Welcome to our blog! We hope you enjoyed our first episode! If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out here!
Today's show was all about the first few weeks after your weight loss surgery. I remember after my surgery, I was lost - completely LOST! I was given a small packet of papers on what I could and could not eat, but was told nothing about how to make it enjoyable. One of the largest downfalls of any weight loss venture is boredom! So here are a few ways to prevent that boredom!
Phase one: Liquid diet before surgery:
Many of us are on a liquid diet before surgery. For some, we bought packets from the doctor's office. Others were on their own. If that's the case, shop around for a protein powder you like prior to starting this phase. Many health and nutrition stores will sell samples to you at a low cost, and some will even give them away! Be mindful though, what you like and tolerate prior to surgery will likely change AFTER surgery, so it's a good idea to only buy what you need for this phase!
Phase two: Clear Liquids After Surgery:
Some of us are on clear liquids for longer than others. What is a clear liquid diet? Well, bascally anything that is clear, not creamy, and not cream or dairy based. Some things you might be allowed on clear liquids are:
tea, coffee (black), water, fruit juice (diluted and 100%), water flavorings, gelatin desserts, broths, etc.
For those of us that were blessed to be on this phase for less than 24 hours, it's easy to get through. But for those that have to be on it for a week or more, it can become tedious! One way to get through this stage is by using herbs. Steep your fresh herbs whole (like you would tea) in your clear broths, then remove them. There are also now flavored broths on the market, so be sure to check those out as a viable alternative as well!
Phase three: Full Liquids After Surgery:
This is the one that we all have the hardest time with. How do we get our protein (60-80 grams!!!) on this phase?? Let's face it, most protein powders are NOT GOOD (yuck-in-a-cup!!!!).
First off, DON'T PANIC!!!
Second, remember that on full liquids, anything you can puree into a liquid consistency is fair game. That means ANYTHING - toss something into a blender with some broth until you can drink it and away we go!! (Did that with sardines once ... yeah ... don't ever do that) This works great for soups and stews - make a favorite soup or stew, then add a little extra broth when you puree it! Canned cream soups are okay in a pinch - but be sure you strain out any solids!
For those pesky protein shakes, don't forget you can add FLAVORS!!! Not only can you use flavored extracts and syrups (a favorite combo of mine was chocolate and mint! YUM!) but you can also use spices to flavor any of them! Try some pumpkin pie spice, or (another favorite) add some vanilla extract, cinnamon, and allspice for a snickerdoodle flavored shake! So many combinations - that's a future blog post on it's own for sure!
Phase four: Soft Foods After Surgery
I remember my first day on soft foods. I had refried beans and I about cried they tasted so good!! When soft foods come into play, you can be a bit more creative with what you make. One of my absolute favorite go-to's was a version of shrimp and grits that I still love:
Phase Four Shrimp and Grits
Servings: one (with leftovers!)
1 Packet Instant grits prepared according to package directions (use broth instead of water for a flavor boost!) - DO NOT HEAT YET!!
2 T cream of shrimp soup
In a microwave safe bowl, combine grits, broth, and soups. Consistancy should resemble loose mashed potatoes. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir. If needed, add more broth or soup to loosen to keep consistancy. If not heated all the way through, continue to heat in 10 second increments until hot.
Once you're on full solids, you can add some REAL shrimp to this and it is DIVINE!!
After this phase, you will start transitioning into full solids. Protein bars are an easy thing to keep on hand for those "rushed" moments, but remember you are better off by getting your protein in with REAL food at this point. Great things to keep on hand just for that use are:
canned tuna, canned chicken, canned beans (also helpful with fiber!!), jerky (after the first two months), deli meats, cheese, boiled shrimp, hard boiled eggs, nuts, etc ... Again, the list is so vast, it's a blog post on it's own!
Thank you so much for coming to visit our kitchen! Next week we will actually be cooking, so be sure to get your aprons ready! We can't wait to share our recipes with you!
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