I'm so impressed with everyone's menus, but...

I'm 5 months out and very happy to report that my pouch is so incredibly sensitive to EVERYTHING that I haven't even considered trying anything from my 'old fast food habit days'.  But even if I could, I would wait until I'm much closer to goal... don't want to waste my honeymoon period - that's super important to me.

Even though I know I can't tolerate it, the smell of the KFC when I drive by still makes me drool.  And how I'd LOVE to have a Jack in the Box Onion ring or two.  But nope... for me, there is no going back.  I will not allow myself those naughty luxuries.  It's not worth it, right?!  (Chanting to myself:  It's not worth it, it's not worth it, it's not worth it...)  There.  I'm good for now.   :)  

Repeating what Grim said - 1 gram of protein every 10 calories.  That's your rule of thumb, particularly during the losing phase.  When you're in maintenance, you can try to figure out where or if you can relax your eating.  But right now, no.  No Taco Bell for you!  If you're craving Mexican taste, go to bariatric foodie blogspot (you can google it) and look up the recipe for the taco casserole.  It's one of Nik's easiest and tastiest recipes, and you can control the ingredients to make sure it's protein dense.

I've been to Wendy's and have had the grilled Chicken Sandwich, minus some of the bun (top or bottom). I can't say I've "craved" anything. I'm typically looking for something to eat and am going for what I feel is the best choice based on my eating plan for the day. 

I've eaten out a few times, and make choices equivalent to what I would have ant home. Yesterday I ordered roast beef and peppers sub, ate the roast beef & peppers, left the bread. I had 1/2 and saved the other half dinner. (In the past that entire thing would have been lunch, with fries, or chips and soda). 

If I were "just" eating a 400 calorie cup of pinto beans occasionally, I would not have gotten to the weight I was. The reality was far, far worse. There are certain things I will avoid.. and my case they are cakes, donuts etc. I know I can't control my intake with those-- so i don't entertain them at all. I have been desiring ice cream-- and I'm not even a huge fan. I use strawberries and FF cool whip to substitute but do plan on indulging at least once this summer.

My weight loos has been consistent-- I'm almost 3 months post op. 

Wendy's Grilled Chicken was my go to. Without the bun, it is 27 grams of protein and 130 calories. Can't get much better than that.

Good to know, Grim... thanks.

Agree....Chik-fil-A also has grilled chicken nuggets. 8 nuggets is 23 grams of protein and 140 calories. There and Wendy's are the only allowable fast food for me.

If you want taco, you can melt cheese like a cheese chip and form it into a taco shell and stuff it with taco meat.. or use a lettuce wrap. 

I have eaten at Taco Bell twice since my surgery (RNY).  While out it was the place everyone went to so I didn't have much choice.  However, what I did was order a Nacho supreme (Meat and beans only) Cheese/chips on the side.  I added a little cheese to my meat and beens gave the chips (don't need or want the carbs) to my daughter and husband to SHARE (as I do not want to cause them extra weight because I'm wanting to lose weight).  The next time I had a taco and asked for a Tostada trey (empty) dumped my taco into the trey and ate my taco with no shell (don't need or want the carbs).  Both ways made me feel like I was eating taco bell and kepted me as much on track as possible in that situation.  Good Luck!! 

Some people do eat refried beans with melted cheese during the soft stage. Go look at the blog "The world according to eggface" she has lots of ideas to keep you going at any stage. Why not make the beans and cheese at home. I doubt you could eat that much anyway so early out. Do I allow myself special foods now and then - yes. Like when my son and family are visiting. It is always best planned, and make it really good- not taco bell. Figure out the mexican cravings at home.

You do realize don't you that in about 10 mos. you will start losing your malabsorbtion so do you really want to waste that time by eating Taco Bell? I would either make something at home or skip it. It is far too easy to start sliding down that slippery slope.