MonaLisa2

Thank you!!! :-)

I haven't heard of this either.

Okay--I am trying to be helpful. Meal replacements have tons of vitamins and minerals added--regular protein shakes do not and are typically used by body builders, not weight loss folks (well at least NOT to replace meals). My nutritionist and staff went over this with us during our classes before surgery. I have protein supplement drinks I use on my liquid days--these are flavored and taste like Kool-Aid, but are not to be used to replace a meal--only to help me get in enough protein on such days when I cannot. To each his own-do what works best for you. :-)

There is a difference between a meal replacement and a supplement. I found this on a website where you can buy actual replacements. "There is a very distinct difference between protein shakes and meal replacement shakes. A protein shake is just a concentrated protein powder that can be mixed into liquid like water or milk. A meal replacement shake contains multiple vitamins and minerals to help with all of the nutritional needs that you would normally receive if you were eating a healthy meal. Protein shakes still exist but they are really only a supplement for body builders. Meal replacement shakes are far more versatile when it comes to having all of the nutritional needs a meal needs to provide. Meal replacement shakes are designed to REPLACE one or two of your daily meals. Meal replacement shakes are specially formulated for weight loss and weight maintenance. These shakes are designed to give you a wide range of essential nutrients in a low calorie meal substitute, rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates." I hope this helps you.

I had to have my band removed in August 2011. I did not revise. I've maintained my weight. It is a struggle, but I'm never going back to where I was before. If you need some tips, feel free to ask me! I'm sending positive thoughts your way!!!

Okay, I know this isn't the healthiest snack, but often times when I have the salty/crunchy cravings, I grab a serving of pork rinds. (A serving is usually 1/2 ounce or 14 grams.) This usually helps!! Pickles are awesome too!!

To be honest with you, I used to have a protein shake for breakfast because I was usually to tight to eat anything in the mornings. Now I have Proti Oatmeal (less carbs and more protein) or a protein shake or a protein bar or maybe Egg Beaters with Canadian bacon and guac (usually weekends). Sometimes I may have PB2 and half a whole wheat round. I rarely have regular oatmeal or any other cereal due to carb content. I haven't had rice for anything since my initial surgery.

Mis73, that was my exact plan given to me by my doctor as well.

I sincerely hope that someone who never had the band wouldn't come here--what would that accomplish? Why would they waste their time and energy? I simply believe that people have different experiences and this lends itself to different comments regarding the band. I try to take the good and the bad here, as I've experienced both.

My pcp was helpful with documentation regarding my previous attempts to lose weight; but she also knew me before I gained a lot of weight. She thought I could do it on my own, and wasn't sure that banding was a good idea for anyone, based upon researching she did for other patients. She encouraged me to lose the weight and didn't stand in my way. Shortly after I had surgery, she retired. I don't think she's even seen me since I've lost weight.

Hi Hayley!! I found a link that is pretty close to what I did and how I progressed with my diet in each phase: http://www.murfsurg.com/dietary_guidelines_lap_band.htm I hope this helps you!!

Okay! I misunderstood! Eating the protein first sounds right to me. I usually wouldn't have a salad--I would eat veggies like green beans.

I used to drink protein shakes every morning because my band felt too tight until the afternoon. I don't see anything wrong with having one in the morning to get a good start on protein for the day. My PA said no more than one a day after the healing period because eating solid food would keep me feeling full longer and she was right. There were times when sick that I would drink protein supplements (like Bariwise juice drinks) and not eat much. Since meeting goal, and maintaining without the band, I have one day per week when I have a "liquid day." I have a protein shake in the morning, protein soup for lunch, etc. (It's really more like a soft food day because I have Greek yogurt and cottage cheese sometimes.) It's just kind of like a reset for the week. :-)

I agree with you, Carolina Girl, about there being better options. I know each of us have different directions given by our doctors and nutritionists, but I always chose/choose protein over bread/tortillas. It seems to me if something was a different consistency, like toasted bread, melba toast, crackers...it went down easier. ( It also sounded to me like she was craving carbs...)

I'm not sure why you would remove the protein. Isn't that what we are supposed to eat first?