Hi guys I was sleeved 2 weeks ago and am due to go onto pureed foods tomorrow. MY main concern is how I am going to get the protein in as I know I will only be able to manage a few mouthfuls at first. Do you have any tips? I have ordered some protein flavoured water power and I am fed up with protein shakes now! I have to be careful what I have because I have suffered with digestive issues and have had to drink more to keep hydrated! Did you have problems with your digestion after surgery, not constipation though Any help would be gratefully received. Thank you!

Hiya. Loads of us struggle with foods and hydration. Even now My stomach will say a resounding NO to something it was pleased to see the day before. I had terrible trouble with smells, my wild hormones made my brain think my body was pregnant.

I called on my team such a lot through these stages. They were very understanding and helpful. They told me not to worry about what I couldn't do. TBH I struggled for months but once I could get my hydration right, I felt so much better.

My surgeon was against protein shakes and had me on skimmed milk. It has great protein and you can add protein powder or my fav was peanut butter and banana. I was allowed coffee so had lattes. Some have dairy aversions so its not for everyone.

I couldn't do pureed meat, it revolted me just looking at it. I made soups with lentils and beans in and added cheese. I blitzed these and ate it thick.

I tried to eat 6 tiny meals a day. I ate a lot of low cal ice lollies, still do, addicted. Just do your best, its a tough time

My tip for hydration is to try different temperatures. I found that hot decaf tea with a splash of milk was much easier for me to drink than cold water. Also, one of my favorite options early on was tomato soup with a scoop of plain protein powder mixed in. I bought the organic brand with as little sugar and added ingredients as possible. The one protein shake I could tolerate longer term was Syntrax Nectar Naturals in orange flavor. It reminded me enough of orange juice that it felt like a treat for breakfast and the tanginess kept it from seeming too sweet.

I absolutely welcomed the pureed food phase, because by then I had been on liquids only for a month.

I cook dinner every day for my family so I just took tiny portions of meat and veg (and teeeeeny tiny - like a teaspoon - portion of the carb) and blitzed that with extra liquid/gravy/whatever to make my little meals at the start.

I so loved the taste of that food after so many weeks on non food. I didn't focus on protein then, only on getting in my fluids. My team hadn't stipulated any specific protein goal.

I am very lucky in that I haven't experienced any digestive issues at all following my sleeve. I know that many people do develop intolerances, both temporary and permanent.

Hope you enjoy your transition to proper food OP.

Thank you so much for your replies, my tummy has calmed right down now and I am managing to get in at least 70g of protein a day. I am also getting in at least 2 litres of fluid daily too. I am having 3 small meals a day - half a cup each time. I am trying to space them out as well. The head hunger is worse for me, I didn't realise how obsessed I was with food until now! Every time I pass a shop, go out for the day and loads of others scenarios! Any tips for that guys? x

On 2/3/2025 at 8:53 AM, Bessieboop1981 said:

Thank you so much for your replies, my tummy has calmed right down now and I am managing to get in at least 70g of Protein a day. I am also getting in at least 2 litres of Fluid daily too. I am having 3 small meals a day - half a cup each time. I am trying to space them out as well. The head hunger is worse for me, I didn't realise how obsessed I was with food until now! Every time I pass a shop, go out for the day and loads of others scenarios! Any tips for that guys? x

Sorry I have been away and not on the site. I am so glad you are doing better. My advice for what its worth is 6 tiny meals. My team okeyed it.

I had protein yogurt for breakfast. A fruit snack later

Meat or cheese salad for lunch. Homemade vegetable soup as a snack, mid afternoon

Fish and a vegetable for dinner and a snack of cheese and fruit or carrot batons and hummus for a evening snack.

This gave me all day eating or so it seemed, a varied healthy diet and no carbs as I couldn't fit them in.

I hope you get the help you need.

Thank you so much I am adapting well☺️ I now have 5 small meals a day and am eating about 600 cals. I'm managing to get in 60-70g of protein and all my fluids too. It is a huge life change but I'm getting there. Thank you for replying ?