Tag: #WeightLossSurgery

Protein Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Smoothie (37g Protein)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and protein-packed smoothie, this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Protein Smoothie is a must try!

It tastes just like a creamy slice of cheesecake but is designed to help you stay on track with your protein goals. This recipe is perfect for a bariatric lifestyle, especially on busy mornings when you need something fast and filling.

One of the things I love most about this smoothie is how simple it is. Everything goes right into the blender and within minutes you have a sweet, creamy drink that tastes like dessert but gives your body the protein it needs.

Even better — this smoothie packs 37 grams of protein, making it a great option for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a protein boost.

Ingredients

4 oz frozen strawberries
2 oz banana
3 oz vanilla Greek yogurt

A splash of Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup
1 Tablespoon sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
1 vanilla protein shake (I used Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake)

Optional topping:
White Chocolate Cold Foam

Instructions

Add the frozen strawberries, banana, vanilla Greek yogurt, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup, and vanilla protein shake to a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a glass and top with white chocolate cold foam if desired.

Enjoy!

Why This Smoothie Is Great for Bariatric Living

After bariatric surgery, getting enough protein each day is incredibly important. Smoothies like this make it easy to stay on track while still enjoying something that tastes amazing.

This recipe is:

✔ High protein
✔ Quick and easy
✔ Bariatric friendly
✔ Perfect for on-the-go

If you enjoy simple recipes like this, be sure to check out more recipes on Bariatric Living with Lisa where I share easy ways to make bariatric living delicious and sustainable.

Easy Protein Overnight Oats (Bariatric-Friendly Meal Prep Breakfast)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a simple, high-protein breakfast that fits into a bariatric lifestyle, these Protein Overnight Oats are one of the easiest meal prep options you can make.

In just a few minutes, you can prep multiple breakfasts for the week with zero cooking required. I made four bowls at once — two vanilla and two chocolate — so my mornings are already handled.

This recipe is great for busy schedules, post-op routines, and anyone trying to stay consistent with protein-forward meals.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup quick oats
  • 1/2 cup protein shake (Nurri Vanilla or Fairlife Chocolate — or your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl or container.
  2. Mix well until fully combined.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Grab, stir, and enjoy in the morning.

Why this works for bariatric lifestyles

  • Prioritizes protein first
  • Easy portion control
  • No morning prep required
  • Keeps you full and satisfied
  • Great texture and flavor options

Make a batch ahead of time and rotate flavors to keep breakfast from getting boring.

Vanilla or chocolate… which one are you reaching for first?

Butter-Fried Halloumi Cheese Fries (Bariatric-Friendly High-Protein Snack)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re in the bariatric stage where you’re tired of protein shakes and need something savory, this snack is a must.

Halloumi cheese fries are one of my favorite quick, satisfying, high-protein options when I want something warm, salty, and indulgent — without going off track.

I cooked these in a skillet with butter and the flavor is next-level. The outside gets beautifully golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and chewy. It honestly feels like a treat.

You can also make these in the air fryer if you want a lighter option, and they still turn out delicious.

Why this works for bariatric life:

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbs
  • Very filling in small portions
  • Helps curb cravings for fried foods
  • Quick and simple

This is one of those snacks that reminds you bariatric eating doesn’t have to be boring — it can still be comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

Protein first. Flavor Always.

Bariatric Myths vs Reality: What’s Actually Normal After Surgery

Lisa Kidd

Life after bariatric surgery comes with a lot of opinions—and unfortunately, a lot of myths. Over time, these myths can turn into guilt, fear, and the feeling that you’re “doing it wrong.”

Let’s clear a few things up.

Myth: You’ll never be hungry again.
Reality: Hunger can come back, especially months or years post-op. Hunger does not mean your surgery failed. It’s normal. At least for me, it’s normal.

Myth: Regain means you failed.
Reality: Weight fluctuations happen. Regain is feedback, not failure. It’s a chance to reassess habits—not a reason to quit.

Myth: You can’t eat carbs ever again.
Reality: Carbs aren’t the enemy. Balance, portion awareness, and protein-first choices matter more than cutting out entire food groups.

Myth: Protein has to be boring.
Reality: Protein can be delicious, satisfying, and creative. Eating well doesn’t have to feel like punishment.

What about cravings and scale stalls?
Cravings happen. Stalls happen. Neither one means you’ve messed everything up. Consistency matters more than perfection, and one off day doesn’t erase progress.

One habit I never skip:
Getting back to basics. Protein first. Hydration. Grace.

If you’re navigating life after bariatric surgery and wondering if what you’re experiencing is normal—chances are, it is. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re learning how to live in this new season.

And that counts.

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.

Reintroducing My 2018 Bariatric Journey | Why I Chose Sleeve Gastrectomy

Lisa Kidd

Today, I’m sharing a very personal piece of my past — my original 2018 introduction video from when I first talked openly about my health struggles and the road that led me to Sleeve Gastrectomy. As I relaunch my channel under Bariatric Living 101, I felt it was important to bring this video with me. It’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned and everything I share today.

My Health Was Declining, and I Knew Something Had to Change

Back in 2018, I was facing several developing health issues that were affecting my everyday life. I didn’t feel like myself anymore, and it became clear that something had to change. Bariatric surgery wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one — a medically supported choice to reclaim my health and my future.

Why I’m Sharing This Video Again

Many people who follow me now weren’t here in 2018. They may be just beginning their own bariatric journey or researching sleeve gastrectomy. I wanted to reintroduce this video to remind new viewers (and even myself) where this all started.

This video is raw, honest, and full of emotion — and it represents the moment I chose hope.

A New Chapter with Bariatric Living 101

Bariatric Living 101 is all about living a protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Today, I share recipes, tips, honest experiences, and real-life bariatric living — but it all began with the story you’ll see in this video.

Whether you’re researching surgery, newly post-op, or years into the journey, I hope this video helps you feel supported, encouraged, and understood.

Watch the Video

👉 Be sure to watch the full introduction on my YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of my rediscovered videos from earlier in my journey.

If you’re comfortable, I’d love for you to share your story in the comments — you never know who your words might encourage.

How to Stay on Track While Traveling: My Bariatric-Friendly Vacation Tips

Lisa Kidd

Traveling is one of my favorite things—new places, new foods, visiting friends and family, and stepping outside of the normal daily routine. But when you’ve had bariatric surgery or you’re trying to maintain a protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle, vacation can feel a little intimidating.

The good news? With a little planning and a few simple habits, you can stay on track and fully enjoy your trip. These are the exact tips I used on my recent vacation, and they made all the difference!

1. Pre-Plan Your Food for the Road

Before leaving home, I always pack protein-forward, travel-friendly snacks so I’m never stuck without options. Things like protein shakes, jerky, cheese sticks, low-carb snacks, and even my portable Ninja blender help me stay consistent.

Packing a few staples also prevents those “last-minute drive-thru” decisions that can happen when hunger hits. When your protein is covered, everything else becomes easier.

2. Enjoy a Picnic at Rest Stops

One of my favorite parts of road trips is stopping at a rest area with my husband, spreading out our little cooler, and having a healthy picnic.

Fresh air, shade trees, a little walk to stretch your legs—it’s such a peaceful way to break up the drive. It also keeps us from stopping at fast-food restaurants where choices can be more tempting.

It’s simple, budget-friendly, and keeps you in control of your food choices.

3. Prioritize Hydration (Especially Because of Swelling!)

Traveling—especially long car rides—can make you swell. That’s why staying hydrated is so important. I always bring my refillable water bottle and pack plenty of sugar-free drink packets so I can make flavored water anywhere.

Hydration helps:
✔ Reduce swelling
✔ Keep you energized
✔ Prevent mindless snacking
✔ Support digestion

It’s such a small thing that makes a huge difference in how you feel on vacation.

4. Don’t Skip Your Vitamins + Supplements

Just because you’re out of your routine doesn’t mean your vitamins take a vacation! I pack all of mine in a travel organizer and make it part of my morning ritual—even while away.

Travel tip:
If you ever forget your prescription or can’t get it refilled before your trip, you can call a local pharmacy where you’re staying. They can contact your pharmacy back home and transfer the prescription for you (as long as you’re in the area for a few days).

5. Make Smart Choices While Eating Out

Eating at restaurants is part of the fun of traveling—but it doesn’t have to throw you off track. My husband and I almost always share a plate, which helps with portion control and reduces waste.

I choose protein-first meals like:
• Grilled chicken or steak
• Seafood
• Bunless burgers
• Veggie sides instead of heavy carbs

You don’t have to be perfect—just choose the best option available and enjoy the experience.

6. Most of All… Enjoy Your Vacation

This is the part people forget: you are allowed to enjoy your trip.
You’re allowed to relax, taste new foods, spend time with people you love, and take in the sights.

Staying healthy doesn’t mean missing out—it just means being mindful and making choices that support how you want to feel.

Travel is about memories, not macros.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and a few intentional habits, staying on track during vacation becomes much easier. Pack your protein, hydrate, bring your vitamins, choose wisely at restaurants, and embrace the moments that make traveling special.

You deserve to feel your best—no matter where you are. 💛

Use my code BARIATRICLIVING101 for 10% off your first order at http://www.skinnymixes.com

Packing for a Bariatric-Friendly Vacation: My Protein-Forward Travel Essentials

Lisa Kidd

Heading out on vacation soon? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a few weeks with family, staying on track with your bariatric goals while traveling doesn’t have to be hard! I’ve learned that a little preparation makes all the difference. In this post, I’m sharing what I pack for a bariatric-friendly trip — everything from my protein staples to my daily vitamins — so you can stay consistent, feel your best, and still enjoy your time away.

🧳 My Bariatric Travel Essentials

1. Protein Shakes & Drinks
Protein is the foundation of my day, so I always make sure to pack my favorite ready-to-drink shakes. They’re quick, easy, and keep me full when I’m on the go.

2. Sugar-Free Syrups
Coffee is a must when traveling — but I love flavor without the sugar! I bring a few of my Jordan’s Skinny Syrups in travel-size bottles for quick, guilt-free flavor options wherever I go.

3. Portable Ninja Blender & Frother
These are game-changers for making protein coffee, shakes, or even quick smoothies right in the hotel room. My frother takes up almost no space and gives me that coffee shop feel every morning!

4. Vitamins & Medications
Routine is key. I pack a weekly pill organizer with all my bariatric vitamins and any medications, so I never miss a day — even with a busy travel schedule.

5. Protein Snacks
A few go-to travel snacks like protein bars, jerky, or low-carb cheese crisps help me avoid airport temptations and stay satisfied between meals.

🌟 Tips for Staying on Track While Traveling

  • Plan ahead: Bring what you know works for you instead of hoping to find it on the road.
  • Hydrate often: Flights, long drives, and salty snacks can sneak up on you — keep a refillable water bottle handy.
  • Don’t stress perfection: Vacations are about balance — enjoy the experience, make mindful choices, and get back on track with your next meal.

💬 Final Thoughts

Traveling after bariatric surgery doesn’t mean leaving your healthy habits behind. With a little planning, you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy your vacation — protein shake in hand!

If you want to see exactly how I packed for my trip, check out my YouTube video where I show all my bariatric-friendly travel essentials! 🎥