Although I'm still in the pre-op phase, I am on track to have surgery sometime around Jan / Feb. I am wondering - those of you who have already had surgery and are past the liquid and pureed diet are now eating. What do your plates look like on a typical day and what kind of liquids are you getting in? I would love some ideas. Thanks.

You'll be surprised that your plate can look like any normal plate of food. However, you will only be able to eat a tiny portion, so have lots of Ziplok bags and storage containers on hand.

As I mentioned to another woman on a different message board, I bought a bunch of large Water bottles and cups. I keep them all over the house, practically in every room, including the basement. Every time I get close to one, I take 3 or 4 sips. Unlike others, I have had no terrible issues with dehydration or balancing liquid intake vs. food intake. I do get dry mouth and my skin is dryer than usual, but not too, too bad.

My typical day of food looks like:

A Protein shake and a 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with maybe some museli or fruit mixed in.

I don't have any hunger pangs at all, so I have to remind myself to eat a decent lunch...proteins first, the good carbs (dark green vegetables), then if there's room left, that where the bad carbs go in (bread, rice, pasta).

I usually eat a small type of protein for dinner...a piece of chicken or meatloaf along with some cottage cheese.

I eat out all the time and bring home food for 4 more meals. I have treats like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, but just the baby scoop.

I have not had any cravings and I do not miss anything that I thought I'd be sacrificing, like my beloved donuts or things like bread and cake. During this Halloween season, I allow myself one piece of candy from our company candy dish per day, but I don't always feel hungry for candy. I don't miss not having chocolate or sweet things at all. But if there is any around, I don't deny myself a bite.

I think a lot of it is mind over matter. You have to really dedicate yourself to using your new tool to most efficient way, otherwise, it's just a waste of major surgery.

Also, you'll be amazed at how your new, tiny stomach will be sure to tell you when it is full. Just one bite too much and you'll have a cramp or two to remind you that it's time to stop. Another bite too much and your food come up the same way it went down.

There are a lot of excellent cookbooks for people who have had bariatric surgery. I bet you won't every feel hungry or deprived once you get used to your new stomach.

Thanks for the info