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That sounds really challenging. What about bean based dishes? They won't smell bad heating up. I have been living off them right now, as it's the only thing that has been tasting good. Or, Greek yogurt or soup with protein powder? Good luck!

I work 12 hr shifts so I have to plan for the whole day. My plan was pretty routine at first. I drink a protein shake on the way to work. My next meal is yogurt with a few blueberries or strawberries. My favorite yogurt is Fage plain greek with one tablespoon (or less) of sugar free, fat free jello pudding powder (white chocolate or cheesecake are my faves) and one packet of truvia per serving. My next meal is the prepackaged flavored tuna mixed with a little fat free mayo and eaten on Crunchmaster crackers, usually about 5. Initially I could not finish all of this at each meal but now I can. Early on my snacks were things that I could eat quick like cheese sticks or beef sticks...things I could carry in my pocket. Now my snacks are those things still but I've added bananas and peanut butter crackers or slices of lunchmeat. Now that I'm 3 yrs out, I don't necessarily have the tuna as much. Often it's left overs from a restaurant I went to or something I cooked on my days off. I work 3 days a week so those 3 days my food plan is easy. I make sure to have variety on my nonwork days.

Thank you for the support on this site. I’ve learned so much! I’m nervous about this liquid diet but I have my shakes soups and yogurt ready to go eeeek! 😬👍

I'm going through a version of this with my "better half"--he was originally planning to have the same surgery after we get married next year and he can be on my much-better insurance. After seeing what I've gone through the last 3 weeks, he has decided it's not for him. He is 6' tall and about 290, and even after me losing 32 pounds already my BMI is still 2 points higher than his. He has a LOT less weight to lose to be comfortable with himself (he has a very broad build and quite a bit of muscle, and feels he would look best around 230) than I do, and I keep telling him that once my diet expands to a point where I can cook for both of us again, the weight will likely come off on its own because of the reduced portion sizes. I've been cranky a lot lately because I can't seem to get anything down--I'm on week 2 of purees and I am so sick of yogurt and shakes, and try as I might unless I'm really forcing myself to eat I seem to keep ending up falling short of my protein goals and am eating way too few calories. He's been very patient with me but anyone would be frustrated by that.

RNY April of 2012, so that makes 9+ years out. My surgeon no longer practices bariatric surgery and most likely isn't even in my state any longer. I have had to make due with visits to hematologists, psychologists, primary care docs and more recently, went to a different WLS center for a consult and also to an endocrinologist to address the weight creep up that has taken years to put on--really can't blame the Covid, but rather letting a combo of sloppy habits and less intense exercise run the course to the expected outcome: the dreaded regain. To complicate matters, I have been so exhausted that I have been trying to get to the bottom of that as well. Ruled out anemia (I have had to get iron infusions three times), ruled out thyroid (although I do take NP thyroid and the endo upped the dosage a little bit), and while menopause is a factor, I got on bioidentical hormones to try and feel better. Somewhere in the middle of this, I had the brilliant idea that perhaps I should wean myself off antidepressants because they might have contributed to the weight gain as well. Uh. This is not the year to get off antidepressants, being all stressed out at work with all the students back to in-person learning and no clear direction about how to distance kids who seem determined to sit on top of one another, etc. After the new bariatric consult, where I was basically told that because I had open gastric bypass and then had incisional hernia repair and fleur de lis abdominoplasty, my insides are too messy to do any kind of revision, with the adhesions and all. But what I NEEDED to hear was what I have been doing: back to basics. Push that protein--90 grams. Watch the carbs and fat. Exercise. And eat less calories. 1200-1400. Since that visit I have tracked my intake on MFP and gave myself one day a week to have a higher calorie day and some kind of splurge. The rest of the week I do two very high protein meal replacement shakes, a Greek yogurt, a couple of hard boiled eggs and something small but proteiny and veg for dinner. I have to say, keeping it boring has kept the appetite at bay. And so far, so good. Nearly back to Onderland again, and I plan on keeping going until I get back to my lowest weight, which hilariously still has me in the overweight category according to the BMI. In addition, since not crawling into bed as soon as I get home is one of my major goals, I went back on the antidepressant, at a little higher dosage after explaining my symptoms of exhaustion. All this to say that the work is never done and I wouldn't have it any other way! This is my first post and I figured I would just throw it all out there and include the juice, since that is what it is all about for me and I have been very much enjoying reading all the posts here. Didn't want to be a freeloader with nothing to contribute

Peanut butter protein yogurt. I am not a fan of yogurt, but every so often I buy it. I found a vanilla keto yogurt. It’s the consistency you of the Greek yogurts. I decided to try mixing it with peanut butter protein powder! It’s sooo good and helps with protein intake. It tastes like a dessert!

I’ve tried researching this myself but so much of the advice assumes you’re “cheating” and dealing with dumping syndrome. Has anyone else experienced EXTREME dizziness, flushing or cold sweats, and nausea right after eating a few bites or small meal? I’m 22 days post-op and for the last week or so I’ll have these absolutely horrible bouts right after I start or finish eating. It’s not after every meal and it seems totally unrelated to sugar/carbs/protein/fiber or any other obvious nutritional element. Half an hour ago I got two bites into one of those often recommended ricotta bakes and it hit me. At lunch today I had a tiny serving of mashed avocado and hummus and it happened within like 2 minutes of finishing. It happened after a coconut milk based yogurt for breakfast on Monday. This isn’t happening any other time - it’s right after some but not all foods but there isn’t an obvious pattern to what foods or times of day. That makes me think it’s also not dehydration because you’d think that would impact me other times, right? It shouldn’t just be when something hits my stomach? I’d be concerned about a leak but I don’t have a fever or swelling or pain in the area either. I’m stumped!

It's so frustrating to have something that you have eaten successfully in the past suddenly "revolt." Ironically, I had a similar experience yesterday. I ate a meal I have had multiple times in the past weeks. I did not eat too much, too fast or any of the other usual culprits. I woke up about 5 hours later and I could have sworn the monster from "Alien" was trying to escape my stomach. Like yours, the pain was in the middle of my abdomen. My stomach was gurgling horribly and I felt both nauseated and as if I needed to use the bathroom. I was not successful on either end. The pain lasted about an hour and then I was able to go back to sleep. I feel fine today but have limited eating to a few fresh berries, a shake and yogurt. I had no more pain, but there was more noises.

Oddly, i didn't have that problem my first year (I had surgery in the summer of 2015). I was so excited about my weight loss and so gung-ho about following my program that I didn't want any of that stuff. I remember on that first Thanksgiving post-op I had some turkey with gravy, about 2 T of sweet potato casserole, some vegetables - and a thing of pumpkin-flavored yogurt for dessert. I was fine with that (can't remember what I had on Christmas, but I was really good at staying away from the "goodies"). Subsequent years I've caved more - but I just try not to overdo it. One cookie. A small piece of cake. I'm not a big candy fan, so that one was easy. So I do allow myself treats on those holidays - but I just have small portions on the holiday itself and don't keep them around my house the whole season - too tempting.

I didn't like the protein water either. It felt really chalky and sucked all the water out of my mouth. What are you able to eat/drink now? My surgery was 13Sep too and I'm eating soft foods now. I had taco meat with a tiny bit of cheese and some FF greek yogurt for dinner last night. It was delicious!

Gas stations now have protein shakes, boiled eggs, yogurt and nuts. These will help in a pinch. You’ll do great, just use the bathroom as often as you can (don’t wait or hold it) Congrats on the move ❤️

Thank you so much. Was definitely planning on bringing a cooler of protein shakes and non fat yogurt at the very least. I was nervous about that too, when we drive through the desert. Lol

I had rny on 9/23. Our plan allows plain yogurt, so I mix some of that and some fairlife with the PB fit makes a pb mousse type. delish! and my tummy tolerates. I'm still getting some gas. I have post nasal drip from my allegies so I think I am swallowing some air. I'm sure it will get better. When does energy come back???

Get some protein shakes, broth soups, and other liquids you're permitted to eat/drink for the first week after surgery because you will not be able to lift much and these are heavy to get at the store. I ate a lot of Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt because it is high protein. I ate the flavors that didn't have "fruit bits" in them (vanilla, toasted coconut vanilla, caramel, boston creme, banana...). I also strained Tom Yum and Hot and Sour soups I bought from restaurants nearby and this was amazing, because I didn't care for canned broth at all (yes, I could have made my own broth, but I need more flavor than broth provides). Start walking at least 10-15 minutes a few times a day, even just a slow pace. I was told it helps with recovery. Maybe buy some water flavor packets (stuff like crystal light, although I personally don't like that brand). Make sure it doesn't have caffeine, as some flavors do. We aren't permitted caffeine 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after surgery. Do all your laundry, cleaning, and dishes before your surgery, as this is hard to do right after surgery, as bending is hard. Get all the prescriptions you need. Taking pills after surgery is harder, but can be done.

I have BCBS but I started the process in January and just had my surgery 2 weeks ago... so, it felt like forever! It wasn't just the insurance hoops, but the surgery center was understaffed and my outside Dr. didn't talk to them, and lots of little things. I would say to prepare, clean out your pantry (if you live alone) so you won't be tempted by things that are not good choices. Also, have food that you can eat after surgery ready to go - protein shakes, yogurt, sugar free jello and ice pops. People always say don't buy too much because your tastes will change, but my tastes didn't change at all really. I loved sweets before, I still love sweets. I was hoping I wouldn't like them any more. But you need to have the food ready to go because you can't carry heavy things like canned soup, protein drinks, etc right after surgery. Have your house clean and your laundry done and your dishes washed because it will be hard to do these things for a few days. Pick up all your prescriptions ahead of time, except for those they give you the day of surgery. Get Miralax and Laxative Suppositories, because the constipation is REAL. Buy a few water bottles (the reusable kind) to keep in the fridge so you can rotate them as they get warm, since you can't guzzle water after surgery, and you may not want warm water. Start tracking your food and water on an app like MyFitnessPal or just pen and paper in a journal.

I had that same thought, but liquid goes right through you. It doesn't stay in your stomach. I was STARVING the first two weeks until today, when I finally had solid food (a cheese stick and about a tablespoon of refried beans and I can barely stand how full I am two hours later!). I can easily drink a ton of protein drinks or yogurt, but the smallest amount of solid food is like BAM! Stuck.

I'm so jealous - I was looking forward to no longer liking sweet things and not being hungry. This has not at all been my experience. I have been hungry all the time and yogurt has been too tart even with the artificial sweetener in it. I'm hoping it improves once I get to start solid foods later today.

I think it depends on the environment you work in. I work from home, so obviously not an issue. Some people, like those who work in nursing or retail, may have rules against drinking/eating while on duty. In this case, it's best to talk to HR or a manager about getting a doctor's note to allow them to eat/drink while working. After surgery, it's not possible to eat and drink quickly, and you will need to sip all day to get your fluids in. If you have an active or outdoors job, it's even more important to be drinking a lot. I'm not sure why a smoothie in particular would be difficult to drink at work, although you'd have to have someplace to wash the container so it doesn't get gross. I assume you would make it at home? Probably for the first few weeks/months a smoothie wouldn't be the best bet as it's too much fiber and not enough protein; a protein shake is better for that (personally I can only tolerate the premade kind because the ones make with powder always seem gritty to me). I also am eating a lot of yogurt; maybe you will need a small lunch bag/box that is insulated and some ice packs which you can buy cheaply on Amazon.

YES! I am two weeks out and I'm so hungry. It's actually better today since I'm back to work (sedentary, work from home) so I'm distracted. I'm eating about 550 calories a day and I could eat more. I've heard it gets better once you can eat solid foods, so I'll know more tomorrow. Also, I had a lot of pain and gas the first few days, but now it doesn't take very long for me to drink a protein shake (longer to eat a yogurt, but I also had a tooth removed, so that is painful), maybe 15 minutes. It took me almost an hour the first night home to take 10 pills but now it's less than five minutes. I can drink a swallow of water that feels like a real mouthful, but I still can't guzzle or drink a full glass in one breath like I used to.

If I never have to see another protein drink in my life It'll be too soon! Although I may have to. I'm eating eggs and chicken and cheese, beans didn't agree with me nor did the deli turkey. I forgot about yogurt. Maybe I'll try that. Thanks!

Could you just drink a protein shake instead? Or a yogurt? Or add protein powder to soup? I don't start soft food till tomorrow, but those are pretty hard! I'm sure you're pretty sick of protein drinks and yogurt (I sure am!), but what I think things like tuna and deli meat have more protein than the atkins bars. I love the S'mores ones myself!

I had my parents come for a week, although they stayed in a nearby hotel because I have a small apartment. They live about 5 hours away. It was great for them to come for emotional support, but honestly, that was about all that was really needed. The surgery center made clear that I was supposed to be doing all of the fixing of food etc. My mom kept saying "let me do that," but I kept reminding her I needed to do it myself. It was good to have them for the laundry (mostly getting smaller clothes out of storage and sheets and towels, but that could have waited another week) and dishes (again, mostly what they were using as I was only eating liquids like protein shakes and yogurt). I was in a lot of pain so it was nice to have them here, but it did make it harder to sleep during the day as my mom can't sit still and kept asking me what else she could do 😐Now that they have left, I have asked a fried to buy me a case of protein drinks (I had one brand I liked) and bring them into my apartment because they are too heavy to lift. If you have a complication, that would be a different issue. Oh, I didn't try stairs until about day 4, but they turned out to be a non-issue. However, sleeping in a bed was hard because it was very hard to get up from lying down due to incision pain (felt like I had done about a million sit ups). I suspect that will be harder than the stairs to your bedroom. If you have a wedge pillow and can sleep on your back, that may be helpful. Other people have suggested recliners, but I don't have one. best of luck!

I'm two weeks out from sleeve and I have lots of "noise" when I eat, although I'm only eating fluids and yogurt at this point. I have gas/burping too. If I drink too big a gulp or drink too fast or eat too much yogurt/soup at once it's worse. Try smaller sips at a time or eating more slowly. Not sure if you're still on liquids. I start solids tomorrow. Can't wait!

it depends on the person. I can't tolerate much fat/grease, even at over six years out. I went to an event three years ago catered by Cracker Barrel. Everything was swimming in grease, so I got the green beans and one chicken breast - and I removed the breading on it before eating it. I was still in the bathroom afterwards vomiting after that meal - evidently the grease from the breading had soaked into the meat. honestly, though, fatty meals don't have much appeal for me anymore. I was at Panera Bread about a week ago and noticed they have some new sandwich - macaroni & cheese between two pieces of bread. I was horrified...I can't imagine eating something like that. eating on the road hasn't been too, too challenging. If I'm stuck with only chain restaurants as choices, I'll get something like an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's (which you can now get all day), turkey chili or a salad at Panera Bread, or a grilled chicken sandwich somewhere. I also take things like protein bars with me when I'm on the road in case I'm "stuck" with no choices. Or you can always stop by a convenience store -they usually have things like cheesesticks, beef jerky, and/or yogurt... P.S. as far as toleration - before surgery, my husband and I used to frequent Friday night fish fries - these normally feature a couple of pieces of deep-fried fish, tartar sauce, French fries, a roll, and cole slaw made with mayo. I couldn't eat that now. I could eat maybe half a fried fish filet. Or maybe a baked fish filet with the mayo-laden cole slaw (or a baked fish filet with some of the fries). But all of that fried/fatty stuff at once, no - my stomach couldn't handle that.

I do dump. I started at over 700, when I got down to 310 (my goal was 210), I started a program similar to Couch to 5K. I accomplished that and just kept going. Eventually I thought a marathon would be an interesting goal and I targeted the Valley of Fire marathon (outside Las Vegas). I ran 5 marathons in a year starting about 3 years post-op, during which I was running 70 to 90+ miles a week. I usually ran in the mornings before work, though there were periods where I did "2 a days". Right when I woke up I mixed up an ice-tea / Gatorade mix that wasn't terrible and drank it down. It woke me up and got me moving but I don't think it made much of a difference during my runs. During the runs I just did water. After runs I also did a regular yogurt for recovery. I tried the little squeeze packs and found they were ok on normal days (10-13 miles), but they would cause me to dump on longer runs, so abandoned them and anything else. Again, I didn't perceive any difference with the squeeze thing. My normal plan was 3 meals per day of 3oz protein, 1oz veggies. Because of the running I hit and shot way past a normal BMI. Eventually I was up to 5 meals per day plus a protein drink. The protein drink was instead of a 6th meal as I already felt I was eating all day. It slowed my weight loss. I hated (HATED!) eating so much, what a turn. Good luck, Tek