I had the lap band for almost 10 years and it quit working the last 4 years with big problems. The tubing was rubbing the vagus nerve and eventually led to A-flutter. Now I'm pursuing the sleeve. I am struggling to not gain all of the weight. I'm using a Fitbit and My Fitness Pal. I have put on a lot of weight, and all I want is the freedom of movement back. Interested in hearing any feedback.

I was sleeved on Feb 1st. It has been the biggest blessing to me. Thru the program that my bariatric dr has set up and I would say I've been very successful so far. My nutritionist stated that if I look at a label on food. I should be looking for single digits for carbs and single digits for sugar or carb free/ sugar free. I would contact your dr and see what they can do for you and get you on the right track.

Sleeve diet guide: Avoid sugar

AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY DIET

You’ve made it past surgery and you’re on your way to a healthier life. You may think it’s clear sailing from here. Unfortunately, the hard part is just beginning.

Now is not the time to cheat. While the two week diet was important reduce your risk of surgical (intraoperative) complication, the week 1 to 4 post-op diet will help prevent post-op complications.

The first few weeks after surgery, you will experience frequent irritability and it’s not uncommon to second guess your decision to have surgery.

The very extreme diet after your sleeve gastrectomy may seem like your surgeon is being overly cautious. It is utterly important that you follow his or her instructions to the ‘T.’

Cheating on your post-op diet can cause diarrhea, dehydration, constipation, bowel obstruction, or a very serious gastric leak. If you need more motivation to follow your post-op diet, this article will help.

Below is a typical diet after gastric sleeve surgery for weeks 1 to 4.

WEEK 1 – CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY

In week one you are limited to clear liquids only. This sounds tough. And it is tough. However, most patients have very little desire to eat. The hunger hormone ghrelin is almost non-existent after surgery.

The part of the stomach that produces the majority of ghrelin is removed during surgery.

Make sure all items listed below are sugar free.

• Water
• Broth
• Jell-O
• Decaf tea
• Decaf coffee
• Sugar free Popsicles
• Sugar free drinks that are not carbonated

You should avoid:

• Carbonated beverages
• Very sweet beverages
• Sugar
• Caffeine

WEEK 2 – FULL LIQUID DIET WITH PROTEIN

During week two you may start to feel some hunger pains. Continue to stick to your surgeon’s recommended diet. Your diet may include all items from week 1 plus:

• Protein powder mixed with a sugar free non-carbonated clear liquid.
• Sugar free pudding.
• Soup with soft noodles.
• Non fat yogurt.
• Carnation instant breakfast. Look for the sugar free option.
• Very thin creamed soups. No chunks.
• Sugar free sorbet.
• Very watery hot oatmeal. Check the sugar content.
• Diluted no-sugar added juice.
• Sugar free, nonfat ice cream
• Thinned applesauce. Check sugar content.

WEEK 3 – SOFT PUREED FOODS

Week three after gastric sleeve surgery is tough. But the good news is that you can start adding some real food into your diet, albeit pureed.

You still need to be careful to limit sugars and fats. The goals for week 3 include:

• Get your 60 grams of protein per day
• Eat slowly
• Introduce new foods one by one.

Food may taste differently and will be tolerated differently than they were before surgery. You may find that dairy is harder to digest. It’s recommended that you introduce new foods slowly.

Give your body some time to react to each new food. By doing this you’ll be able to identify foods that are causing gas, stomach upset, and/or diarrhea.

The foods listed below are typically acceptable for week three after surgery.

• 1 protein shake per day. You can now blend them with yogurt or non-fat milk.
• Almond milk or coconut milk makes a great protein shake.
• Hummus
• Cottage cheese (low fat)
• Soft cereals – Let your cereal sit in the non-fat milk until it’s soft.
• Soft vegetables – steam or boil them until they are soft.
• Soft cheeses – limit these, they are typically high in fat.
• Ground chicken or beef. Add some beef or chicken stock to keep the meat soft.
• Soups
• Scrambled eggs – these are a great source of protein.
• Soft (steamed) fish. Remember to chew well.
• Canned tuna and salmon (you can add low fat mayo). Great source of protein.
• Mashed fruit. Bananas, avocados, and canned fruit (watch sugar content).

You should avoid the following foods:

• While smoothies are ok, limit their sugar content.
• Sugar
• Starchy foods like pasta, rice and bread.
• Fibrous vegetables like celery, broccoli, asparagus, raw leafy greens.

WEEK 4 – INTRODUCING FOODS!

You’ve followed your diet up to week four. Now it’s time to start introducing real foods.

Your sleeve and stomach are still sensitive, so go slow and remember to chew each bite thoroughly. You’re done with pureed foods, but you should continue to look for softer versions of food during this week.

• Continue your daily protein shakes
• Introduce chicken and beef very slowly. Ensure you chew thoroughly.
• Any type of fish.
• Fruits
• Vegetables (it’s still recommended that you cook these to soften them a bit).
• Sweet Potatoes
• Mashed and baked potatoes.
• Cereal
• Caffeine can be introduced. It’s recommended that you limit this.

You should avoid the following foods in week four:

• Sodas
• Fried foods
• Fibrous vegetables (i.e. celery and asparagus)
• Sugary drinks
• Candy
• Dessert
• Pastas and other high carbohydrate, low nutrient foods (pizza).
• Whole milk and other whole milk dairy foods.
• Nuts

WEEK 4 HEALTHY SNACKS

While it is recommended that you only eat 3 small meals each day and hydrate in-between meals, you may need a small healthy snack. If your surgeon approves this, the items below make healthy snacks.

• Hummus with rice crackers or softened (boiled and cooled) baby carrots.
• Hard boiled egg.
• Quarter cup of oatmeal.
• Quarter of a baked sweet potato (or microwaved)
• Banana
• Strawberries or fresh fruit.

WEEK 5 AND BEYOND

Continue to introduce foods one by one to see how well they are tolerated. Watch out for constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

• Eat three small meals every day.
• Hydrate throughout the day.
• Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before each meal.
• Avoid snacking. If you do, choose a nutrient-dense food (fruit, vegetable, nuts).
• Take your recommended daily vitamins.
• Ensure you get 60 grams of protein.
• Supplement daily with a protein shake.
• Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Make it a habit.
• Avoid sodas.
• Prepare for bad days. How will you cope when you are in a difficult situation?
• Find an accountability partner. Go to a support group and make friends that you can call.

6 TIPS – HEALTHY EATING AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY

1. Choose foods that are nutrient dense. Bread is not nutrient dense. An apple, banana, fish, etc. are nutrient dense foods.
2. Do not drink your calories. It won’t fill you up and most caloric drinks are filled with sugar.
3. Expect an emotional roller-coaster. Don’t let food be your comfort. Create a plan.
4. Chew your food thoroughly and take your time eating.
5. Plan what you will eat if you’re going out. Ask for half the portion size at restaurants. You may get a discount and you won’t be tempted to overeat.
6. Make water your new best friend. Drink it regularly throughout the day. Buy a reusable 64 oz bottle that you can carry to work with you. Make sure you finish the entire bottle each day. But remember not to drink with meals (this helps prevent stretching your pouch).