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I might try them, thanks. I love the Premier Protein from Costco but you get sick of everything after a while! I am banded 2.5 years and I am tight in the morning and a vegetarian so I have one every morning but I need some variety!!! Good luck with the whole thing...its the best thing I ever did...it was a struggle at first but now its pretty easy!

Great job! I'm 6 days post-op and having the same challenges. I bought a bunch of pureed Soups from trader joes, plus some vegetable and a few fruit juices. I bought a non-flavored Protein Powder (gene pro) to add to the soups and juices for Protein, or I season some Greek yogurt with salt, pepper and olive oil to go with the soups. I also bought some cheddar, ricotta and feta cheese to blend/melt into the soups. I was so sick of my Protein Shakes post-op that the thought of drinking them made me sick, so I've been trying to up my protein in other ways. I also bought frozen fruit, skim milk, and silken tofu for smoothies (tasty with a splash of apple cider for sweetness). I made a tasty black bean Soup the other day: puree 1 can drained black Beans with chicken stock, some Greek yogurt, a bit of olive oil and cumin. It's very tasty and satisfying. A lot of these foods will transition with me into the soft food stage (I won't have to thin everything out so much). The biggest thing for me now is judging my hunger signals during this recovery process while I still have some pain and inflammation - trying to eat enough but not too much. I'm down 12 lbs, 9 pre, 3 post. So far so good Good luck!

I am about 8 weeks out post op. I am suppose to be getting 90 grams of Protein in a day. I am lucky if I get to 70 grams. I just don't feel like eating. The shakes gross me out. I have lost 54 lbs since surgery but the doctor says I would lose faster if I get my protein goal. Just frustrated.

Bariatric Advantage has an unflavored protein shake. It is not cheap at $60 for a large container.

My first day of the liquid diet we have a work function at a Mexican food place. And I drove 2 others or I would have just gone home & skipped the dinner. It smells so good! But I am sitting here being good & drinking my water. 1 more protein shake to go when I get home. :-/

I start my 2-week pre-op diet Jan. 15th and it consists of 3 protein shakes a day, period. Not looking forward to it, I must say. I'm sure I'll be posting my own rant... But we'll make it through!

Hi, I am a newbie so to speak. New to the lapband - surgery 12-11-08 and also new to this...first time (is what I'm doing called chatting)! A little about me .... 55 years old, married 35 years to a wonderful retired man, 1 son, 1 daughter in law, 1 13 year old grandson, currently kindergarten reading teacher for 3 years, first grade 17 years, and first year was in 6th grade in a rural K-8 district. I've always been overweight, many diet attempts, always active. Never let my weight keep me from doing things and achieving - Child to young adult bowler when I met my husband who worked at the bowling lanes carried a 225 average. Was a chubby Jr. High Cheerleader, Played softball - pitcher & 2nd base - Last few years played - team was champs, Played high school volleyball. As a teacher, for 10 years I was the girls volleyball and basketball coach and both boy's and girl's track coach for 10 years. My moto stayed intact.That is until about five years ago ...it caught up to me...sleep apnea, knees and hips going, and blood pressure creeping up. My mind said go...yes I can but my body said enough is enough.:thumbup: At my highest lifetime weight 386, :clap: I was miserable and almost immobile. I was in therapy for my knee for 16 weeks. I was in such bad shape it was almost like I had a stroke. I worked through that and became a little bit more mobile. During the summer I looked into the lapband... and went to the informational seminar...After that day their was no turning back. August 25, 2008 first visit with doctor weighed 376. Found out insurance would not pay, and that I would have to loss another 26 pounds before he would do the surgery. December 8, 2008 (my husbands birthday) started pre-op liquid diet on December 11, 2008 had my surgery. My only fear was getting on the hospital scale that morning and finding out I was not 350 or under...I was prepare to strip down if I had to....(which would not have been a pretty sight) but my weight was 345 with clothes at home and 343 with clothes at the hospital. From then on I was all smiles.:clap: I have not had any trouble ... I've went through all the diet stages ( I have followed all the rules/ with my husband's coaching) without anything bad happening. I'm on trial and error eating now...to see what I tolerate...so far nothing is on my Don't eat List except the doctor said no beef, pork, bread(sticky), celery for 6 mos. I was told to eat 1/2 cup 3x a day leaning heavily toward the Protein. I find my 1/2 cup tends to be a little rounded at the top whereas my husband's tends to be level....and he can tell what 1/2 cup is on a plate...so he has taken on the job of measuring! :thumbup: It's amazing though I'm never hungry between meals.... My eyes still think I need more...but as long as I know it's 1/2 cup I eat it and never feel hungry! I record and journal everything everyday. At my last doctor's appointment 1-12-09 he tried to fill me at the office but could not find the port - set up appointment at the hospital to do the adjustment - added 2.5 cc. back on liquid for a day, then puree, then regular 1/2 cup. Still no problems. My attitude is positive, my activity level is up, my energy level is up and my weight is down. I even walked a mile came in and biked (stationary) 10 minutes. For someone that could hardly walk from the parking lot to her classroom last year this to me is amazing! :w00t: My weight today is 321. I know I have a lot to go ... the rest of my life which because of this lifestyle change will be healthier, lighter, and happier. As you can tell, I'm a talker. I'm wanting to learn more from those that have traveled on this journey and rode this ride. I want to learn from your successes and mistakes.. I want to make new friends that have chosen this lifestyle change. I forgot to share my new motto : "Eating to Live" which changed from "Living to Eat". By just switching the words ... I'm healthier!

Has anyone used carnation Breakfast high Protein? I am using Premier Protein but was wondering if the carnation breakfast would be OK to switch it up with sometimes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved the 17th too and I'm having the same issue..I seem to only be able to get like 3 oz. in at a time before I'm full. I'm so sick of protein shakes too! When can you start food?

I know someone who is 3 yrs post op. She said she occasionally smokes since drinking is no longer an option for her.

That's correct. The diet may be 4-5 shakes a day plus broth and sugar-free drinks or 2 shakes plus one meal consisting of protein and non-starchy veggies. The idea is to shrink your liver in preparation for the surgery. They have to move the liver out of the way to perform the sleeve and it reduces the risk of them nicking it. From what I've read here (I have about a month before I'll be at this stage), the first 3-4 days are the worse. Good luck!

I believe the sugar is high. Try the eas carb advantage they are good it has 17g protein, 0 sugar.

Look at ideas which others have done. Also google protein shakes that are sugar free. For everything, it has a common other product to go with it. I had my surgery this past Tuesday and I love the liquids more now compared to pre surgery.

Funny question... But how are meatballs post op? Soft moist protein, right? Any issues with them?

It sounds like you are getting pretty anxious! I had to see my nutritionist for six monthly visits leading up to surgery and we didn't discuss grams of Protein, calories, fats, etc! The things we worked on together before surgery were how to start changing my habits on preparation for using my new pouch for example, I had to slow down my eating and take 20-25 minutes to eat each meal. I also had to make sure i was eating three meals a day with no snacking. We talked about what to buy before surgery, what Vitamins I'd need and why, what I could eat during the initial stages post op, etc. The calories and carbs and Proteins will come later. Just slow down. We ALL think we know a few things about eating right because we've done every diet under the sun, read every article, measured our food. We've lost tons of weight! But we gained it back. None of us would be seeing bariatric surgeons if we didn't need the extra help. You need to put your trust in the professionals. It's such a foreign concept to actually practice what they are teaching, believe me I know, but I'm so glad I had those visits. It really gave me good preparation and I think using my pouch is coming to me more naturally than if I hadn't had those sessions. BTW my surgery was just on July 1 and I'm down from 270 to 247!! I strongly recommend finding a surgeon and facility that are a bariatric center of excellence. This means they are held to higher standards. They have to provide comprehensive care and support for long term success. They typically have their own nutritionist with bariatric experience and host support group meetings. I attend one meeting before surgery which was really helpful to me (and my husband). I hope I've helped!

I agree with the isopure. The zero calorie versions have no sugar, no carbs, and 25 grams of Protein for a scoop which is half a serving. They are also only 105 calories a scoop and have some flavors that taste just fine with Water such as mango peach and pineapple orange banana. I highly recommend these especially if you are getting tired of the standard vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. They have plenty of other amazing flavors as well.

I am having the same second guesses as you are! Scared something will happen in surgery, scared something will happen after surgery, scared ill never be able to eat what I enjoy again, the list goes on. I am in the pre op diet stage - my 6th day today. This stage has not been easy. I've also dieted, lost over 100 lbs - gained it all back and then some. I have numerous co-morbidities - and honestly, not to discourage - I threat to call it off every day, but then I think to myself - where will I be in a year if I stay on this path that I'm on? If I don't get the surgery, a year from now, I'll probably be wishing I would have and my condition will be FAR worse along than what it already is. I don't have children. I'm 21, BMI 43-45. Starting weight: 326. Today: 301 - and ironically enough even though I am doing just a liquid protein diet (no actual food) 2-4 protein shakes a day, water and/or crystal/wylers light, three bites of sugar free jello total, and sugar free Popsicles and I CANNOT break the 300 marker. My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 28th. Ultimately, this is a personal decision, but as I've read on here and from my own personal experience - we ALL have doubts before the surgery. You just need to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risk worth taking and always remember that prayer is a powerful tool. Hope I helped! Good luck!

@@GBLady41 That sounds pretty similar to what I'm doing, too! I do 4 Protein shakes a day and then I have a list of approved vegetables. My menu is usually like this: Breakfast: Protein shake Mid-Morning Snack: 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce Lunch: Protein Shake Mid-Afternoon Snack: SF pudding or Jell-O Dinner: Protein Shake, 1/2 cup of low sodium approved Soup Before Bed Snack: Protein Shake And then if I want to have a veggie at any time (i've been sticking to cucumbers, broccoli and green Beans mostly..maybe salad here and there) I can, as I can eat those freely. I can also allow myself a SF popsicle if I want to, but I really dislike the taste of them. And obviously, I drink a ton of water!! I got some SF Water flavoring from Target (their Market Pantry brand) and really like it! Sounds like you're on a similar path as me! Good luck on your journey!! xo

Protein examples Protein shakes fish-salmon,tuna, shrimp, too name a few chicken - meats cheese eggs cottage cheese yogurt Protein Bars good luck kathy

So my surgery is tomorrow have to be at the hospital at 6:30 AM. Have been on the liquid diet so far just protein shakes for breakfast, lunch and broth for dinner. It's not too bad the anxiousness I feel is not letting me feel hungry. It's such a strange feeling I have nerves and excitement to see the changes in my body. I'm putting myself in gods hands and am sure he made this process so easy for a reason. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their feedback and stories they have definitely made this process a little better to deal with. Wish me luck

What has your doctor told you to eat? My doctor recommends whey Isolate Protein powder. Remember protein keeps you full longer than carbs. shakes like slimfast and carnation instant Breakfast do not have enough protein and won't keep you as full. I like Dymatize vanilla and Gold Standard Double chocolate. From costco Premier ready to drink protein is very good and has 30 g protein for only 160 calories. Also space out your food as much as possible. I understand if you only have one shake you will still be hungry. If however you know you can have something else in a couple hours it may help you stop snacking on unapproved food. FYI post op you will probably have 2 weeks of liquids and you can not cheat then it will be very bad for your stomach!

Joiebean you will do great. Keep the mental focus positive, and just follow the doctors guidelines to the "T" and you will be successful. Everyone reminds us, get the fluids in -it really is most important in the first few weeks. The Protein and food will come, but you will not feel well if you get dehydrated. Please, listen to your body! Sending positive thoughts and prayers. Jkwkgrl - wow, that is a lot to think about *your dad* just as you are preparing for surgery. Someone once said to me "how many obese elderly do you see, let alone super obese?" that was my "AH HA" moment. You did the right thing for you and your family. Hope your dad is doing well, maybe he can just start by moving a little to feel better? Smiles all - keep positive, Sandy

Yesterday I started a 1200 calorie diet and journaling everything that I eat and drink. I also started walking yesterday. I think if I get my workout in the morning it will help me stay motivated through out the day. What is the liquid Protein diet?

My experience was that I didn't use most of what I bought...I had no appetite and it was all I could do to sip a little protein shake and water throughout the day. The one indispensable thing for me was a heating pad!

honk: thanks for the idea of adding Mrs Dash! Great idea. What is CIB? christina: I didn't find it. My grocery had DanActive Light bottles. Each has 35 calories, 6g carbs, 3g Protein, and 0 fat.