gumbo1971

1 box Jello (any flavor)
1 16 oz. small curd cottage cheese
1 12 oz. can of crushed pineapple
1 10 oz. tub of whipping cream
Drain the pineapple. Mix the cottage cheese and whipping cream together, until well blended. Next, stir in the pineapple. Mix well.
Stir in Jello mix. Mix well until Jello is completely dissolved. Chill 4 hours prior to serving.

Of course this is her recipe and you could make it fat free cool whip and sugar free jello and pineapple in its own juice and fat free cottage cheese.

its delish!!! good luck.

only 24 hours, then then go full liquid for another day, then slowly go back to regular foods. I tried scrambled eggs for dinner so far so good

Myfitnesspal has helped me lose 25lbs. pre-op. I use it both on my phone and kindle. Most days I pre-plan my meals on there and that really helps. I love that it keeps me accountable and grounded.

If the Title didn't make your Mouth Water... when you take your first bite it will... I found this while searching for Low Carb recipes, and thought I would give this a try! The original recipe has been tweaked so it could be 'band' friendly. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!
Ingredients:
1 med. to large zucchini
1 turkey sausage link (lean sweet italian) REMOVE CASING
1/2 cup Marinara sauce
1 tbs smart balance butter lite (or any lite butter spread)
2 tbs. diced onion
1/8 cup diced green pepper
pinch of garlic powder
1/8 cup shreded mozzerella
1 tbs parmesan cheese
Directions:
Scoop out insides of zucchini (put aside zucchini guts), boil Water in a large or med. pot and place the zucchini in the boiling water for only a minute. (you don't want them to break). remove from water and place on napkin to drain/dry.
In a small non stick pan, using a butter spray and add 1 tbs of smart balance butter lite, add onion, peppers, and zucchini guts, garlic powder till soft, then add the turkey sausage and mix till brown (don't over cook). cool down the mixture to room temperture.
Using a spoon or hands fill the zucchini and press the filling gently. Sprinkle your parmesan cheese, add sauce, mozzerella.
Cover bottom of dish with sauce and place the filled zucchini (cover with foil)
Pre-heat oven - 350 bake for about 25 minutes
***You can make this for an entire family by doubling up the recipe*** You can also fill the zucchini with any meats, veggies, get creative....
Calories for 1 entire zucchini are: (2 halves)
Calories : 300
fat: 17 grams
carbs: 16.5
protein: 20 grams
Fiber: 4.4 grams
**if you eat only half of the zucchini, cut the nutrients above in half***

This is a "soft" type recipe, but for those who need it to be softer, go ahead and throw it in the blender.
Easy chicken Tacos (crock-pot style)
5 chicken breast (I use the frozen boneless skinless ones)
2 cups chunky salsa
1/2 large onion
1 can black Beans
1 can chopped green chilis
1 packet taco seasoning
salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder
Shredded cheese
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder and cut in halves. Place them in the crock-pot with all the other ingredients, chop the onions really fine and drain the juice from the Beans. Add about 1/2 cup Water (or less depending on how watery the salsa is). Cook on low for 3 and 1/2 hours. Shred chicken with a fork and then continue to cook on high for another 1 and a half. For the lap-banders, just sprinkle some shredded cheese and maybe some low-fat sour cream and enjoy. For those with non lap-banded family/friends, place on tortillas (fried with the filling are awesome) and all the normal taco fixings.
This is probably OK for those maybe 1 month out, and you could always puree it if you don't think it'll go. It works great for me at 5 weeks, but I only had 1 week of puree.
Tip: I mix everything up the night before and let it marinate in the fridge.

Thanks Minnesota, I'm not as tired as I thought I would be. Even with all the pain and discomfort it will be worth it in the end. I don't regret being banded. It is a huge commitment and adjustment. I've been preparing myself for the past two months physically and mentally. In some ways I believe getting and being banded is more mental. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. Just take it one day at a time. I also use Myfitnesspal as my other tool. I hope this helps. Please contact me if you want more information!!

I was also banded on 7/11. My gas pains went away after I vomited twice yesterday. Too much moving around in and out of the car, caused me to vomit.

Take boiled chicken, throw it in the food processor add celery, onion, spices, then take 2tbls. Lite mayo and 1/4 cup FF Greek plain yogurt. Mix together to consistency you need or like. Delicious and better than all that mayo! This made my day since I am in the puréed week. Made larger batch to eat tomorrow or 4th of July picnic! Hope you enjoy!

I picked this up at my band surgeon's office yesterday. Thought I'd share:
Plastic Surgery - Surgery performed by a Plastic Surgeon to modify and change the appearance of an individual. The emphasis is on the change of one's appearance and no actual plastic is used for most of the operations.
Brachioplasty - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of one's upper arms. Excess arm skin is removed after weight loss. This operation is usually performed after all the weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans.
Mastopexy - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of the breasts. This is an operation that lifts the breasts, changes the size and location of the nipple and aureola, and gives a firmer and more youthful breast. This operation is performed after weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans.
Breast Reduction - This operation is performed to reduce the size and weight of one's breasts and to improve the shape of the breasts as well. In this operation there is a reduction both of breast tissue and skin of the breasts. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is covered by many insurance plans but does have a minimum amount of breast tissue that must be removed. For this reason, one may have this operation performed before all of the weight loss to assure qualification for insurance coverage. Consult a plastic surgeon about this operation if needed soon after weight loss surgery.
Abdominoplasty - This operation, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is performed to remove excess skin and fat from one's abdomen. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This operation is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance companies. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete.
Panniculectomy - This operation is performed to remove the excess skin one has on their abdomen that hangs over one's pubis after significant weight loss. This is a medically indicated operation to improve the health of the skin on the abdomen that is frequently infected under the skin. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis in most circumstances. This is a medically indicated operation and is covered by most insurance plans. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete.

congratulations job well done!!

Have u tried runny cream of wheat or oatmeal or grits? In my book from my class it lists those items for the stage your at. Good luck sweetie. We are here for u. I am banded tomorrow so I will be where u r next week.

Getting banded 7/2
My diet starts 6/19
I'm excited nervous ready to get it over with!!!
I've been trying out homemade broth recipes to see which one's I like the best I think being prepared at all times is the key to a successful pre surgery diet
I would hate to be wake up from surgery and have no band ???”

I am ronron1273 need a buddy

I love homemade fruit smoothies, packed with Protein.. Every morning I have one. Not only is it healthy,but I am getting in the important nutrients in naturally..
Here is my morning plan:
4 fresh strawberries (I alternate with 1/4 cup fresh blueberries)
1/2 of a small banana
1/4 cup of low fat vanilla yogurt (this stuff is packed with protein)
1/4 cup of skim or almond milk (I perfer almond milk)
1/2 scoop of Protein Powder (unflavored)
(ice cubes optional)
**be creative, you can add peaches, mangos, etc.. remember to always remove the skin from these fruits!
Calories: 178 / Protein 16 grams

Finally made a Protein Shake I really enjoy!! In a blender put 6-8 ounces of skim milk two Splenda packets a couple of drops of vanilla extract some ice cubes and one scoop of chocolate Pure Protein whey powder. You can purchase the Pure Protein in a 2 lb. tub for 19.99 at Walmart. Blend on liquiefy and it makes the BEST chocolate protein shake. I tried it in a shaker before and I couldn't stand the smell!! My new way in the blender is like a Frosty from Wendy's!! I am 4 days postoperative and now pain free,good luck everyone!!!

I use Syntrax Nectar whey Protein Shakes - they come in a lot of flavors...
and I use Natural Factory Whey Factors Natural Vanilla and Double Chocolate...
I get mine online through vitacost.com

How exciting!!! Good luck!! I meet my surgeons tomorrow afternoon! I've done the 6 month dr supervised diet, psych eval and stuff...so after tomorrow...it is my understanding that it could be up to 60 days for insurance to approve. I'm hoping for with in 30!!
I went ahead and ordered my shakes - strawberry/kiwi, vanilla and a fuzzy navel!
Hang in there!!!

I definitely have/had this problem!!
I can remember being in elementary school worrying about my thighs being too fat. All through junior high and high school, I was "the big girl" or "the fat girl". I weighed over 300 pounds by the time I was 21 years old and over 400 pounds for the decade before I had Lap Band surgery.
Now I don't know if this is you, but it's an honesty moment for me: I have always come across very self confident to the outside world. I'm very talkative and have no hesitation speaking against the herd if I believe strongly in something. When someone did comment about my weight, I put them in check right quick. But the truth is? Under it all, I was mortified of my own appearance and was anything but confident in it. I just refused to admit or show it to anyone else.
Letting go of that "fat girl" identity has been hard at times but also incredibly freeing. After losing 200 pounds (and still losing), I'm still very much "me" personality wise. The only difference is now I'm also very happy, too. Currently I am healing from a tummy tuck/skin removal/and hernia repair as a result of all the lost weight. It's crazy because I'm wearing these cute little shirts in woman's size large and for the first time in about 20 years I'm not trying to hide my nasty tummy. The whole process, from the first pound lost until now, has been not only one big learning experience but a huge process of self discovery.
You will still very much be "you". You will just be a new improved you

So, I have surgery in about three weeks. I'm petrified of the diet, but I know that it's worth it, and I am hard worker so I'm not afraid of that and I am mildly excited about my future. My problem is that I have been the "fat girl" my entire life. Elementary school, middle school, HS, college...etc. I feel like a part of who I am is tied to my weight and without that I don't really know who I am. Does anyone else have this problem? I've never been uncomfortable in my skin, I'm not self-conscious and I have no problem being fat. My husband says it's my best quality, I don't care, I don't complain, I don't make excuses and most of all I don't limit myself because of my weight. I love me, my body and my life! My problem is that I am sick, I have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea...blah, blah, blah. That is why I am getting the surgery, and frankly it's the only reason I am getting it. I don't want to be a skinny girl, I don't covet the super model physique, frankly it scares me a little...to be skinny with my personality is a dangerous combination. I just want to be healthy...and fat. Is this weird? Am I crazy? I don't want to do this and be miserable, but I don't want to not do this and die either. I'm doing it, that has been decided, but I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has felt like this and will it pass?

I just got a letter in the mail from my health insurance provider. I GOT APPROVED!!! Things were at a stand still for a few weeks and I was getting very anxious and disheartened about the whole thing. But I finally got scheduled for my EGD last week and I actually go for that this coming Monday. I checked my mail literally 10 minutes ago and the letter was in the mail. I am so excited and I cannot wait until my surgery day. YeeHawwwwww!!!!

No need to pop any tablets, you can eat them.


Ouch!!!! food blockages are the biggest pain of a lap banders life. We must prevent this situation occurring daily, as this is crucial to help avoid a pouch forming. A pouch results in a dysfunctional lap band and weight gain is common.Ouch!!!! Food blockages are the biggest pain of a lap banders life. We must prevent this situation occurring daily, as this is crucial to help avoid a pouch forming. A pouch results in a dysfunctional lap band and weight gain is common.


Therefore, our primary focus is to avoid food blockages and secondly learn how to manage them. To understand the top three key points that will help you avoid food blockages, get your free ebook at www.weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au with all the answers.
In this article, let’s discuss how to manage your predicament once the food has been dislodged and unfortunately you will likely feel a little raw and uncomfortable internally. But why? Improvise with me. If you were to walk slowly through a rose bush forcing your way through, I am 100% confident you will come out worse for wear. Your skin will feel raw, sore, grazed and irritated.
Guess what! A similar situation could occur internally, as the food tries to squeeze through the lap band also. The area may get a little swollen and the lap band may physically feel a little tighter and more restrictive. Foods which you would customarily tolerate well may become a little challenging.
You must avoid further irritation, by following the next 3 steps:
Step 1. Relax the diets texture to soft, wet and easy for the remaining part of the day. Suggestions include Soup, casserole, cottage pie etc
Step 2. Take your internal anti-inflammatory. This will include icy cold Water or ice cubes. Yes this is correct. No need to pop any tablets, just help ice the area and reduce the swelling ASAP.
Step 3. Uncover what caused the food blockage and try to prevent this in the future.
Wishing you luck
Helen Bauzon
Dietitian
www.weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au

That's a full size dinner plate for size reference. each slice is about 2"x4"

It just looked so delicious I had to get an up close shot of it with the toppings

And here is a picture of the crust, it looks and tastes just like regular crust, except its truly HEALTHY.
Hey guys! So I made pizza from scratch today and I was so excited I just had to share it with you. I used cheese sticks" to pizza, I did add more cheese and I added turkey pepperoni for an extra bit of Protein.< /p>
You literally cannot tell the difference between this and another thin crust and It's sooooooooo good. And extremely filling.
my changes:
-- Added cheese to make it 1 full cup of cheese (still mixed the same amount of cheese the recipe calls for in the crust), all the extra cheese went on top of the pizza.
-- Added 32 slices of hormel turkey pepperoni
Stats:
2 slices of pizza with 1/4 cup of marinara
176 calories
15 grams of protein
9.9 grams of fat
9.2 grams of carbs
PS Check out my lap-band pinterest board here
EDIT: of course your exact nutritional break down will depend on your toppings, cheese, and marinara so adjust accordingly. I used Clasico cabernet marinara, stater bros part skim finely shredded mozzarella, and hormel turkey pepperoni.

For anyone who loves muffin recipes- This is an Easy on the go food - can be frozen once done.
This is a small batch I made (3 Muffins) You can double the recipe up to make 6 or more.

*Get creative, you can add any meats to this such as diced up ham, tuna fish, ground turkey, etc*


Ingredients:
5 oz. can of chicken Breast (or you can use grilled chicken finely chopped)
1 whole egg/1 egg white
1/8 cup of celery (finely diced)
1/8 cup of shredded chedder cheese (reduced fat) or (any reduced fat cheese)
pinch of onion powder
pinch of chicken seasoning (optional)
Non-stick spray
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 -
spray 3 muffin cups with non-stick spray
In a bowl mix all ingredients, pour mixture into a well greased muffin cup (3) , place in oven for about 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional facts for ONE Chicken Muffin: (if you eat 2 just add on below)
Calories: 100
Fat: 3.7
Carbs: 1.2
Protein: 15.3

I'm so tired of Protein Shakes but I'm only in the full liquid stage. I mixed my Protein Powder with FF butterscotch pudding mix, almond milk, and a teaspoon of Peanut Butter, blended in my magic bullet. Tastes just like a butterfinger! Yummy!

This recipe was shared , so im sharing
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded (you can use up to 6 oz)
1 c frozen spinach, thawed and drained (you can also use fresh cooked spinach)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp GF Cajun seasoning Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lots of toothpicks
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Flatten the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness.
In a medium bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, spinach, salt and pepper.
Spoon about 1/4 c of the spinach mixture onto each chicken breast.
Roll each chicken breast tightly and fasten the seams with several toothpicks.
Typically about 8 toothpicks are used in each roll to ensure none of the filling seeps out.
Be sure to count how many total toothpicks were used. Brush each chicken breast with the olive oil.
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over all.
Sprinkle any remaining spinach and cheese on top of chicken (optional).
Place the chicken seam-side down onto a tin foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup).
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Count to make sure you have removed every last toothpick.