, crab sticks, mussels, pickled fish and anchovies. I make the family lasagne. I cant stomach the pasta so I make mine in small dishes with baked Aubergines instead for layers. Omelettes are great, I love a cheese omelette with Heinz baked beans Look at 5 ingredient recipes. Jamie Oliver does a great cook book for this.

@Averdra the bariatric therapist thing is an excellent idea. Many people on here swear by them. For most people the eating and not drinking is a pretty easy lesson to learn because most people vomit if they don’t follow that rule. I was the exception who got pretty lax about that over the years so I am mindful of that as well. A tip for easily getting in uour protein once your past the phase eating stages is to cook a couple chicken breasts or cuts of fish, whatever protein and keep in fridge . Then make them into differnt things each night or just prepare several of the same meal and freeze leftovers. When it comes to variety, perhaps you can give me some tips. And to increase water try varying the temp of fluids. Warm, not hot tea and broth go down easier for some people with the added bonus that they tend to make most people feel more full. Some people even find that they prefer room temp liquids post surgery. Then there are of course flavor enhancers as a last resort (the artificial sweeteners aren’t ideal so if you can avoid them by all mean do) but they are very tasty and they are making new ones everyday. Just google sugar free drink and you will see plenty that look good. Also remember that ALL fluids count towards you goal to include soups, jello, popsicles and even yogurt if i remember correctly.

That’s exactly how I felt. I got down close to my doctors goal for me (18’ppunds shy) stalled there for about three months and then the hunger came back and I started to gain. If you haven’t spoken to your surgeon yet, definitely do that. They have some weight loss meds you may want to try (I couldn’t take because of other meds I’m on) and also the GLP-1 that some people are having a lot of success with (my insurance doesn’t cover but some do now). Plus there is the option of revision if/when you are ready. I am learning that it’s not super uncommon for people to have to revise the sleeve. Don’t quote me but it seems like it was 26%! Of people need revision within 3’years. Dom‘t personalize it like I did. I felt like I was such a failure that I stopped going to my follow up appointments and gained it all plus some. Hopefully they can help you before it comes to that.

Am fine with monkfruit. Same with chocolate flavour protein. Was thinking of brownies with protein powder added maybe instead of cacao

They also have protein shots right here on bariatric pal. I’ve Never tried them but when you mention not having to love them, I bet it would be easier with a smaller amount 🤷🏼‍♀️

Make yourself down a protein shake, even if it's half in the am and half in the pm -- just until you're more able to get the protein from food sources. (Or even then, if it suits your needs). It doesn't have to be delicious, it just has to be nutritious -- at least while your body is still recovering (6-8 months?) and trying to establish a new regime of what it can eat. A protein shake, a bar, sip some bone broth -- whatever you need to do to get that protein up. ❤️

Me too! I'm on day 5 of pre-op diet and already so tired of "sweet" stuff from the protein drinks and SF jello.

I agree with others that it’s normal and it will slow down and stop eventually. I remember that phase all too well. I couldn’t really see the loss in the mirror but I hurt my back pretty bad and was down for a while. Before I vacuumed I noticed the hair collecting near all the baseboards and.i was horrified. I never lost enough for anyone else to notice either. It just seemed like I was going to. Just keep getting that protein in and you will be fine.

I would track it by how many water bottles you are drinking. If you are using a glass/cup, pour the water from the bottle into the cup so that way you know when you are done, how many oz that was. I think it is important to keep the water intake high while trying to get the protein in but that can take a few days to be able to do both.

Hello! I had my surgery on 6.12 and for me I use a fiber powder in my protein shakes and stool softeners, that seems to help me

Please ignore. It was misinformation online. I was concerned if they had a lot of iron that the calcium chew I was taking with them wouldn’t absorb as well but I checked the actual shake and it doesn’t have iron. It does have 650mg of calcium though so if I don’t take the multi with it I may be able to save some money on calcium chews. It’s calcium casenite. Just need to figure out if that is a form of calcium that we absorb post surgery.

Back from vacation last night and had a great time. We spent 2 days at the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge, then drove to Hershey, Pennsylvania to visit the amusement park, followed by a trip through Lancaster County (where many Amish people live). I did what I could to meet protein goals and make healthy choices at restaurants, but I also allowed myself some sweets and tried not to stress about it too much. Weighed myself this morning and was down one pound since last week. Overall feeling good and looking forward to getting back to a more normal schedule, although I have a bit of a break from work until next week. A few random travel tips: Always make sure you are getting your food prepared the way you want it when you order. I saw a photo of a salad with grilled chicken on the menu, but I didn't realize it could also come fried until that was what the server brought me. She didn't ask which I wanted (she was new), and I just assumed it was grilled. A simple, "That's with grilled chicken, right?" would have saved me having to try to peel away all of the fried breading. If you must order fast food when on the road, a small cup of chili from Wendy's has 16g protein and 240 calories. I believe it's 22g carb (6g of which is fiber). They also have some nice salads. For a long car trip, bring a gallon-size thermal jug of ice water and keep it in the back to refill your smaller water bottle. Individual packs of edamame, beef jerky, and nuts made great portable snacks to get in some extra protein, and Quest protein chips are delicious! I also found protein pretzels in a gas station convenience store and they were good, although not as high in protein as Quest (which they also sold there).

I think I’m entering my ‘stall’ period now. Having had numerous attempts at weight loss in the past, I know my body sulks between week 3 and week 7. I’m just beginning week 5 so the timing is bang on. My weight has gone up 1.5lbs from my lowest weight this week but it happens so I will just keep on keeping on. Once my body has got over its sulk the weight should start coming off once again. A couple of NSV this week. I don’t know about anyone else but my clothing sizes can be a bit all over the place. One size of clothing can have 3 meanings for me, depending on what it’s made of. So, for example, there’s the ‘I’m kidding myself’ sizing - plenty of give, elasticated, stretchy material. It may say 22 but I know it’s really a 24+. There’s then the ‘huh, it’s not too bad’ sizing - some give, not that stretchy, a definitely generous 22, and then there’s the ‘unforgiving’ sizing - no give, no stretch, no elasticated waist etc, a definite 22. For long enough I’ve been at the ‘I’m kidding myself’ stage but I went shopping in my wardrobe and found a couple of tops with no give, a definite 22. Tried both on - they fit!! And they didn’t look like sausage skin!! Very happy dance around the bedroom! I also went out of my comfort zone at the weekend and bought myself a size 22 no-stretch denim maxi skirt. I can fasten it, just, but don’t rate my chances of sitting down and/or breathing in it 😮‍💨 However, I’m keeping it as I know I will fit in to it comfortably at some point. We’re off to London for a few nights in 3 weeks or so, so fingers crossed it may fit a little better by then 🤞🤞 Meds have finally been sorted and delivered, had my Oximetry test last week so hopefully that’s gone well. No Bariatric appointments this week but I have my endoscopy next week plus knee X-rays for my arthritis. Food wise things are going OK. My new favourite thing is Lindhals Stracciatella Kvarg protein yoghurt - oh, I could eat barrels of the stuff! I’ve also tried the Warburtons Protein Power bread as a change to the whole meal. It’s definitely nice as a change but doesn’t want to make me eat lots and lots of it, which is a definite plus! Hope everyone has a great week… Onwards and Downwards!

I drank instant black decaf for 3 months both pre-op and post-op. I'm 9 months post-op and have been back on regular coffee for about 6 months. A change in my preference is that I now drink it with half & half and protein powder added. Two or three servings every morning, no matter where or how I find myself 😁 During that 6 month caffeine-free period, I also drank warm herbal teas, and room temperature decaf black teas. I still enjoy the herbals in the evenings occasionally. And I'm back to regular black teas with cream, one of my favorites!

Problem with ignoring is the pressure that comes from realising you are getting majority of your protein from protein water in my case - can’t bear the PP post op and not real food

I just had my surgery on the 27th and am home from the hospital. I have been having a hard time with tracking how much I have been taking in with water and protein. Any tips or tricks to help track it so I make sure to try to reach my protein goal? I use the baritastic app but it doesn't allow me to go in and just put single ounces on some of my shakes. Also, I am experiencing a burning sensation on the right side lower part of my stomach. Any idea's what this could be from?

How's everyone doing heading toward July 4th Holidays? I'll be taking a trip driving to Missouri visiting friends and family there. I'm going to prep some meals and take protein shakes with me to make sure I don't fall off the wagon. I've lost a few pounds, breaking the stall I had going. I did measure my belly or what the bariatric center called my waist (measuring around my belly at the belly button), and I lost 1-1/2 inches since May. So the stall was not as significant as I thought it was. @BlueParis With the Olympics in Paris in a few weeks, are you going to attend any of the games? I would bet getting around will be a nightmare with so many people there for the games.

I'm further out, so what you will be able to eat right after and what I can eat now are pretty far apart. What I can eat now, 1 year post revision surgery, is what I consider a normal amount. For example, last night for dinner, I had 2 chicken drum sticks, 1/2 a cup of french cut green beans, and 1/2 cup sauteed squash. It was delicious and I was satisfied and between comfortable and full. I ate that at 6pm and had my final snack at 9pm, which was a small handful (maybe 12 or 14) of lightly salted almonds and 7 colby jack cheese cubes. And I went to bed at 10pm. For breakfast this morning I had a 2 egg omelet with colby jack cheese and half a sliced avocado with my mushroom coffee. For my first snack of the day, I'm having strawberries and blueberries (about a half a cup of each) and a vanilla protein smoothie (mostly just because I find them yummy for a snack sometimes). For lunch I'm having a salad with cucumbers (3 sliced cut in half), bacon bits (just a small sprinkle), sliced grilled chicken (3 strips cut in half), spinach and romaine lettuce (about a cup), about half a handful of chick peas (aka garbanzo beans), and 4 tbsp of ranch dressing. No idea what I'm having beyond that today. But that gives you an idea of what is normal for me. Everyone is different, though. You have to see what will end up working for your body, your lifestyle, and your needs. It'll come in time, just be patient and trust the process.

It's normal and will eventually slow down. Mine stopped after my first surgery around month 9. After my revision, around month 11. I cut my hair shorter this time around and it REALLY helped. I also use thickening and volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and I changed up how I style my hair so the part at the top of my head isn't so obvious. For extra protein, add a protein shake in at some point during the day. Use it as one of your snacks, or have it right before bed. That will give you a ton of extra protein, which is what your hair needs to grow. Hair can't produce protein, even though it needs it. Biotin helps hair be healthy but does not reduce hair loss or promote growth. Same with collagen and keratin. Only thing that really helps is protein. But I promise, no matter how it feels, you won't go bald.

I ate cottage cheese, avocado spread, hummus, protein pudding, protein yogurt, and even 3 or 4 teaspoon fulls of split pea soup (my husband had to eat the rest because it was REALLY filling). I also ate some tuna (but VERY sparingly), oatmeal (again, very sparingly and only 2 or 3 teaspoon fulls...my daughter ate the rest of the bowl because it was really filling), sauteed squash (used extra virgin olive oil and it was soft and soooo good), 1 scrambled egg (only had about 2 small bites and then hubby added the rest to his eggs and finished it). I was just so happy to be able to eat stuff, but I was absolutely NOT ready for how little I could actually eat lol