Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Diet After Surgery



Recommended Posts

I had the Sleeve surgery on 11/23/16. As of now, I'm still on purée foods. On January 4, I will advance to a regular diet. Now, before I say this, I want to be clear that I am going to follow the doctor's food plan. All three doctors at the office have told me the same thing, so it must be a plan that works.

With all that said, I am curious how many of your doctors' have told y'all not to count Protein or calories or worry about numbers? My doctors all said to focus on Beans, fruits, and veggies....or as they also said, Fiber FIBER FIBER (lol). I'm still allowed to eat meats, as long as long as beans, fruits, and veggies take up the majority of the meal/day. Also, I can still have rice, Pasta, bread, and tortillas (all whole grain, with the exception of corn tortillas occasionally).

They recommend the program (which has 3 books, 1 being a cookbook) called Forks Over Knives, which is a plant-based meal program. Some of the recipes look awesome, but from what I've skimmed through and seen, it is vegetarian.

I don't have to go by the book totally. But they said absolutely no counting because it is not necessary and they don't want this to feel like a diet because looking at it as a diet can cause failure, so not to stress it.

What plans do you follow? Is anyone's similar to what I will be following?

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, that diet is completely different and contradictory to 99% of the programs I've seen on this site. But....... I'm not your Dr. and that's not my call. Carbs are not my friend and I would never be able to lose weight on that diet. I truly hope it works for you and I wish you the best.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks. I always heard the Protein was a big deal. But when all of them said counting Protein was unnecessary and "malarkey" (their word lol), I was shocked. Other people were shocked when I told them my program. They said any fruit I want, any bean I want, but black Beans were best, and they didn't get into vegetables much, but I'm going to assume potatoes are a no, as I can't have white bread or wheat/whole wheat bread. Luckily, I'm not much of a bread eater, and Pasta is only on occasion.

I assumed it was contradicting to several programs, which is why I had questions. But apparently from what I gather, he (the main doctor) has had lots of success with the program (he's vegetarian himself, but I'm still going to enjoy fish/seafood and a few other lean meats). I hope I do get good results. I mean, it will be nice to not have to count, but I had literally tons of low carb recipes saved up because that was my plan. Now I have to put time into researching this one.

I just basically want to see if anyone else had heard of something similar to this. I did, however, get GENEPRO to add to fruit/veggie smoothies to cover my bases!

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is very different from my plan and most of the plans that have been discussed on here. What is their rationale for Pasta and rice? Those are "avoid forever" foods on my plan.

Of course, you should follow the plan of your surgeon. But when they tell you not to count Protein, that raises a major red flag for me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Dr plan is for the 1st 3 months to supplement 60-90g of Protein via bariatric shakes, concentrates and Soups, etc. for 2 of those months our meals are no more than 1-3 ounces Proteins..no more than 30 carbs, 2-6 months we are allowed 2-4 oz of Protein and 2-4 vegetables or fruit..after 6 months we can add back grains if we want to.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, my plan, and most, require strictly tracking Protein and calories. I believe this has made me successful.

I can eat virtually anything I want now. If I weren't strictly counting calories, I absolutely would be overeating again. Tracking makes me accountable.

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I admit I was shocked, but whole grain is okay in moderation by their program because whole grains are healthy. But I swear, exact words "we know you've probably been told that you need 60g of Protein, but let us be the first to tell you that is malarkey. you have no reason to diet or count. your focus is to be healthy and lose weight. other programs do that; ours doesn't." Those words are basically burned into my brain lol.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think that is why they were so adamant on emphasizing that fruits, veggies, and Beans be like 90% of the diet. I know I heard those three words over 50 times each.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I admit I was shocked, but whole grain is okay in moderation by their program because whole grains are healthy. But I swear, exact words "we know you've probably been told that you need 60g of Protein, but let us be the first to tell you that is malarkey. you have no reason to diet or count. your focus is to be healthy and lose weight. other programs do that; ours doesn't." Those words are basically burned into my brain lol.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My surgical team stresses 60-90g of additional supplemental Protein at minimum..they say it's better to have 1/2 your weight in protein is better for the first 3 months. They say it not only helps you not have hunger but that it helps you lose fat and maintain muscle.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can still have eggs and cheese, Nonfat Greek yogurt, and FairLife milk. I asked about those. And I got GENEPRO to add to smoothies or other foods. I'm still going to cover my tush to at least get Protein. I'm just basically saying I was stressed not to count nutritional numbers. I wanted to see if my program was similar to everyone else's. Regardless, I have to follow their plan, he's my only choice of doctor and I have to drive nearly 6 hours to see him lol. But they have been doing this program many years, so I just hope it works. Something must be right if they are still in business and have nearly a 5 star rating.

I was just a bit shocked is all. Still a bit lost as to exactly where to start on the bean portion. I've never been much of a bean eater lol. Guess I will learn. I have Beano on hand at least lol!

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do know there are many vegetarian bariatric people out there because I've read many articles, but it is a difficult way to get Protein. But they said I didn't have to become full vegetarian, just to make sure my "stars" on the plate was veggies, fruits, and Beans.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Red flags all over the place. Most of us can't consume veggies early out-- the Fiber is a lot for a new sleeve. Fruits are too high in sugar to ingest a lot. And not counting Protein? HUH? I'm absolutely questioning this plan and this is one time where I would kick that doc's plan to the curb. Pasta? Rice? What in the ENTIRE F?

My surgeon doesn't stress counting calories. Protein and carbs are my main focus.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I should go regular diet monday...doesn't mean much because I can't eat most foods still after 6 weeks.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×