Food and Nutrition

OMG!! The best thing ever!!! I just started full liquids and I can pulverize anything in that thing!!! I had chicken broth with chicken and veggies. It liquified everything down with not a trace or chunks!! We made the kids a fruit smoothie ( with a few veggies in there that they will never know about) and they gobbled it up!!! Expensive... But soooo worth it ; )

How healthy is the Mac smoothie, I was advised it's full of sugar. Here is the skinny on on the cool treat from the golden archers. strawberry banana 22 oz. cup has 330 calories - there are no fresh strawberries and/or bananas, its a syrup what they called a "blend" made with strawberry puree, banana puree, Water, sugar, concentrated apple juice, and other stuff. Does anyone have additional info on the nutritional value from Micky D's smoothie. Lash

So I have accumulated about 10 kinds of protein drinks so far from various places that give samples. More to come. I hate to taste them all and not have other benefit from it- since of course my taste is not necessarily someone elses. It occurred to me that if anyone is in the area who wants to try some we could meet and do a sampling- certainly I do not have to drink a whole one to get the idea, in fact don't really want to until I have to ;-P I f there is anyone in the area who would like to get together we can also continue on to supporting our journeys.

Okay, so when we are eating very few carbs...are we supposed to stay away from all the "net carbs" diet things? I've noticed a lot if them still have a ton of total carbs. I've been strictly going by total, but an Atkins bar sure would be good right about now.

I found this stuff today and I tried it and loved it. I toasted a peice and then broke it up and used it to dip hummus in for a snack. I only ate about a quarter of one but for a whole one the nutrition facts are: 90C, 16carbs, 9 protein. While I haven't been having that many carbs.....I must say this was totally worth it b/c it fulfilled my craving for chips and dip. (what everyone else was having). Anyway, just thought I would share since I loved it so much.

Hi all, I apologize if I am nagging, and please don't hit me! I am wondering if the "Whatcha eating today" topics can be combined a little? I feel like they are pushing other topics out of sight - every third or fourth topic on here seems to be a Whatcha eating. I know we are all trying to find inspiration and to keep our menu plans "fresh", but I am wondering if we can make that a weekly topic or reuse the Monday/Tuesday etc. topics every week? We have two Mondays, two Thursdays and two Fridays up on the first page. Maybe I am the only one but I feel it pushes other topics out that offer a little more "variety" to the food & Nutrition section. If this is not…

Does anyone know the amount of calories recommended to have steady weight loss? My loss is so slow. And I will go days and days with no loss or even fluctuating up and down a pound or 2. I am almost 3 months out from surgery, I get on average 500 calories a day, but sometimes up to 900. I do exercise, though not every day. My husband says I'm the only person he knows who can apparently MAINTAIN my body weight on 500 calories a day! LOL Also metabolism...I think mine sux. How do I make that better? Thanks for any advice!

Hi everyone: I'm 7 months post-op, and I'm down 95 pounds. I've started re-introducing some carbs into my diet; whole grains mostly, but the occassional Cheez-it or Goldfish cracker also makes it into the rotation. I'm tracking my food and exercise on Livestrong.com, and their nutritional profile suggests that I can have almost 300 grams of carbs a day and still lose a pound a week. I think that sounds crazy. What are your daily carb intake limits? I'm just trying to figure out a happy medium. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

I have been a meat eater all my life and while I have been aware there are some abusive practices in our "factory farms", I must be honest that I have largely put it out of my mind until a friend sent me a video that has me really re-thinking my choices in food buying/ eating. I don't think I could ever totally give up meat, but I would really like to look seriously at ways to not support these abusive factory farms. I am just finishing up the insurance hurdles now, and hope to be setting a date for surgery soon- but this has me wondering how I could get the right dense Protein going vegan. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Note: some of the footage is extremely …

I found these Kim's Magic Pops, they are big airy crackers that have 15 calories, 0 fat and only 4 grams of crabs. They melt in your mouth but they are very good for hummus or salsa. I found them at Shop Rite in New Jersey. Just wanted to pass it on.

I have been trying to make sure I am getting enough fluids in and was worried because I do not tolerate sugar free foods like stevia, aspartame, or any other very well, and did not want to be getting too many calories. So I was tracking my calories today and I was told to get in at least 600 and my calories added up to only 320. And that's with full sugar popsicles, gatorade, etc.I was wondering how in the world you could get in 600 calories during the liquid stage (or really any stage) with only sugar free Protein Drinks, crystal light, SF popsicles, etc.?! I know SF doesn't mean calorie free, but there are so few calories there. I can see it would be more importan…

Hi, i had my surgery 20 days ago and craving everything out there. can anyone tell me what you had when you were on phase three. did you have beef and chicken?

I'm looking for emergency bar meal replacement!

I am having an obsession right now on the costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp that they sell in the prepared food section. would anyone happen to know the stats on this? I eat it in 2.5 oz portions. thanks so much!!! Patti

So today I went for my 1 month post op appointment. My doctor says I'm doing great. I'm pissed because I haven't lost any weight this week. I haven't gained any either, so that's a good sign. He's concerned because I'm only averaging about 450-500 calories a day. I just can't eat that much. I've been scared to try food too much, still holding strong to puree because I'm afraid to stretch my sleeve. He wants me to get at least 750-800 calories and to start trying to eat real food. Do you have any suggestions of what I can eat? Right now my diet is all Protein, except my 1 yogurt a day. I have 1 Protein shake in the morning, 1 yogurt as a mid morning snack, som…

so far ive gone online and bought the following Multivitamin chewable chewable Iron Vitamin D b12 unjury chicken Soup anything else you guys can recommend such as the best Protein shakes and that kind of thing i know im going to need Jello

I'm now on the soft food part of my diet, and I was wondering if bread counts as soft foods. I want a taste of bread so bad. It can be wheat bread or whole grain for all I care. I know white bread is out. That's so sad. Just wondering when you started eating bread, if at.

I was told no carbonated beverages for six months post-op. Is this what your Nuts told you? I work night shift and REALLY miss my Coke Zero! I have been drinking iced tea and coffee ( even though it has caffeine), but I can't shake my soda craving! I'm almost 4 mo post- op and am curious if it will truly stretch out my sleeve if I drink an occasional carbonated beverage.

I was just wondering when it is okay to have a salad? I love one of the salads at panera, but was told not too much fibrous vegetables yet and wondered how people do on salads in general? Thanks

I usually have 1 yogurt a day as a my snack. The goal is to keep me from starving in between meals. I don't know what it is, but whenever I eat yogurt, I am STARVING about an hour after I eat it. I wasn't this hungry before I had it. The sad thing is, I can't eat for another hour. This is the only time that I can't wait to eat, is after I have yogurt. I don't get hungry like this any other time of the day. And it doesn't matter when I eat it. I guess it just passes right through me or something.

I had my surgery 6 days ago & I am feeling really hungry. I am just wondering what were you doing for that food craving at this stage?

I just got this article in a newsletter. I wanted to share it since I am on a fruit kick and thought I may be doing some damage, but apparently I'm just adapting to a different mindset. Don't get me wrong, i'm not overindulging in fruit, just eating it to satisfy my sweet tooth, instead of candy or Cookies, and it does help keep the plumbing flowing if you know what i mean. Hope you enjoy! http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102445124327-68/protein+first+is+inadequate.pdf Patti

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-link-carbs-diabetes.html

Can anyone give me some advice on the best protein bars? I am looking for the highest protein, without a lot of carbs and calories. I also want something that isn't a chore to eat because it taste bad. I have just been cleared by my surgeon to try protein bars and there are so many choices it is over whelming.

I've seen a LOT of references to "slider foods" on the boards here, what exactly are slider foods? And are they bad or just kinda, eh?

I had my surgery 1/26/11. I have just had 4 bites of a hamburger and I am over stuffed. I stopped my fluids 30 minutes ago and chewed at least 25 times. The same thing happens with chicken. Is this normal? pat

Would this be suitable for liquid stages, or is it too salty? Maybe just a weird idea but i like the taste!

I just want a little bit of sushi. I am 3 weeks out and I am wondering if it will be okay?

Check out this great link for low carb stuff! http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/low_carb_products1.html

I'll be able to start soft solids soon. YAY! There've been a few things I've been curious about. I looked at my nut's plan and it's not very clear so I looked at the Northwest Obesity Plan...still not clear. When were yall able to have: Cereal (like cheerios) slices of cheese or cheese sticks VEGETABLES! I'm craving veggies so badly. I would love some squash or zucchini or mushrooms or something... esp carrots.. carrots would be good too. Fruit? Aside from bananas what kind of fruit did yall start off on? Is there anything else yall started introducing during the soft solids stage that hasn't even entered my mind yet? Anything that's a definite "don't even thin…

For the past few weeks, the urge to have something sweet has been getting stronger. I figured maybe it was that I wasn't getting all my nutrition in so I upped my protein intake. I've begun to drink more water and I've been working out and strength training fairly good (almost 1.5 hrs every day). So why am I feeling like I want to take a pack of double stuffed oreo's and just jam them into my mouth? It's like I need to have something sweet, and if I don't, I go stir crazy. Is there something I need to switch up perhaps. Or is it all in my head?

I've always been one to save money and go generic but what I experienced recently really surprises me. I have been using Mirilax for years, constipation has been an issue for me my entire adult life. We saw that there was a generic version available for a few bucks less so we bought it. After all, a few bucks is a few bucks. I started using it shortly thereafter and started to get backed up again. I got miserable and bloated and was constipated just like when not on it. I added a dose now and again thinking I just needed extra, still nothing. I stopped drinking as much Water because I was feeling poorly and then got kidney stones as a reward. I wondered if t…

Prior to surgery, I ate a lot of chicken, but I am finding that since surgery, I can barely choke down a bite or maybe two--and then my stomach feels uncomfortable for a while after. I'm wondering how other people are preparing their chicken so that it's tender? I have to say my previous method of grilling skinless boneless chicken breasts under the broiler is a total FAIL!

I found this article and thought I would share, Not sure if I believe it entirely. The little-known weight-loss secret Eating a diet packed with the right kind of carbs is the little-known secret to getting and staying slim for life. When we talk about the right kind of carbs, we mean Resistant Starch. Hundreds of studies conducted at respected universities and research centers have shown Resistant Starch helps you eat less, burn more calories, feel more energized and less stressed, and lower cholesterol. Sound too good to be true? Here are eight evidence-based reasons you must get carbs back in your life if you are ever to achieve that coveted sleek, slim look. …

Sorry for the long post and the bragging! I just can't hold it in any more! I went in to my family doc last Friday and had 4 or 5 vials of blood drawn. They did a BUNCH of tests on me. I just got the news today. Everything is almost PERFECT! Iron, blood count, liver function, Vitamins all right down the middle of normal. Total cholesterol is 177, triglycerides is 114 !!! Blood sugar (fasting) 88! All the other figures were spot on! Now the funny part About 6 months ago I started testosterone replacement injections as my testosterone was very low at 150 (300-600 is normal). After just a month it really helped me mentally and physically. …

Dear Americans Will you help me? I am from the small country of Denmark in Europe. California and the Oscars will receive me on tuesday :-) (already hiding from the paparazzi's) In Denmark I drink proteindrinks from the pharmacy - I will take some with me to the States. But what can I buy in the states when I get there? I am staying at a hotel without a fridge and kitchen. 1) Can you help me with any good Protein sources that I can buy in the Supermarket? Brands? 2) From take away places? Pharmacies? 3) I remember some members in here have mentioned a clear Protein Drink from USA. Where can I buy this? Any help is much appreciated. A few words will …

I'm only 18 days out of surgery. I know that I can't have tomatoes until I'm 4 months post op. I'm struggling because I love them so, but it's what I have to do. What I didn't realize is how many foods have tomatoes in them. This weekend I went I had pureed fish, that was really soft so I had a bite, chewed it like 400 times and swallowed. I never once thought about the fact that cocktail sauce is tomato based.That little taste of cocktail sauce is what started the worst acid reflux that I've ever had in my life. My throat has been bubbling, and I can't swallow. Even liquids are getting stuck in my throat because of the indigestion. Now, I love tomatoes, but I've…

So I work at a major airport and was totally stressed all day. So much drama that I was going crazy. (and that was just with the co-workers) So I come home and start to cook. I took all the veggies out I had, celery, carrots, leak, garlic, onion and diced it up and threw it into a pot. Then I cut up some chicken and threw that in with some bullion cubes. I took a cup and blended it all together for my first real meal. I am happy to report that only 1/2 a cup later and I'm stuffed. I'm so happy that its all I can eat!!!! And it tasted great! I now have lunch for tomorrow and the next and the next.

I had been having issues with being very tired for the past few weeks. Come to find out, I was low on iron-(anemic). This was due to me taking children's chewable vitamins that didn't have the correct amount of iron (actaully the one I grabbed at the store had none ). I had bought a bottle because I couldn't swallow those big vitamins post- op. I didn't even check the label for the ingredients since I knew I would only take them temporarily. (Plus I was at the store three days post-op and I was a little out of it). Now, that I am on a multi-vitamin with iron, I feel great! I have energy to work out. I just thought I would share, especially for newbies. This is us…

I am trying to get all the practices that will be needed into routine now, hoping to have the surgery in April or May. I have found it fairly easy to chew the heck out of everything, and actually find it has me eating less since I feel full sooner. But sipping liquid slowly all day and never while eating is proving more challenging . I forget to do it, then find I am way behind on my fluids, and also have trouble keeping it to a small amount of Fluid. I am thinking that the fact drinking a lot will cause me to likely vomit may be the best enforcer of this habit! But I would love to hear of any tips or ways you have managed to do this.

So far I am really liking the Unjury samples I bought. Amazed they taste great with just water.

Another post about calorie confusion reminded me about cycling. Has anyone ever tried this? It's supposed to help avoid plateaus and preserve muscle and 'trick' your metabolism so your body isn't entering homeostasis. You work with a weekly calorie count instead of daily and cycle the days up and down eating more calories on days when you have more intense workouts. Here is an easy read that explains it in more detail. http://www.answerfitness.com/316/zig-zag-dieting-fitness-nerd/ We are already learning portion control and keeping track of calories and measuring so I think that it would be easier for us than for someone who's just on a diet. This would be…

Ok so thought i would try chewing up a pita chip and see how it went down...well the answer is way too easy!! so i had another and another...at least with the sleeve i had to stop or i fear it wld have been like pre surg i really need to get back to work tooo much time to rumage around the kitchen!! im three weeks out and only have a twinge or two of pain where they took out the drain.

Hi All, I thought I'd share a lesson I learned. I went out of town for about two weeks and really did not give my vitamin/protein needs a thought thinking it is only two weeks what can it hurt. I brought my vitamins with me but didn't always take them and ate poorly. So I get back had my six month blood test which in Dec were great and my vitamin D and calcium were below normal and my phosphorus was elevated. So yes taking your vitamins is extremely important!

I don't know about you, but I am pretty sure we have all thought that - why does my skinny friend seem to eat loads of fatty/carby food and lose weight while I am picking at some low fat meal? Well, I just watched the BBC documentary "The Big Fat Truth about Low Fat Foods" and I think it's so true. You can check it out here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00yrvhg/The_Big_Fat_Truth_about_Low_Fat_Foods/ If it is not available in your area, you can find a torrent download in the "usual places". I have actually taken this very much to heart after surgery, when I decided to go back to eating "normal" food and try to avoid all "low fat", "low sugar", "low carb" f…

Just ate 4 oz of it, grilled....119 cal and 26 GRAMS OF PROTEIN!! Sweet!!!

Ok It's 85 outside.. it was in the 90s yesterday.. I'm feeling summer mode creeping up on me. I was looking at drink mixers for summer of course (along with shorts & tank tops... YIKES!!!!). I know, I'm going to wait until I'm cleared for alcohol but a girl can dream in the meantime can't she? I came across a brand of mixers called Baja Bob's. They're all low to no carb/0 cal etc etc. They're Hungry Girl approved as well. Has anyone tried them? I've VERY curious how they are before I spend the money because I love me some tropical rum drinks in tiki glasses on the deck in our backyard with the dh & our herd of dogs. The website is BajaBob.com if anyone is inter…

I know this might not be the best topic of conversation, but I noticed that I am not having bowel movements on a regular basis. It takes me about 3 days to have one. Is this normal or should I be worried? How can I treat it and what can I take to become regular? valleygirl

My parents gave me a Keurig coffee Maker for Christmas. I used to love all coffees and flavored teas. I haven't drank them much lately and went for about 6 weeks without any caffiene. I have set this machine up and ordered various k-cups and am now drinking this through the day. Coffee in the morning and tea later in the day. It has helped me get my fluids in because I am constantly sipping all day. I don't drink the cups that have sugar in them. I also am using a sugar free lowfat creamer with some of the coffee and sometimes just skim milk which has Protein in it.. My question is this.....should I be doing this? I really love this new machine and it is so …

HI, I am trying to find a calcium supplement you do not have to divide into three or more doses a day if possible. I have tried Celebrate berries and cream chewables and did not like them. I can swallow pills, even large one no problems, I just want to make sure I am taking the right kind so I am looking for everyone to please tell me what type of calcium you are taking and at what dosage. Thank you to everyone who responds.