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Can you have yogurt on full liquids? I found SF popsicles to really hit the spot because CHEWING is involved! :laugh: Also, sf Jello and for the same reason. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

Unless you have complications there is no reason you *need* to follow up with a bariatric surgeon. I don't know anyone who had surgery in Mexico who does. The standard advice I have seen is to see your PCP at 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-op. Have your regular blood and urine tests as well as vitamin and mineral levels checked. Weight and blood pressure checked and recorded. The lab work, without insurance, is what may kill you cost-wise. You may need to do some serious shopping around for that, but it's important. As far as food goes, I'm not much help as I tend to focus on eating for nutrition rather than to stave off boredom. I really don't care if I eat the same things over and over again, so I don't ever really think about "new ideas" for food. That said, here's mostly what I ate during weight loss phase: breakfast: chicken or beef roll-ups in romaine lettuce (with pickle relish, hot mustard, etc.) lunch: chopped chicken breast with green veggies and a little light salad dressing dinner: poached egg on refried beans, tuna salad bake, lamb chops, steamed curried scallops, steamed cayenne pepper shrimp, chicken breast baked in yogurt, turkey-spinach-goat cheese burger patty, sardines in mustard. Good luck!

Hi everyone! I was banded at TLBC in Toronto Canada on April17th 2008. I am 5'2" and weighed 226lbs. when I had the surgery and I now weigh 205lbs. The surgery went well with the exception of shoulder pain from the gas which was fixed with a couple of trips to the chriropractor but I am having trouble getting the proper fill amount. I am so afraid to eat that now I am just avoiding everything except yogurt, soup, pudding, ice cream and protein shakes. I had strawberries cut up yesterday and that was ok. I was always a very fast eater so it has been a real challenge to slow down. I am also a former smoker and have rarely had a craving to smoke but recently because I am not eating as much, I find I am really craving cigarettes. Has anyone else experienced this problem?? I am looking for advice about what to eat. Thanks. Jodylou :Angel_anim:

Candy is the one thing I haven’t been able to totally give up. I don’t eat a ton but do have a little each day. I did switch from anything sweet n low to truvia. It’s pretty good. I put it in my coffee, my plain yogurt.

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/82505-double-chocolateblack-cherry-protein-pops/ Hey, check out this thread. I froze some Protein last night, and it was very good. Much easier to tolerate than the shakes. My recipe is there. I mixed in some Greek Yogurt to give it some creaminess.

I am 3 weeks post-op sleeve surgery and am concerned about stretching my "pouch". I know there may be a bit of stretching down the line, I just am so nervous. I did not have any pain at all after surgery, have had energy (not back to work yet though so that may change), and started walking (slowly) on the treadmill 2 days post-op. I have eaten very finely chopped up chicken already as well as eggs, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. I have not had that "full" feeling I have read about but I do know when I am satisfied and stop eating. I have not felt nauseous at all even the evening after the surgery. Are there others out there that have had it "easy" post - op? I have a super supportive family and I'm so excited about this new stage in my life. I just want to do it right.

So my nutritionist has taken a vacation and I'm scheduled to begin my two week liquid pre-op diet tomorrow. Usually my appointments refresh my motivation, and I really needed this appointment because I'm feeling extremely overwhelmed as it is. I have a basic guideline listing full liquids: hot cereals, cream soups, yogurt, pudding, custard, milk, sherbet. And clear liquids. But it doesn't say if I do full liquids for a week and switch, or what to do. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated! What did you eat... I mean drink during this diet?

I remember having to consume juice and Greek yogurt to get some extra calories in so that I could have some sustainable energy. However, once I learned to work my sleeve and consume the cals I needed, I completely backed off of the juices. I know it is rough and that everyone tends to say, "It's going to get better." As redundant as that is, it is true. Time and learning how to work your sleeve will make the difference. Best of luck to you!

Mine started in the hospital with things like scrambled eggs and yogurt. As to what can be tolerated is a very individual thing, beyond whatever the surgeon wants you to try and when. I had no problems with anything that I tried and progressed fairly quickly, trying new things a little at a time, getting progressively thicker, chunkier and less soft. Others have a problem progressing very rapidly and that's OK - there's a wide variation between what we as individuals can tolerate and when. When my wife went through this a few years ago, she had more problems with various food tolerances, and that's just the way she is - the doc had no worries about either of us, but just somewhat different responses within normal experience.

Hi again, I found this & thought some of us might be interested? (here's where I saw it:http://www.bospa.org/Information.aspx?Page=19) Pre-op liver reduction plan Just because you are awaiting a surgical treatment for your morbid obesity, this is not an excuse to sit back and gorge out on as much food as you can! Any weight you can lose through dieting before your surgery is an advantage - it will make the surgery easier and will reduce the risks associated with it. Some surgeons mandate a very restricted diet - one that is low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates - for one week prior to surgery and even if your surgeon doesn't ask you to follow this diet, doing so will increase your chances of your operation being completed laparoscopically because it will shrink your liver down in size. By following a strict diet, your body reduces its glycogen stores (glycogen is a form of sugar stored in the liver and muscles for energy). With each ounce of glycogen, the body stores 3–4 ounces of Water, so when you follow a very strict diet, especially one that is low in starch and sugar, your body loses its glycogen stores and some water. The liver shrinks as it has less glycogen and water in it. This diet is only recommended for one week before surgery and is not to be followed post–operatively. It is quite possible you lose a lot of weight that week, but it will be mainly be water loss. Please ensure you continue to drink throughout the day. Here are some menu suggestions: Breakfast Small bowl of Cereal, or 1 slice of toast with a scraping of low fat spread lunch 1 slice bread or 2 crispbreads Small portion lean meat or fish, or Small portion cheese, or 2 eggs (not fried) Green salad (no dressing) or tomatoes dinner Small portion lean meat or fish, or Small portion low fat cheese, or 2 eggs, or Tofu or Quorn based dish 1 small potato or 2 tablespoonfuls Pasta or rice Vegetables (as many as you like except for root vegetables) Daily 1/3 pint milk for use in drinks and on cereal 2 portions of fruit (e.g. apple, orange, banana, pear) Free water, tea, coffee, low calorie squash or fizzy drinks 1 low fat, low sugar yogurt or fromage frais

That sucks that you can't tolerate meats... Have you asked your surgical team about it? Are you able to consume other protein heavy foods? Cottage cheese, yogurt, etc? How's your water consumption? Your tag block says you've lost 108 lbs since Dec 27 already, that's pretty epic! Things to factor in, when we get older and thinner the basal metabolic rate slows, meaning the baseline calorie requirement for someone to exist without any added exercise (ie if one slept in bed all day long) lowers. So we have to keep adjusting that calorie target or increasing exercise to combat the reduction in the basal. Also, muscle mass increases causes increases in daily caloric requirements, so weight lifting for mass can be helpful in fat reduction. Good Luck!

Thanks to everyone here who encouraged me and answered my many, many questions both before and after surgery. Because of you I knew what to expect and was prepared for things not covered in my workshops and nurse education class (like the 11 pounds gained from IV fluids!). You shared recipes for different stages (like ricotta bake and chili) and made product recommendations (like cherry chocolate Greek yogurt and Protein granola). You shared advice on everything - constipation, foamies, rashes, gas, dry skin, social issues, vomiting, and on and on. You shared funny stories that made me laugh (the thread about gas was one). You offered sympathy and encouragement when I was struggling. You celebrated every NSV with me and cheered me on. We all help each other. That's what makes this group so special! Thank you!!! :-)

<p>Post-Surgery Diet, Nutrition, and ExerciseAfter surgery, you will need a new nutrition plan. Discuss this in detail with your surgeon and/or dietitian as they can help you learn about and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make.It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions starting right after the operation to allow the new stomach structure to heal completely and in the right position. This may take a month or more. It is also important, especially in the early weeks, not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the band. Vomiting can stretch it, so it is important not to vomit. Vomiting can increase the chance of stomach tissue slipping through the band. The First Few Days Post-Surgery Right after the operation you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. You shouldn’t drink more than this. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. liquid Diet (1-2 weeks post-op)The goal during this early post-operative period is to protect the small stomach pouch. Only thin liquids can be tolerated at this time. It is also important to keep hydrated with lots of water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include:</p> clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy) skim milk & fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-op)During this phase you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Because Protein is so important to help you maintain muscle while you are losing weight, eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later as these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your timing and progression into each dietary phase may vary. In general, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian about nutrition. Soft Foods (5 weeks post-op) Your meals can now include tender cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. If you don’t follow these precautions, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction. If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting,go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask for advice from your doctor or dietitian that is specific to your situation. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band. Your New Nutrition Plan When you can eat solid foods without problems you will need to pay close attention to your diet. Liquids will pass through the reduced stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. The LAP-BAND® System was designed to restrict solids, not liquids. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety needed to help you eat less. Staying hydrated throughout the day is important. Drink at least 6-8 cups of water per day and make sure you consume them between meals.Many patients have a difficult time with solid foods during the morning hours. If this is the case for you, you can open up your LAP-BAND® System by starting with a couple of glasses of liquids before your first meal. Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. You can avoid this problem by chewing food welland eating small bits at a time. It is important to remember that your new stoma opening is approximately the size of a dime. Chew your food adequately so that it can easily fit through the opening. Eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about1/4 cup of food or 2 oz. at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. You may find that the small stomach pouch makes digestion of high-Fiber, high-fat and dry foods more difficult. Tolerance will vary from person to person. Ask your surgeon and/or dietitian about your food choices. The general guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but little sugar and fat. Good Food Choices 1. Fruits and vegetables 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily 2. Breads and cereals 1 small portion of low-sugar cold or hot Cereal 1/2 to 1slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day Note: some patients have difficulty eating bread 3. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, 1 oz. to 2 oz. of meat, fish, or poultry or one egg each day. (Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this.) Note: some patients have difficulty eating meat 4. Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have Calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 oz. of cheese a day.</p> <p> </p> <p> 5. Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation 6. drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals).Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener water non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Foods to AvoidSome foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value and should be avoided as much as possible. They include foods such as syrups cakes biscuits jam honey pies chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation, for example a glass of wine per day. Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the opening of the stoma and may cause blockage. These include foods such as: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread Pasta rice Peanut Butter dried fruit fibrous vegetables like corn,asparagus and celery nuts coconut popcorn greasy or fried food seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if they are tolerated. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon’s or dietitian’s advice Exercise GuidelinesIncorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is as important as your nutrition plan. Often patients have been sedentary due to decreased activity tolerance, psychological constraints, and in some cases, physical disabilities. After LAP-BAND® System surgery, aerobic activities—particularly walking and swimming—are generally best tolerated. Consult your surgeon and weight management team to find out which activity is right for you I got this info from obesityhelp.com I hope it is helpful to you I will be following this plan SC not yet banded

Anyone have to take prevpak for h pylori preop? The diarrhea is killing me! I take yogurt, kefir probiotics pepto bismol, nothing helps. I can't wait for the 14 days to end!

Today was my first visit with my surgeon post op. Good news is that I am down 14 pounds since surgery two weeks ago. Woo Hoo! Bad news, or not so good news is I dont feel very much restriction right now so the pureed food doesnt do much to satisfy me. The surgeon said my first fill will be Nov 8th! I cant wait. Then at least I will feel full when eating these small amounts. Other than that I am good. The itching is starting to subside more and more wiht my healing. I am noticing my clothes getting much looser. I tried a little tuna salad for lunch today. Just ate it from a little cup. It was good. :-) Anyone else have some good ideas for this pureed stage? Ive tried soups, refried beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, and now tuna salad. Have a great week everyone!:thumbup:

Thanks! I just tried it again with a small strawberry yogurt, skim milk and ice in the blender. Much better!

I suggest getting a good tasting 100% Protein isolate Protein powder (for example, UNJURY), Torani or Da Vinci sugarless flavorings, sugarless puddings, FAGE sugar free low fat yogurt.... piece of cake. You can easily do this by Dec. 29th.

I'm scheduled for the end of next week for the band and I am scared to death. I just have this huge fear that i will wake up with the band and be hugely unhappy - I've ruined my life and I can't go back. Has anyone else had this fear? I'm sure intellectually that this is the right thing to do, and reading people's stories I know that it won't be that bad - but it still doesn't stop me from waking up in the middle of the night in a panic. I've got mixed feelings where my emotion wants to cancel but my mind wants to move forward. Can anyone tell me - I've read that "overeating" is very uncomfortable for those banded - but no one has said what that means - nausea - heart attack like chest pain - vomiting - etc. I don't fear so much overeating as forgetting myself for a moment on a hot day and starting to gulp Water or whatever. I'm today easily able to down a glass or two in one action. Heck I fear being thirsty. What about hunger? Does the band make you feel deprived - or simply satiated on much less? i'm on the fifth day of the liquid diet pre-op. I have to say the first 2-3 days were terrible (caffeine withdrawal?) - but now I feel much better - this almost seems normal. I've actually skipped some of the meals or Snacks because I haven't needed them. (pre bed snack of 6 oz yogurt I haven't needed the last two days.- and morning snack of sugar free pudding) While the Protein Shakes are awful, I found one that isn't so bad. I only wish my doctor gave me a meal plan with a little variety. Its the same thing everyday. Thanks for listening

Mine was also smooth sailing i'm very lucky just you basic gas pains. I've had no vomiting or nausea, feeling great walking, I was doing so good I got to start the soft food 10 days out. I have been very carful though to. see my doctor tomorrow so hopefully i can add more soft foods, so fa I'm doing scrambled egg, can in water tuna and had salmon tonight and a mashed well avocado. Still doing yogurt and some soup , not loving the protein shakes anymore but have had some. Just seeing what the future will hold with my weight loss journey . Soi far so good!

Plan your fluids first so you don't get dehydrated. At least 48 ounces of water daily. You won't be able to have but a spoonful or two of puréed food, but think things like applesauce, puréed soups (tomato, split pea, chicken noodle), pretty much anything you can put in a blender will work. You can do fruit smoothies with Greek yogurt. Be creative. I've heard a lot of people recommend low fat refried beans. Good luck!

wow...I'm 18 days out today and I can eat a whole cup of creamed Soup at a time. I can drink pretty much like normal. Thicker stuff like greek yogurt I can eat about half to 3/4 of a container at a time. What happens if you eat more than that? Are you feeling full? I'd definitely contact your doctor.

Natalie, I use unflavored unjury powder in my oatmeal, soups, yogurt and make shakes with it. You can even add it to your veggies.

I doubt you're actually hungry but suffering from head hunger. My surgery was the 15th and all I've been able to think about is eating a sandwich (stupid Subway commercials). My surgeon said I could eat yogurt, which I've enjoyed because it's not too sweet, but having strained soup has saved me. Broccoli cheese and tomato basil. I wanted the salt and broth wasn't doing it. Also, once I started feeling better more of the foods I could eat started sounding and tasting better. Good luck and it will just be a few more days before you get to pureed food!

Ask your surgeon of course, but I was allowed blended bean and pea soups, cottage cheese, ricotta and greek yogurt.

I was allowed to have yogurt watered down with a little milk. I also made sure that I varied my protein shakes. I had premier and unjury chocolate, syntrax nectar lemonade and fuzzy navel, and some others. I also had some millie's sipping broths to use as some of my liquid so that I coudl have some savory. sometimes I'd add unflavored protein powder - but I didn't love the taste.