This question may have been answered elsewhere, and if it has, I apologize for asking again. But, when I first looked at the sleeve option, I got the overall idea that after the pre-op and post-op special diet and healing took place, the diet would be normal foods, only in smaller portions, with special attention to protein content. Am I wrong in my assumption? After looking over a lot of posts, it seems that most people don't eat a normal diet, but still eat the protein shakes and other "food substitutes". I guess what I am asking is, are the protein shakes and other bariatric drinks and foods a permanent thing, or just till you reach goal? I am not asking this in a negative way, I just want to be completely informed with no surprises.

Thanks.

My Kaiser (N. California) plan calls for three meals a day, no snacks and no protein supplementing. I have chosen to add a protein shake most days because early out after surgery I can't eat enough food to get my protein up to levels recommended by other plans. I know that the body needs protein for healing and want to give myself every advantage.

You can quit the protein shakes as soon as you get to the mushy stage and if you're' getting adequate protein from those mushy meals. Some people ( like me) like the protein drinks, and we choose to keep using them to make sure we're getting plenty of protein, and because we think they taste pretty good.

I never used Protein supplements/drinks. I am not saying this is the way to do it, but I really didn't have any other choice. I tried over 20 different brands and flavors, and they either tasted horrific or they made me vomit. So, I got all my protein from food sources once I hit the mushy/soft solid stage.

I eat a completely normal diet and have for months. There is absolutely nothing in my plan that is bariatric substitutes. I do choose to use some ingredients in my recipes to increase protein count, cut carbs, and fat when I can. I'm cooking for not only myself, but my family as well. So, it has to be conducive to all our liking.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.