After reading many posts and comments, I've noticed there are two very different philosophies on VSG success.

One school of thought sees the reintroduction of "normal" foods back into one's diet as a goal or mark of success.

The other school of thought sees the months and weeks of post-op as an opportunity to get some mileage out of being able to live primarily on Protein shakes.

What is the difference between these two? I think the second perspective increases one's chance for success and rapid weight loss because it allows you to keep your caloric intake low while meeting your nutritional needs, and it helps to re-program those bad eating habits. If all you're eating is Protein Shakes, then you're not snacking and falling into old behaviors. The more food you prematurely introduce (even if your system can "handle" it), the more opportunities you have to make poor choices. Those foods will come in time. There's no rush. But these first few months post-op are a unique opportunity to quell our food obsessions and focus on re-establishing better eating and exercising behaviors.

Many VSG programs advocate a 3-month Protein shake diet (with a few exceptions) before real foods are introduced. I'd be interested in hearing where you stand on the issue, and what kind of success you've had.

Ive had to attend several pre and post up nutrition CLASSES...actual classes in a huge hospital auditorium with at least 50 to 100 people! BEST THING EVER...so many questions and answers. and although there are protein options for every phase of the diet it was stressed over and over that they rather us EAT our calories and nutrients than to drink it. Protein shakes are recommended as a supplement later, to get closer to the protein requirement.

I agree that you should start eating regular foods as soon as your sleeve can tolerate them. You have lost 85% of your stomach; that was the purpose of the surgery in the first place. There is no way you can continue eating the quantity of food you ate before VSG. If you overeat, you will know! Your body is made to function with liquids AND food. protein shakes should not be a meal replacement unless you are still on liquids since you aren't eating food anyway. I mentioned this thread to my doctor and he was appalled that someone would say to stay on that protein shake plan for so long. He said you are asking for trouble in the long term with your instestines and could caus IBS (Irratable Bowel Syndrome). Your goal is to eat the right foods as soon as you can tolerate, and move into a healthier diet and lifestyle. I personally am on the right track with my new eating habits and very close to my goal, and couldn't be healthier. I love my sleeve!