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Hello All: I thought I'd share some things at 11 days post-op: Since day of surgery - lost 9lbs Very hard for me to get enough protein in at this point still. I had a really hard time with liquid pre-op shakes and now shakes in general make me gag. I'm able to eat creamed soups and some yogurt and pudding at this point. Although I started this phase too early and it hurt to eat, but I started it anyway because I felt so weak at times I return to work tomorrow (this will be good and bad) First visit with NUT on Wed - can't wait to hear what she has to say Trying to understand the difference between head hunger and real hunger. Most of the time it is head hunger. It doesn't help that I had my surgery at this time of year! I am able to take two of the four vitamins I'm supposed to every day. Two is better than none. Steri strips are still covering my healing incisions (I'm supposed to let them fall off naturally) but I want to remove them and scratch that area so bad. I bought two new pairs of work pants yesterday. The size 18 pants I was wearing pre-op are really big (Yea). I actually shopped in the "normal" section of TJMaxx Still not feeling myself and I wonder if I ever will again. I wonder a lot of things actually - like how will all of this work out. I have three holiday parties coming up in two weeks and I'm a little bit stressed about them as most people do not know I had this done. Hoping I will get back to "loving" my am coffee again - this is a real bummer for me as my coffee making was an art form in and of itself and I miss not wanting it anymore. Blood pressure is already down! Thanks for reading

It took me 2 1/2 monts until I could handle salad-- it hurt my belly earlier than that-- I was on a lot of yogurt, soups, tuna, eggs at 18 days out.. They told me 700- 800 calories ... which some days I am over some under.. I have re-introduced shakes because I don't feel I am getting enough protein.. LOVE bean or pea soup though!

Chris for me, I needed to find what worked. My doctor allows drinking with meals, just wait 1 minute after a bite take a drink & then wait a minute before the next bit. Sometimes I drink with a meal, sometimes I don't. Mostly I don't because I find that I get the satisfied feeling & it lasts longer if I don't. I also eat sweets in my day. Frozen yogurt bars, snack bars, sugar free pudding, etc. I found that I had to make my new lifestyle something that I was happy with & that I could stick to. I also drink a glass of wine before my dinner every night, again my doctor has no problem with that & I enjoy wine. I belong to a wine club with a Texas winery in Lubbock heading there tomorrow for a wine & chocolate festive tomorrow night (& yes I will also sample some chocolate). All in moderation. Find what works for you. I did and some of the things I found that work for me are thing my fellow LBT friends say are no-nos...but they work for me. Good luck to you.

well to be honest with you I was on clear liquids for the first two weeks after surgery. the third week I was on thick liquids like yougurt and sugarfree pudding. I had sugery the 1st so I am a little bit further out than you but I am almost able to finish a yougurt I usually leave maybe a ounce left in the cup. For some reason or another yogurts with fruit seem to feel me up faster. When I eat vanilla yogurt I usually finish all of it. Any way so I guess if you are doing something wrong than I am too. So good luck I really don't think that either one of us is doing anything wrong. The most important thing is to eat really slow and listen to your body when it says its full put it down.. I think your doing well though..

There is an extra spoonful or two of yogurt or tiny way's to still even stay with for a pick me up if your feeling weakened or stressed physically, add what's there your comfortable with too or more than spoonful at the moments necessity is there for it maybe, go with the flow, that is if I make sense for this topic and to you.

So great news. I had an hour personal training this morning and despite literally dragging I was so tired last night, I woke up and rather than my standard protein shake I made 2/3c Fage 2% Greek yogurt with 2/3c chopped strawberries, 1 Tb PB2, 0.5 T chia seeds and had in a protein2O. on my way to the gym and killed the workout only feeling lightheaded in the last 5 minutes of the hour!

Yes. I am ashamed. I ate a cup of nonfat yogurt with 1/8 cup of brown sugar and cocoa. Boy was it good but it wasn’t worth it. I felt much better physically the rest of the day after that, but I got on the scale tonight and I weigh 5 pounds more than I did this morning. So now I have lost a net 7 pounds instead of 12 in 6 days. I’m not going to kick myself over it. For now I guess I’ve got to continue the keto journey even if i do not feel well most of the time. Because I’ve passed out once and almost again yesterday, I am going to call the general doctor tomorrow to schedule an appointment before surgery. Because I don’t think things are right with my body. The bariatric clinic says it is not the diet but I am not convinced of that. It may be that some people just cannot do well on a plan that has only 10 grams of carbs per day and 700 calories. I mean, I am 65 years old.

I am a person who always wants to know the "why" behind a rule (unfortunately!). So, as I've slowly been progressing through my surgeon's plan (still on pureeds for two more weeks, and I'm 7 weeks out), I've started wondering if we will always have to drink protein shakes. I hate them, they taste gross, and the ingredients list is like 5 paragraphs long full of things I can't even say - besides that, they're full of carbs and often high calorie. And if we do have to always drink them, why? Why can't we meet our protein goals through eating real food? For example, an egg and a morningstar breakfast sausage patty is 16 grams of protein and 150 calories. The protein shake I drink is almost 300 calories (bariatric advantage with PB2 over a plant based milk). Also, bone broth, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, tuna are all high protein, low calorie options that taste way better than protein shakes. If a person is able to meet protein goals and still stay around 600 calories a day during weight loss phase, why the shakes? (I don't know if that's feasible, I haven't tried it - I am still drinking the nasty protein). So, I posted the question to the online support group my surgeon keeps on Facebook. I asked if a person can meet their daily protein goal through real food, are protein shakes still required. Man! You would have thought I asked if I could eat a full meat lovers pizza from Papa John's! People launched on me, accused me of eating too much food, told me if I wanted to lose weight and maintain it I HAD to drink protein shakes for life. Then the surgeon came on and publicly shamed me, said I was way off track and wasn't following the plan. What bomb did I set off??? And nobody ever explained WHY the shakes are required??? The previous time before this when I asked a question, almost the same thing happened. I asked if I could drink the Unjury ready made shakes instead of the powder because they taste so much better. People berated me, and told me the ready made shakes were not good for me. Then the surgeon chimed in and said the ready made were not as good because they are protein caseinate instead of whey isolate. Um, the packaging clearly says the Unjury brand is whey protein isolate. So now why are they bad for me? The next day, my surgeon posted a long post about people having this surgery and not taking it seriously. I can't help but think it was in response to my question about protein shakes. I didn't even have Facebook, I deleted it in 2016 when things started to get so nasty online. I only started using it again to join my surgeon's group. I cancelled following the page. I was really ticked off at the responses. I'm so angry I don't even want to continue with my surgeon's office. AND, by the way, I am not way off track, I've lost 41 lbs. in these last 7 weeks, and I'm really happy with that. Started at 235, now 194 (and have been losing about 1 lb a day for the last few days). I know I'm being a baby, I think I just needed to vent. I do like my surgeon when we meet one on one for appointments. Facebook is evil. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

I feel like I'm starving too! I am having Protein shakes but my post op instructions say no more than 30-40 g of protein from them but I'm supposed to get 95-100 a day! I have added some to greek yogurt also to up the protein level. Today I tried some of the cream from some cream of chicken soup. I'm afraid to eat too much at once even though it is liquid because the last thing I want is for it to come up! I'm glad we were banded the same day and are having the same issues! Maybe one of us will figure it out and can pass it along!

Hi all, Ok- so I am not sure if this is still the 'honeymoon phase' I've read about, or the band, or just psychosomatic, but I have no appetite. Keep in mind I am a food addict and could finish two plates of food and keep going normally; whether I was hungry or not. I have been cooking for the family and still sticking to my pureed stage (yogurt, pudding soup) until I see the nutritionist tomorrow and get the ok for the mushie stage. I feel like I have gone from one extreme to the other, it's driving DH crazy and now he is on food patrol with me constantly trying to get me to eat something. On top of it all, I wrote in a previous post, I lost my 'taste' for coffee. Believe me, I am not complaining about these thinngs; just never expected it I guess. Not having an appetite is great; I have 175 pounds to lose but just wondering if this is normal and how long will it last. I failed on every diet known to man because I have no willpower or self control and always felt ravenous. I think the psychological part, knowing I have this device inside that if I overeat will NOT produce a pleasant outcome (PB, Vomit) I think that in itself was the trigger I needed to stop and think before I take a next bite. I just find it so bizarre how I am struggling to get through a 6oz yogurt, lol. How are all the new banders doing with appetite?

I had a dumping episode of last night. I can start full liquids on pod #3, that includes Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. I had 2oz of Fage 0% for dinner and had a horrible dumping episode about 20 min after I finished, bad stomach cramps, sweating, some diarrhea, I ate super slow over 45 min, but can't handle this yet, maybe not ready for dairy. I'll go back to stuff I know is safe for a while.

Yep all yogurts and puddings are fine, pretty much anything cold is okay, I may try to purée some chicken based soups-- thanks for the idea

I have been looking and looking for someone that was sleeved the same day as me and so happy to see someone! ! I am down 26lbs, I didn't have to do a pre diet if I had lost any weight my insurance wouldn't cover. I am doing good with most foods as long as I eat S L O W, I haven't tried much beef yet really just eating chicken, Beans and Soup and of course greek yogurt. I love the healthy choice frozen gree yogurt! ! Having been nauseous a lot idk why. Going to stay working out next week! ! Anyone else lose a few days then gain, it freaks me out? !?

Does your doctor have you on a specific pre-op diet? Have you mentioned to this problem to them? They could come up with something easier for you. I find that I refer using Isopure naked whey and adding that to my tea, Soup or yogurt. I'm allergic to all the additives and artificial sweeteners in the flavored Protein drinks. If you don't have a specific pre-op diet you could try 1 or 2 Protein Drinks a day, along with a cup of light soup or broth in the afternoon and a salad with lean protein in the evenings. Other than the shakes only drink Water. Speak with your doctor or nutritionist and see if something like this would be acceptable.

Can you mix the yogurt with something? I mix it with my Protein shakes and it makes them taste better! I use Fage Greek. Good luck!

Has anyone experimented with this yet? You basically take plan greek yogurt a packet of steevia and a half scoop of a protein powder. Mix and freeze...It sounds delish..

I am 7 month post bypass and have been at GW for several weeks. Was feeling great and on top of the world. I have exercised since day one and felt good/strong enough to be challenged by ladies triathlon in a month. (1/4 mile swim, 14 mile bike, 3 mile walk/run.) So I have started training. The power walk is not an issue - I walk that far every day anyway, but I have been working on speeding it up. I started swimming this week, and it is HARD after not having swum in quite a while, but I am doing it. My bike comes next week and I will add that in. My problem is that doing the walk and swim every day has wiped me out. I feel calorie depleted, but cannot eat more than 800- 1,000 max per day.I am keeping up with hydration just fine - that is not a problem. I normally fast in the mornings, but I see I cannot do this and exercise hard in the mornings as well. My tummy is not liking anything fatty anymore. Cheese, meat, peanut butter, nuts, etc are making me feel sick. All that feels good is tea, protein shakes, yogurt, cooked squash. I am maintaining my weight (not losing any pounds, which is fine), but I feel like I am getting thinner. How can I maintain a training schedule and compete in this event, and eat what I need in order to do this? Anyone out there who is really upping their exercise and still feeling good? How are you doing it? What are you eating before, during, and after events???? I need some help here. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak right now. I am feeling a bit down and discouraged.

It comes and goes, honestly. My stomach is definitely more sensitive than it was before surgery, where I ATE ALL THE THINGS! Now, my eating habits are pretty pedestrian. I keep to a diet that's based on deli meat, dairy like cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese, greens and the occasional bit of fruit. I'll deviate from that occasionally, but really my diet's pretty plain these days. Since it's just me, with nobody to eat my leftovers, I don't really care to cook because it'd go to waste by the time I could get around to eating it. I eat what agrees with me and don't really worry about it. It's kind of a nice change from inhaling everything in sight.

Hang tough!!! I just started week 5 and it is amazing!! I do not know how I got thru those first few weeks, but I did. I might not ever eat broth, guacamole, refried beans, diet jello etc again. Not kidding here. It was brutal. But sooo worth it. Eating much more variety now, slowly and carefully - but can go to almost any restaurant and order off the menu! I am not beyond exhausted in the afternoons. Much happier. But glad I stuck to that hard phase - I am 30 days out from Sleeve surgery and down 32 pounds. Feeling hopeful. You. Can. Do. It. There r some of those squeeze packets that helped for something different. Strawberry banana was good. Ugh I even was so desperate, I put onion soup mix in low fat plain Fage yogurt a few times.

I had surgery on Oct 4th I Dont even want to eat a few teaspoons of yogurt I'm full I am craving real food buy strangely I'm wanting veggies and fruit Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

Wow! I was just coming on here to ask the same question! I had VSG on 4/20. My starting weight was about 418. Yesterday I weighed in at 385! I thought the scale was broke so I tried another one at the walk in clinic. It was accurate. So I am with you, about 2.5 pounds a day is what I loose. All of my foods thus far have been step 2 slider foods. I think thats what they are called (I'm a newb). I have eaten nothing but Protein supplements, soup, Greek yogurt and sip Water all day. For the first time in over 5 years I was able to walk 1 complete mile without any back pain (which was the reason I got the surgery, facet joint disorder in my lower back). I feel energized all the time where as before surgery, I would want to take naps during the day. Could barely stay awake for an 8 hour shift at work. I had a couple friends tell me that even after 6 weeks of being on disability they could barely muster the energy to go back to work. IM on my second week off and I am dying to go back to work (Ok, I am not dying to go to work but you get the idea ). Glad I am not alone in thinking that I am loosing too fast!

I've been banded for 6 months, had 4 fills for a total of 2ccs. Since my 4th fill (over 4 weeks) ago I haven't been able to eat ANYTHING without it getting stuck...we're talking applesauce, yogurt, pudding, EVEN DRINKS!. It's so frustrating and I have given it time to settle itself in...it's been over 4 weeks now. Every time I eat something mushy have to to go the bathroom and spit out the slime (gross) and most of the time PB. I get full very fast but get hungry within 2-3 hours afterwards.... My band has NOT slipped by the way. Anyone else felt too tight with a small amount of saline?

I had my first "mushy" meal today. I had some salmon and peas. I felt good. Ate real slow and even set a timer to chew for a full 30 sec and then laid my fork down for a 90 sec before taking my next bite. Stopped at 20 min and I was satisfied. About 3 hours later I had some plain Greek yogurt, ate small bites and waited. Then wound up with a wicked stomach ache???? Has anyone had that happen? Wondering of my stomach just was shocked after going so long without food and then got bombarded. Any suggestions???

I like Fage & Chobani plain. I add about 1/2 cup to protein shakes with skim milk. I like the Chobani flavors...they have really good ones, like Pear & Blood Orange. I also like Liberte flavors. I don't usually cook with it, but I have added the plain to soups. Also, if you drain plain yogurt overnight it gets much thicker & creamy, almost like soft cream cheese. You can add flavorings, either sweet or savory, and it's great that way, too.

My response is only my opinion - I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. I am 2 years and 7 months out from surgery. For the first 2-3 weeks, I primarily drank Protein drinks, then my doctor started moving me into real foods. There is no agreed upon "one best way" for VST post op care - so doctors do what they think is best. I think the doctors who work with dieticians in their practice are probably better informed. But I am the kind of person I did a bunch of reading on my own outside of what my doctor provided. Also a lot of it is personal preference and how much an individual wants to have to think / plan / prepare their food. Protein Bars and drinks can give you a balanced diet (except for fiber) with very little effort and can keep you out of the kitchen. I use to make a Protein shake (with powdered protein, fruit and yogurt) every morning since Breakfast food isn't my favorite. I use protein bars and drinks when it is convenient (flying on a plane, etc). I don't get as much satisfaction from them as I do with "real" food. I think the important things are to make sure you get sufficient protein, liquids, Vitamins and Fiber during the first year after surgery. Making sure you get quality protein in is more important than what the protein is. BEWARE - all Protein shakes / powders are not the same quality of protein. As you move into year two, you will find the things that work for you and it will become more routine. Best of luck to you Sharon