Next week I am able to move up to Stage III (adding protein). Suggestions please.

[BostonStrong617 8]

My nutritionist gave me an AWESOME list of what I can have, but unfortunately I don't eat most of those items. I was wondering what worked for ya'll. The following week I can add cooked/mashed veggies and fruit.

I'm looking forward to tuna (you think it would be okay if I add a bit of relish?), as well as the bean Soups and chili's...but in terms of plain Protein (more specifically meats), how did you handle making choices.

I am going to buy a slow cooker tomorrow as I think as I progress in my diet this may help keep meats soft and moist. But yeah, I am at a loss. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Kindle 8,667]

What are the things on the list you can't eat? Do you have allergies?

[BostonStrong617 8]

No allergies. I just don't eat a lot of the Proteins listed as individual meals or Snacks. Generally they are combined in my overall meal.

I've been searching for recipes online to come up with something.

I do eat tuna fish and shrimp...both have been given the green light.

I do eat turkey, and ham...green light as well.

I do eat (actually I love) Beans, lentils, etc...so I am go there.

Purchased Soups with Beans and chicken/turkey and some chili's...

Not a fan of:

cheese

Fish

eggs

Unless they are part of the overall dish or prepared a certain way. I figure I just have to make it through next week because once I can eat fruits and veggies I won't be as hungry, want as much and will be able to tolerate a Protein shake or two until I am able to add more.

I thought about meatloaf, but I've been hearing mixed reviews on whether that is a good choice. I will be 2 weeks post op on Monday, so don't want to rush anything...

[Kindle 8,667]

Sounds like you've got lots of choices. I was VSG, not bypass, but one thing I did was only try one new thing every few days. That way if I had an adverse reaction, I knew exactly what the culprit was. A friend of mine had bypass and there are definitely distinct foods and textures she can't handle with even 8 years out. Try and ease your new GI tract into new thing slowly...like introducing new foods to a baby. "The world according to eggface" and Bariatric foodie are both good websites to check out for recipes as you introduce new foods and more complex meals. And check out the nutrition subforum on BP for good ideas in all stages.

[esskay77 785]

I really rely a lot on chicken. Cooked every way possible! lol. And edamame if you like that. Its a nice treat and because it is in the pods and you have to squeeze out the edamame from each pod as you go, it helps you eat slower. And most restaurants have it as an appetizer which makes a nice meal if you need to go out to eat and don't know what to eat. Get some edamame and a shrimp cocktail and you're good to go!

(regarding relish in the tuna, I wondered the same thing but never found an answer so I did put it in. Just don't overload it. I also swapped out the mayo for cottage cheese instead. And still used relish! It isn't quite a perfect swap but not too bad.

[BostonStrong617 8]

Thanks! I think I may have jumped the gun. I had a hard time with some of my Protein shakes (dumping) and like I said I am a very picky eater. However, I know this is part of the process. I have found I really enjoy Tomato Soup. I am extremely bored with options, but my stomach is not tolerating a lot of foods well. I was wondering about baked mozarella sticks...anyone try those?

tuna was a success, but after three days I was tired of it. It's going to be a very long, interesting journey for me.

[Rebecca Jo Ragon 33]

I have had great success with home made chili and meatloaf. I make a meatloaf that I put in muffin tins and the size is perfect. They might even be a bit large for you right now. I use 1 lb ground beef (97/3) and 1 lb ground turkey breast, 2 eggs, 1 cup of instant oats and 1/2- 2/3 can of Hunt's Meatloaf Seasoning Sauce. Bake at 350 for 25-30 min. Take out and put the remainder of the sauce on top and back another 5 minutes. I have not had any issues with it. I also use about 1 TB of the low sugar Heinz ketchup to moisten it a bit as I eat it. I pair that with about 1/4 cup green Beans.

For homemade chili I have used several recipes. I try to use 93/7 beef and sometimes mix it with the ground turkey breast. If you don't cook much, a small Wendy's chili does the trick! you can check out pinterest as well for low carb bariatric recipes to get some ideas. I make a quiche in muffin tins that I love, but you don't seem to like eggs much so that might not be anything you would be interested in. Good luck!