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Not sure what my calorie intake is. My doctor wants 60-90 oz of protein a day so that’s what I try to achieve. Some days are easier than others for sure.

My dr told me only to eat protein first then fill up on veggies and fruit and avoid all the white stuff. What he didn't tell me was how many calories are ok. When I was doing JC I had around 1500. My question is: is 1500 still ok? or should I go lower? What is the calories that YOU do? I'm sure that since nothing has been re-routed that we still go by the old rule "calorie in calorie out"? I've been doing pretty good so far, but now I really need to get serious. The weight is coming off harder now, so this is why I'm asking.

If you like coffee and have chocolate protein powder, you can easily make a cafe mocha with barely any calories! I make a pot of coffee and stick it in the fridge until its cold. I pour 12oz. of it in a glass, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 2 packs Splenda and splash of milk. Then shake it up really well and then add ice. Delicious!

I'm 18 months out and don't tend to always follow the Protein first rules, but I'm maintaining beneath my goal weight and still losing, so it seems to have worked out. My days tend to vary, but they usually go something along the lines of this: Breakfast - 1/3 cup Cascadian Farms Fruit and Nut Granola (I only eat this kind- no reason I just like it best) Snack (after morning workout) -Protein shake (almond milk, frozen Greek yogurt, PB2, & protein powder) lunch - 1/2 Hillshire Farms Little Plate (it has salami, cheese, and a hard cracker- like an adult lunchable) Snack - turkey and cheddar cheese roll-up or cottage cheese or 1/2 a Protein Bar or handful of granola dinner - other half of the Hilshire Farms Little Plate Snack -Veggie crisps This day works out to 916 calories (with turkey as the second snack), 92 carbs, 40 fat grams, 53g protein, 2,370 mg sodium, and 32g sugar. I ate exactly that the other day so MyFitnessPal gives me the full breakdown. The fat grams are a little higher than I like because of the cheese, and the veggie crisps have no great nutritional value, but I like them. On some days I'll eat more than that because I'm hungry or I've worked out a lot. I routinely eat a grilled chicken sandwich from a fast food place, the other day I had an entire chicken salad from Chik Fil A over the course of two meals, and I add things like hummus, watermelon, cantaloupe, crackers, chili, marinara sauce with zuchinni noodles, etc. For the most part I eat whatever I want to, just in very small servings. Also, my "whatever I want to" is dictated by my sleeve which hates anything that has fat, sugar, or has been near butter or a fryer. Almost all sweets and junk food make me instantly sick, so while I wouldn't mind eating a piece of cake, one or two bites is about all my stomach will tolerate so I just tend to not go for things like that anymore. Also, there are days where I may hit 1800 calories, so don't think you'll be stuck eating 1000 calories for the rest of your life. I'm hungrier when I workout more and when I know I'm going to blow my calorie goal for the day I just make sure I do it in protein based food instead of junk. Once you've hit the maintenance stage, you can eat anything your stomach will tolerate. I weigh myself everyday and I record everything I eat or drink in MyFitnessPal, so I keep myself accountable and then if I happen to want to have a cocktail or some cake or something else bad for me, I eat a few bites, I enjoy it, I put it into MyFitnessPal, and then I go back to eating my regular food afterwards. The nice thing about the sleeve is that it has taught me moderation- something I could never manage before surgery.

I went to Orlando this week on a business trip and while I was on my trip I hit my 3 month surgiversary. I actually lost 1 lb. this week, which is awesome, considering I was eating out every meal (but on the other hand, I was doing a lot of walking around in the evenings, which I think helped offset the extra calories). I was really, really happy to be walking around with other people who are not obese and able to keep up with them pretty well -- something I could never do pre-surgery! As of today I am 188.8 lbs. I had set an ambitious Easter goal to be at 180 by Easter and I am sure I won't make it ... I am thinking I will be lucky to be below 185 by that date. But heck, that is still great! DH just went out for breakfast ... he is going to our local, amazing donut shop called Legendary Donuts (and they are incredibly great donuts). I passed on the trip (yay for me, little NSV right there!) -- I am having crackers with sunflower seed butter instead (not exactly the best breakfast, but way way better than a donut!). Fortunately, the idea of a donut is not nearly as tempting to me now as it used to be. My appetite for sweets still is nowhere near what it used to be prior to surgery. I do enjoy a bite or two of dessert on a periodic basis, but usually 2 bites is totally fine and I don't want or need any more. I saw a friend yesterday whom I hadn't seen since before surgery. The first thing she said to me was, "You've lost weight, haven't you? I can really notice! You look great!" That made me feel really great. I told her I had been sleeved and she surprised me and said her mom had the same procedure, and she was very supportive. I have been very open about telling people about getting sleeved and so far I have not had one negative comment. I know my friends and family were truly concerned about my weight before surgery, and they are really happy that I am losing weight. I figured if I ever get a snide comment about having surgery, I'll know that person really doesn't have my best interests at heart and I should be wary of them going forward. Other than that, there's not much to tell this week. Oh, one last thing ... I did splurge and spend $60 at Sephora yesterday and bought replacement Bare Escentuals makeup kit (the last time I bought some was at least 2 years ago and I was thinking it needed to be replaced). I do wear makeup now most days, and I have to admit it does make me feel like I look better. I don't mess with eye shadow but do use foundation, blush, and lipstick, and if I'm feeling very into it I'll put on eyeliner and a little mascara. I've been shopping a few times and am already coveting some of the really pretty spring dresses that are for sale. I think I may end up being a real girly-girl once I get into regular sizes again!

Thank you so much for asking this question and for the great answers. I am on my pre op diet and am feeling a little sorry for myself right now. My diet right now is pretty strict, 3 shakes a day and an extra 225 calories of certain veggies per day. Really doesnt fill me up and I constantly feel hungry. I know there is light at the end of this tunnel but it feels like I will never get there...lol I was wondering if it would all be worth it and then I found this thread. Gives me hope!

Almost word for word what my Dr said on the subject. He's not a fan of drinking your meals (minus the day of / after a fill). I've only just added a Protein Drink to my daily calorie intake (EAS Carb control - 110 calories/17grams protein) before my workouts to get the extra protein. Since burning over 700 calories a workout - this doesn't impact my normal "solid food" meals / I count it as a "snack" in my food dairy.

People often rely on smoothies and Protein drinks for the period after surgery when on liquids and mushies. Once you are on solid foods, most (actually I think all) of the literature supporting the Lap Band and most of the medical professionals associated with the band do NOT recommend the regular consumption of smoothies and Protein Drinks. This has nothing to do with the merits or healthiness of the drink. My understanding is that the meals you drink do not stay in your newly banded stomach pouch (they just slide on down), which can be a risk for weight gain as you may not feel full from a shake and may eat other solid food as well. In effect you can be doubling or tripling your calorie intake by drinking your calories, as well as eating, and now you have defeated the purpose of the band, which was to consume fewer calories. All the literature I have seen has recommended that the only "food" of caloric value that you should be drinking is milk. The other purpose of the band is to "retrain" your eating patterns into eating habits that you can maintain for the rest of your life (portion control). To my mind that means eating real food (including the harder to eat meat and vegetables) that you will always be eating for ever. Being banded shouldn't be about enduring or tolerating a diet for the time it takes you to lose weight, but a complete readjustment to lifestyle. Do you plan on getting much of your nutrition from shakes and smoothies for the rest of your life? If not, you probably don't want to get into the habit of relying on them. Think about how Jenny Craig and other diets get you to eat their food. They work great as long as you eat their food, but you haven't actually made changes in your life to accommodate, so many (if not most) people put on the weight again once they start eating "regular" food, because they haven't learned to control portions and fat and calories themselves. Just my 2 cents :blushing:

I use an unflavored protein mix (bought at gnc) and water with crystal light (tropical punch). It tastes like a smoothie. 125 calories, 24 grams of protein.

I love both Wendy's chili and Taco Time's chicken chili. A small Wendy's chili with crackers, cheese, and onions is a very satisfying for me. And the calories go down without the crackers and cheese. Once in awhile I'll have a burger without the bun or with just half a bun. Mostly I try not to eat fast food because I have to fight myself to make good choices there. And because fries and buns and pizza have gotten stuck way too often to be appealing... Britt

I'm 3 days from surgery- on high Protein low carb (3 Protein shakes daily and a light dinner salad with small breast of chicken cut in it). Been doing this for about a week and not a pound gone!!! But I've also figured out the calories and it's barely 800/day so my body could be freaking out hanging onto everything. I'm also peeing like a racehorse and haven't slept more than 2 hours at a time without getting up to go! That may be the biggest reason I'm ready to be off mostly liquids!!! We'll lose it!!! Just stick to it!

I made this last night and it was big hit! I'm eating it again today for lunch and it really is good. Enjoy! Ingredients: 4 Talapia filets (or any type of fish you like) 1/4 c. salad dressing, ranch, nonfat or lowfat 3 T. yogurt, plain, nonfat or lowfat 1 1/2 T. mustard 1/2 lb. spinach, fresh (I used a big bag of baby spinach) galic salt and various other spices to your liking (I used a little garlic and Emrils fish rub) Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse fish, pat dry with paper towels and arrange in glass baking dish. Mix dressing, yogurt and mustard; spoon evenly over fish. Spice the fish up, use your favorite seasonings, doesn't take much as the salad dressing and mustard have some spice in them. I like to sprinkle a little of Emeril's fish rub on mine, then maybe a shake or two of the garlic salt. Bake until fish is no longer translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. (I cooked mine more like 15 - 20 min) Remove tough stems from spinach; rinse thoroughly and drain. (I didn't have to do this as I bought the baby spinach in a bag) Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When skillet is hot, add spinach and stir-fry just to wilt the leaves, about 30 seconds. (I also added a little pam butter flavored to the skilley to give it a little more flavor and seasoned the spinach with a squeeze of lemon and garlic salt) Arrange spinach single layer on serving plates; top with baked fish. Nutrition at a glance Each Serving Provides: amount per serving Calories 130 Total Fat 2 g Saturated Fat 0 g Cholesterol 53 mg Sodium 337 mg Carbohydrates 8 g Protein 20 g

Work place chatter is always hard. If you don't share it with anyone, it should be kept quiet. Your managers are not allowed to ask about procedures etc. If it is your time to take off, then your privacy should remain in tact. I am 16 months out, and though I haven't had any foods I can't tolerate, there are foods I avoid. Trigger foods for me. chips, etc. go down way too easy, and regardless of our restriction, you can eat around your sleeve if you choose to. It's not a cure all. Just a tool, we have to do our part to be as successful as we can be. I enjoy an occasional drink, but I didn't for a while. I'm not going to be a hypocrite and tell you not to drink, just giving my experience and how I proceeded. Aside from the empty calories, our bodies will burn the alcohol first before fat. And I have noticed the alcohol now has a much quicker effect on me. I avoid drinking sepcifically in "tailgate" situations because I don't want to make bad choices worse if I'm not on my game. Everyone is different and everyone's triggers are different. You have to manage your choices and do what is best for you. I do have days where I am not as strict, but I track it all and account for it. All that being said, one day is not going to ruin anyone's progress overall. I specifically had this procedure becuase I didn't want to diet for the rest of my life anymore. I wanted to have things in moderation and get my eating and choices under control. When I have party or social situations, I bring a dish I can enjoy. There are tons of healitier choices out there. No reason you can't enjoy your social gatherings as much as ever. food doens't have to be the focus. I had surgery on a Tuesday and was back at work Monday. I'm in an office situation so no lifiting required. Best of luck to you!! Great progress so far!

Hi Marivan, I have about the same amount of restriction as you and can't go any tighter. I get stuck too easily as it is. I lost around 50 lbs but it's really slow. The way I look at is I could have gained 50 instead of losing it so I am happy. If it takes another 6-7 months to get off the next 50, that's OK. I eat about 1,000 to 1200 calories a day. Years ago, the weight would have melted off me but my metabolism seems to have shifted into neutral. I'm getting my thyroid checked out but it's probably perimenopause and too much yo-yo dieting in my past.

You and I are a little different in that you are burning more calories than me during the day and if I remember correctly you are also good about doing weight training work, which I hate because I'm lazy, ha. Do any of you still track in maintenance? Yes, I use MyFitnessPal everyday. I saw today that I hit 165 days without forgetting to login. I stopped tracking for awhile last summer and while I didn't gain weight immediately when I did start gaining a few pounds as soon as I went back to tracking I was right back at maintenance. It makes me feel like I'm more in control. As an example, this morning I woke up about 0.8 heavier than yesterday, which is still within my normal fluctuation range but I only had like 800 calories yesterday. Of course, 230 of it was because I decided to try a Pasta steamer, which not only made me sick but also cost me a little bit of temporary weight. I have had pasta less than 5 times since surgery so I knew I'd be heavier this morning, but because I had everything in MyFitnessPal, I'm not worried about it because I can see that I was well within all of my set goals and actually quite a bit under compared to my usual calories. If so, how do you force yourself to eat enough calories? Yeah, usually I don't have a problem with calories. If I go over 1800 I gain weight, around 1400-1700 I'm fine, and I think the few days a week where I'm just not interested in eating and I get about 800-1200 calories are probably what makes up for the higher calorie days. I know that there are days where I eat more than I should, so I don't worry about the lower calorie days when I don't feel like food. What tips/tricks do you have for getting in extra calories? Ohhh no problems, haha. Did you struggle to disassociate tracking from "weight loss mode"? Yes, very much. I don't wear my fitbit anymore because I'm not as concerned about hitting steps. Also, to be fair as long as I stay a little bit in weight-loss mode, I don't have to worry as much about gaining. When I was losing I was obsessive about tracking everything, however if I halfheartedly attempt to lose weight, the result is that I maintain, which works out for me. I guess in that sense I never really totally moved out of weight loss mode.

Good questions -- see my answers below: * Do any of you still track in maintenance? Yes, I do. I reached my goal (150 pounds) nearly a year ago. As soon as I could, I ate 1700 cals/day (you can't jump from 1200 to 1700 overnight, as you probably know). And I STILL lost, albeit slowly, another 15 pounds. I'm now maintaining at 135 pounds. And about a month ago I went up to 1800 calories. I don't always make it though. * If so, how do you force yourself to eat enough calories? Well, as I said -- slowly. I raised calories by adding (mostly) more carbs. I still eat a lot of Protein (80 - 110 grams) and more oil. I cook more now, and sometimes add in extra olive oil when cooking. I now eat butter sometimes. I occasionally even eat things like biscuits, granola bars, ice cream, Pasta. But I choose one of these things only daily -- and usually not every day. Nonetheless, about the only thing you can do to get in calories is overcome your new habit of avoiding higher calorie and higher carb foods. * What tips / tricks do you have for getting in extra calories. See above. Also, healthy crackers that contain protein, Fiber, seeds, multiple grains (NOT wheat thins ), full-fat cheese, healthy breads. More treats -- although recently I had to cut out dark chocolate, which had become a daily *need*, not an occasional treat. * Did you struggle to disassociate tracking from "weight loss mode"? Oh, yeah. But you know what ... eventually, I did make the transition. Here's the deal: When you get thinner than you've been in a long time (40 years, in my case) you think you're too thin. And then, over months of time looking at yourself and dressing yourself, you realize you're actually not too thin; you're just NORMAL-SIZED. At least, that's been my reaction. Remember -- we're only 18 months post-op. I'm more focused now on learning how to eat healthy than I am on losing more weight or even trying to gain more weight. I really believe @@CowgirlJane and others who are longer post-op than I am who say that it gets easier to regain as time goes along. I'm no longer afraid of getting too skinny, since I'm not losing anymore. But I'm still a bit nervous about gaining 15 pounds again. And I don't want to. I really don't want to. Because NOW that I'm comfortable at this weight, I would like to remain here if I can. BTW, I'm not exercising nearly as much as you are. So ... milkshakes? Also, remember, you don't have to eat exactly the same number of calories every single day. Splurge a few days a week.

I met my new PCP today. (THIS WILL BE SHORT LIVED !) He claims he is Banded, and it doesn't work ! His reason is because "HE EATS WHAT HE WANTS !!!!" What do we all try to do on this site ? Count Calories More Protein then Carbs. Stick to a plan ! That's a start, Am I right ! So I told him that I do about 1200 Calories a day. He said for my weight, I should lose 6Lbs. a week ! (My Eyes about Fell out of my Face when I heard this. I thought where were you Banded at ? 1-2Lbs a week is the Norm., cause this is a s l o w go.) So he thinks he will Monitor my weight loss. Then he told me to Maintain my current weight, I could eat 3000 calories a day, and not gain a pound ! I Laughed, and he said that's to Maintain it I said ! O.K.... I think he was Fascinated that I have the Band, he kept bringing it up. Where was it done who takes care of it,, when will you see them again ? Never asked me the size though. My old surgeon said "NO MORE THEN 1 1/2 Lbs a week in loss. That's about where it is now, but it still coming off.. Sure, I would like to see more but, it took time coming on, it will take time coming off. His weight Loss was UNREAL !!! To Maintain my weight was OUT OF SITE !! I new he was full of something. He does not add up with his thinking. So ADIOS DR. DOMINGAS. I'm movin on to someone else. The good thing was I dropped 5Lbs. I'll take that over his advice... :tea:

I too eat what I want, within reason. I don't count calories. I just eyeball it, exercise a little, & manage to maintain my goal weight. I also got the band to change my relationship with food and no longer be a slave to dieting. Goal achieved. I am at my goal weight after a little over 2 years being banded. Love it! Am going for my tummy tuck next month by the same surgeon who did my band I loved him so much. I am glad you are leaving that PCP, he sounds like a fool to me. Good luck and yes, my doc also says low and slow is the way to go. Dr. Titus Duncan in Atlanta a pioneer in the Lap-Band field.

Thank you for asking: yesterday was 3 weeks post-op! i have completed my Clear liquids...my Protein liquids...my pureed foods and am now on "mechanical soft and mushy"... this menu until June 2 (1 month post-op) then i am on regular diet ... I have to admit, a little nervous about that... Have to make sure i MEASURE everything.....and i don't think i will add carbs back...they are my down fall.... I love bread, chips and Pasta... So instead of tempting myself i just won't add them back... Per my NUT, i am eating over 60 protein and eating between 600 - 800 calories ... Eating 1/4 to 1/3 cup food amounts... I have my next NUT appointment on June 2 - so i am sure we will discuss regular diet and i will talk to her about carbs... As of yesterday, 3 week post-op, i have lost 30#.... i am very happy with my progress... Today was first day of no loss, but no gain either.. .. because i have been on this site, i know plateaus happen... Not stressing because i am sure my body is catching up with all the weight loss... Inches are changing, clothes fit differently .... I am very happy with my sleeve... tjmom

Patty, First of all dont beat yourself up over it so much...after all we are all making such a drastic change so suddenly that it has to be expected that we're gonna lose it at some point. I agree with you that you need to get some carbs and fat in your diet. My doctors guidelines for the pre-op are at least 50 grams of Protein a day and less than 30 grams of fat ( obviously you would want to pick foods that are the lowest in saturated fat) but you should be able to have some fat & carbs in your diet. If you dont I think you'll be doing more damage to you than a fatty liver can have. Your body will kick into starvation mode which will just compromise everything you have acheived. My adivce is try the atkins shakes they are high in protein (15g) and low in fat (total 9g, 1.5g sat) and only 5g carbs. these were recommended by my nutrionist. She also reccomended that if we were hungry we could have 2 cups a day of veggies. I make this great Eggplant medley that works out ot only 150 calories a serving ( 1 cup) and has 6g of fat. PM me if you want the receipe...even my non-veg eating sister likes it. Hang in there girl !!

Hi: The most important thing about post tummy tuck is making sure that you've got enough nutrition to heal well. So, don't be concerned about 1,000 calories a day. Be happy to maintain. I had tummy tuck with muscle repair, but my port stayed where it was (top of tummy - just under middle of rib cage). I think I got refilled at either 3 or 4 weeks after tummy tuck. By then it was not too uncomfortable to get into the proper position for a fill in that area. You'll be surprised at how numb some areas are after the initial healing time. So, it may not be that uncomfortable. They'll probably fill you gradually because that's the most safe way to approach fills. Best wishes. Can't wait to see pictures or hear your comments. You're gonna love your flat tummy! Sue

I think a lot about how I will need to adapt my diet as my activity level changes. Obviously right now, while training for this half marathon, my caloric needs are artificially high. When this running season is over and I undergo my second round of plastic surgery, I will have at least 6 weeks of no exercise and then slowly ramping up duration and intensity as I recover. My caloric needs will be very different through that period. That's why I am trying to construct my diet so it is "modular". I have this feeding schedule and a rough idea of what to eat at each feeding. But, I want to be able to cut back the number of times I'm eating as a first step when I need to cut back calories. And then change what I am actually eating at each of my remaining feedings as needed. On the surface, I want to be very analytical about all of it, but I clearly still have a lot of emotion tied to food.

The first four to six weeks are not for losing weight. Some people do, some don't. Now is the time to heal. Start monitoring all of your calories - use something like The Daily Plate. Get a fitness monitor, Fit Bit is $99 and offers online diet tracking and will monitor your activity. Move more and make sure you're not drinking calories. Eating what you're eating at 19 days out is totally normal and acceptable. Though doctors suggest liquids, mushies, soft, then adding foods gradually - you may drive yourself mad sticking to that. Just east sensibly. Two other things to note: Women will gain between 5-10 lbs every month just by biological nature. It comes off a week or so later. After starting back to new foods you may gain 1-10 lbs in Water weight (from the salt content) but you'll lose it within a week. You'll learn that when you eat very clean six days a week then indulge on that seventh day that you can gain anywhere from 5-10 lbs as a woman (men can gain 15-25 lbs) all in water weight. Within a week it's gone and you're likely down an extra pound or two. I hope that helps a bit.

I don't feel any restriction either and I'm really hungry. I would increase your calories. I try to get around 900 a day.

This search on Google can help: tofu recipes ("low fat" OR "low calorie" OR healthful) Also, you can puree tofu in the blender along with some splenda or equal + Water or milk + fruit or Protein powder - even green leafy vegetables, such as spinach!. Puree it on the highest speed (I have a VitaMix). Add a few ice cubes and puree them as well. You have a smoothee. You essentially turntofu into a liquid. This pureeing technique works with firm, medium, soft and silken textures of tofu. I do find that different brands of tofu have different flavors. My own personal favorite brand is Mori Nu. You can order cases of Mori Nu online. But other people might find other brands to be better. Tofu always has helped me lose weight in the past. I hope that this information is helpful.