SteveFrett

As you approach the soft foods stage (and I'm not writing about mushies), don't forget to consider your daily carb grams...many of us have been advised to avoid the foods which are over processed and/or that the body will quickly convert to sugar (usually considered to be "white" anything). These types of foods will not keep hunger away the same as Proteins and basic carbs, such as fruits and vegetables which are skinless and overcooked (the veggies, not the fruit ).

Some of the soft foods recommended to me were home prepared meat salads; dark meat chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, shrimp salad. Use light mayo, and avoid pickle relish and celery. Also, moist, flaky salmon, tilapia, cod. Also shaved deli meats; ham, turkey breast, chicken breast. The higher quality meats such as Boar's Head Brand tend to have more moisture in them.

For Fiber carb choices, any fresh fruit without the peel is alright to have. banana, avocado grapefruit, peaches, and strawberries were a few on my list. For vegetables, boiled until tender the list included broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green Beans, tomatoes, and summer squash. Yams and oatmeal(not the quick cooking or instant type) were included on the list for complex carbs.
BTW, Jello is considered to be a liquid...and has basically no nutritional value. At this stage of life with the band, everything we eat has to deliver big on nutritional value. Be certain to focus on getting your Protein goal met every day.

Hi folks,
I want to start off by saying congradulations to everyone who has either made the choice or considering it!
I had my proceedure done in 2006 and since then I have lost 160 lbs. so I thought I would share some of my discoveries with everyone, maybe this can help you out or someone else you know who is having issues. As many of you may or may not know is that Weather does and will effect your band. I found the more hot and humid the air is the less i can eat. I found that consuming something hot before you eat helps, and i did confirm with Dr. Kurian, Hot liquids will make your essopogus relaxed and allow an eaider flow, also helps to drink hot liquids while eating if you are experiencing that clogged sensation, BUT BE CAREFUL!!!
too much can also cause you to throw up. so take small sips! Alcahol is also another that will have same effect but don't recomend drinking carbonated beverages(BEER) that will only end up as a disaster! Another tip for those who love salads , very important, wich i'm sure your nutricianists must have warned you of is Greens will cause bloackage! Cucumbers, celery, roman, iceburge all are killers! for me! Now again this is not to say this will happen to everyone, Each person has similar experences some can eat foods others can't do'nt be a hater just find a alternative of that food you can't eat and make it work for you!
An example I still love pizza!!!!! but to keep a slice down was impossible, so i put my evil genius to work, also helps that i'm a cook too! but what i came up with is this take a ordinary flour tortilla, for those who have one place the tortilla on a pizza stone preheat oven to highest setting, brush light extra virgin olive oil on tortilla , helps makes crispy, palce tortilla on stone if have one if not a baking sheet works as well, let the tortilla bake for about 3-4 minuets take out of oven, let cool for minuet, next add sauce (if you desire) place back in oven and let cook for another 2-3 minuets on highest setting, remove tortilla from oven now you will add your cheese, go easy on cheese! too much will make you throw up. If anyone is from NY and is Familiar with Lombardi's Pizza they were the 1st to introduce us to Pizza there style is slighty different but damn good insread of shredded mozzerella cheese they put grated Parmasian cheese, same as Frank's pizza too . But this is just an alternative worth trying once! ok so obviously the next step would be to put cheese and toppings of your choice again be careful think with your brain not your stomach! I personaly prefer my pizza extra crunchy! and this a good portion size depending on tortilla size of course i usually use a 5 or 8 in, If anyone has any feedback or tips they would like to share please feel free! Again I want to tell everyone CONGRATS! be proud of yourself, yes its a difficult journey, you will get frustrared, you will think you can't do it, but the truth is you can! I am just one of many who are living proof and are here to help all of you who are feeling those feelings. I was so worried i was going to fail when i started i had nobody to help me, but it was either sink or swim, so with alot of hard trials and errors i discovered what i can eat, but more importantly what I loved to eat! I was never a good eater never one for fish or veggies, lived on fast food live by the dog die by the dog, I found that no matter what you do those suckers are never gonna stay down so they are ancient history in my diet, Pasta, instead of heavy noodles i found pastina, or starts, or even alphabets are great replacement, and i can practice my spelling while i eat too LOL! but again folks just some tips that may work for you! Keep the Faith and if anyone needs more help .. all ya gotta do is ask! and my only fee is that i ask you all pass it forward!, meaning were all on this planet together, no mater color or creed we are al in this for the same thing to better ourselves and make this place a better so help someone who needs it because someday you may be the one in need of that help! just something to think about....

My name is Steve i've been banded since 2006 and have succsessfully lost 160 lbs. I know that there are alot of new members joining daily looking for a mentor/buddy, well anyone who has any questions,concerns or in need of some moral support look no further. again I ask just one thing from everyone i speak with wich is, Pay it forward! in other words help someone out no matter how simple it may be, just consider that everyone needs help sometimes, regaurdless if friend or stranger, a good deed goes along way, this country was founded and built on these principals and we All have forgotten that over time dealing with our day to day events, but bottom line is no matter race, creed or color we are all just human and need help, so please pay it forward. feel free to send message if you like help or just post away... You are all a success story, some at differnt chapters keep that in mind. never quit never give in!

Hey to all my fellow Banders and Bandettes,
Just thought i would post something to keep everyone positive and motivated.
Many have been posting about how they feel like failures because they are eating too much or have been cheating, mostly due to the fact that your all fairly new and many have not have had any fills done yet. I'm here to say and know i'll be backed up others when i say, " It's OK! it's not the end of the world, you didn't ruin your band, let anyone down,or fail! Again you are still in the early stages, your body and mind both have to adjust to their new lifestyle. As you progress and get filled on regular basis, the foods you found so easy to sneak in will not be so easy eventually, and trust me when i say after hurling it up a few times you'll eventually say, It was fun while it lasted! I must remind everyone of the ultimate deadly sin! ICE CREAM! it's a silent killer, so easy to eat , slides right down, But remener it's all just sitting in your pouch turning to sugar! I try to tell all who can't live without it to try Frozen Yougert, it comes in so many flavors now, I personaly worked in a Baskin Robbins as a kid and have nightmares about the lines i would have around the corner having to scoop rock soild ice cream all night long to the point my hand would cramp up while in mid scoop. and all the damn Ice Cream I ate then, Lets just say I rarely touch it now. Ok I've bored you all enough with my mindless blabbering, Keep up the great Progress everyone, Be Proud, Never feel like you've failed, it's a long and difficult journey but so well worth the end Results!!! I always say That's why they put erarsers on pencils because we all make mistakes, no matter who you are. As long as you can honestly admit you screwed up that's the start of making it right!
As stupid as this sounds it actually does have truth to it,
Slow and steady always wins the Race!

Hey to all my fellow Banders and Bandettes,
Just thought i would post something to keep everyone positive and motivated.
Many have been posting about how they feel like failures because they are eating too much or have been cheating, mostly due to the fact that your all fairly new and many have not have had any fills done yet. I'm here to say and know i'll be backed up others when i say, " It's OK! it's not the end of the world, you didn't ruin your band, let anyone down,or fail! Again you are still in the early stages, your body and mind both have to adjust to their new lifestyle. As you progress and get filled on regular basis, the foods you found so easy to sneak in will not be so easy eventually, and trust me when i say after hurling it up a few times you'll eventually say, It was fun while it lasted! I must remind everyone of the ultimate deadly sin! ICE CREAM! it's a silent killer, so easy to eat , slides right down, But remener it's all just sitting in your pouch turning to sugar! I try to tell all who can't live without it to try Frozen Yougert, it comes in so many flavors now, I personaly worked in a Baskin Robbins as a kid and have nightmares about the lines i would have around the corner having to scoop rock soild ice cream all night long to the point my hand would cramp up while in mid scoop. and all the damn Ice Cream I ate then, Lets just say I rarely touch it now. Ok I've bored you all enough with my mindless blabbering, Keep up the great Progress everyone, Be Proud, Never feel like you've failed, it's a long and difficult journey but so well worth the end Results!!! I always say That's why they put erarsers on pencils because we all make mistakes, no matter who you are. As long as you can honestly admit you screwed up that's the start of making it right!
As stupid as this sounds it actually does have truth to it,
Slow and steady always wins the Race!

even though I'm not a woman I have been succsessful and would like to help Anyone who's struggling or has questions so if you feel comfortable getting help all you need to do is ask..
steve

Hey to all my fellow Banders and Bandettes,
Just thought i would post something to keep everyone positive and motivated.
Many have been posting about how they feel like failures because they are eating too much or have been cheating, mostly due to the fact that your all fairly new and many have not have had any fills done yet. I'm here to say and know i'll be backed up others when i say, " It's OK! it's not the end of the world, you didn't ruin your band, let anyone down,or fail! Again you are still in the early stages, your body and mind both have to adjust to their new lifestyle. As you progress and get filled on regular basis, the foods you found so easy to sneak in will not be so easy eventually, and trust me when i say after hurling it up a few times you'll eventually say, It was fun while it lasted! I must remind everyone of the ultimate deadly sin! ICE CREAM! it's a silent killer, so easy to eat , slides right down, But remener it's all just sitting in your pouch turning to sugar! I try to tell all who can't live without it to try Frozen Yougert, it comes in so many flavors now, I personaly worked in a Baskin Robbins as a kid and have nightmares about the lines i would have around the corner having to scoop rock soild ice cream all night long to the point my hand would cramp up while in mid scoop. and all the damn Ice Cream I ate then, Lets just say I rarely touch it now. Ok I've bored you all enough with my mindless blabbering, Keep up the great Progress everyone, Be Proud, Never feel like you've failed, it's a long and difficult journey but so well worth the end Results!!! I always say That's why they put erarsers on pencils because we all make mistakes, no matter who you are. As long as you can honestly admit you screwed up that's the start of making it right!
As stupid as this sounds it actually does have truth to it,
Slow and steady always wins the Race!

Hey to all my fellow Banders and Bandettes,
Just thought i would post something to keep everyone positive and motivated.
Many have been posting about how they feel like failures because they are eating too much or have been cheating, mostly due to the fact that your all fairly new and many have not have had any fills done yet. I'm here to say and know i'll be backed up others when i say, " It's OK! it's not the end of the world, you didn't ruin your band, let anyone down,or fail! Again you are still in the early stages, your body and mind both have to adjust to their new lifestyle. As you progress and get filled on regular basis, the foods you found so easy to sneak in will not be so easy eventually, and trust me when i say after hurling it up a few times you'll eventually say, It was fun while it lasted! I must remind everyone of the ultimate deadly sin! ICE CREAM! it's a silent killer, so easy to eat , slides right down, But remener it's all just sitting in your pouch turning to sugar! I try to tell all who can't live without it to try Frozen Yougert, it comes in so many flavors now, I personaly worked in a Baskin Robbins as a kid and have nightmares about the lines i would have around the corner having to scoop rock soild ice cream all night long to the point my hand would cramp up while in mid scoop. and all the damn Ice Cream I ate then, Lets just say I rarely touch it now. Ok I've bored you all enough with my mindless blabbering, Keep up the great Progress everyone, Be Proud, Never feel like you've failed, it's a long and difficult journey but so well worth the end Results!!! I always say That's why they put erarsers on pencils because we all make mistakes, no matter who you are. As long as you can honestly admit you screwed up that's the start of making it right!
As stupid as this sounds it actually does have truth to it,
Slow and steady always wins the Race!

I agree nice to see another guy, pull up a chair and join the Former fat kid club!

Steve, thank you. And congrats to you for hitting goal. Such a surreal feeling isnt it.

Cool I was saying that to PBK that some people still continue taking Protein Shakes for one reason or another. Congrats to you! keep up the good work!

I feel like this is the silliest question ever, but for some reason I'm not clear on just how to drink my Water after I get banded. I've heard that we're not supposed to drink during meals. Does that mean no drinking at all, or can we still take sips between bites? When you are in the 'green zone', can you just chug away at water or do you still have to drink slowly? Also, I've heard that you aren't supposed to drink out of straws because they make you suck up extra air. Is that true for everyone? I am clumsy like a bull in a china shop (probably worse actually), I like cups with straws so that I can't knock my water over...
I didn't want to clutter up the forums with too many posts, but I had another question too. I'm starting my pre-op diet tomorrow and I'm totally dedicated. My super best friend who lives two states over is coming to visit next week (haven't seen him in two years). He wants to go out and eat some nice greasy, fried Texas food when he comes over, just for one meal. Other than this, we would be eating at home. I told him no at first, but then I decided there was no harm in just calling my doctor's office to see if they'd be okay with me cheating for just ONE meal. To my surprise, they actually told me that was okay as long as I still lost the required ten pounds. The thought makes me feel a little guilty though, I really don't want to start this thing off on the wrong foot, so I'm after some second opinions. Should I cheat once since the doc said it was okay, or behave? Thanks!

I wish I knew the answers to all your questions but i can answer the drinking and eating one! I was banded June 5 and have lost 28 lbs as of today, first fill yesterday. When I was about 3 weeks post op I could eat whatever with no restriction and was calling my dr begging for a fill, they said I had to wait 6 weeks. I cheated a lot but I never drank with my meals. I didnt want to get into a bad habit. That means I dont drink 15 to 30 minutes before and for 1 hour after. It doesnt really bother me so much except when I'm really thirsty then I'm counting the minutes almost. If you drink with your meal, the food will pass faster and you wont feel full as long.
Now, I am not in the green zone or even close and the first week I drank out of little medicine cups after surgery but after that I started drinking normal. I dont drink any different than before. I usually do not use a straw- I still carry around my hospital cup that has a lid with only a slit in it so I dont spill. Sometimes i feel full I guess from drinking.
I never had a preop diet so maybe I'm lucky? But I did it a lot right up till the day before my surgery actually. I'm not saying you should do that since your dr put a mandatory 10 lb weight loss goal for you. But a couple days of watching what you eat and not going too crazy shouldnt be too bad wouldnt think.
Good luck! Its been an awesome journey for me so far, even with some frustration, I'm super excited!

Hey never said it was gonna taste good just said it was an option, It's gets eaiser and if not option 2 is carry a rubber mallet with you every time you get the urge to eat just whack yourself once you wake up the massive concussion you gave yourself will help forget your hungry. Sorry I watched to much Cartoons as a kid and mental state is still in Toontown!

Sarie,
1st thing is listen to everyone who has responded to your post. You are Not even close to being a complete failure. 2nd remember your dealing with a RN not the Doctor, What your experiemcing is 100% normal, matter of fact you are doing GREAT 20 lbs down in that short of time is FANTASTIC. remember your body is still adapting, as you go you'll find yourself eating less. It would seem to me the RN doesn't know wtf their talking about. Nothing has been ruined and let nobody but the stupid ass nurse down and yourself, Now would you rather believe the RN or people like myself who have been there and done that we all got the T-shirt too!!!!! CHIN UP! don't lose the faith !

I Know your all laughing at this but stop and think about it, we were all a fat kid once right no matter your age i don't care if you got fat until you were 40, your still a former fat kid, why do i say that? Simple Everyone of us has that inner fat kid inside of us, the one who would eat the entire box of twinkies, guzzle a half gallon of milk, devour a bucket of KFC like Godzilla tearing thru downtwon Tokyo and say .. NEXT!? , don't lie and say ," that wasn't me!" because your only lying to yourself, instead of denying it try to reflect back, i'll give you an example: The other day I drove past Mc Donald's, of course the inner fat kid already got his chubby little fingers on the steer wheel and started to turn in to parking lot when the outer less fat kid (can't say i'm skinny) took back control, thinking of the days i would walk in and have no problem inhaling three double cheese burgers within 5 minuets. Or The Time I went to a Yankee Game and decided to have a little contest with a buddy of mine whom had no problem saying no too food either, So Like a Jackass I say, Lets see who can eat the most Hotdogs while were here the loser buys, I Won I ate 15 hot dogs! Lets just say my buddy was unhappy and broke after that challange, Oh I can go on and on with my tales, Like the time I Was in California Visiting my Brother, he took me and my buddy to all you can eat Chinese food spot he frequented often, now i'm no small guy I'm 6'3"bro is 6"7", so after my 4th visit to the buffet, I was greeted by the owner, he ever so kindly said to me, You Eat too much You and your Brother are gonna make me go broke! Well i did everything possible not to fall on the floor in hysterical laughter, as he then approched my brother saying you can come anytime, but not with your friends or family! He was only kidding but never have i encountered anyone actually tell me that! So rather than denying that fact that you were a former fat kid embrace it and laugh, and know he will always live inside you you just gotta learn to control them.! If you can't laugh at yourself, you sure can't laugh at anyone else!

I Know your all laughing at this but stop and think about it, we were all a fat kid once right no matter your age i don't care if you got fat until you were 40, your still a former fat kid, why do i say that? Simple Everyone of us has that inner fat kid inside of us, the one who would eat the entire box of twinkies, guzzle a half gallon of milk, devour a bucket of KFC like Godzilla tearing thru downtwon Tokyo and say .. NEXT!? , don't lie and say ," that wasn't me!" because your only lying to yourself, instead of denying it try to reflect back, i'll give you an example: The other day I drove past Mc Donald's, of course the inner fat kid already got his chubby little fingers on the steer wheel and started to turn in to parking lot when the outer less fat kid (can't say i'm skinny) took back control, thinking of the days i would walk in and have no problem inhaling three double cheese burgers within 5 minuets. Or The Time I went to a Yankee Game and decided to have a little contest with a buddy of mine whom had no problem saying no too food either, So Like a Jackass I say, Lets see who can eat the most Hotdogs while were here the loser buys, I Won I ate 15 hot dogs! Lets just say my buddy was unhappy and broke after that challange, Oh I can go on and on with my tales, Like the time I Was in California Visiting my Brother, he took me and my buddy to all you can eat Chinese food spot he frequented often, now i'm no small guy I'm 6'3"bro is 6"7", so after my 4th visit to the buffet, I was greeted by the owner, he ever so kindly said to me, You Eat too much You and your Brother are gonna make me go broke! Well i did everything possible not to fall on the floor in hysterical laughter, as he then approched my brother saying you can come anytime, but not with your friends or family! He was only kidding but never have i encountered anyone actually tell me that! So rather than denying that fact that you were a former fat kid embrace it and laugh, and know he will always live inside you you just gotta learn to control them.! If you can't laugh at yourself, you sure can't laugh at anyone else!

I Know your all laughing at this but stop and think about it, we were all a fat kid once right no matter your age i don't care if you got fat until you were 40, your still a former fat kid, why do i say that? Simple Everyone of us has that inner fat kid inside of us, the one who would eat the entire box of twinkies, guzzle a half gallon of milk, devour a bucket of KFC like Godzilla tearing thru downtwon Tokyo and say .. NEXT!? , don't lie and say ," that wasn't me!" because your only lying to yourself, instead of denying it try to reflect back, i'll give you an example: The other day I drove past Mc Donald's, of course the inner fat kid already got his chubby little fingers on the steer wheel and started to turn in to parking lot when the outer less fat kid (can't say i'm skinny) took back control, thinking of the days i would walk in and have no problem inhaling three double cheese burgers within 5 minuets. Or The Time I went to a Yankee Game and decided to have a little contest with a buddy of mine whom had no problem saying no too food either, So Like a Jackass I say, Lets see who can eat the most Hotdogs while were here the loser buys, I Won I ate 15 hot dogs! Lets just say my buddy was unhappy and broke after that challange, Oh I can go on and on with my tales, Like the time I Was in California Visiting my Brother, he took me and my buddy to all you can eat Chinese food spot he frequented often, now i'm no small guy I'm 6'3"bro is 6"7", so after my 4th visit to the buffet, I was greeted by the owner, he ever so kindly said to me, You Eat too much You and your Brother are gonna make me go broke! Well i did everything possible not to fall on the floor in hysterical laughter, as he then approched my brother saying you can come anytime, but not with your friends or family! He was only kidding but never have i encountered anyone actually tell me that! So rather than denying that fact that you were a former fat kid embrace it and laugh, and know he will always live inside you you just gotta learn to control them.! If you can't laugh at yourself, you sure can't laugh at anyone else!

Some of the new members are asking about soft foods, what is considered a soft food? Mashed Potatoes, Jello, pudding, Anything that is just that soft, But So many are having issues with eating same stuff, Guess what there are some other forgotten alternatives, BABY FOOD as nasty and gross as it sounds, think about it before you say HELL NO!....
1) you have no problems giving it to your newborn right? They are growing right, So Don't you think Gerber know what they doing, not saying eat the damn strained green Beans UGH! But for those of you who have not had the joys of parenthood, take a stroll down the baby food isle next time your food shopping, go see how they have gotten better with choices.
Another trick we all forget we all have either a blender or food processer in our homes, how often do you use it? Did you ever stop to think, Well I could probably eat that if it was softer, TAAA DAAA there is your answer to making it soft enough to eat! Now don't go get stupid and toss a Big mac and fries in there and think i'll still lose weight, You got the band for that exact reason in 1st place (some of us). So Yeah I'm saying there are ways to still eat what you loved before but use it wisely! I was able to lose my weight in the most unconeventinal way not condoning it but willing to help those " MAVERICKS" who walk to their own beat like myself! GOOD LUCK !
P.S. no matter how much you lose, everyone will still have that inner fat kid living inside screaming to get out!
I just learned to tune him out much like my ex wife and son when they talk to me!

Welcome brother!! *high five* Always good to see another broski in the house! Good luck on your journey!

Guess what? your human!!! don't beat yourself up over it, now you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, say " $h!t happens and get back on the horse! everyone makes mistakes, I know i certainly did, hell still do.... bottom line is you made the 1st step, you admitted your error, and went as far as looking for support. Keep the Faith, think of how good your going to look,feel soon!

Hi Patty,
It's my pleasure to give advice & tips B) , Like I siad some people are fortunate enough to be able to eat salads, Try a small amount at 1st and chew it to nothing. The pizza is great, but like I said go easy on mozzarella, try the Old World Sytle with grated cheese over marinara sauce, even if you use pizza dough try glutten free or whole wheat both are available at any Pizzeria, but key to that is make the crust as this as possible stil use the methood i mentioned but in this instance you must poke holes in dough before you put into oven other wise you'll have a giant dough ballon!! bake to your wellness of liking, another trick is Triscuits, I eat ham & cheese on triscuits,Tuna, make them into mini pizza's. Let me know if you would like any recipes! Good Luck and thanks

Hey Steve..... I LOVE THAT RESPONSE. You are so right and that is exactly what I've done. I love your attitude!! Keep it!!!

My name is Steve i've been banded since 2006 and have succsessfully lost 160 lbs. I know that there are alot of new members joining daily looking for a mentor/buddy, well anyone who has any questions,concerns or in need of some moral support look no further. again I ask just one thing from everyone i speak with wich is, Pay it forward! in other words help someone out no matter how simple it may be, just consider that everyone needs help sometimes, regaurdless if friend or stranger, a good deed goes along way, this country was founded and built on these principals and we All have forgotten that over time dealing with our day to day events, but bottom line is no matter race, creed or color we are all just human and need help, so please pay it forward. feel free to send message if you like help or just post away... You are all a success story, some at differnt chapters keep that in mind. never quit never give in!