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I have read so many postings of banders wanting to know what to eat, what can they eat, etc.... I would like to share my evening meal with everyone to show that banders can eat just like everyone else and can enjoy it. Plus I want to brag about it!! lol Ok, let me set the mood. It rained all day Saturday thru Sunday morning, then the sun came out for the day, by Sunday evening it was gorgeous outside, about 78 degrees, crisp air with the smell of the rain, perfect for a BBQ. This is the menu my husband and I enjoyed: 1 glass (5oz) of Zinfandel wine from my favorite Texas winary (drank while BBQing) 1 3oz bacon wrapped beef tenderloin (I didn't eat the bacon,I could but I didn't want it) 1/4 cup Butternut Squash that was brushed with Olive Oil and grilled (about 7 minutes a side) (Note: Squash was grown in our garden so it tastes that much better!) 1/2 cup spinach, walnut & fat free cheddar cheese salad with homemade Balsamic vinaigrette The whole meal including the wine was just under 350 calories. The beautiful evening (& company) was priceless!

I enjoy a glass of wine every night, have since day one. I also have 1 apple martini every Sunday evening, its my weekly treat. I do count the calories. It works for me.

I can't do beer or cider anymore. Flavored vodka (usually Stoli Orange) and water with two limes makes me happy! Very low calorie!!

Hi, folks!! So I returned to work on the Monday after my port replacement. Only phones on Triage (I'm a nurse) because I didn't want to overdue it. I actually felt really good. I saw my doctor 5/7 (it was the Bariatric Fellow who has been following me along with my doc because my doc had an emergency.) Everything looked good, no additional fills, appointment for next fill in 5 weeks. Liquids for one week (yuk!) So that was a Tuesday, and all was good. Then I returned to the floor on Wednesday, and we were soooooo busy, that I think I overdid it with bending, etc. I was in pain Wednesday night and noticed a bright red ring all around my incision area, and it was swollen and tender. Took pics of it, because it didn't look right. I had off Thursday & the area looked a little better but I figured I better call the doc just in case. He is such a doll that he let me e-mail him my photos. Said it looks like a possible seroma but to be on the safe side, he put me on an antibiotic for a week. The redness, swelling and irritation went away. But now I notice that if if overdue it a little (or actually whenever. . . there's really no rhyme or reason. . . the area under my incision will actually hurt, especially if I kind of hunch over like when sitting and then straighten out. It's really weird & didn't happen with the first surgery. I think I'll just keep an eye on it for now. As far as losing weight goes, I've lost about 25-27 pounds so far, depending on the scale, lol! I will tell you though, I thought it would be a lot easier, and that the weight would kind of just fly right off. I really have to "diet" (oh, how I hate that word!) and watch what I eat. I had 3 family members who have had gastric bypass, and their weight just flew off. My brother-in-law told me that he would weigh himself before bed & in the morning he would have lost 3 pounds! I understand that it was because they didn't absorb the calories or nutrients, blah, blah, blah, but I was hoping not too have to put this much thought into losing weight. I'm pretty sure I haven't hit the green zone yet, because I don't feel that restricted. Maybe 3 ccs isn't enough for me. Also, I can eat, and then be really hungry again 2 hours later. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I know losing 25-27 pounds is great since March 1st, but I guess I was looking for an easier way out. Anyone have a food plan can follow for lap band?? The only downside about my doctor, is I'm not too crazy about his dietician/nutritionist!!! Later, gators!!

8:15 am - South Beach Protein bar, Coffee w/cream - 210 cal 11:00 - 7 almonds - 48 cal 12:00 - grilled chicken and green beans from Goldies Patio grill, mini candy bar - 405 cal 3:30 - non fat yogurt mixed with all bran cereal - 130 cal 6:30 - 1 oz cheese (sharp chedder), 1 cup of homemade turkey chili - 410 cal Total calories 1203 Exercise: Elliptical - 30 min Quads/thighs Hip Abductor - Inner - 3 sets - 1 @ 80bls, 2 @ 90lbs Outter - 3 sets - 1 @ 80 lbs, 1 @ 85 lbs, 1 @ 90 lbs. Leg Press - 3 sets - 55 lbs each set Bench step - 2 sets on each leg holding 5 lb dumbbells. Ball squats - 1 set of 10, holding for 10 seconds. Hamstrings/Glutes: Glute Machine - 2 sets @ 35 lbs (need to go up next time, easy with 35 lbs) Seated Let Curl - 2 sets @ 45 lbs Lying Leg Curl - 1 set @ 30 lbs Calves: Calve Machine - 3 sets - 1 @ 90 lbs, 2 @ 100 lbs Standing dumbbell calf raises - 2 sets holding 8 lbs dumbbells ABS: Laying hip raises - 2 sets @ 15 each Ab Crunch machine - 2 sets of 15 with 10 lbs weights Incline sit ups - 2 sets of 25 each Stretched - did not hop back on elliptical, I called it a night after 1 hr 40 min. Notes: I'm starting to see my body change, my DH told me last night my butt sure is smaller. :sneaky:. Still have not weighed, and excited to take my measurements to see how far I've come in 2 weeks! Today is my 21 year wedding anniversary, I wonder if I could fit into my wedding dress? I might try it on tonight to see.

8:15 am - South Beach Protein bar, Coffee w/cream - 210 cal 11:00 - 7 almonds - 48 cal 12:00 - grilled chicken and green beans from Goldies Patio grill, mini candy bar - 405 cal 3:30 - non fat yogurt mixed with all bran cereal - 130 cal 6:30 - 1 oz cheese (sharp chedder), 1 cup of homemade turkey chili - 410 cal Total calories 1203 Exercise: Elliptical - 30 min Quads/thighs Hip Abductor - Inner - 3 sets - 1 @ 80bls, 2 @ 90lbs Outter - 3 sets - 1 @ 80 lbs, 1 @ 85 lbs, 1 @ 90 lbs. Leg Press - 3 sets - 55 lbs each set Bench step - 2 sets on each leg holding 5 lb dumbbells. Ball squats - 1 set of 10, holding for 10 seconds. Hamstrings/Glutes: Glute Machine - 2 sets @ 35 lbs (need to go up next time, easy with 35 lbs) Seated Let Curl - 2 sets @ 45 lbs Lying Leg Curl - 1 set @ 30 lbs Calves: Calve Machine - 3 sets - 1 @ 90 lbs, 2 @ 100 lbs Standing dumbbell calf raises - 2 sets holding 8 lbs dumbbells ABS: Laying hip raises - 2 sets @ 15 each Ab Crunch machine - 2 sets of 15 with 10 lbs weights Incline sit ups - 2 sets of 25 each Stretched - did not hop back on elliptical, I called it a night after 1 hr 40 min. Notes: I'm starting to see my body change, my DH told me last night my butt sure is smaller. :tongue2:. Still have not weighed, and excited to take my measurements to see how far I've come in 2 weeks! Today is my 21 year wedding anniversary, I wonder if I could fit into my wedding dress? I might try it on tonight to see.

well glad to hear about your surgery. i guess by now your feeling pretty ok. i had an awful first week with the hunger and stuff, and at times thought i had made a terrible choice, but i guess your mental state at that time is not to secure so i guess that's what i was going through. now i feel i am finally getting control of this new lifestyle. per my doctor, i should be consuming liquids (thinned soup-no chunks-i thin it with chicken broth since it gives it a little more flavor and i usually eat about 4 ounces; pudding; yogurt no fruit pieces, popsicles, protein water-kellogs is great just a little pricey; pudding and of course all these are sugar free. you even half to watch the sugar calories in these even though they say no sugar, they still may contain some; i also have had hot chocolate sugar free of course and use skim milk. the first week i didn't want to eat much (or drink i should say) so i lost 12 the first week. this week i guess i have lost my hunger appetite and still have to force myself to eat and drink. At times, i get hungry, but not very often. per my doc. you should be consuming water and protein water at least 48-64 ounces a day to ensure you don't get dehydrated and food wise 3-4 ounces at a time in good liquid. my doctor has me on a 500 calories 30g of protein for the first 3 weeks and then i go to pureed food like cottage cheese, applesauce, mashed tators and a little thicker consistency at 800 calories per day 80 grams for the next 3-6 weeks. this is my diet, i know everyone varies from doctor to doctor, so i guess you should follow your doc orders. what do they tell you to do? Are you loosing weight fast or slow? I go for my first fill Nov 11 and i hear this is pretty painless but well see. hope your doing well, don't know about you, but this has been a major milestone in my life. i only had about 60 pounds to lose (i am 5'7 235 at surgery and now 217) so not to far to go. I'll pray for you that you continue to do good and keep in touch. i would love to know how your progress goes.

Yes, I've heard alot of good things about the fitbit and it is the lowest costing device I've seen. I wanted something that would let me track all pertinent info in one place. I dont always have time to log meals so i just put in the estimated calories for my day and it will show my calorie defecit based on my activity for the day. It also monitors how well you sleep and how many steps you've taken. I like to see the hourly breakdown so I know when I lose valuable time doing something not so active. I also like to see that I'm burning calories like crazy when I'm working out, it makes me feel good . The armband is a little annoying at first and I had to order a Lg cuz it came with a sm but now I don't even notice it.

So I am 14 days post op. I have been able to eat anything and it does not bother my stomach at all. I feel like I can eat more then I should. Still a small amount but more than I think I should. I'm still only getting maybe 500 calories a day maybe more depending on the day. Can anyone tell me their story about feeling as if they can eat more then or basically whatever I want. Within reason don't get me wrong. I puree things and I can drink pretty fast. Ughh Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I went back after a week. The doc was okay with it, and the nurse gave me a lecture about taking care of myself. My job is a sit down job with lots of breaks. I was able to do it, but I was exhausted. you need lots of chances for breaks and to sit down. Remember its not just the surgery, you will be subsisting on around 200 to 500 calories at that time, and you won't have any extra energy. If you have a sympathetic supervisor, I say go for it. If not, then take the extra time off.

Mike - agree whole heartily with your points. I wish the average WLS Center program did a better job at emphasizing this. Mine did not mention this at all, but I eventually figured it out after reading posts like yours and many months ago from Susan (Admin). There is a time and place for extreme caloric deficits that help many succeed (including myself) on the post op diet. However, do try and advance out of the extreme caloric deficits after month 5 or 6 in order to not kill your metabolism. It is a gradual ascent and may take a few months of tweaking to get your eating and workout plan to a happy equilibrium. It is *so* much easier to achieve the weight and physique goals if eating enough calories from a set of well balanced meals, focusing on the macro nutrient ratios. Without the calories, you are constantly fighting your body for measurable progress. My calories are currently at 1600-1800 and I hope to raise them even more based upon TDEE to achieve some specific body transformation goals over the summer months. Unfortunately I did not learn and embrace this until after weight loss finished a!nd lost a lot of muscle as a result. My progress crashed and burned for a couple months as metabolism was in a state of decline. Fortunately, I have turned things around in the last few months and am continuing to going forward. I enjoy not having to stress at all about eating or really having to pay attention to "dieting" in order to achieve weight lifting progress. It feels so natural. Learn from my mistakes people!!!

Hi, Can you elaborate a little on a few of your points? You said sometimes the sleeve is not the best surgery for someone with metabolism issues and that a different surgery may be more appropriate... why and which one? I have been very concerned about this issue. I lost 160lbs 10 years ago on low carb ( I was still overweight -- size 14/16) and managed to keep the majority of it off. I've gained about 60-70 pounds over the last 5 years even though I still adhered to a low carb diet ( just maybe not as strict). Ok, so I'm thinking that maybe my body is immune to the low carb at this point so I tried Weight Watchers.... I GAINED WEIGHT ON WW. That is how I ended up here. I felt surgery was my only hope.... Let me add that I had Thyroid Cancer and my thyroid was removed, but I take Synthroid so that should not be the issue. I also have Multiple Sclerosis but cannot think of any reason MS would affect weight loss. You also said that if you only had 1 protein shake in the morning and 1 protein bar at lunch you would faint... But isn't that close to what we're supposed to be doing. Lets say a protein shake has 200 calories, so far so good right? A protein bar has 200 calories. So we're at 400 calories before dinner. My impression was that staying around 600-800 calories is optimal to keep losing? Help! Now I'm concerned that I will be failure at this!!

I eat an egg every day for breakfast, sometimes with bacon, sometimes with steak, less often with ham or sausage. Or I will eat a 1/3 cup of omelet with a dribble of cheese, and onion, pepper, mushrooms, avocado, and a bite of fresh tomato. It may have a few calories, but I eat it in the morning and have the rest of the day to adjust my food choices. Haven't tried oatmeal since I have a strong issue of stalling when my carbs go over 20 per day.

Well its been 4 months since surgery and I am 40 pounds down and 3 sizes smaller Doctor is happy with my progress and says I should reach my goal by 9 months with no problem.....I would like it to go faster but He said slow and steady wins the race......I am happy the scale is moving in the right direction for as change (with the PCOS, there is hope ). I am still having a problem fitting in all my protien and calories....I average 55g protien (needs to be 60-70g) and about 900 cal. (needs to be 1200) any suggestions? I do have some hair loss but they say that should slow down around 6 months or so.....it just started last month..... So if anyone has any suggestions please feel free to respond!

One of the benefits I liked about the Realize Band was the software that came with it. I know the Lapband is developing its own software but it isn't available yet. I track everything I eat, with complete nutritional break down, all of my exercise, my weight loss, my measurements, they supply recipes, advice, plus my surgeon's office can track my progress if I allow them access. The software was the selling point for me. Also, everyone is different. I had the Realize band installed w/o any Fluid and I am having excellent restriction. I am six weeks + out from surgery and I am very pleased. I am averaging 3 pounds/week loss but I expect that to change as my body gets used to the lower calorie input. Bottomline, talk with your surgeon. They "should" have the best advice as to what is the right band for you.

4.5 months post op and concerned the pounds will stop falling off. Doc thinks I might be falling behind the curve too. All the charts show a drastic slow down in months 5,6,7... I'd like to be in onderland by June, but that could be optimistic. If things stay the way they are now, I'll get there, but not if the fat loss slows down. The last three months I've lost 12-13 pounds consistently, so I'm upping my workouts and keeping my calories at or below 900 per day. Thoughts or insights? Hw: 368 - July 2012 Dos: 316 - October 1, 2012 Cw: 244 - February 14, 2013

It is not rude at all. After my surgery I found substitute foods that would go through my band. Such as ice cream, I have never liked ice cream as much as I do now. Also popcorn. Popcorn is really easy for me to eat. In my mind the calories even out because I am not eating big meals, but that is why I am where I am!! I need to start keeping track of my calories and my protein. I do not feel good if i eat anything before 11am so I need to just make sure I am drinking a protein drink in the morning. I know you will do great and will learn for the honesty on this site!

pumpkin cheesecake (filling only) 1 box instant sugar free Jello cheesecake 1 scoop procel unflavored Protein Powder (optional) 1/2 can Libby pumpkin purée 1/2 container free cool whip 2 c. Fat free milk (I use braums milk as it is higher in protein) Pumpkin pie spice, to taste Mix cheesecake packet with 2 c of milk as package indicates. If you use Protein powder, add it in with the cheesecake powder prior to adding your milk. Fold in 1/2 of the can of pumpkin purée and 1/2 of the container of free cool whip. Add pumpkin pie spice to taste (I add about 1 tsp i guess). Stir into the pudding and refrigerate. Serve cold, makes about 6 - 1/2 c servings (& I THINK it is about 75-100 calories per serving, dependent on brands used for ingredients but input it into my fitness pal or something like that to know for sure ok? i can't remember if I did it for 1/2 c or 1/4 c servings now grrr). Other ideas: egg salad, cottage cheese, light and fit greek yogurts, my favorite cream Soup is cream of chicken with mushrooms (walmart), RTD oh yeah shakes (vanilla cream and strawberries and cream are my current favs). GOOD LUCK!

I have been trying to stay busy today as they say to "ambulate" but I think I may have overdone a little. The no calorie PowerAide is good. My neighbor who also had this done back in January (we went to the seminar together) told me to try the Sobe-Lifewater (white caps only as they are the ones with no calories) and they offer a lot of different flavors with vitamins. Also the beef and veggie broth is good. The nurse told me anything I can suck through a straw, I can have, but then your Doctor may say different. Sorry for your gas pain as I heard that can be bad. Hope you feel better tomorrow

There is a very good resource here on the forum - a wonderful woman whose screen name is Tiffykins. She has been sleeved for around a year and a half to two years and has been very successful. She posted yesterday in response to a topic titled "how much should I be eating?" I am going to quote from her response: " Measured portions, specifically 2-4oz should be your target meal size. That's by volume for the most part, you could do probably 6oz yogurt and other super soft/liquidy type foods. Personally, I would not be eating hashbrowns or any type of white carb during the losing stage, but that's just how I chose to lose weight. You might not get a full signal until it's too late, then you'll be puking or hurting. I didn't get a "full signal" for months post-op so measuring was my key to not overeating. I was prescribed 600-800 calories, 60+gr of Protein and no more than 30-40gr of carbs per day. Measuring foods gives you a few things; 1) Staying within a set dietary guideline 2) Won't leave you hurting or puking 3) Will teach you to undereat your sleeve Eating until full or stuffed helped get me fat. I was specifically told to undereat my sleeve, to measure, and to stop looking for that full signal because if you constantly overeat it is not changing any of the habits that led to us having surgery." Look for her on the site, and check out her content. She is a great source of good data from a person who has "walked the walk" and lost her weight. Good luck on your journey!

Banana muscle milk is awesome. Just tried it today. It is high in calories but I only had 1/2. I also have isopure.,,,,yak! I will get there!

I am already 3 weeks post op on gastric sleeve. I've lost 27 pounds (9%of total weight) I have a problem with getting energy. I am on a 300 to 400 calories fluids diet. Unable to get protein thru shakes which i dislike taste. Anybody can give me target weight loss per month Pre-op. 277 pds 3 weeks post-op 250 pds

stay the course, hydrate, monitor your intake as far as calories and carbs and make sure you maintain your correct level of protein....I am right there with you.........................darn scale

Well I've been experimenting....so this is what I came up with: 8 oz of FF milk 1 scoop of vanilla Protein powder 1 tsp of decaf instant coffee 1 cap full of Vanilla Torani SF syrup spinkle of splenda. I blend well. Then put in microwave for about a minute to warm...and yum yum yum. Calories 212 (protein powder has 130) and total protein 35 gms. Yum... Now that is coffee working for you. With the milk I get added protein. I could try with Water or 1/2 water and 1/2 milk to cut down the calories, but if that is all I do for Breakfast, didn't think it was bad.

Well I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already. I went to the doc yesterday for my one month check-up and all is well. He said I was an anomoly. Most people have more problems getting things down. Not me. I can chug (sorta), eat most things (that I am allowed-no raw fruits and veggies, nuts etc), and no episodes of throwing up or sliming (except once, sort of. I ate gelato, and I ate it too fast. More like dumping. Sweaty, nauseous, etc). I can eat more than most people who post on here at my stage and later - entire small Wendy's chili, a little larger than palm sized chicken breast, etc) I had to go a week late because I have been traveling a lot (Since 3 weeks after surgery I have been to: Chicago (business), Miami (business) and Orlando (vacation - at least for the kids:laugh0:). It was definitely challenging to travel. I only took a shakes with me to use as a back up for Protein. I tried to eat my protein the rest of the time. I did fine with eating out and finding something on the menu. I always told the server that I just had surgery, so I was looking for something prepared healthy and a small portion. I haven't been losing as fast as some, but I am down about 22.5 lbs since surgery and 31 lbs since my one week pre-op. I most certainly have not been an angel - I have been eating carbs, although not a lot, yesterday was my worst day - half a bagel thin with Peanut Butter and a low carb tortilla. I drink coffee (actually a cappuccino) every morning. I started this at about 2-3 weeks. It made a big difference in my "regularity". Some days are better than others with the Water. I really need to work on stopping drinking 15-30 minutes before eating and waiting at least 45 minutes after I eat to start drinking again. I also need to SLOW DOWN! I am not stressing over calories, carbs, etc. I am going under the premise that if I am getting my protein, I can't fit much else. As long as the "bad" food doesn't creep back in.....My doc said to picture your open hand (the length and thickness). That is about how much you should be eating with the majority of it being protein. It should keep you satisfied for 3-4 hours. Eat only 3 times a day, and if you need something to hold you between lunch and dinner (because of the time), have a small protein snack (string cheese, deli meat, etc). This is definitely a tool. It would be easy to slip back into old habits, especially when you feel as good as I do! My next goal is to start an exercise program. One that I can do at home as well as on the road. This will be challenging due to my osteoarthritis in knee (and now hip too I think). Continued sucess to all how have had the surgery and best wishes to all that are comtemplating it!