Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. Here's what yesterday's healthy and delicious menu looked like...

Breakfast: It was National French Toast Day and you know how I must celebrate all wacky holidays. I made a Microwave Protein Cake that had all the flavors of French Toast.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetic Fitness Protein Powder Breakfast Dessert Sugar Free

Shelly's 5 Minute French Toast Protein Cake

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Eggnog (I used Soy Nog)
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Caramel Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
2 Tablespoons Almond Flour or Meal
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
dash Nutmeg
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, eggnog, syrup, and oil (can sub applesauce or cottage cheese) and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, almond meal, spices, protein powder and salt.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetic Fitness Protein Powder Breakfast Dessert Sugar Free

Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2-3 minutes... (microwaves vary, mine takes 2:30) just watch the top, when dry it's done. Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices. Great served with Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream with a dash of cinnamon & nutmeg on top or I pan sauteed it with a little dab of butter and served it warm and toasty with a drizzle of Sugar Free Maple Syrup.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetic Fitness Protein Powder Breakfast Dessert Sugar Free

Cook's Note: You can also turn any of my protein cake recipes into 12 mini muffins. Just pour batter in a non-stick sprayed, mini muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes (till toothpick comes out clean)

More Eggface Protein Cake Recipes
More Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Breakfast Recipes

Lunch: My bento lunch box was especially tasty today.

Roast Beef Cold Cut Rollups Quest Cereal Protein Bar Healthy

Pink Box (top left): Cheddar Cheese Cubes and Mustard for dipping
Green Box (top right): Dill Pickle Chips
Blue Box (bottom left):  Roast Beef Cold Cut Roll-up
Orange Box (bottom right): a hunk of Quest Cereal Bar

That Quest Cereal Bar... it's totally waffles... melted butter and maple syrup... OMG yum! It's not the same texture as regular Quest Bars (not suitable for cookie making) this is more like a rice krispie treat sort of texture.

https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Nutrition-Beyond-Cereal-Protein/dp/B01N0B4DAA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1480459454&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+cereal+bars&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=theworlda074c-20&linkId=1dfda7215d699cd1f3949094e648462e


I love my Quest cookies and they do have better stats but this was a yummy treat. Oh they make 2 other flavors too: Cinnamon Roll and Chocolate. I haven't tried those. I'll get around to it one of these days but this flavor is going to be hard to top.

I love trying new things... well mostly. I did try a protein bar made out of crickets once. It tasted actually OK (Larabar-ish) but I couldn't get over the thought that I was chewing those things that you find in your basement back east. I took one for the team.


and they gave me a pin...



More Eggface Bento Box Lunches
FAQ's & Source for Bento Box Lunches

Dinner: I jazzed up a box of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Soup. I just sauteed a small onion till golden brown. Tossed in a 1/2 cup of cooked sausage (Jimmy Dean, refrigerator section, always in my freezer pantry) till browned a bit and warmed through and added that to a boxed pumpkin soup.

Healthy Soup Dinner Cheese Crackers Low Carb

I served it with Homemade Crunchy Cheese. I made a nice sized batch. Leftovers get a little bendy but I still think they are tasty that way. I store them in a Pyrex lidded bowl on the counter.

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2016/03/healthy-crunchy-snacks.html

Snacks: Too much coffee and it's an odd snack but I roasted some brussels sprouts (drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of Kosher salt, 425 for 30 minutes or so, turning twice) I promise you even if you HATE brussel sprouts you will love them roasted. We ate a few roasted sprouts and watched a little TV. I miss Amazing Race when it's in-between seasons. I don't really have a show I watched faithfully besides that... so I flip around... I'll start watching something, get bored in a commercial break and flip to something else... but always forget to flip back so I've seen a lot of beginning or ends of shows. Anyway... back to the sprouts... soooo good and leftovers while they aren't roasty/crispy they still have that great roasted flavor heated up the next day.

Healthy Vegetable Sides Snacks Veggies

More Eggface Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus

Thanksgiving Leftovers Transformed: Turkey Tetrazzini with Zucchini "Noodles"

This recipe is the perfect way to use up those turkey leftovers and a few veggies bumping around the fridge. I broke out the spiralizer for this but if you still haven't gotten on the bandwagon or are waiting for Santa to bring you one, you can use a julienne peeler for the zucchini or just slice the zucchini and onion very thin. I love using the spiralizer because the zucchini and onion "noodles" really give you the linguine feel that is characteristic of Turkey Tetrazzini.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Shelly's Turkey Tetrazzini

1 1/2-ish cups Cooked Turkey, chopped
1 pound Mushrooms, sliced
1 large yellow Onion, spiralized (or sliced very thin)
1 large Zucchini, spiralized (or julienned)
1/4 cup Sherry
2 Tablespoons Spelt flour
1 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
1 cup Turkey Broth
2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan plus 2-3 Tablespoons for the top
1 Tablespoon Parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoon Black Olives, sliced
1 stalk Celery, sliced thin
1/4 cup Peas

Send zucchini and onion through the spiralizer and set aside.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Microwave frozen peas and celery for 2 minutes. Set aside. Saute onion till golden. Remove from pan and set aside. Saute mushrooms till golden. Remove from pan and set aside. Saute zucchini. Drain any liquid. Add sauteed mushrooms and onions back to pan. Add turkey (a little less or more is fine.)

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Add sherry and cook till 1/2 liquid is reduced. Make a well in the center of the pan and add butter and flour, stir and cook a minute till paste forms. Add seasonings. Slowly add turkey broth and stir till all is coated and mixture bubbles and thickens slightly. Add cream cheese and Parmesan. Add peas, celery, parsley and sliced olives. Stir till well combined and heated through.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Pour into an oven safe casserole dish. Sprinkle with a little more Parmesan.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Broil 4-5 minutes till top is golden.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus


Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

You can use any broth. I lucked out and won an assortment from Pacific Foods the other day so I had my pick. I love the turkey broth, it's got a hint of rosemary that I think is perfect with this dish.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

My pantry is stocked so prepare for the protein packed soup and casserole extravaganza coming soon.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve WLS VSG RNY Low Carb Protein Recipes Cooking Menus

Other Leftover Thanksgiving Dishes...

Shelly's Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms
Shelly's Lazy Chili Rellano Casserole
Shelly's Thanksgiving Cranberry Protein Shake
Shelly's Sante Fe Turkey Bites (aka crustless quiches)
Shelly's 5 Minute Cranberry Protein Cake
Shelly's Cranberry Protein Souffle
Shelly's Turkey Squash Casserole

Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to all my family & friends! I am thankful for all of you xo

Pie Inspired Protein Shakes

Some of you may be just beginning your weight loss surgery journey and may not be able to eat the typical Thanksgiving dinner foods yet. FYI for those that don't know post bariatric surgery we are phased back into eating food, we go from liquids to pureed to soft to solid food. The areas that are operated on need a chance to heal and the progression (about 8 weeks or so, programs vary) gives us that opportunity while still providing needed nutrition. So this post is for you guys that are still sipping this Turkey day or for anytime you want a taste of Thanksgiving pie. 

Bento Box Bonanza

The weather really has been perfect. I have been able to set up outside most days and work from my patio. Part of my job is online and some days I am on conference calls for work or the Obesity Action Coalition so as long as the neighbor's dog doesn't start barking or they turn the bandsaw on I am good to go. I bought this bench that converts into a desk (it's soooo cool) and now that the weather is cooler I am finally getting to use it. I bring my bento box filled with lunch and a snack and I stay outside until either my work is done, it gets too chilly/dark or my butt needs something softer (the toosh usually wins) or there was that time fried chicken dropped from the sky.

These are a few of my most recent bento box lunches. Click on the highlighted links for recipes and resources...

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog



Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Basic Chicken Salad
Green Box (top right): Quest Blueberry Muffin Protein Bar turned into "Cookies"
Blue Box (bottom left):  Homemade Crunchy Cheese Crackers
Orange Box (bottom right): Pickle Chips

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Pink Box (top left): Persian Cucumber Spears 
Green Box (top right): Greek Yogurt Dip (2% plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of Zaatar)
Blue Box (bottom left): Hard Cooked Egg on a Stick with Bagel Spice
Orange Box (bottom right): Swiss Cheese Cubes

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Green Box (top right): (in the little blue container) Sugar Free Maple Syrup 
Blue Box (bottom left): Strawberries tossed with a drizzle of Smuckers Sugar Free Strawberry Topping
Orange Box (bottom right): Cottage Cheese sprinkled Cinnamon

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Green Box (top right): Cucumber "Cracker"
Blue Box (bottom left): Sugarsnap Peas and a Strawberry
Orange Box (bottom right): Greek Yogurt Dip (2% plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of Greek Seasoning)

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Pink Box (top left): Cold Cut Skewers (Ham wrapped Cucumber Spears, green olives, cheese cubes)
Green Box (top right): Quest Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar turned into "Cookies"
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's Hummus Deviled Eggs
Orange Box (bottom right): Almonds

Healthy Lunches Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Diabetes Cooking Food Menus Meal Planning Blog

Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Curry Chicken Salad 
Green Box (top right): Cherry Tomatoes 
Blue Box (bottom left): Sliced Cucumber Scoops
Orange Box (bottom right): Quest Chocolate Chip Protein Bar turned into "Cookies"






Fall Dessert: Protein Pudding Parfaits

Thanksgiving in America is typically known for watching the Macy's parade and football on TV, trying not to argue about politics with relatives and feasting until you slip into a food induced coma on the couch.

New post weight loss surgery life... maybe you can get some body moving in with a family walk or take part in an early morning Turkey Trot 5K run or walk (it's harder to argue when you are running), come home and eat a little protein packed turkey, a some veggies and low carb sides and you'll definitely want to save a little room for this fall festive dessert. It's the perfect protein packed, sweet and satisfying end to your new healthier Thanksgiving.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Diabetes Low Carb Sugar Free No Sugar Added Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Recipes

Shelly's Festive Fall Protein Pudding Parfaits

2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla or Caramel Shake (Ready to Drink RTD)
1 - 1 oz. small package Sugar Free Vanilla or Butterscotch Instant Pudding Mix (dry)
Optional: 1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Caramel Syrup
2 (4 oz.) Mandarin Oranges Fruit Cups, drained
Homemade, No Sugar Added Whipped Cream and Nonpareils

Pour the chilled shakes, pudding mix and syrup flavoring into a shaker bottle. If you choose to add a flavoring put one less Tablespoon of the shake. Shake for 3 minutes or until thickened slightly and place in fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken further.

Spoon the thickened protein pudding into glasses (I used stemless wine glasses) but if you are taking them with you on your walk use mason jars with lids (don't forget to bring a spoon with you.) Top pudding with drained mandarin oranges (look for No Sugar Added or in 100% juice cups.) Before serving top with Homemade, No Sugar Added Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of nonpareils. Makes 4-6.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Diabetes Low Carb Sugar Free No Sugar Added Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Recipes

Shelly's Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream

1 cup Whipping Cream
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor will do)

Whisk till well combined. Every batch I make a new flavor: SF Vanilla, SF Coconut, SF Almond, if you want pink cream add SF Raspberry. Fill whipping cream to the fill line of the whipper. Screw on the top. Insert the CO2 cartridge till it empties, unscrew that. Put the nozzle on, shake a few times and squirt away. It makes a ton, store it in the fridge for up to 10 days just give it another few shakes before squirting. Great on berries, shakes and smoothies, crepes. You can make chocolate whipped cream: just mix 2 Tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to recipe above before it goes into the whipper... on strawberries... OMG... so good. I made spice whipped cream by adding pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the cream before it goes in the whipper.




Don't you love the knitted Fall table accessories my Mum made me. I keep telling her she should open an Etsy store.

More Eggface Thanksgiving and Fall Recipes and Ideas


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10 Ground Beef Recipes

I recently had a few major hits to my pocketbook and it's made me do some major tightening of the budget. I know many of you can relate. I wanted to share a few of my favorite budget friendly ground beef recipes. It's a go-to in my house when I need a protein packed, inexpensive meal. You can usually find it on sale. It's super versatile and can be turned into endless family friendly meals. I hope you give a few of these a try. Let me know if you do.

Not a beef fan... you can substitute ground turkey in all of these recipes.

Cooking Healthy Bariatric Surgery Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Lunch Dinner Cooking Food

Shelly's Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Eggs
Shelly's Taco Bites (Crustless Quiches)
DIY Taco Salad Night
Shelly's Bacon Cheeseburger Mini Meatloaves
Shelly's Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

DIY Lettuce Cup Tacos - This was last night's dinner...

Recipes Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Food Menus

6 Butter/Boston/Bibb Lettuce Leaves
1/2 pound Ground Beef sauteed till no pink is seen, sprinkled with 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin just before done. Season with Salt & Pepper to taste
Pico de Gallo (or Fresh Salsa) Store Bought
Sliced Avocado
Greek Yogurt (I sprinkled a little Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning in it)
Makes about 6 "tacos"

Any leftovers are great with scrambled eggs in the morning.

Cooking Healthy Bariatric Surgery Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Lunch Dinner Cooking Food

Shelly's Sicilian Meat and Ricotta Topped Pies
Shelly's Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili
Shelly's Burrito Stuffed Peppers
Shelly's Deconstructed Cauliflower Riceless Sicilian "Rice Balls"

More Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Beef Recipes
More Post Weight Loss Surgery Budget Tips Food, Fitness, Freebies and More






Life After Weight Loss Surgery Q & A - Can I join the military after having weight loss surgery?

This seems like an appropriate question to answer on Veteran's Day. Thank you to those serve or have served.

Question: Do you know if I can join the military after having weight loss surgery? Joining the Army has always been a dream of mine.

Answer: Unfortunately, it is my understanding that you can not join the military after having weight loss surgery. According to Health Affairs Policy 07-006: “Bariatric surgery represents a major and permanent change in your digestive system that requires strict adherence to a specific dietary regimen that may interfere with operational deployment. A history of bariatric surgery is already a bar to military service and receiving bariatric surgery while on active duty may be grounds for separation.”

For some health conditions you can ask for a medical waiver but again in my reading it does not seem likely it would be approved and it is quite the process. To be certain ask your recruiter.

Some personal thoughts... those that serve in the military are often in need of many thousands of calories a day due to their energy output. Your adapted anatomy post weight loss surgery simply can not hold that quantity any longer. Consider training or serving in triple digit desert heat with only the contents of your pack with you, you would likely be unable to meet your post-operative needs in those conditions and not meeting them would be detrimental to your health making you a liability to yourself and your platoon.

If your dream is military service (it's a noble one for sure) may I suggest an adapted dream of serving in some capacity as a civilian on a military base in the U.S. or abroad. For more information about those opportunities:

U.S. Army: https://armycivilianservice.usajobs.gov/
U.S. Air Force: https://afciviliancareers.com/index.php
U.S. Marines: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/careers/#.UoZz9xBQHGE
U.S. Navy: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Pages/Default.aspx
U.S. Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/civilian/default.asp


P.S. Do not consider not sharing your complete health history. There isn't a part of you that isn't checked if you get my drift and not being forthright is not an option.

https://www.pinterest.com/eggface/protein-shakes-and-smoothies/

More Eggface Red, White & Blue Recipes and Ideas

Sources:
Health Affairs Policy 07-006 - Policy on Bariatric Surgical Procedures for Active Duty Service Members
DODI (Department of Defense Instruction for Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services), (PDF). This is the official document used by Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) doctors to determine medical eligibility for military applicants.



Healthy Tips: Setting up a Vitamin Reminder on your iPhone

If you are fellow weight loss surgery post op you know that part of our commitment to our lifestyle changes is taking vitamins. It can be a little daunting at first, the timing of everything especially if you are also on prescription medications and add in the not drinking for a time period before and after eating meals. I promise you it will become like second nature but it helps if you set yourself up for success.

Technology is often blamed for being a detriment to our health but here's a way of using it to help you remember to take your vitamins. If you are like most Americans (including myself sadly) I am never more than an arm's length from my cellphone so setting up a phone alarm to take my vitamins just makes sense and it's easy. Here's how I do it on my iPhone...

RNY WLS VSG Workout Mhealth cellphone health fitness technology

Press the Clock Icon (fig 1) then the + sign (fig 2) to add an alarm time. Scroll to the time you want the alarm to let you know to take your vitamins, don't forget to select AM or PM. Press the word Alarm (fig 3), then press the little x (fig 4) to delete the word Alarm and use the keyboard to type in the word Vitamins (or anything you want: workout, walk, time to stretch, dance break, I even write in motivational messages to myself), press Done and then Save. Confirm the correct time is switched to green/on (fig 5) Voila! You will be reminded to take your Vitamins! (fig 6)

There are vitamin reminder apps you can download for free from the simple and aptly named Vitamin Reminder or the more detailed RxRemind that will even give you a monthly report about how compliant (see % missed/late days) you've been. Even Walgreens pharmacy chain has one within their store app (you don't need to be a customer to use it) I have messed with a few but so far the phone system seems to work best for me. I'd love to hear in the comments what works for you...

and check out my article in Your Weight Matters Magazine for more ways technology can help you with your health goals: Online Resources for Health, Fitness and Well-being.


Eggface and Celebrate Vitamins Thankful for Good Health Giveaway

I am excited to partner with Celebrate Vitamins on this giveaway featuring many of their awesome bariatric vitamins and supplements including their new Black Cherry flavor Multi Complete with Iron vitamin.

This month is Thanksgiving, a day to reflect on all the things we are thankful for in our lives. One of the things I am so thankful for is having made the choice to have weight loss surgery. I no longer need to take the 8 prescription medications I was on for GERD, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and the aches and pains of carrying around 150+ extra pounds. Weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes I've made thankfully resolved all my health issues but there are some lifelong rules I now have to follow... one of which is taking vitamins FAITHFULLY. It's simply not an option not to take them and many post-operative issues and complications can be avoided if we make sure to take our vitamins every day.

Not all vitamins are created equal. Celebrate Bariatric Supplements are developed specifically with bariatric surgery patients altered guts in mind, they understand and study the science behind our unique post-op nutritional needs. I value that they are connected to our weight loss surgery community and engage their patients to hear what their needs are. Thank you.

So in honor of Thanksgiving and being so thankful for good health... It's GIVEAWAY time!


The Prize: A Nike Gym Bag perfect for toting your exercise gear to the gym or use as a carryon when visiting family this holiday season. You'll have to empty it first though because this bag is packed full of some of my favorite Celebrate Vitamins products...

15 serving bag of Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 (Chocolate)
7 Single-serving travel packets of Protein 20 (1 each of Chocolate Mint, Caramel Vanilla Swirl, Cookies and Cream, Wildberry, All-Purpose, Decaf Iced Coffee, Peanut Butter Cookie)
30 ct. Celebrate Vitamins Multi Complete with Iron Chewable (Black Cherry **New Flavor**)
90 ct. Celebrate Vitamins Calcium Soft Chew (Caramel)
90 ct. Celebrate Vitamins Sublingual B-12 Quick Melt (Cherry)
Samples of Celebrate Vitamins Multi Complete 60 Tropical and Multi Complete 45 Watermelon
1 - 24 oz. Blenderball Shaker
1 Mini Sampler Set of Sugar Free Torani Syrups (4 - 150 ml mini bottles in SF Caramel, SF Raspberry, SF Vanilla, and SF Hazelnut)
a Vitamin Pill Box Organizer
a The World According to Eggface Reusable Lunch Bag
an Eggface "Remember Why You Started" Bracelet (a little motivation for tough days)

Weight Loss Surgery Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve VSG RNY WLS Recipe Blog

How to Enter: LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (be sure to include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments/post a comment below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com

Want an extra chance to win: LIKE Celebrate Vitamins and The World According to Eggface Facebook pages. Let me know in your comments you liked the pages.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com I like both pages!

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, November 13th, (11:59 PM Pacific), sometime Monday, November 14th. I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the address provided. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. One ENTRY per person. Blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours) in seeing your comment/entry post. Giveaway is open to anyone in the U.S. only (contiguous United States plus Alaska & Hawaii mailing address only, sorry it's a international law and $ thing.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKhphyLBgCE/

Thanks Celebrate Vitamins for partnering with me on this giveaway. For more information about their extensive line of products be sure to check them out and tell them Eggface sent you.

Good Luck! 

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. Here's what yesterday's healthy and delicious menu looked like...

Breakfast: I made a batch of Protein Souffles. If you are a "bread pudding" lover this is a recipe you will want to try. It's basically breadless bread pudding. It's packed with protein and I've made a bunch of different versions so if peach isn't your thing give another flavor a try.

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

Shelly's Peach Protein Souffles

1 Large Peach, sliced
1 Egg
1/2 cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1/8 cup Unsweetened Coconut
2 Tablespoons Almond Meal
1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder
1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
dash Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup

Slice (you can peel if you like I'm lazy) and place peach slices in each 4/4-oz ramekin or custard cups. Mix all remaining ingredients in a blender till smooth. Pour mixture on top of peaches. Here's what I use.

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

If you don't have a groovy set up like this. Just place the ramekins in a large roasting pan. Place pan on oven rack and pour enough very hot water to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until set, knife inserted comes out clean.

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

You can serve them warm but I prefer them cold from the fridge. For dessert I top them with Homemade, No Sugar Added Whipped Cream or Sugar Free Hot Custard or I love them with a drizzle of SF Maple Syrup for breakfast.

My fridge died. I thankfully caught it in time to not lose much. I have a fridge in the garage and transferred what I could to that... messed with the kitchen one but nope... dead. Our triple digit summers are hard on refrigerators. So off to Home Depot I went... don't you love unexpected big ticket purchases. Ugh. Well... It'll be delivered later today. When I got home I made a late lunch...

Lunch: I made a batch of Crunchy Cheese Chips and shared them with my Mum. We used them as scoopers for tuna salad (tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, dill, salt & pepper)

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

Dinner: Zucchini & Onion "Noodles" with store bought pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese. I love my Paderno machine. I was going to make meatballs to go with but after the fridge, I was done... I added some extra cheese to bump up the protein and called it a day.

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

Shelly's Pesto & Cheese Zucchini "Noodles"

3 Medium Zucchini
1/2 Yellow Onion
2-3 Tablespoon Store bought Pesto Sauce
1/4 cup (more for top) Shredded Italian Blend Cheese
a few twists of Black Pepper

Made my "noodles" and even sent the onion through the spiralizer. 

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Recipes Food Menus Cooking

Saute the onion in a little olive oil till golden. Add the zucchini and cook till desired tenderness. I put a lid on the pan to help the zucchini along and stir a few times in the cooking time. About 5 minutes. Add pesto and cheese and saute for a minute or 2 till warmed through. Serve with more cheese on top.

It was delicious. The weather has been perfection. I love this time of year... 80's in the day and 50's at night. I took my bowl of cheesy zucchini noodles on the couch and curled up and watched some DVR'd shows... the PBS Hamilton special again (love) and some Real Housewives drama (hangs head in shame.)

Snacks: Lots of coffee and I made Quest Bar Cookies... and ate 2.

Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS Fitness Workout Recipes Food Menus Cooking

More Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus

P.S. Heads up: I've got some big giveaways starting very soon. Might want to check back this weekend and tell a friend. They are big... if they win maybe they will share ;)