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Congrats on the 20 lb loss so quickly you will be at goal in no time!I was not aloud to eat mushy foods until day 15 and it was slow going at that my first meal was cottae cheese and I was only able to get in 2 oz before I got that "unconfortable feeling" But it does get better every day, I can now eat my 4 oz of pureed protien with very little trouble, and if it is really soft like greek yogurt or refried beans there is no trouble at all. I no longer have to take tiny sips I can take pretty much normal person sips just not able to guzzle drinks. Oh and I am on day 18 I had surgery on Oct 21st. So just try to have some thing to drink with you at all times yesterday was the first day I was able to actually get all 64 oz of fluids in and I had a bottle of water conected to me ALL DAY LONG , that is when I was not eating. Good luck to you

You really shouldn't be THAT hungry if you are getting in your protein and your fluids. There is no limit, as long as you are eating and drinking approved things, keep eating and drinking if you are still hungry. Starting the mushies too soon will affect your healing. I made sugar free Jello using a liquid Protein Drink as the "cold" water part, and ate two or three servings a day. Sugar free popsicles are awesome, especially if you miss sweets and chewing. Crystal light or Propel water to add some flavor to water, without sugar and calories. Add nectar Medical unflavored Protein powder to your chicken broth. Get 50-55 grams of protein in a day, your Vitamins and lots of fluids. Be creative with your options, and take it easy. Now is the time for healing, not really losing. The liquids part will be over soon, and scrambled eggs, yogurt and cottage cheese will never taste so good!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! My surgery was June 19. I just got through this, and you can, too!!!

Thanks for the reply! I went to the dietician last week, and she wanted me to change only a few things. More protein, and I could add 1 egg. I did both those things last Tuesday and got very sick. I had horrible diarrhea for 3 days and was so nauesous. I couldn't even drink crystal light or G2 or Water. They put me on phenergan and Im feeling better. I am still on liquids. I think my stomach couldn't handle the added protein. I get the Isopure Protein powder from GNC and I am pretty sure that is what I couldn't handle. I know I cant handle soy because it causes diarrhea. Could I also not be able to handle whey protein? I tried some before surgery and I just couldn't handle the taste/texture. I drink the atkins Protein shakes (in boxes) and its not too bad, but not high enough protein. I am still at about 4-5 oz 6-8 times a day. I have the following: atkins Protein drinks, pudding, yogurt (Yoplait-no fruit, mostly just strawberry flavor, thick and creamy), tomato Soup with milk, or cream of potato with milk. I think we figured I was only getting 30 g of protein a day, and around 400-500 calories. I tried greek yogurt and haven't found one I liked. I don't know how else to up my protein. I also think i am not getting enough fluids in between my "meals". I cannot drink regular water because it makes me nauseous. The dietician said it was okay to drink the reduced calorie gatoraide (G2) right now and crystal light. I am probably getting about 20oz of that per day. I am not walking enough, probably about 3 times per week. I am moving out of my house, so I have been very busy packing and moving. I know I shouldn't make excuses, but doing all that makes me so exhausted its hard to think about getting my walking in. I go back to the dietician next week, and I think I will start on mushies. I get about 32oz of the soup/protein drink/pudding/yogurt a day. This week probably only 20-24oz a day when I was getting better from the diarrhea and nausea. The pudding I eat is sugar free/fat free, and I have one 4oz cup of that a day. And I have 1 yogurt a day. I probably get about 1 of the boxes of the Atkins, which is 15g of protein in a day, and maybe a can of soup with milk. I am following what my dietician has told me to do. I just can't add the protein like she wanted me to. I should probably put a call in to her today. I was on Nexium before surgery, but they wanted me to stop that. I am now on Prilosec but I am just about done with that. He only put me on it for 3 weeks. After a few days, I will not be on anything. Some days I do think I feel some reflux so I was going to see if I can go back on the Nexium. Sorry this is all over the place!!! I appreciate the advice I get or any input from anyone! I love this board and I am so glad I found it.

It sounds like your just going through an adjustment period, and things will get better. Protein supplements do suck, I hated all of them, and yeppers they all made me puke. I developed lactose intolerance and since whey is a milk product, I'd puke or get major gas with diarrhea. On the greek yogurt, you can mix in the ranch dressing packets, and the sugar free pudding powders to add flavor without having to buy a bunch of different flavors. You can also purchase those sugar free coffee syrups to add to greek yogurt that will help with protein counts. eggs didn't work for me either. Poached eggs super soft with some cheese were the only ones that worked, and to this day, I still hate the way scrambled eggs feel in my sleeve. You're being super active with your packing and moving, it's not an excuse, your running on fumes at this point, and once you get to mushies, I'm sure you'll feel much better and be able to get more protein in from soft meats, and Beans. Since you're still on liquids, you won't get much satiety. It's the liquids in, liquids out kind of rule. Even full liquids don't hang out in there long. If you had reflux pre-op, it may have intensified post-op since your stomach doesn't realize it doesn't need to produce less acid. Water really sucked for me too, I had to drink it room temperature, and I drank a lot of warm tea the Celestial Seasonings peppermint tea was my favorite with a little splenda. It felt soothing on my stomach, and counted as a clear. Hang in there chickee, it'll get better ! ! !

The pre/post op liquid phase is very difficult, but you will get thru it!! My fiance offered to eat dinner before he came home at night so he would not "bother" me (one reason why I love this man so much), and I said "No". I didn't want him to alter his life in anyway - this is my journey. We have had a few struggles (like pizza night - his favorite food), and ordering when we go out to restaurants, but I have learned to adjust and plan. Like when we take road trips, he runs thru a drive thru - I pack a mini cooler with protein shakes, yogurt and cottage cheese. If you don't, you could end up in trouble eating something that is not good. When he is on the couch eating cheese and crackers (his nightly 8pm snack), he brings me a sugar free popsicle which is one of my "go to's". Re the pizza thing, I eat the toppings, or I eat something else. And cooking is a breeze because we grill allot. When we go out, I drink a protein shake before we go and then have a bite of his food, or order soup. If he has a problem with any of this, he doesn't tell me (and if he did, that's on him). Ooooo the best thing happened when we were going to dinner at a family members house who loves to feed people. I was worried, and my fiance came up with a plan that was genius. I ate before we went , and we each took a plate for the buffet. He put half of the food he wanted on his plate, and I put the other half of what HE wanted on mine. He then ate everything on his, and then started eating off my plate. Hahahaha. Nobody said a thing! Keep in mind that people who do not struggle with weight issues don't get it! He was probably not even aware how hard this is on you.

I have a 10 day preop diet but starting to think I have a odd one. I can have cottage cheese,cream soups, oatmeal, coffee and tea milk V-8 juice, pudding and yogurt along with the regular sugar free stuff popsicles Jell-O. I don't read a lot about others with a 10 day diet like that :0. No word about protein in it no shakes no bars . For breakfast I can have one cup of oatmeal a cup of coffee. Midmorning snack yogurt . Lunch I can have one cup cream soup cottage cheese and a glass of milk. Afternoon snack pudding. Dinner I would do what I did for lunch. And an evening snack. This seems like a lot to me is this a normal perop diet?

My fav way to get protein post op: Vanilla protein powder, 1/2 cup soy milk, 1/2 cup water and a packet of Starbucks Via Instant Decaf, shaken so it doesn't get frothy. Vanilla protein powder, 1 cup soy milk, shaken so it doesn't get frothy. Unjury Chicken Protein Powder: Not my fav taste, but easy to travel with and the only thing I could tolerate immediately post-op. Greek Yogurt: The Fage 0 has 23 grams of protein per cup. Thin it with water and blend with a little orange juice ( about 1/8 cup) a couple of frozen berries, and some Splenda. I could do about 1/2 cup of yogurt like that within a week of surgery. Others like the fruit flavored, plain, and clear protein options, but I didn't care for any of them myself. Best wishes on your journey. Lynda

I started mushies today! I am so happy! I had an ounce of greek yogurt about 3 hours ago. All went well. So now I just had an ounce of cottage cheese. I sprinkled in a bit of seasoning to give it a bit of savory flavor. I'm am soooooooooooooooo happy that all is going well. I never would have thought I would be so excited to eat ordinary food. My NUT cautioned to keep the new foods to 2 a day and go really slow. So those are my 2 for today. She said do eggs/egg beaters last because those are the things that most people have the hardest time with. Does anyone echo that about eggs? Just wanted to share my happiness!

All doctors are different, I have an extremely conservative doctor, I had a few complications with surgery but this is what he expects from all his patients. Clears - 1 week - broth, Isopure, decaff tea, sugar-free Popsicles, Sugar-free Jello Full Liquids - 5 full weeks - Protein shakes, Syntrax nectar, unjury unflavored Protein added to Soups, skim milk, Low Fat Creamed Soups, or strained creamed soups like Cream of Asparagus, cream of chicken, broccoli cheddar (strained) Healthy Request Bean & Bacon Soup - completely pureed, then add Water to it, so it's fully liquid, some people are allowed cream of wheat - I wasn't allowed that also anything from the clears section allowed, Sugar-Free pudding, Plain Greek Yogurt - not allowed Cream of Potato (too many carbs) Tomato soup (too acidic) strained vegetable soup, etc. Pureed - 1 week or until you think you can handle soft foods Tuna & ff mayo - (must be very moist), instant mashed potatoes with added Protein powder, poached eggs or runny scrambled eggs, canned chicken pureed with ff mayo, refried Beans with ff sour cream, cooked white fished, pureed add ff tartar sauce, 1% cottage cheese, (once on pureed, watch how much cheese you take in, because constipation is an issue) Soft foods - 1 week, meat that you cook in the crock pot and you can cut with a fork and falls apart, no nuts, no seeds, softly cooked vegetables, tuna, fish, etc. Regular foods - or anything off the other lists. This is all subject to how well you do on each phase. We are not to advance until told to. My surgeon seems to have one of the longest full liquid phases. Pureed foods (tuna & chicken) are not going down too easy on me. I can get it down but only about 1 ounce along with maybe 3 teaspoons of 1% cottage cheese, but then I have a heavy feeling in my chest and stomach, not sure if it's been too dry. Today I went to broth for dinner because I have a migraine and I feel nauseated, due to the headache. I will go back to purees tomorrow and hope for the best.

SO being 3 weeks out hubby wanted to go out- went to Carrabas...THeir soup is too spicy so I was worried there was nothing I could have- I can only do soup consistancy and yogurt like thickness.. Thought about getting mannicotti and eating cheese but opted for a bowl of sauce baked with mozzerella- OMG it was delish- Waitress didnt make me feel bad, weird or anything- I was only able to eat like 5 tablespoons but it was THE MOST flavorful thing I have eaten since before surg!! so 2 thumbs up for Carrabas!!

I was banded last November and I am so happy with my choice. I am not hungry in the mornings so usually I don't eat until around noontime. I like Greek yogurt and buy the 100 calorie kind then pack the cup with things like chopped walnuts, chia seeds, a bit of gluten free cereal, etc. For me this is like a giant treat. Later I'll have whatever protein is going and some veg. Tonight we grilled and I loved my steak, just a small amount and then when I'm full I'm done. Oh, earlier I had cheese and crackers (GF) and we are having cocktails. I don't want to say what's good for any one but me, but this banded life is wonderful. I sure I could be losing faster but for the first time I'm not on a diet, I have no deprivation and I am at peace with food. I still love to cool -- have some chicken Marbella marinating right now. I've lost about sixty pounds and feel GREAT.

Duh...I just NOW saw this tread.:faint:Anyway, you know we're praying for you over here at our house. I do hope they take your tonsils out. Have your tried yogurt? The acidophilus may be helpful since you've been on the antibiotics.

i will try yogurt today. i have not been able to eat anything for the last 5 days really. some broth here and there. last night was the first real food i got to eat with those potatoes. it was amazing! LOL

Hi everyone, I'm one week post op and I feel awful! My first stage post-op was one week clear liquids only.... No protein, no vitamins, nothing! Just clear liquids. Needless to say I've been miserable since I got home. I'm lightheaded, dizzy, lethargic, irritable, etc. (my poor husband). Today I started stage 2 which is full liquids. I had 2 protein shakes, a yogurt shake and of course water. I was hoping I would feel better now that I'm getting nutrients again, but I still feel the same. To top it all off, I've had terrible diarrhea since I got home. I mean crampingly bad. My a** is legit sore from it. PLEASE tell me this gets better? I'm about to spiral out into a serious depression.

I had the same issues with certain foods. Keep trying different types. Best for me was ricotta with marinara and a little Parmesan or FF refried beans with puréed salsa and Greek yogurt for sour cream.

What HAS been working for me is white chicken in Water (Canned) with a little olive oil mayo, tuna w/ mayo, Ricotta cheese, vanilla Yogurt (Fat Free), All natural Peanut Butter, Fish (salmon, flounder..), and of course my Elite whey Protien Isolate shakes 2 times a day. Make sure you aren't drinking while you eat either. The longer you keep the food in the pouch the longer you won't feel hungry.

What do you mean "you can't get it down"? Are you too tight to eat proper foods? We need more info. I base my eating on a bit of a schedule, ie: try to eat yogurt for breakfast, some protein for lunch and dinner time. If I eat 70 grm protein a day if I have untimed "hunger" then I judge it to be head hunger and drink 16 oz water. That usually works for me.

The other day at work I was starving in the afternoon. I kept thinking about going and getting a bag of Cookies out of the vending machine. This went on for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Finally I decided, heck, I haven't bought anything out of the vending machine since my surgery 9 months ago and gave myself the go ahead to buy the cookies. Then I thought "oh, i have a babybell cheese and an yogurt in the fridge" and I realized neither one of them sounded even the least bit apealing to me. That's when I realized I wasn't really hungry at all (and I thought I was starving) !!?? I'm happy to say I didn't buy the cookies or eat the cheese or yogurt! It is really difficult to distinguish between the two sometimes. Good Luck!

5 chicken breast 1-8oz sour cream (I would use Greek plain yogurt) 1-8oz jar of salsa 1pkg of Taco seasoning Place chicken in crock pot & cover with Salsa. Cook about 6 hours. Shred chicken & place back in crock pot. Add greek yogurt & taco seasoning & cook another 30 minutes.

Vitamins I am currently taking: 1 chewable Bariatric multi-vitamin. I only need one per day and I take it in the morning. 2 1000IU Vitamin D. I try to take these in the morning, but lately they have been feeling a little stuck so I might switch to doing these in the middle of the day. sublingual B12. I take one per day and I take it in the morning. At week 6, I will be starting a liquid fish oil supplement and Calcium. My doctor requires that his patients supplement the food with Protein shakes, until we are able to get 65 grams of protein per day from food. He said that can take several months to get away from them completely. I consume anywhere from 400 to 700 calories per day. This happens to be the "normal" range my nutritionist suggested, but also reiterated that we shouldn't be tracking calories. My doc only cares about Fluid ounces and protein right now. To me, if I don't have the calorie count, I just don't feel "right" about it. I am eating a lot of different things in this stage, but this is my current list of soft foods I have on hand at my house. refried Beans (not as much as the last stage of the diet) low fat cottage cheese (not as much as the last stage of the diet) 0% Greek yogurt (not as much as the last stage of the diet) sugar free pudding (not as much as the last stage of the diet) imitation crab meat Johnsonville deli bites Spicy black bean burgers (the spice isn't actually spicy at all - the nut suggested this flavor) avocado and guacamole (I use this as a little topping to the black bean burger) IKEA Swedish meatballs ground seasoned tofu-like stuff (I got this at WalMart in the produce section. It's weird, but it is high in protein and tastes okay when you mix a little shredded cheese) shredded cheese (not very much though) fresh mozzarella pearlines (tiny, tiny little balls of fresh mozz) homemade chili with beans and ground beef very thinly sliced chicken breast deli meat (I've tried a couple different flavors and the key is having the deli person cut it as thin as possible) I also add Protein powder, Just Great Stuff powdered Peanut Butter (like PB2), and Just Great Stuff powdered chocolate peanut butter to things like yogurt and pudding.

I wanted to share this with anyone who is interested. It is info that I got from my doctor. Thought it may help those who are in the first few weeks, like me. BANDLIFE... THE BEGINNING (FIRST 4 TO 6 WEEKS) Healing Key points about healing Take it easy, because your number one job in the coming weeks is to heal. You'll also break from some of your old habits and take on some new ones. How does the band work? The band is connected by a thin tube to an access port. Your access port sits just under your skin. Almost all surgeons leave the band empty after placing it because your stomach is swollen from the operation. There's already a natural tightness around the "stoma" (the opening between the upper and lower stomach). If the band was filled, food would have a hard time passing through the stoma. As the swelling goes down, you'll most likely need an adjustment (or a "fill"). Healing do's and don'ts Right now, your stomach is sewn over the band. As you heal, the tissue around your stomach will form scars, which anchor the band in place to help keep it from slipping. As your band settles in, there are some things you can do to make sure it doesn't slip: Do NOT do any heavy-duty exercise or lifting (like kids or bags of groceries) in the first few weeks after surgery. You don't want to strain yourself. DO get up and around as much as you can. After surgery, keeping your blood flowing will help prevent blood clots or pneumonia. Go ahead and take a walk. It will also help move some of that gas you're probably feeling in your belly. DO stick to the liquids-only diet as long as your doctor asks you to. Typically, this lasts for the first 2 weeks because eating things that can make you throw up or make your stomach churn as it tries to digest thicker food can cause the band to slip. Do NOT take a bath, swim, or soak in any Water until your cuts are healed over. You don't want to run the risk of getting an infection. Most doctors say to wait at least 1 week. But ask if it's OK to shower. Do NOT smoke after surgery. Smoking slows down the blood flow all over your body and slows down the healing process. The general rule about healing is "slowly but surely." Going back to work Most people go back to desk jobs in about 1 week, sometimes sooner. If your work is more physically demanding, you'll want to take more time. If you feel tired or feel any pain, do NOT push it. During this time you should call your doctor if something feels wrong. Call if you: Notice that your surgical area becomes red, unusually warm or tender There's drainage oozing You have a fever of 101° F or higher Have serious belly pain Are dizzy Are short of breath Have bad nausea and are vomiting If you need to go to the hospital, tell them that you have a LAP-BAND and show them your patient ID card. Then make sure they call your surgeon. Eating and Drinking While your stomach is healing, you have to be extra careful and extra gentle. You'll have to start listening to your body in a new way to see how it feels and what it needs. There are 3 eating phases following your procedure, and you should speak with your doctor about how long each one should last for you. Phase 1: Clear liquids These are liquids that you can see through, such as: Water Sugar-free juice without pulp Tea Strained broth Do NOT drink anything carbonated. Sodas and seltzer water can bloat and stretch your pouch. Stick to Clear Liquids as long as your doctor instructs. "Full liquids" are things like skim milk, low-fat yogurt without chunks of fruit, blended Soups, Protein Drinks, and anything low-fat and low-sugar that you can sip through a straw. Some doctors will keep you on full liquids for the first 2 weeks. But the amount of time in any one phase can vary. So find out what your doctor wants you to do. Phase 2: Soft foods This includes foods that are low-fat, moist, and mushy. You want to stay away from anything chunky, chewy, stringy, or solid that can get stuck inside the stoma. Your masher, food processor, or blender will come in handy. Good breakfasts are: Cooked cereal Eggs Ripe bananas Lunches and dinners include: Low-fat cottage cheese Soft broiled fish Mashed potatoes In this phase you'll need to take really tiny bites and chew them well. You want to make sure your food goes down easily. But successful weight loss won't happen if you stay in this phase too long. Soft, mushy foods that are high in calories or that you are eating all day long can keep your weight on. Phase 3: Solid food Regular, solid, but well-chewed food that's high in Protein stays in your pouch longer and gives you a full feeling sooner. Your doctor may or may not want you to eat solid food before the first adjustment. Please ask so you know for sure. Drinking You want to stay hydrated, so drink water in slow sips. Cold water can cause your stomach to spasm, so try water that's room temperature or warm. When you move into the soft food phase, get into the habit of drinking between meals and not before, during, or right after you eat. You don't want to wash food through your stoma. What's Next Even though your goal is to lose at least half of your excess weight in the first year, do not expect to lose much weight during the first 4 to 6 weeks. Some people do lose weight, but others don't. Don't get discouraged if you don't see the pounds fly off right away. As the swelling goes down in your stomach, your stoma will naturally widen and you may not get that full-feeling signal. You'll see big changes once your band is fine-tuned with a fill or several fills, and once you're eating solids, especially protein, you'll feel full faster. Right now it's most important to stick with your instructions, ask questions if you don't know the answer, and pay attention to how you're feeling.

Avocado, strawberry and banana shake with Greek yogurt (any flavor), skim milk, truvia, and ice in the Nutribullet. My husband likes his with sugar so he sweetens his after I pour mine into a glass to add the truvia. I also LOVE the vanilla avocado combo ~ so creamy! Vanilla yogurt, avocado, milk, truvia to taste and ice.

Hi @MarceMonster. Here’s the formula I used to get to goal weight: • Start every morning with a Protein shake for Breakfast. • Eat 60–80 or more grams of protein daily. • Drink 64–120 ounces of fluids daily. (I drink tons of Crystal Light, or generic, sugar-free/decaf iced tea.) • Do not consume any starches or sugars. • Get all carbs from green veggies, legumes, and dairy products. • Do not consume empty liquid calories/sugar (fruit juices, ice cream, etc). • Try to avoid alcohol. It’s empty liquid calories that turn to sugar in your body and can lead to poor choices. • All Snacks must be protein-based (Jerky, nuts, cheese, Greek yogurt, deli meats, etc.). • Get some exercise 4-6 times a week. • Never leave the house without a plan for what you can eat and drink while you’re out. If necessary, bring food and drink with you. • Restaurant eating is not hard: 1) skip the bread; 2) order a meat (or legume/bean) dish; 3) replace the starch with a second vegetable; 4) skip the dessert. You’ll probably end up taking some of the meat and most of the veggies home for another meal. • Beef/turkey jerky is my secret weapon. It’s saved me more times than I can count, so I try to always have some in the car for emergencies. You can buy a bag of jerky almost anywhere. It’s kind of expensive and not great for sodium-restricted diets, but it’s also high protein, low fat, okay sugar, and a 3.5-ounce bag is a meal by itself! • If you fall off the horse, get back on immediately – at the next meal. Not tomorrow, and definitely not next Monday. That’s what got us here! • Go to Bariatric Support Group meetings in your area, if possible. • Participate actively in online forums like BariatricPal. • Read as much as you can about the process and the journey; and especially, read posts and articles from those who had their surgery a few years ago. Try to understand what lead to their successes and/or struggles. • Share your story and reach out to help others who are behind you in their journey. By helping them, you’ll help yourself as well. • Have a goal weight in mind and strive to get there. (I weigh myself every single day.) But also set lots of smaller goals. It’s fun and inspiring to achieve them. • Always be looking forward. Don’t look back over your shoulder waiting for the heavier person to drag you back. Let that person fade into history. • Believe that the slimmer person in the mirror is the real you. • A little vanity is okay. Enjoy how you look. Accept compliments graciously and don’t deflect them. Have fun trying on smaller-sized clothes that fit now. Compare before and after pictures. Take pride in your accomplishments! • Accept that this is a somewhat selfish process. That’s okay, too. You don’t have to apologize for it. And don’t let other people interfere with your progress. We have to make our weight loss program a priority in our lives. • But at the same time, recognize that your journey affects your friends and loved ones as well. Be sensitive to their reactions and their emotional needs, without allowing it to derail your program. • And finally, try to have fun losing the weight and getting healthy! Hold onto your determination! That's what'll keep you going during the difficult times and the stalls. Good luck!

I spoke to a pharmacist and we determined that I can take the pill with Water and then eat afterwards. I don't think it was the yogurt that made me ill, I think it was drinking after I had a bunch of food in my tummy. Switching it around the other way totally solved the problem. My fever is down to 99.9 and I'm feeling like I'm on the mend. Thanks for your suggestions though

For me, the sample diet my program was simply a guideline for the type of foods to eat. Such as, my plan advised to eat fish twice a day, well I don't like fish, so I substituted beef or chicken. I didn't follow it to a "T", and it hasn't had any negative effects on me at all. As for the eating more than the recommended amount, your stomach is still healing. You should not overfill it, and you really don't want to feel the uncomfortable, cramping, pain that comes with overfilling your sleeve early out. You put yourself at a higher risk of a leak if you overeat. I'm not trying to scare you, but it is the truth. I'm 5 months out, and can barely eat 4-6oz of yogurt, or creamy Soups. But, I eat extremely slow, and make sure that I listen to my body. There is a learning curve early out, and it takes 20 minutes of eating for your stomach to tell your brain that you are "full". If you consume more calories than recommended, yes, it will effect your weight loss. During the initial post-op phases, the key is allowing the stomach to heal properly, and to maximize your weight loss.