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I went to a Mexican place a while back and got a tostada. I just ate the toppings and left the tortilla. A lot of restaurants have started paying attention to the keto community, which is great because it means they have low-carb options. Jimmy John's has lettuce-wrap subs. Five Guys will serve a bunless burger (either as a lettuce wrap or in a bowl). Chipotle has cauliflower rice. Most chains have salads. Most sit-down restaurants have meat + sides meals (chicken breast, pork chop, steak, etc.) and will be happy to substitute any high-carb sides (rice/potatoes/bread) with veggies. You should be careful about sauces and dressings, though (get them on the side if possible, and ask for light dressing on a salad), because they can be loaded with sugar and/or fat.

I'm two months out and pretty much everything I eat has to be moist. I stick to a low carb Keto like diet, but I don't do a ton of fat. But I will say when I eat stuff, I use salsa to make it moist or low fat sour cream. I also do no sugar added marinara sauce for meatballs. Also, if I make tuna or chicken salad, I'll add extra pickle juice and I still use mayo but I use the low fat one as long as the sugar isn't high. I aim for things with less than 3g or sugar. Pinterest is my best friend.

Jess...i googled fundus. My surgery was at yale so i am not questioning that the surgeon was lax. I do sometimes feel more restrictions than others but havent isolated quite shen that occurs except when i substitute a garden of life protein powder. But not so much now that its formulated with pea protein. Im not panicked about this, as yet. I don't like it...but do accept that it's a life long struggle and i will never consider myself "out of the woods." My surgeon remarked on my fourth year follow-up that he never expected i would adhere to his 'rulings' as rigidly as i had. In fact he had his nut encourage me to add berries as complex carbs because i was not getting enough. So...i am looking forward to seeing what the new voodoo doc will recommend and hope i could resume the 7 keto DHEA but won't get ahead of myself. Thanks for your discussion.

Well, I live in Japan where health insurance is done through your company so if you have something done, people are bound to know about it. For that reason, I’ve self-paid both my surgeries out of the country, and did it during my vacations (like now). When people asked about my weight loss I focused on the diet side of things (mostly keto, even if it’s not) and most people accepted it. Like others have mentioned, just be vague about the surgery and focus on your diet/exercise habits if they ask about your weight loss afterwards.

The healthy choice power bowls look like they might be a good choice. About 200 calories for whole thing but you'd probably only eat half, decent protein, carbs aren't too bad. I'm a big fan of the P3 packs with meat, cheese and nuts. Precooked chicken is an easy go to. Cooked frozen shrimp you could just microwave and toss in a premade sauce with a microwaved veggie. Jerky meats are typically a good option. They make keto cereals now that are decent macros if you just wanted a bowl of cereal with milk.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of bariatric friendly protein bars at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-bars ! Here are some of the brands they carry: BariatricPal Built Bar Convenient Nutrition Detour Dive Bar Nutrition Epic HealthSmart Foods Keto Wise Kirkland Muscle Cheff One Brands Power Crunch Proti Diet Quest Nutrition

I completely blanked on this....I literally am having a hard time remembering things lately..to the point it is a bit embarrassing. Ironically, when they told me to start on real foods, P3's were mentioned and while I had a huge adverse reaction to scrambled eggs in the soft food phase, one of the easiest things for me to eat and keep down out of the P3 packs were actually the nuts! It is SO weird how different everyone's experience with certain foods can be. I literally sometimes gag when I'm eating lunch meat type items..and even cheese..I start to get nauseated after eating about 3 or 4 cubes..but the nuts..no nausea, no vomiting, no pain. Often I leave a few chunks of both meat and cheese uneaten in my P3 packs. I did keep to soft food phase today though. Nothing sounds good but my stomach is letting me know..my pouch...that it would like something more than 1/2 a protein shake. I'm out of cottage cheese but am grabbing a carbmaster yogurt. Thanks for your continued input. Truly didn't mean to disregard your wise advice. I think my brain is clogged sometimes I'll give my dr's plan a try - the carbs are definitely all what I call 'low glycemic impact ones' and I have at times during my intense 15 months of keto (I say intense as I was continually keeping carbs under 20 grams), sometimes when I'd stall, eaten/added some healthy carbs for a day...and then the scale would move again.

@FluffyChix & @Orchids&Dragons I was going to try to dive into the IF fasting thread and made it as far as detailing out your (Fluffy's) Down Days, up days and I think um..medium days. While I don't mind doing research, I was wondering if along the journey with IF which spans many many pages, did you change over to something other than what you started your IF journey with? I see ppl post 16:8 - is that 16 hrs of not eating followed by 8? I did try to follow some of that & am HIGHLY HIGHLY interested in research and cold hard facts about extending telomeres (sp?)..I think they are called (re: aging). So specifically looking for something targeted to getting physical age when measured by a physician to improve over my true bio age...does that make sense. ABOVE ALL OF THIS THOUGH, I know I have a very metabolically resistant body. Part is going into early menopause in 40's...a crap diet for over 15 years...inflammation issues with messed up knee. IBS issues since a kid (keto helped me out with this a lot). Starting to have ovarian pain so am worried about cysts...you know the deal. Was diagnosed with malignant melanoma last year, early stage, but I know melanoma is a tricky...very very tricky and insidious cancer sneak. I feel like my body is screaming out for help and I want to do what I can, even at this age...to finally...care for it. See if I can reign in or stop progression of some things Of course, one of the top pty's is continuing to lose as much weight as possible during this our honeymoon period as I call it Serious @FluffyChix I would even consider paying you for a session just to help me get a quicker grasp on things. Weight Watchers started that recently with 'coaches' you could hire and schedule time with. Think about it perhaps?

Hiya, not at 6 months yet, but at 5 months I have lost 61lbs, results may vary I've always lost weight easily and I struggled with nausea initially and basically only ate cheese and protein shakes for the first 2 months so was very in keto. Ive heard that typically people lose between 30-40% of their excess weight by the 6 month period, anecdotally, from stalking others' posts on this, most seem to lose about 70lbs who started high 200s low 300s.

I did a monthlong tour of SE Asia (Singapore; KL, Malaysia; Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam) at 3 months post-op. I had no issues. I just kept to my keto way of eating and there was meat and green vegetables anywhere that I went. For the plane rides (and the long flight was 15+ hours from ATL-ISN), I took almonds, ParmCrisps, and some turkey Jerky. I was in business class, so the food was more or less accommodating (especially considering the limited quantities I could consume at that point). I also took ziploc bags so that I could hang on to some of the meat to eat a little bit later. (I had the flight attendant put some ice in another baggie for me to keep it coolish. They looked at me like I was insane, but they did it....) I also took an entire tub of Protein Powder in ziploc bags in my checked bag (with a little bit in smaller ziploc bags in my carryon). All in all, it was pretty easy. I had to be very mindful of eating. But we always have to be mindful of eating. Have a great time wherever your travels may take you!

Hey im 2 years post op i had the gastric sleeve. i never got down to my goal sadly! Covid showing up didnt help ether. I started at 245 and got down to 160 but ive gained 20pounds and keep doing yoyo diets where i lose 5 pounds cheat tank it and gain the 5pounds back again. I need a diet i can stick too but dont know what that could be. I heard keto is worth trying but heard to lose weight u have to stick to under 20g net carbs but how do you do that with adding in keto bread and veggies and what not. Its not making sence to me sadly. Any advise would be appreciated sence im struggling right now.. thank you

Ok. This is just my observations based on MY experience. It may apply to you, it may not, the only real way to find it what works for YOU is to try different approaches. But the main thing to keep in mind, is to give it some time to see if it works. I read alot of people lament a strategy isn't working (or is working) after only a week or so. Change over time is the determining factor in a successful or not strategy. Results after a couple of days is not indicative of the effectiveness of a change. With that said: KETO: At first, I tried to do KETO, but I just couldn't keep up with the fat requirement percentages while aiming for 60g protein, along with my inability to take in volume of food and staying below a certain calorie level. Eventually my diet morphed into protein-forward, ultra-low carb one (max 20g NET carbs, min 60g protein, and let the fat fall where it may, staying under a certain calorie level for my current phase). INTERMITTENT FASTING: I didn't know it until I read up about it, but I was actually doing IF. I didn't/don't eat until after noon (which was normal for me even pre-op), and I didn't eat beyond 7pm..this because I had a horrible experience waking up in the middle of the night spitting up food after surgery and it was enough for me to ensure that I went to bed every night on an empty stomach. I am not yet convinced (though I'm sure others have differing opinions) that IF actually makes you burn more fat, but I do recognize that keeping eating to a limited window does make you eat less calories over all vs. eating all day, so yeah, this would accelerate weight loss. I am now 2+ years post op, and for ME I have learned that it doesn't matter at all what my macros or eating times are, all that matters is total calories, in short CICO. I stopped being ultra-low carb after weight loss phase, and have even re-introduced bread (only my homemade ones, cuz they are delicious, lol) into my diet, and it makes zero difference on my weight (all other things being equal). There was a almost a week after Xmas where my diet consisted almost solely of just desserts. No diff to my weight. I guess because my total average calories per day was still 1800. Of course, health-wise, this wasn't the best idea, but we are just talking weight here. Because of this observation, and my super-anal disposition, I am a big proponent of tracking what you eat with the conscious intention to stay within your maintenance calories the majority of the time. As well as daily weighing, if you can stand it (some cannot, and that's cool...they just have to find another way that works for them). Also, i accept that maintenance is a never-ending series of adjustments. What works for me today may not work for me tomorrow. And what weight/size I consider acceptable today may be 10 lbs heavier further down the line. In short decide what you want today, and determine if you are willing to do what it takes to get it. If you aren't, change what you want. Sorry this was so long. Good Luck! P.S. after re-reading my post, I realize I sort of went off topic, but whateves, it's still what I wanted to say! LOL. Sorry! P.P.S. Also wanted to add the while I think going low or ultra-low carb makes little difference to my weight, it does make a difference to how I look. Lower carb intake levels make me look LESS puffier/fuller, which is good for my bod, but bad for face.

Since you’ve started maybe just keep to one or two shakes a day & have a meal of portion & calorie controlled protein & vegetables/salads for the other meal/s. You’ve started to break some of your sugar & carb dependencies & it seems a waste to throw that away. A two week pre surgery diet is pretty common though some are only on a one or two diet. They can take the form of an all liquid (protein shakes) or two protein shakes & one meal of protein & vegetables or a specific diet of solid food (I was on keto). Just depends on your surgeon. Mine gives different patients different diets depending on several factors including starting weight, weight loss/gain history & medical status. All the best what ever you choose to do.

As someone who is overweight I can tell you that you as a thin person who has been fortunate to never have dealt with a weight problem you don’t no how hard it is for your husband and you have an ignorant outlook on him just “doing a Keto diet “. Not every diet works for everyone and some people are not ready to make the commitment to change there life style . Pressuring like you are doing is not going to change things and actually you are more of a recipe for disaster than the lap band ever would be by trying to push weight loss on him. If he feels like he is ready for something like the band support him all the way. Food is an addiction which is over looked in our society. When a cocaine addict wants to go to rehab for addiction no one becomes unsupportive. Weight loss Surgery no matter which one is chosen should be supported and seen as a great tool. In all my opinion is support him or maybe you just are not right for each other anymore.

I have done the atkins diet. I have done the fasting programs. Warrior program. Went 25 hours without food & then eat one time & fast again. So I have some understanding of low carbs or no carbs. I used the keto strips to see if I got into the fat burning process. So I did different programs. Ultimately, I didnt get a consistent weight loss from these programs. Maybe 18 lbs then couldnt sustain the weight loss and or lose any more. I noticed that while on a low carb program or no carb that I kept a dry mouth. Also with the dry mouth was the bad breath because of the dry mouth. It was unpleasant. So, I started to chew gum more change mouthwash to non alcohol. It helped somewhat but more or so to cover up the dry mouth & bad breath. Basically, I found out that dry mouth and bad breath may be what some may deal with when carbs are low. So with the pre & post op program this may become an issue for some. I heard that we cant chew gum. I think that's what I read. I will confirm with the nutritionist. If so, I got to find a replacement because I know this will be a problem for me. Maybe sugarfree mints? IDK. Still wont be the same like chewing in gum. I wonder is this just for 6 months post surgery not to chew gum ? Got to ask my doctor to make sure. If someone knows Im sure I will read it. But will ultimately confirm yes or no when I see my doctor this week. Anyone dealing with dry mouth and or bad breath while on pre or post op program.

So I've been trying to get more Protein into my system and get closer to the surgery diet as I can while I wait to start the process. I'm on the keto diet but I'm having problems getting my protein in. Which one of these 3 would you guys choose? I know everyone loves the Premier Protein ones but it bothers me that they have more carbs in them than I've seen others contain. Nature's Best Perfect Zero Carb Isopure GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein Premier Protein Whey Protein I'm probably making this harder than I need to but after being so unhealthy for so long I want to make sure I'm getting as many nutrients as I can the best way that I can.

I'm glad to hear things are so much easier than before for you. My rationale: I believe in the set point theory. I'll assume you are familiar with it. So it is easy to maintain the body's set point, and hard to change it. I don't know what the OP's set point is, but if the weight won't come off, then that's a good indication she is there. You, yourself sound like you are benefitting from a happy set point. You gain a few pounds, deviate from it, and it's easy to go back. The more I'm learning about keto, insulin, and hormonal involvement, etc, ... I don't know... still trying to figure this stuff out.

Hey there everyone. New here, but I figure you all have more wisdom than I do. I am having such a hard time! I am currently sitting in the 170's. Usually around 172-174. I am 5'5", and an athletic build. For instance, I wear a size 6 sometimes a size 4. I started out my weight loss journey at 280, but my SW was 241. I workout often, and eat around 1200 calories a day, but for some strange reason I have literally not moved in over 2 months. I forget how long now, but basically since October when I hit the 170's. Im feeling very frustrated. I don't know what to do differently. I track, I drink my water, I do weight lifting, I follow my plan that my nutritionist gave me. (most days). And yet, nothing. Is it possible my body is at my set weight? I still feel like I have a lot to lose. I have a lot of loose skin, but I definitely have at least 20 lbs of fat left to lose. I don't know how I could do things any differently. Im thinking of trying Intermittent fasting, or maybe Keto. or both. But I just don't know. I am at a loss. Do you guys have any advice? I can't afford to reach out to my NUT right now, (I don't have one with a program, I have to pay out of pocket), so I am following her getting back on track program, which is high protein low carb. But even that isn't making the scale budge.

Dietitians need to ask enough questions to understand where you ARE, both with your ability to prepare your own food and your overall understanding of nutrition. It sounds like you and your dietitian are not on the same page and she is assuming you understand things they are not explaining well. There are a lot of ways to reach 60g of protein in a day that will be too high in fat, calories, and carbs to result in weight loss. Sometimes I feel like the heavy, heavy emphasis on protein does us a disservice, especially when there are so many high-protein "convenience foods" that are high in fat (and calories) to cater to Keto dieters (hello, Quest cookies! 230 calories! that's not a snack, that's a meal). Protein is a big component but in the absence of other, concrete advice about WHAT to actually eat, if you don't have a huge knowledge base of nutrition, it's easy to get lost.

My understanding was that the "Net Carb" count was more for Keto / Atkins carb counting to be a guide for staying in Ketosis. Then it became a way for marketing to say its lower carb to sell more stuff. Both my primary care doctor and my surgeon told me to measure total carbs and disregard net carbs if I'm not doing either of those diets.

@DixieD oh geez! I didn't even pay attention to your type of surgery, that's one i don't know enough about. I had the sleeve, pretty basic, right? But I feel hungry all the time, someone suggested tums (maybe it was that chick up there lol!) those sort of help. I don't do shakes and I try to stay away from bars like fluffy said. I eat basic too and I'm not afraid of fat, I don't follow keto or Paleo but do my own thing. I eat a lot of yogurt, cheeses, nuts and I'll indulge and have REAL bacon with my one egg. I know you have absorption issues with your surgery but my nut said and I've seen some articles that say over 100 grams of protein is pointless because we pee it all out, the extra i mean. I don't know, I feel the being hungry thing, and I am not supposed to be hungry according to what everything said about the sleeve. I just drink water, or Crystal light or decaf tea and I have struggles with fluid off and on too. It seriously feels like it's a job to.drink water, I loved it before, now it's a chore. My doctor also upped my PPI dose too. I'm going to.educate myself on your surgery though because i.Don't know enough about it and I feel like i.should know what my WLS brothers and sisters go through

Try an electrolyte powder in your water. It is common for the liquid diets to trigger "keto flu" from the lack of minerals and nutrients compared to a normal diet. I found a packet of electrolytes a day really helped keep my energy up and the muscle cramps and headaches at bay. Good luck! ❤️

Hey everyone. I am 5 days into my preop diet, and quickly becoming sick of everything. I have been making keto recipes for dinner with 1-2 carbs per serving, One protein shake per day (19 g of carbs) and only other carbs are in small amount so cheese or dressing. I was just told no sugar, and low carb. No fat limit. Looks like from reading on here every surgeon is different. I struggle most at work. I am a nurse and tend to get more hungry at work. A couple questions..... What is everyone using for protein shakes? I have been using GNC lean protein shakes (25 g per serv) Were you given a max carb limit? Drop some recipes in a reply you may have had and are yummy:)

I am 5'2" tall and 180 lbs, looking for an advice which procedure best and safest. I spoke to my family doctor and suggested the balloon but my worry there, can I maintain my weight after taking the balloon out after 6 months or gain back? I did Keto for 4 months and lost 20 lbs but gained back when I traveled somewhere for 2 weeks as I used to do exercise and cook my keto food. Until I slowly feel that my weight gained back and can't keep my keto routine and exercise. My family doctor says Gastric Sleeve surgery is irreversible and if there is an infection and something wrong or not for me, I can't put it back. And later on, there must be a serious side effect. And now I am here, I don't know what to do. Please drop advise and opinion and encouragement here please!!!!!!!!!

I used to make lists for my nutritionist and email them before our meetings so I didn't forget anything. That helped me to get the most out of my visits. Your nut can be a great source of information. I went every month or two for the first year. Protein is very important of course and definitely learn and stick to the rules they give you. Start reading labels and reading nutrition information from reputable websites. There is a lot to learn and fine tuning your diet is going to take some time. Low carb high protein is just one step in the right direction. In the beginning weight loss is much easier. Once you can eat more the weight loss slows, you have to look at your diet in more detail. You are eventually going to want foods you ate before. Know that there are many low carb alternatives out there. I made low carb bagels this morning that weren't half bad. I am now transitioning to a Keto diet which is high in fat, moderate in protein and low carb. I don't suggest this for a while. But at one year out, I find the higher fat (healthy fats) help me with the cravings while still facilitating weigh loss. I agree with the previous posts, and would strongly recommend you stop sugar and processed carbohydrates. I have found so many improvements since removing them from my diet in addition to weight loss. I have found that most people on this site understand the struggle, are very helpful and full of great information. Wishing you the best and looking forward to your 1 year post op post sharing your success :-)