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Hi DaisyMay I'm so grateful for these boards because they are saving me every step of the way. I'm having many of the same issues as you, and yup, we're losing more weight before the fill, but boy, it would be nice to have everything up to snuff and working- going in AND going out! I did use the pulverized chicken today. Had 4 ounces at lunch.....ate very very slowly. I had made it with mayo, but at lunch found that adding a little of the chicken broth helped wet it. It was so good. About 4PM I was hungry so I had a little of the sweet potato that I'd cooked with the chicken, with a little more pul. chick and again, it went down well and some but not much gas after. At dinner, I had broth and sweet potato, no chicken. According to my nutrition book, 4 oz of chick has 22-25 grams of protein depending on brand so the chick gave me 50. The cottage cheese gave me 14. So, I'll have a little more chck in a while- just a couple of tablespoons, so that I'll be at my protein goal. I didn't do well with scrambled egg and pureed creamy soup was too gassy, but this seems to be just right as the baby bear would say. Now I just have to see if it helps solve my bowel problems as I start to eat normal food. For the first time in days....I'm hopeful. Gwenn

Benifiber is the recommendation of the LB surgeon. My gastroenterologist prefers Metamucil. They do different things and my needs aren't about going, it's more about other stuff two gross to even tell strangers. I am trying Benefiber with the gastro's consent, and I'm up to the full dose today. Thank you for the suggestion about the 1/2 cup at a time. If I don't need the full three a day that would work. I also experimented and found if I stirred it continuously, it didn't clump. If my problems don't abate....I'm just went to mushies so that may help as well, I'll try to hold on until I can have solids and find out if I can really use the metamucil wafers. Whatever works. The bowel issue has been my biggest problem. I know everyone's different. I had problems before but originally was told I could take metamucil, so I'm aggravated. I would have had the surgery anyway. I actually had a pretty good day today. Had fat-free cottage cheese and pulverized chicken with broth and a little sweet potato. That in itself is progress. Gwenn

I have used Metamucil for a few years to solve a stomach problem. My surgeon says no because he doesn't want me taking capsules and the liquid is too like glue. I'm taking Benefiber right now but it doesn't work as well. Does anyone use Metamucil? Does anyone use capsules? My surgeon said maybe to the wafers so I'm going to try them once I'm on full solids. Has anyone used them? Thanks, Gwenn

Hi Mominlov13 Sounds like you're doing great. Advice on the shoulder pain. WALK WALK WALK. In the hallway, around the garden, down the block. Walk even when it works. It will make a difference. No of days varies greatly. Mine went to a livable level after about 5 days and was gone completely in about 10 days. But gas lives on for quite a while and makes for lovely symphonies in the belly! Expect all sorts of feelings and sensations at different times of your recovery. After being here for bit, I've found out there's little that hasn't happened to others and it's all very normal. Feel Good! Gwenn

Thanks, Salsa, You give good advise. I'm trying pulverized chicken today and later, tuna. I guess I could try the Isopure although those Protein powders do have a taste and smelll strange as well. I had a little bit of cottage cheese this AM and aside form a little burning and tightness, I'm okay so far. My belly is going to react to not just having liquids anymore.....no way around it. But I do so envy those who are able to have sushi a week after banding. But I've always had a dicey stomach so why wouldn't it act up now? You gave me good advise and I thank you a lot. I love these boards!! Gwenn

Thank you, thank you. I've been feeling very alone and reading about people eating sushi a week after banding. I tried a little cottage cheese this AM as that was my staple breakfast most of the time prior to banding. I'm having a little discomfort and a little burning sensation high up, but my stomach is going to have wake-up issues. I'm making some sweet potatoes in chicken broth that I can use as a healthy snack. And I've pulverized some chicken breasts in the blender so I'll try a little of that today as well. If I don't get enough protein in for a few days.....I'm sure I'll survive. I'm miserable but hopeful for the future. Thanks again. Gwenn

Your request gave me a chuckle as I started mushies and made soups all day today. But unfortunately, I made a GREAT one that it's too soon to eat. Cauliflower and black bean puree. I only had a couple of tablespoons but it made me very gassy. When you're ready for it: put a little olive oil in your soup pan and add a the standard combo of chopped up onion, carrot and celery. When soft but not brown, add in loosely chopped caulflower and the can of beans. Cover with broth...I use the veggie broth that comes in a box- I get it at Trader Joes. I threw in a couple of pinches of cumin and coriander, salt and black pepper. I don't spice heavily ever. Bring to boil and then simmer on a very low light until very tender. Let cool a bit, then pulverize in a blender. I froze most of it for down the road. It's brown in color but tastes great. You can also melt a little low fat cheddar cheese on top. Lots of protein between the beans and cheese. I also do butternut squash and puree veggie soup as well. Same start on all. With butternut I use a very little spice but add nutmeg when I serve it. Also I use a pinch of splenda. How this helps. Gwenn

I have both also but am not having a lot of trouble with the whey proteins, although they smell awful. I use Atkins shakes and now I'm trying the new low carb Slimfast. I've never had a problem with my lactose issues with atkins. But I suggest you take a lactain chewable before you imbibe. Gwenn

gosh, i find this so surprising. I was led to believe sushi was a thing of the past. I was banded 4/30 but just finishing 3 weeks of liquid and having a hard time switching back to food. Can't imagine sushi right now. Bought some for my husband today and he wouldn't eat it in front of me because he thought I'd be too upset. That's sweet but crazy. My stomach is not a happy place right now. Do you think sushi would be good or bad? Gwenn

Thanks so MUCH! I really appreciate all the help. I went out and bought "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" and they had some recipes also. I love pureed Tuna, just don't usually have Tuna when my belly's been empty. I'm going to try to find some TRULY unflavored Protein powder. I've been using the warm Jello 42 gram stuff and my shakes. I know I have to swtich to food protein rather than chemical but at least I've been getting as much as I could during my 3 week liquid diet. I rummaged in the fridge this afternoon and found a head of cauliflower so and soup fixings, so I threw in a can of black beens with it, cumin and corimander and after it cooked I pureed it. Really good. I could also mix in cheese or Protein Powder. That I don't mind. The cooking's fine. Yesterday was just such a set-back. Do you know of any website for lap-band recipes? Is there a section here that I'm not seeing? Thanks again ! Gwenn

Again......GOOD LUCK,TERRI. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Gwenn

I'm in LA. Banded April 30th and having trouble getting to soft foods. I've been through 3 Shabbasim and it's not easy to watch everyone else eat, even when I didn't have to cook as friends brought food over for me. The toughest is freshly baked challah! I'm trying to just enjoy the aroma -LOL. A young friend came over last week as he had nowhere else to go while in town, and he said he could eat challah and indeed, had a slice during his meal. I was surprised. Guess there are many surprises ahead (if I can ever get to regular food again!). Gwenn

Until yesterday, I would have said the same! I have been doing great....and I'm no spring chicken. Mine had eggs on the okay list. I'm crossing them off for me for a while longer- they just didn't agree. They're through and gone now but left me gassy and uncomfortable. I'm back to liquids today and will try something thicker tomorrow. I guess much is trial and error. Just don't want to hurt myself much in the process. Thanks. Gwenn

I've just ended 3 weeks of liquids. My list of soft foods to go into included eggs so I had one egg, lightly scrambled this evening with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese. I want to tell you that I've been suffering all evening. Eggs as a first meal was a big mistake. Too much. My espophagus (sp?) hurts and I've been burping and belching all evening. Nausea for a while but when I can belch, it passes. I've just had a nice cup of peppermint tea- known to be good for the stomach, and hopefully this will pass by tomorrow morning. And eggs were listed. So my advise is to take it very easy. I should have treated my stomach better today. Should have acted as if I'd finished a bad stomach flu and gone with watery oatmeal or farina. Or something completely pulverized in a blender. Live and learn. I don't think I did any damage to the band- I think it would take more than this- way more- but why make oneself uncomfortable. I know I'll be much more careful in the future. Take care and good luck. Gwenn

And I am feeling sorry for myself because I'm nauseus and burpy after having my first food in 3 weeks. I realize now I should have had something thinner in texture. I forgt that the doctor recommending doing that. Like loose oatmeal. Oh well, I'm sure this will pass once the food is through my system. But lesson learned. I'm deep breathing to try to keep the nausea at bay. I'm sitting with a cup of peppermint tea....said to be good for the stomach. Be well. Gwenn

Congratulations on the 118 and I wish you the best of luck with the new band. At least now I know that I'd know if it happened---that you are very aware if something is wrong. Good luck and thanks for responding. Gwenn

I thought about the egg afterwards, too. I recalled that egg is hard to digest, but I never thought it would be hard to get it down. Maybe I should have started like I would after a stomach flu..... a little mashed potato or some farina. It's certainly mashed than my egg was. Thanks. Gwenn

Hi- As some of you know, my doctor does 3 weeks of liquid diet after banding. So, after 3 weeks, I had my first soft food a little while ago. One egg, lightly scrambled and 2 tablespoons of small curd cottage cheese. Both on his list. I feel like the food is not quite gone down and hour later. Feel like belching but can't get it done. Is this common? Many of you started back on food much sooner after banding. I know there's still swelling after 3 weeks, so there must have been some when you guys ate. Anyone experience what I'm feeling? I know I ate less than 6 ounces of food and I did chew, although there was much to chew on. I ate slowly. I don't feel great- I thought I would. Help! Gwenn

I actually finally took a sip. I haven't had any fills yet, but I am trying to get into the habit of no fluid. I am going to have a cup of tea in a few minutes just to soothe my innards. Thanks for responding. Gwenn

I haven't been on this thread but it's great to see everyone doing so well. I was banded on April 30 so I think of myself as April and May - I have more in common with a lot of the early May folks. Right now I'm moving from liquids to soft solids and I'm having a lot of discomfort. Not just full, but like it's stuck halfway down. Anyone have that experience? A couple of belches helped, but still a bit uncomfortable. Is this common when one starts to add food? I read on one of the posts about using hot tea to ease some food issues. Do you think that would work for me? Thanks-Gwenn

Hey Terri, Realized you're almost there. Good luck for Thursday! We're waiting for you to come back on the boards! Gwenn

Hi Makeupqueen, I have been on the boards the last hour trying to find out whatever I can about why food I'm having trouble with food. My surgeon has banders on liquid for 3 weeks post surgery so today I had my first soft food. just a liqhtly scrambled egg and a couple of tablespoons of cottage cheese....both on his list. I was told to eat 4-6 ounces and I'm sure I was within that. Within 10 minutes after eating I started to feel like the food was stuck halfway down. Here I am an hour and 2 good belches later and still feel that it's "stuck"....just a little less so. Of course I'm worried that I did something terrible and the band has now slipped, or I hurt something, or whatever. But reading your post made me think that maybe this is something that just happens to us. Have you found out anything about it in the past two days? I feel like calling the nurses tomorrow but they're gonna shot me I call so often. But everything is new and strange. Right now I feel like crying. Feel like I better go back to liquids. I certainly won't try this combo again. Did I eat too much? Is this normal? Any answers? Gwenn

HI Wendy, I just ate my first mushies. I was banded on April 30, but my surgeon keeps everyone on 3 weeks of liquid. I just ate one softly scrambled egg and 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese- both on my okay list. I have a hard feeling in my chest and just finally let out one belch. I feel awful. I thought I'd be so happy I was eating. I know your post was a week or so ago, so I'm wondering how you're doing now. Did the pain stop? Did you learn anything you could pass along to me on this. I stopped taking my reflux meds after surgery and have been fine and I'm really hoping starting to eat again doesn't start up the reflux again. Thanks-Gwenn

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind..... What causes slippage? How did you know it slipped? Is it a full, new surgery to replace it- did you have to go through the whole thing again? Did you insurance cover it? Thanks. I was just banded a few weeks ago and I'd like to learn more. Gwenn

YAY- 3 weeks. For me it means I can start to add soft foods to my diet (my surgeon has patients on 3 weeks liquid after surgery). I'm down 27 pounds. I'm looking forward to adding foods, but at the same time, I'm nervous. Tell me I can have mashed potato and I'm thinking lots of it. My head certainly is not restricted yet! So, I have to be very careful as I add. With no restriction on the band yet...there is a gap that I hope NOT to fill. I walk almost everyday- I do about a mile. I'm purposely not pushing myself too much as my habit has been to overdue it, hurt myself, and then stop exercising at all. I'm trying to break that habit this time around. So, I take it slow. The negatives.....I would like to see my incisions all healed- I try to sit around with no top on when possible to let them breath. And when I overdo it (housework, etc) the area above and around the port hurts me. I keep thinking I've screwed something up but really it's just warning me to stop. Happily, I had plenty of sick time so I'm still off for a couple more weeks. Gwenn