Having been here a few months now, it’s become obvious that it’s so different for people having weight loss surgery in the UK. Procedures here before WLS is different. Most of the people over the pond have it through their insurance and this means a lot of pre operation meetings/assessments/work, over many months. In some ways I feel this is good, as people get to learn so much before having their surgery. However that’s not the usual way here in the UK. You tend to learn ‘in the moment’. If you are eligible for WLS through the National Health Service, you may have to wait for a long time, 2 to 3 or up to 10 years unless you are at the stage where your weight is life or death. So, many fund it themselves.

I think this site is excellent for advice and support however it does mainly tend to show what happens in the States, where you can buy certain things and what’s available. So here’s a few things (not exclusive, would love it if others add stuff here too) I have learnt in my very short weeks since surgery.

PLEASE can we all add our own likes/dislikes, UK advice etc etc

1. Bariatric cookery books are excellent however there are many other options to learn about pre and post op foods. My dietitian is great but I have learnt so much through researching online. There are so many Bariatric Centres all over the world showing what you can eat pre ad post op and as long as you add a dash of common sense, it can work well. For example; if I read from a Bariatric Centre that I could eat tuna on day 3, I would be clicking the X asap!!

1. Centrum advantage chewable Vitamins are lovely and recommended by UK Dietitians for post bariatric surgery. Tesco’s have them on offer at the moment, 3 for 2. They have carbs, but balancing a few carbs for nice tasting vitamins isn’t going to kill me for the time being.

1. Keep your fridge/cupboard stocked once you know what goes down well for you. Don’t spend too much in advance in case you don’t like it. I spent a lot on liquid Iron without asking around and my god, it was disgusting. I took it twice then threw it away. I could have asked here and go advice but I didn’t. (see below)

1. Use this UK forum to keep in touch with others in the UK to ask for and pass on advice. We aren’t the minority in the world for WLS however we are a small group here. Make friends here, they can be the best support you can ask for!

OVER TO YOU !!!

Yeah...I am trying to find ways to increase...adding Greek yogurt to shakes and bought flavourless protein powder...adding to anything I can lol. Any other suggestions?

I've been drinking protein milk 500ml so that 25g protein down. I'm only on day 5 post op so I'm still only liquids. I've bought some roasted peanuts paste/spread from Amazon all natural no oil added very good for protein

I made 74 g of protein today.. wooohooo. ..not managing veggies as full before protein finished....still eating too fast...have to start using a timer!!!

Yes eating slow is hard my dietician wants Me to stop shakes but I don't think I can make the 60 without my one shake made with total Greek yogurt each day. Other than that he really happy with my progress. The next 4 weeks are going to be a challenge. Festive meals and treats every where only safe place is our house. So glad I have the bypass as this will keep sugary treats at arms length : ) keep in touch guys

Any of you guys tracking your food on my fitness pal

@@taysidebell

I do, I love it. I used it on and off before having the surgery too and feels it really does keep me accountable.

@@sam42

Greek yogurt (best is Total Farge 0% which you can get in Tescos) There are lots of Greek ones but watch the carbs!

Cottage cheese, eggs, Milk (highish in carbs though, until in mantenance)

Ground beef, turkey, chicken and fish, salmon, halibut shrimps, sardines, light tuna in Water ... Pork is high in Protein too. ( I had fillet of pork with a tiny bit of apple sauce, sprouts, cauliflower and a couple of asparagus for dinner tonight # yum)

The Protein powder can be added to coffee (decaf!) and Soups but don't add it when the drink/soup is hot or it will curdle. I also love my protein latte which I have every morning at work.

Check out www.myprotein.com - and www.discountsuppliments.com

I order a lot through myprotein.com.

Thanks

I find it difficult still to eat my food slowly. Years of gobbling it down and looking for more takes time to stop doing! I still find getting enough protein is a problem too but I have at last found a protein bar that I can manage to eat.

I also track my food with my fitness pal and I wear a fit bit too and both of these things keep me aware of what I am doing and eating. Even my other half has lost a bit of weight - he is slim so does not need to really, but we have little junk food in the house and what there is I am not bothered about eg crisps ice cream biscuits and chocolate. I have been very happy with my weight loss and just love to see the scales showing a smaller weight and also the clothes size going down. Good luck to us all anyone in Wales ?

Hope everyone had a great Christmas how did everyone cope? Did you still manage to lose weight and stay on track X

Have managed so far. Just exploring food to see what my sleeve likes and doesn't like. Was lucky I went over to someone's house for turkey dinner so no leftovers to contend with and no snacks!!! How have you managed?

We were out at mums so no left overs either I am 14 weeks out bypass tried small amount Christmas pud after turkey and veg wrong move too heavy and felt too full, lesson learnt at least I could not eat any thing else X

Hi guys I'm 3 weeks post op now and still struggling with protein I'm on mushy so I have scrambled egg with cheese and protein milk but I'm still way too low. Bought the unflavoured whey protein and a chocolate one but I find them so sickening. Hope everyone doing well.

What brand of protein powder? I usePhD ? The Belgium choc I'd delicious and I bought pb2- peanut butter powder to mix with it...tastes like a Reese peeves and ups protein intake...Greek yogurt...cheese string...refried beans...add non flavour to a protein shake you have already made?

So had my 1 month check and NUT said I don't have to use protein powder anymore. Do I'm trying eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, lean steak for all 3 meals. I'm also drinking protein milk which I actually like. Just joined a gym today focusing on swimming at the moment I'm 30 lbs down but I'm still jst over 23 stone ;(