Stop Weighting, Start Doing!

Losing Weight and Gaining Life Through Bariatric Surgery

The Full Liquid Diet: Here is What and How to Eat

The full liquid diet phase is the second of five phases bariatric patients progress through after surgery. First, we discussed the requirements for the clear liquid diet when you focused on hydration. Now, the full liquid diet focuses on hydration and protein. Protein helps heal the stomach and provides energy. You'll consume liquids containing milk now, like pudding and yogurt, and still aim for 48 to 64 ounces of total fluid per day. During the full liquid diet after bariatric surgery, it is important to stay hydrated and start consuming protein. Purpose of Full Liquid Diet The purpose of the full liquid diet is to stay hydrated and promote healing. Your new stomach is not quite ... read more

To My Future Fit Self: I’m Getting Sick and Tired

Dear Future Fit Self, I got your letter, and I just had to respond. You can't possibly understand what it's like to be me. I'm getting sick and tired of hearing about this impossible dream you're describing. It sounds too good to be true, and my father taught me to always question those types of situations. You can't possibly understand what I go through daily. I can barely make it through the day. And weight loss surgery? Please, that's the easy way out. There is no way I could lose 235 pounds. You don't know or remember how hard it is to be obese. There's no way my future fit self can understand. Apology Accepted Thank you for the apology you offered me. I know that I am not ... read more

This is the Ultimate Guide You Need for the Soft Foods Diet

The soft foods diet phase is the fourth of five phases bariatric patients progress through after surgery. We've already explored the clear and full liquids phases, as well as the pureed phase. Now, it's time for actual food! You should be at least one-month post-op before proceeding to this phase to allow your stomach plenty of time to heal. Foods should be soft, nothing tough or grisly at this point. You'll try canned and ground meats, eggs, canned vegetables and canned fruits. Eat your protein first, and chew well. During the soft foods diet after surgery, it's important to chew each small bite 20 to 30 times. Purpose of the Soft Foods Diet The purpose of the soft foods diet is to ... read more

Here is an Honest and Open Letter to My Former Fat Self

Dear Former Fat Self, They say hindsight is 20/20, and if there is anything I could reach out and tell you after losing 235 pounds, it’s this: you deserve better. You are a product of how people mistreated you for so long. You deserve more. I’m sorry I didn’t always treat you the best, but life gets so much better. Once you start taking care of yourself, you transform into the person you have always wanted to be. However, there is some sense of personal responsibility you need to take for your actions and inactions. There are things you are doing that are hurting yourself. It’s time for you to stop agonizing in the pain caused by other people and for you to start being the person you were ... read more

The Best Tips You’ll Want for the Liver Shrinking Diet

One of the hardest parts of bariatric surgery is the liver shrinking diet. Followed for one to three weeks before bariatric surgery, the liver shrinking or reducing diet shrinks the liver, so the surgeon can operate properly. You shouldn't follow this diet at any other time or if you're not having bariatric surgery. This diet was my least favorite part about surgery, as the detox from sugars and carbohydrates made me super cranky and tired. No worries though - each day gets a little easier! The liver shrinking diet before bariatric surgery reduces the size of your liver to make surgery easier. Each Liver Shrinking Diet Is Different One of the things that amaze me most about bariatric ... read more

This Turkey Bacon, Egg and Cheese Pie Will Blow Your Mind

One issue a lot of bariatric patients have is wondering what to eat for breakfast. This turkey bacon, egg and cheese pie is the perfect solution! It's comforting and delicious but high in protein to keep you full. While turkey bacon is high in saturated fats and sodium, it's lower in overall fat and calories than pork bacon. The "crust" of this pie is made with a turkey bacon weave, and I'll show you step-by-step how to make it. It's so good! Try this pie today to get a big dose of protein to start your day. This turkey bacon, egg and cheese pie is a delicious breakfast to eat on a bariatric diet. When Can I Eat Turkey Bacon, Egg and Cheese Pie? As you progress through the post-op ... read more

You Have Your Bariatric Surgery Date, Now What?

Woohoo! You finally have your bariatric surgery date! You've put in the hard work, checked off the boxes, and you're ready to go! Or are you? There are still a few things to do before heading into the OR, but don't worry! I have you covered. From FMLA paperwork to preparing for surgery, I listed nine smart steps to take once you have your bariatric surgery date. Take these steps to make your surgery day stress-free. Once you get your bariatric surgery date, you'll want to make sure you complete some final details before surgery. FMLA Paperwork The very first thing you'll want to do after you finish your happy dance from celebrating your bariatric surgery date is to submit your FMLA ... read more

How I Found My Way Back to God Through Weight Loss

My life changed dramatically when I decided to take care of myself first. I started pursuing bariatric surgery, left an abusive marriage, got my life together and lost 235 pounds in the process. Through it all, my body and mind became refreshed and renewed but so did my soul. After praying for my surgery, I decided to attend my parent's church. It changed me. I found redemption and forgiveness when I so desperately needed it. I found my way back to God. Losing weight allowed me to step into the person I was always meant to be: a child of God. Life Before Surgery I was always a child of God, but I hadn't fully stepped into what that meant until after my bariatric surgery. Before ... read more

The Best Foods You’ll Want to Eat For the Regular Bariatric Diet

The fifth and final phase bariatric patients progress through after surgery is the regular bariatric diet. We've already examined clear and full liquids, as well as pureed and soft foods. Your new normal starts now. It's important to go slow, as your new stomach needs time to adjust to foods. You have the rest of your life to experiment, and see which foods work with your stomach and which may not. Protein is king now, and you'll chew your foods well. I've also provided some recipes for meals I eat regularly now. Being able to eat a regular bariatric diet means you focus on protein and stay hydrated. Purpose of the Regular Bariatric Diet The purpose of the regular bariatric diet is ... read more

How to Prevent Dumping Syndrome with Gastric Sleeve

Dumping syndrome doesn't sound pleasant, does it? Speaking from experience, it's not, and you should try to avoid it at all costs. Dumping happens when you eat too many trigger foods - ones high in fat, sugar or refined carbohydrates. You feel bloated, sick, tired and may have a rapid heart rate. You can find relief from these symptoms in a few ways, but the main course of action you should take is to stick to the basic bariatric habits you learn during your pre-op education. Dumping with gastric sleeve can occur, but can also be prevented by avoiding trigger foods and staying focused on your bariatric lifestyle. What Is Dumping Syndrome? Dumping syndrome with gastric sleeve or ... read more