Tag: #PostOpLife

Easy High-Protein Breakfast & Coffee Using Aldi Finds

Lisa Kidd

Some mornings call for something quick, comforting, and still supportive of a bariatric lifestyle. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite easy Aldi breakfasts that checks all those boxes.

Protein Waffles from Aldi

I recently found protein waffles at Aldi, and they’ve quickly become a staple. Two waffles provide 12 grams of protein, and they toast up perfectly. I like to keep it simple by topping them with Sugar-Free Log Cabin Syrup—no fuss, no guilt.

Cozy French Vanilla Coffee

My coffee today was made with Barissimo French Vanilla coffee, Aldi’s brand. To make it feel like a coffeehouse treat, I added:

  • A splash of Jordan’s Iced Cinnamon Roll Skinny Syrup
  • A splash of Jordan’s Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Skinny Syrup
  • Heavy cream
  • A pinch of salted caramel salt

Stir it all together, and it’s nice, cozy, and satisfying without added sugar.

Why This Works for Bariatric Living

  • High-protein and low-sugar
  • Quick and realistic for everyday life
  • Budget-friendly Aldi finds
  • Feels indulgent without derailing goals

If you’re navigating post-op life or simply trying to eat with intention, meals like this prove that simple can still be delicious.

Viral Sweet Potato Stuffed With Cheese (Bariatric-Friendly Take)

Lisa Kidd

Viral recipes don’t always work for a bariatric lifestyle—but every once in a while, one catches my attention. The sweet potato stuffed with cheese, originally shared by Courtney Cook, is one of those recipes I had to try for myself.

Sweet potatoes often get a bad reputation, but when eaten in moderation and paired with protein and fat, they can absolutely have a place in post-op life. This recipe is simple, comforting, and incredibly customizable.

Why This Recipe Works for Bariatric Living

  • Simple, whole-food ingredients
  • Easy to control portions
  • Can be paired with added protein if needed
  • Comfort food without feeling over-the-top

How I Made It

I baked my sweet potato until soft, cut one end off, and ran my knife down the center of the potato, and stuffed it with cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, satisfying filling. From there, you can customize it—add protein, seasonings, or keep it simple depending on your goals and tolerance. I cut mine in quarters, added some chicken and green beans to my plate to make a rounded-out meal. Delish!!

Bariatric Tips

  • Focus on portion size
  • Consider adding protein (chicken, ground beef, cottage cheese, etc.)
  • Eat slowly and mindfully
  • Remember: balance > perfection

Viral recipes don’t have to be off-limits. With a little intention, they can be enjoyed in a way that supports your bariatric journey.

If you love trying viral food trends through a bariatric-friendly lens, be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more recipes, encouragement, and real-life after surgery.

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza (Carnivore Pork Crust)

Lisa Kidd

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza with Carnivore Pork Crust

A Bariatric Living 101 Recipe

If you’re craving pizza while staying true to a bariatric-friendly, low-carb lifestyle, this Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza delivers all the comfort without the carb overload. 🍍🍕

This recipe is a twist on my Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, but this version leans ketovore with classic Hawaiian flavors and a touch of sweetness — all built on a high-protein carnivore pork crust.

The crust is blended together in a food processor, creating a sturdy, flavorful base that holds toppings beautifully and reheats well for leftovers.

Carnivore Pork Crust Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup ground pork rinds
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons cream cheese spread
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Dill, to taste

Ketovore Hawaiian Toppings

(All toppings are added to your liking)

  • Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauce
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Black Forest ham, chopped
  • Pineapple chunks (drained, in its own juice — no heavy syrup)
  • Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add all crust ingredients to a food processor.
  3. Blend until fully combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 2: Form & Bake

  1. Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
  2. Press mixture evenly into a pizza shape.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.
  4. Carefully drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Toppings

  1. Spread Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added BBQ sauce over the crust.
  2. Add onion, green pepper, ham, and pineapple.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Final Bake

  1. Return pizza to the oven and bake an additional 8–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy mindfully.

Bariatric Living Tips

  • Pineapple is optional and can be reduced for stricter keto
  • This pizza reheats beautifully in the air fryer
  • Crust can be pre-baked and frozen for meal prep

Refreshing Sugar-Free Protein Drink Hack

Lisa Kidd

If you’re tired of drinking plain protein shakes, this simple protein drink hack is about to become your new favorite. It’s light, refreshing, sugar-free, and completely customizable — perfect for bariatric life or anyone focused on high-protein, low-carb living.

One of the biggest challenges after surgery (or during weight loss) is finding ways to enjoy protein without getting bored. This drink feels more like a fun, flavored refresher than a traditional protein shake — and it’s incredibly easy to make.

🥤 Protein Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 sugar-free drink packets (any flavors you love)
  • A small amount of water
  • Ice
  • 1–2 splashes of sugar-free syrup (optional)
  • 1 ready-to-drink protein shake

Directions:

  1. Add the drink packets to a cup with a small amount of water and stir until fully dissolved.
  2. Fill the cup with ice.
  3. Add a splash or two of sugar-free syrup if desired.
  4. Pour in your protein shake.
  5. Stir well and enjoy!

Flavor Combo I Used

  • Welch’s Cherry Pomegranate
  • Sonic Ocean Water

This combo is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warmer days — but the possibilities are endless.

💡 Why This Works for Bariatric Life

  • Helps increase protein intake
  • Encourages hydration
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Easy on the stomach
  • Totally customizable

If you try this protein drink, let me know your favorite flavor combo! And be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more protein-forward recipes and tips that make this lifestyle easier — and more enjoyable.

Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Lisa Kidd

If you love classic comfort desserts but want a lower-sugar option, this Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone following a bariatric or low-sugar lifestyle.

This recipe combines tender apples, tart cranberries, warm spices, and a buttery cake topping—all without traditional sugar. It’s one of those desserts that no one will believe is sugar-free.

Ingredients

  • 5 apples, cubed
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup Splenda
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pillsbury Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 16–20 pats of butter

Instructions

  1. Sauté apples and cranberries in a skillet with butter, Splenda, and both Skinny Syrups until tender.
  2. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry and stir into the fruit mixture until thickened.
  3. Transfer fruit filling to a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Evenly spread the zero-sugar cake mix over the fruit.
  5. Top with butter pats.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

One of my favorite ways to add flavor without added sugar is by using Jordan’s Skinny Syrups. The caramel and brown sugar cinnamon flavors give this dump cake that classic holiday taste without the sugar spike.

👉 You can save 10% on your first order at skinnymixes.com by using my code: BARIATRICLIVING101

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free dump cake is proof that you don’t have to give up dessert to stay on track. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for holidays or anytime cravings hit.

Sleeve vs SIPS: Two Bariatric Surgeries, One Friendship

Lisa Kidd

As I continue sharing my rediscovered 2018 bariatric videos on Bariatric Living 101, today’s video holds a very special place in my heart.

In this throwback video, I’m joined by my friend Penny. Penny and I met at the bariatric center and ended up having our surgeries on the exact same day. While we walked into surgery together, we chose two different bariatric procedures. I had Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Penny chose SIPS.

A Quick Protein Taste Test Before the Talk

Before our discussion begins, I share a quick taste test of a protein pudding I picked up from Aldi and give my honest thoughts. Finding protein-focused foods that actually taste good is a big part of bariatric life — and I’ve always believed in keeping things real.

Sleeve Gastrectomy vs SIPS: Our Experiences

In our conversation, Penny and I talk openly about:

  • What led us to choose different surgeries
  • How Sleeve Gastrectomy and SIPS differ
  • Early recovery experiences
  • What life looked like shortly after surgery

This wasn’t about saying one surgery is better than the other — it was about sharing real experiences so others could feel informed while making their own decisions.

Why I’m Sharing This Video Now

Many people following Bariatric Living 101 today are still in the research phase of their bariatric journey. Hearing firsthand experiences from patients who chose different paths can be incredibly valuable — and this video captures that honesty from the very beginning of my journey.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, newly post-op, or just looking for community, I hope this video reminds you that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — only the choice that’s right for you.

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for more bariatric lifestyle content, recipes, and rediscovered moments from my journey.