Food becomes something that has to be reconsidered after surgery. Now there are rules to every bite. You eat less, chew slower and are more attentive than ever before. A good Bariatric Foods Source can ensure that this learning curve becomes significantly less painful. The heroes of your day one will be soft, protein-rich foods, such as cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and Greek yogurt. They are light on the stomach and surprisingly stuffing. You will also soon find out that staying hydrated is a day by day operation. Sip, don’t gulp. And no straws–you can get your pouch to rebel as quick as a bad protein shake with those in it.

The funny thing is that your brain does not necessarily receive a memo that your stomach is now smaller. You will reason, I can take one more bite. But that one bite? It can be the comfort or regret. So go slow–ridiculously slow. Eat like you were in some contest to be the most considered diner. Others go to an extent of using baby spoons to time themselves. Until it works it sounds ridiculous. It is not a punishment process but an awareness process. Every meal is a lesson in patience and it is actually rather freeing when you give up struggling about it.

Protein now becomes prominent. It is your key player, your support group, your unspoken partner in success. It is good to get your body well, to keep your muscles firm and to keep your stomach quiet. The months will be full of chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and protein shakes. Do not allow boredom to creep in, though. Experiment. Add seasoning, herbs, a hint of low-fat cheese, or lemon squeezer. Minor adjustments can transform mediocre to fulfilling. And, a tip, a tip, first eat protein. Then veggies. Carbs come last, if at all. That order keeps your stomach not to get full of the stuff that does not actually work on you so fast.

The first thing is odd with portion control. Things that are your new normal would be comically small when compared to old portions. Minuscule does not mean that it is deprived. You will know that satisfaction is quicker now–you will give your body a minute to tell you so. Measure with measuring cups or a food scale until your eyes are able to judge accordingly. And leftovers? They’re your best ally. Half today, half tomorrow. Less waste, less stress. We have hydration that binds it together. Drink a glass of water or broth during the day as though it were the sole interested occupation. But drink yourself apart,–you can force the food out of you with liquor.

Sugarcoating will not help it, there will be tough days. Perhaps you will take something that is not very digestible. Perhaps your protein diet is so like chalk. Or maybe you just miss pizza. That’s fine. Everyone has those kind of moments. The thing is not to get caught in it. Make changes, attempt, proceed. This is a direction of improvement rather than perfection. With every witty food decision, every leisurely mouthful, every glass of water, you are moving one step closer to the healthier you. And that version? Worth all the effort you put in it.