I was banded on April 17, 2013 and am doing better than expected so far. Still stiff and sore and experiencing gas pain in my shoulder and chest and feeling really bloated. I'm assuming that's normal ???? I did a two week high protein diet prior to surgery. My first post op apt is April 30. I'm on clear liquids for one week and then will switch to full liquids for a week before moving on to puréed foods after my post op apt. So far I haven't been told when to start vitamins and nothing has been said about protein shakes. I know I'll get more info from my own Dr when I see him but I'm curious as to when y'all started vitamins and shakes and how many calories a day you consume, or do you even count calories ?