LB4Me

I'm not a vegetarian, but here are a few ideas. Soft fish, Tilapia, salmon, is always good. Try fat free vegetarian refried Beans. Mix in some salsa to loosen them up. A bit of FF cheese and sour cream, very good, filling and high in Protein. Mashed caulifower is always good. Cook in veggie stock and mash with a little FF sour cream. Grill a portabello mushroom, top with a slice of tomato, some basil and some mozzerella cheese and broil til melted. Try tuna mixed with mashed avocado. Make vegetarian chili with black beans (high in protein) and lots of tomatoes. You may also want to get unflavored Protein powder to add to meals to get your protein in.

This is by far the hardest part of the whole process. If you can do it, you will find that after surgery, you can stick to just about anything. Try to drink Protein shakes with as much protein as possible. The instant breakfast drinks and many so-called "diet drinks", while much better tasting than some Protein Drinks, do not have enough protein to keep you full and keep your strength up. The more protein, the fuller, longer.

Great illustration! I wish more doctors would be honest with their WLS patients on what to expect.

You're a winner at being a loser!

Is my husband living in your house?

I agree with Shirlee and Elcee. First, until you are banded and at restriction, you do not know what you can eat or tolerate. It is different for everyone. Protein s/ always be first, and most can no longer tolerate white meat - chicken, pork, etc. Chicken thighs, really high quality steak, etc are the best. While traditional "gravy" may not seem like a smart diet choice, most of us know that any sauce or moistening agent, makes the protein easier to consume. Once you are at or near restriction, it is more about moderation, than dieting. If dieting worked, than we wouldn't need the band now, would we?

I haven't had any problem swallowing regular Tylenol geltabs (not caps).

Weigh to go Jenn.

Congratulations Denise! Thanks for continuing to support those of us still on our journey.

I had a last supper of oysters as well. But on vacation in FL, I decided to try one. They were very, very, fresh. We shucked them ourselves and I had no problems. Had a fill since then and had one off my husbands plate the other night. And again, no issue. I always look for the smallest, juiciest however. Never a big clam fan. But I can eat mussels. And crab is great. I stay away from shrimp and lobster cause I have heard too many stuck horror stories involving shrimp. Everyone is different when it comes to the band. You have to experiment with what you can and can't eat. And that will change over time as well.

Lynn - Glad you liked the idea. When we reach our goals, we should share a picture of our bracelets. (BTW - I pick my charms in advance too!). - J.

Joyce checking in. 274! Down 4lbs. Made my mini goal of losing 50lbs before my anniversary. Yah me! Larry, loved the awards post! My bad habit. I'm still adverse to exercise. I need to start getting a least some form of it. Longer, daily walks at the very least.

Funny. I don't remember mine either. I do remember my first mushie was scrambled eggs. I remember that I wanted meatloaf as my first meal. But do not think I had it.

Congratulations. Thanks for the inspiring post. Raising my water to you.

278. Down a pound. - Joyce

Chobani lowfat with fruit on the bottom. I haven't had a problem with it.

Larry - I hope I'm not too late. I'm missed last month's challenge. Name, real or screen~ LB4Me (Joyce) Goal weight for Febuary 29th~ 270 Weight on Febuary 1st~ Today's weight is: 279 Age~ 52 Dietary goal for Febuary~ Water, water, water Exercise goal for Febuary~ Take a walk every day this month. Personal goal for Febuary~ Send out resumes. Date banded~ 10/21/11 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 45 lbs. Do you have any Valentines day plans (How do you plan to handle Valentines dinner)~ I get a fill on VD. So I'll drink my Protein shake in a stemmed glass!

I award myself with Pandora charms. When I had the surgery, my husband bought me the bracelet. And my mom bought me the first charm. Now I add a charm whenever I lose 20 lbs. When i wear it, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Low sodium deli meat, laughing cow cheese and cucumbers are always a good on the go lunch. Use the cucumbers as you would a cracker. I also find that I eat a lot of greek yogurt and cereal for lunch now. Very filling.

Great accomplishment!

Great NSV!

Normal. I get them when I eat too fast or am full. They took me by surprise the first time too.

Congratulations.

22 year old guys are not going to notice the scars. Have fun. Use protection.

As you start to introduce solid foods, you may get gas. In all forms. Take Gas X or another antacid. As PP said, avoid ibuprophin as much as possible. It can erode your stomach lining which is not safe with the band.