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I had the same feeling when I got home last Friday night. I'm still aggravated that I'm tired and not able to eat a lot. But I assume it gets better. I thought I had lost my mind doing this just 2 days ago. The pain and the nausea and the protein! But now I know that I just have to take it slow. I'm better every day. You'll be great!

i think i t all depends on how quickly you gain proper restriction. im a little over 5 months out and have lost all but 15 pounds of my weight. but everyones band and body are different. there are people who get it after only a fill or two and others it takes a while for. but just because it takes you awhile to gain restriction dosent mean it wont happen. just ask restlessmonkey, it took her a long time to get to the right spot but she toughed it out and is now doing extremey well with her band. there can be a lot of trial and error involved in gaining restriction.( a definite drawback of the band) it also requires al ot of follow up care for fills. if thats something you are gonna have a hard time you might wanna weigh your other options before making a final surgery decision. good luck

I went to the orientation at Kaiser for the Options program. I didn't learn anything new, for I've done all my research. However, I have to say that just being there made me feel sick and nervous. The whole thing is just scary and slightly depressing. I haven't been this nervous in a long time. I have no idea what to do. It's amazing that they would rather cut you open than put you in a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer and food plan. Actually I did learn one new thing....they don't require you to even do the 12 week class. You could simply contact the surgeon and have a consult from there. Don't think I"ll got hat route, but it's an idea. Thanks for letting me vent.

I use mynetdiary. It has a website, iPhone, iPad and Android apps. It counts calories, carbs, protein, sodium, fat etc. it also tracks weight and exercise. I don't know about the Android app, but iPhone and iPad also have a bar code scanner which I really like. You can also enter custom foods. I'm pretty happy with it and have been using it for two months.

You have to get in your Protein or you will stop losing weight. I am almost a month out and at week 2 I wasn't eating much and didn't lose weight for about a week. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

Basically, it is what you are eating is what that matters the most.If you are taking more of carbs then it is natural to gain weight.Therefore it is very necessary to keep your carbohydrate intake under check.Protein intake is more helpful for you therefore it is always better to make your diet protein rich.

:help: Hello, My Name is Sherry and I am looking into the Lap Band process. I went to a informational meeting which was good. I found this website and I think it is just filled with so much needed information. Anyway, I was thinking about trying some protein drinks which from reading the posts are a mainstay with this surgery. Could anyone suggest what brands would be good -- also I am lactose intolerant

I can tolerate milk but can't stand milky tasting protein drinks. I use unjury chicken broth and Syntrex Nectar strawberry kiwi. I ordered strex from vitalady.com she has samples of tons of juice tasting protein drinks. I use a scoop and a half for 35 grams of protein per drink. Alot of times after surgery you can become lactose intolerant. Sometimes it is forever and other times for just a bit.

42g of Protein is not valid. Just so you know pretty much anything over 30 is excreted. The most you can absorb is around the 30g threshold so over that is something you shouldn't count on your daily protein intake. Good luck. btw my savior during the liquids phase? sugar free Jello.

In case any preops want to know what a 3-4 week post op diet might look like. Good chance to shop in advance. In 3 weeks I lost 17 pounds. The first 2 weeks is all liquid, but here is how my 3rd week started... · Liquid and soft foods only · Target 80-100gms of Protein (ProSLam and low cal protein shakes) · Target 900-1200 calories a day · Always eating protein first · Multivitamin complete (with iron) daily · Calcium chews (from Sams club) · No starch · Max of 6gms of sugar in whatever I eat/drink · Lots of sugar fee or no sugar added Jello products · coffee with no sugar added soymilk · Targeting 64 ounces of Water per day but more like 16 in reality · Crystal light popsicles I’m a little habitually hungry at night but generally pretty satisfied. Dessert is 90 calorie tapioca by Jello.

Does anybody know where on line that I can get a food diary, maybe a calorie/protein counter? I talked to my drs office yesterday and they said maybe I wasn't getting enough protein and to keep a log for about 2wks. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! I joined this board so that I could make friends/supporters....and the few that I have met so far are really great. Thanks.

Trader Joe's chicken broth worked well after surgery, although I only had 3 days of Clear liquids following surgery, and the first 2 were in the hospital (where they gave me some broth that was far less appetizing). If you like Jello, throw some whey in there and enjoy it. I personally don't like it. As for your Protein, I am loving the Isopure whey isolate powder as well as the prepared flavored shakes (available at Vitamin Shoppe). I still can't get quite the protein quota from soft foods and purees (my current stage) so they really come in and bat clean-up.

Today is my first day back to semi normal food!!! I'm so excited!! Yesterday I planned my meals for today like it was my last meal LOL Just wanted to share my excitement lol haha Breakfast: oatmeal w/ splenda Lunch: stick cheese, turkey sliced, and crackers. Dinner: Baked tilipia and broccoli-soft Snacks-1-2 Protein shakes throughout the day Lots of Water and my Vitamins More than likely my lunch will not include all that (I can't eat alot). I may have the stick cheese for a snack

I'm 3 mons out and really nothing bothers my sleeve. But I still need to do one sometimes two shakes or a bar a day to hit 60-80 gms of protein. I have a thread here titled "tired of protein shakes?" That has tips that might help you get your protein.

I am scheduled for June 17 as well. I have already started as of April 29 changing my diet and experimenting with different protein supplements. My favorites so far (and trust me when I say I am very picky) is EAS Myoplex Lite in French Vanilla (not a fan of the chocolate drinks so far but my husband likes them) and ISOPURE (liquid form, have not tried the powdered form yet)..one bottle is 80 percent protein and it tastes pretty good...kinda reminds me of sugar free coolaid mixed with a wine cooler (haha)...Good LUck...By changin my diet and substituting the EAS drink for breakfast I have gotten my body (sorta) ready for the two week liquid diet and have grown a taste ... not to mention already dropped 11 pounds (in two weeks) and feel a lot less bloated...

Ok I picked up some protein (Isopure). I had my pre op appointment and class and registered at the hospital. Loma Linda University Medical Center. I start my 2 day liquid diet tomorrow.

When I travel I keep Protein bars and fruit in my bag. There's lots of airport food I can eat if I choose to. I can eat almost anything. As for steakhouses, I always order the smallest filet or split the large one with my DH with a side of potatoes or green veggie. It won't be so hard after the first couple of weeks. You'll get in a groove.

So I start my 3rd week post op this Thursday, we are leaving to go camping for the weekend on Friday. I know I can bring yogurts, cans of tuna and applesauce, etc. I can cook eggs also.. Any other easy ideas anyone can give me? I will bring my personal blender too lol, just need a few more ideas without it getting into too many ingredients or time spent on meals. My post op instructions had a few ideas but not many.. I really can't wait to cook for my family again, but I don't want to make big dinners just to have to puree them for myself. I think I will wait a couple more weeks then be able to make healthy high Protein meals for dinner.

Oh yeah, I've been there! Once I was into pureed foods, I was NOT satisfied! I would have given ANYTHING to be able to chew something. In liquid stage, at least I knew I could only drink, but puree was not satisfying for me. I occasionally had a shake instead of a meal when I was having trouble. Oh, puree... how I hated you. There are some tasty options, though. And pudding. Lots of tasty pudding.

Made stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat and cheese and poblano and jalapeño peppers with turkey Italian sausage so good both low carb high Protein. This is time consuming but very delicious!!! YUMMY!!! http://allrecipes.com/recipe/stuffed-portobello-mushroom-caps/ http://www.food.com/recipe/low-carb-stuffed-portabellas-109727 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guys-big-bite-/italian-stuffed-jalapenos-recipe/index.html http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1748195 http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/stuffed_poblano_chiles.html

Just made it up and tried it...yummy! 1 scoop strawberry banana Protein powder (I used optimum nutrition gold standard...any would do..even plain strawberry) 1 cup vita coco coconut Water with peach and mango flavoring 1 tbsp sf ff banana pudding mix (instant dry measure) 1 cup crushed ice Mix first 3 ingredients in blender briefly. Put in ice; pulse and blend until iced smoothie consistency. 200 cal 24 protein (depends on powder) Lots of potassium in coconut water...good for electrolyte imbalance

I was sleeved on Monday September 12th so of course I'm on a strict liquid diet this week. It is almost impossible to get my Protein in because the only thing I can have that contains protein are the Bariatric Advantage shakes mixed with Water or New whey Liquid Protein shots. Both make me physically sick when I try to drink them. I'm wondering how badly it'll effect me to not get all my protein until Tuesday? Because that's when I can start full liquids and can drink the normal Protein Shakes again! I'm nervous I'm going to mess everything up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you!! That made me feel a thousand times better. I basically assumed that it wouldn't ruin everything but I needed at least one person to verify. And I did talk to my team and she basically said I need protein no matter what. Which I completely understand, I'm strictly just talking about this first week. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

IDK anything on plication but I had read some things on it that were not 'great.' I honestly don't recall what. I did sleeve as I am and was a huge eater. I use food for more things than hunger and I still struggle with that. I'm a work in progress. I wasn't "huge" as most ppl would say "omg you don't need surgery!" but they didn't know how I ate. They didn't know that food really felt like it controlled me. I hate to say that, it sounds pathetic, but I am an addict. It's the only "drug of choice" that you can't 'just quit'... and every day is always going to be something to work at. This tool helps me work it. I didn't do RNY (gastric bypass) as I didn't want to reroute my plumbing and to be honest dumping scares me. I love sweets, or loved them prior to my sleeve, and I was scared I'd do that once and get dumping and want to die. I am the 1% of sleevers that have had complications. I have had pneumonia after my surgery then a leak and revision to my suture line. It was not the most enjoyable experience; however, I don't regret the surgery - most days! I am 90 lbs and counting lost since March. I worry on the long term 'will I be successful' because surgery is a tool, not a magic wand that will 'fix' you. Depression, eating for solace, etc are issues that having this surgery will NOT fix. However, this surgery has made it possible where I go out to eat and after 4 or 5 bites, I am "done" and satisfied. I can eat 700-900 calories a day and be ok with it, where I used to balk at that extreme makeovers show that put everyone on a 1200 calorie restriction diet. Do your research, decide what is best for you. Should you want to know more about sleeve, this is obviously the place to be. But research your options. I do think DO IT! (whatever surgery you decide, especially if you have struggled with weight for your lifetime as I have) I am 38 and I hope that I will be successful for the remainder of whatever my lifetime might be so that diabetes, cancer, heart disease - all of which have killed my family - won't get me. But remember... I AM still a "work in progress"..... it's a tool and every day I still have to push myself to make good choices and not beat myself up when I slip. Part of this journey, for me, is about forgiving myself for things.... I am trying to work on my head issues. Support groups with this surgery has helped! (you might attend a few of whatever surgery you are considering for face to face input as well) Best wishes!

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Time flies, and the summer certainly seemed to slip away for us at BariatricPal! Still, our busyness has been fun and productive, and we hope you feel the same way about your summer. Here is a newsletter that we hope will keep you centered and move you forward as we head into fall. You’ll find: • Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere • Fall Flavors, WLS Style • Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Use this newsletter to get a handle on your weight loss surgery goals and strategies, and then launch into action! Get your meals prepped, lace up your walking shoes, and logon to the BariatricPal Forums on your computer or using the Android or iPhone app! Can’t wait to see you there! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere Going through bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off is already a tall order; why would you even think about trying to go it alone? Rather than trying to go through the journey alone, you are probably better off figuring out what help you may need, and where you will find it. That way, the challenges you are sure to come across will be nothing more than little blips that you can overcome more quickly than if you were trying to face them on your own. Your Healthcare Team Obvious though it may seem, sometimes it is easy to forget, that your healthcare team is there…for your health. Your surgeon, primary care doctor, and specialists that you may have, such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist, can answer your health questions, and put you in touch with bariatric specialists, such as nutritionists and psychologists, when you need them. The People Around You People may be more willing and able to help than you realize. Look to family, friends, and even coworkers for help in your WLS journey success. They can help you in a variety of ways, both direct and indirect for your surgery and weight loss. • Your parents and neighbors can take care of the kids or drive them to their activities, especially right after surgery when you need to rest and/or cannot drive. • Coworkers who are trying to lose weight or who work hard to lead healthy lifestyles can be supportive as you work to eat healthy, and could walk with you at lunch. • Friends could agree to socialize while shopping, hiking, or crafting – not eating. BariatricPal Really! Talk about 24/7 support, and BariatricPal should come to mind. The forums are where to go for support from BariatricPal members. You can browse or come to ask specific questions. Find helpful WLS success tips in our WLS Magazine when you read articles on nutrition, exercise, head games, and more written by experts including nutritionists, psychologists, surgeons, and successful WLS patients. Get trusted reviews on surgeons in your area in our Surgeon Directory, and check out The BariatricPal Store for protein bars and shakes, bariatric supplements, great-tasting entrees and snacks, and more products that can make your journey easier. Fall Flavors, WLS Style The bounty of fall is in, with apples, pumpkin, and mushrooms making their presence known. With these and other nutritious choices in season, why did diet disasters such as apple pie, pumpkin pancakes, and mushroom dip become the culinary face of fall? Classic fall foods can put a damper on weight loss, but fall fare does not need to throw you off your diet, though. Here are a few ideas that can get you your fall fix while letting you hit your fall goals. Apples Crisp fall apples are so innocent, until they turn into apple pie a la mode, apple cobbler, and apple butter. You are far better off pairing these fiber-packed fruits with Peanut Butter Powder, which adds some low-fat, reduced-calorie protein. Or, try great-tasting apple-flavored protein punches, without extra sugar in apples or baked goods, in the form of Protein Fruit Drinks, Apple Pie Protein Bars, and Cinnamon Apple Protein Oatmeal. Check out our Apple-Flavored Collection! Cinnamon Nothing screams “autumn!” like cinnamon and spice, but the food industry takes the flavors to dangerous places. Cinnamon turns from a blood sugar-lowering agent into a sweetened flavor that brings too many calories and too much sugar and fat: think cinnamon latte, cinnamon French toast, and cinnamon buns, for example. Get your fix instead from our Cinnamon-Flavored Protein Foods, such as Cinnamon Swirl Protein One Meal Replacement, Cinnamon Vanilla and Cinnamon Crunch Protein Cereal, and Cinnamon Crunch and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars. They are low in carbs, and high in protein and flavor. Pumpkin, Chili, and More A piece of pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffin has about twice the sugars you need in a day, and hardly any pumpkin. A bowl of beefy chili can have your daily dose of saturated fat and sodium. Those creamed mushrooms may smell appetizing, but what if their rich sauce sends you to the bathroom with dumping syndrome? Don’t do it! You are better off going with Pumpkin Protein Muffins with 20 grams of protein, low-carb, protein-rich instant entrees such as Vegetable or Turkey Chili, and Creamy Mushroom Protein Soup or Meal Replacement. You will get the fall flavor, without the hit to your waistline. Check The BariatricPal Store for more fall flavors you love, with nutritionals you love, too. We have treats for every phase of the WLS diet, including liquid, pureeds, soft, and solid foods. Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Bariatric surgery is a process, not an endpoint. Getting bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off are a lifelong journey. They require commitment and effort, and you might be best able to keep it up if you balance looking back with looking ahead. Backwards: Staying True to Yourself and Celebrating Achievements Your past may be behind you, but it shaped you and still affects you today. Remember who you were and the frustrated or other negative feelings you may have had before surgery or before you started considering surgery, and you may help yourself stay motivated to keep moving forward. You can also honor your past by marking milestones, such as weight loss markers, fitting into smaller clothes or other NSVs, and your surgiversaries. Forwards: Setting New Goals There is always something to achieve, and setting new goals will help you move forward. There are weight loss milestones on the way to goal weight and goal weight. Along the way and beyond, you can always set goals to improve fitness, try new activities, and keep growing as the result of your commitment to yourself and your health. As always, we support whatever commitment you make to yourself and your health, and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey whenever you allow us to be. Good luck this fall in your quest for health, and thanks for being a BariatricPal member! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.