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I don't do protein drinks, but get all of my protein from food. One high protein food I eat is Fage Greek yogurt. It tastes like sour cream and has 23 grams of protein per cup. It also counts as a fluid.

My NUTs Protein goals are 90-100g/day and 500-500calories At first i struggled with getting enough liquids, waiting the 30 min before/after and then fitting as much dense protein as i could into 30 minutes..... I found myself staying up later just to eat and drink!! It was CRAZY! Now.... I have had a few weeks to "smarten up" and this is my basic plan: Breakfast 6oz greek yogurt (non fat plain flavored w/ splenda and torani syrups) (20g protein) 2 bottles of water/diet green tea (24ox liquid) SNACK 1 RTD protein shake (30g protein & 12oz liquid) OR tofu snackers (15g pro) lunch 2oz dense protein (usually lunchmeat or tuna or chix breast) (15g pro) 2 bottles of water/crystal lite (24oz liquid) dinner 2oz dense protein & small babybell cheese (20g pro) SNACK 1 homeade protein shake with skim milk & 1 funsize dark chocolate (35g pro & 12oz liquid) OR 1 homemade protein pudding (15g pro) RIGHT BEFORE BED 8oz Water (prevents AM nausea & dizzyness)

I use baggies and ice cube trays to freeze small portions. Portion your meats to the serving size for you and anyone else who is sharing the meal. For example, I now pack my ground beef into 12 oz. packages. My husband has a 6 oz burger and I have two 3 oz burgers (raw weight). For chili, I freeze in 2 cup portions. Hubby has 1 cup, I have 2 1.2 cup portions. Same for Beans. You will need even smaller portions at first! For Protein post op I like: Tuna moistened with low fat mayo and honey mustard Greek Yogurt, sweetened with Splenda or made into a shake (add a splash of orange juice, 3 Tablespoons splenda, `1/2 cup Water, and a couple of frozen strawberries) Anderson Split Pea Soup Low fat lunch meat Low fat String cheese Low fat chili Soy Milk (8th Continent is 80 calories for 8 grams of protein) For other foods: For veggies, I buy frozen mixed veggies ( can just pour out a little for dinner) or just a dab of something fresh from the salad bar. Another option is a few pieces of broccoli, a single zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach. For fruit, I buy an apple and eat 1/4 at a time. I just wrap the rest up. It turns a little brown, but I slice that part off. I also eat 1/3 of banana at a time. I just slice it in the peel so the rest stays good. I also like frozen strawberries in the yogurt smoothie I drink for Breakfast. I didn't really add starches back till I was further out. Now I have 1/2 piece of toast with breakfast (save the other half for the next day), a few crackers, a small red potato, or a little of whatever starch my hubby wants with dinner.

I know how u feel. I was so over it. I stopped eating 8 days before I transitioned to purees although it wasn't the best thing to do but I sucked on sugar free popsicles and yogurt and orange juice(trop 50) and it kept me leveled also don't forget to hydrate hope this helps.

Whats Avi? Whatever it is sounds fun, and im waiting for the stripper pole invite Thanks for the ideas :-) i eat pb and yogurt quite a bit, im in the market for new Protein drinks, i will try that too.

I like the juice of half a lime, 12 ounces of Water, a bit of stevia and a table spoon of chia seeds. I let it sit for about 20 minutes and YUMMMMMMMMY I'm pre-sleeve so I know that the lime is out of the picture for a few months post-op.. does anyone know when you can start incorporated hydrated chia seeds? I was reading some MU paperwork that I think they said 3 months before adding seeds... but I don't know that hydrated chia seeds really count as seeds since they're kinda, goopy? Also another way to eat them, is to pre-make them into a gel by adding to waterand store the gel in your fridge, then just incorporate into whatever you want. That way there's no waiting for the seeds to hydrate. Some people do it this way if they like to use in yogurt or apple sauce.

It's not a traditional blade. Not sharp at all. It can juice, mince, smoothies and frozen yogurt! I have even made rice flour using black rice. It's very powerful. I juice veggies all the time, no pulp.

1. Weight loss phase: I stayed under 800 calories for the first six months, then under 1100 calories from six months to goal. During weight loss, I was not permitted grains, starchy veggies, tropical fruits, sweets, or liquids with calories other than protein shakes. My meals were 3 small meals per day plus only protein shakes for snacks. A sample menu might be: breakfast: steak and pickle relish wrapped in romaine lettuce. Lunch: tuna salad and a couple of prunes. Dinner: scrambled egg with avocado and melted cheese. Snacks: 2-3 protein shakes. 2. Maintenance phase: I typically stay under 1600 calories. My meals are a little bigger and I do have "real" snacks. I also allow myself one serving of whole grains daily, but I still avoid starchy veggies, tropical fruits, sweets, and liquid calories -- except on very special occasions, such as Christmas. Then, all bets are off! Sample menu: breakfast: hot oat bran cereal with toasted almonds, almond butter, and cashew milk. Lunch: chicken breast and grilled asparagus salad with light champagne vinaigrette dressing. Dinner: baked salmon topped with an egg, roast cauliflower. Snacks: low cal hot cocoa, Greek yogurt, small apple, dried apricots, turkey jerky. I have lost over 200 lbs and am maintaining at a healthy weight. I continue to watch what I eat very carefully. PS this is just an aside and it is a small matter, but none of us sleevers have "pouches." That's what RNY people have. You can accurately call your stomach a stomach, or a sleeve, or a sleeved stomach, but not a pouch. Good luck to you!

I just bought some of that today. It is FABULOUS! I add a little to greek yogurt..mmmmmmm.

I get a similar feeling - and like you, with food not drink. It's possible that it's happening as the type/consistency of food you eat changes. Or maybe it's that signal that your belly is reaching full. I'm about 11 weeks out and still introducing foods - and then removing them again if they don't sit right. Red meat hasn't really factored in my diet yet, mostly white meat and not every day. Vegetarian seems to sit best with me so whilst I try and keep an eye on my protein intake, some days I just eat what feels right. A full stomach is an uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) one for me so I'm learning to pick that moment to stop and not put that one more mouthful in, even if it's within the half cup limit! The type of food has an effect too. I'm feeling a bit adventurous today and thinking about cooking a chicken curry.....I used to eat chilli just about every single day and miss it! fresh fruit and plain yogurt goes down a treat.

Well here I am! One week post-op and I can't believe I'm already here....I don't feel banded but I definitely feel the pain of my incisions and the changes in my body. A few things I've noticed that I'm wondering about you guys... 1. I feel bloated. Constantly. I don't feel these "gas pains" everyone talks about?! I belch often. My incisions are painful. But I don't have gas pains? I just feel bloated. Allllll the time. 2. I've lost my hunger sensation. Physically I don't feel hungry. Emotionally, I do. I've just transitioned to my full liquids stage and am allowed SF pudding, FF tomato/cream soups, broth, protein shakes, jello, and yogurt. I am having a hard time with the non-liquids. I ate a lot out of feeling like "well I don't have anything else to do," or "I didn't have dinner," or "I need to try that flavor of yogurt," etc. that's my food addiction and it scares the crap out of me. I know it was just one bad day but I'm only one week post op and I'm already feeling like a failure. Should I go back to liquids? Idk what to do. 3. Do many of you use myfitnesspal? I have a few friends on there from this forum but would like more. My username is westcomk. I think it's nice to have benders on there! 4. I'd like to share recipes if anyone's interested. For instance, I realized my favorite Campbell's tomato soup has 12...TWELVE grams of sugar per 1/2 cup. So I found a sugarless homemade recipe tonight that I'm going to try. Does anyone have any good low sugar soups they like? Thanks for listening everyone. Maggie

“I want to lose weight and get healthy this year.” That’s what we all want, but that’s not a solid resolution. A resolution says what you will do and how you will do it. It is clear. It has purpose. Taken together, all of your resolutions can add up to losing (or maintaining) weight and getting healthy. Here are our picks for New Year’s resolutions and why. “I’ll Make the Call Now” Are you considering weight loss surgery? Are you worried about an odd feeling in your throat after getting the lap-band? Do you have a question about whether a certain protein powder is safe after gastric bypass? Get help – now! Too often, we have a tendency to delay. It may be phoning all the surgeons in town to gather WLS information, calling your nutritionist with a diet question, or being on hold with your health insurance provider to find out whether the gastric sleeve is covered. Whatever the call is, make it now. Don’t put it off. It’s a way of prioritizing your health, and the good habits will rub off in the rest of your journey. “I’ll Eat 5 Servings of Vegetables Each Day.” Does this one come as a surprise? Did you think we’d start with protein? Here are our reasons for including a veggies resolution near the top of the list. Most people don’t get enough veggies – but they do get enough protein. Even weight loss surgery patients tend to get enough protein after a few months, while they don’t get enough vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and super filling. Long term, it’s veggies that will reduce hunger so you can keep losing weight and eventually prevent weight regain. Eating more vegetables is linked to lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, some cancers, and even dementia. They’ll help keep you regular because of their fiber...and that’s a big benefit for weight loss surgery patients! Unless you’re on your pre-op or post-op liquid diet or you’re having trouble swallowing, there’s no reason not to aim for 5 servings of vegetables. You can have salads, raw veggies for snacks, and steamed veggies on the side. You can also sneak them in, whether you add pureed eggplant and grated carrots to turkey meatloaf, double up on tomato sauce when you have low-carb pasta, or whip pumpkin puree into protein pancakes. “I’ll Drink 10 Cups of Water Each Day.” That’s 80 ounces. The standard recommendation is at least 64 ounces, but we think more is better when it comes to water. It helps you recover faster after surgery. When you’re even a little bit dehydrated, you can get headaches, feel weak, and lose energy. Plus, your metabolism slows. Go for plain water or low-calorie, sugar-free alternatives. Have them available throughout the day, whether it’s a water bottle in your car, a mug of decaffeinated green tea on your desk at work, or a pitcher of water in the fridge at home. “I’ll Use the Tools I Have.” The sleeve, bypass, or band is one tool for weight loss, but are you using all the other possible ones? Here are a few that are at your disposal. Nutrition labels. Do you really know what’s in the food you eat? If you’re not reading labels, you might be very wrong about the ingredients, number of calories, and amount of sugar in your food. Tracking apps. Research shows tracking your food helps you lose weight and keep it off. It holds you accountable and helps you make better decisions. There are so many apps now that track calories, protein, fluid, and anything else you can think of, and it takes only minutes a day. Measuring cups and spoons and a kitchen scale. If you’re guessing about your portions, you’re probably guessing wrong. Don’t put in all the effort of losing weight, only to be disappointed by the scale if it turns out you were eating more than you thought you were. Measure your food. Smaller plates and bowls. Smaller dishes help you take smaller portions. Smaller spoons and forks. When each bite is smaller, you eat slower, and tend to eat less naturally. You don’t have to use them all at once, but you might as well give each of them at least one try. They may help you lose weight without much more effort. “I’ll Eat My Protein First.” Don’t worry, we weren’t going to skip the protein! It keeps you full for longer, helps you maintain your lean body mass, and lets your immune system stay strong. It’s also helpful in preventing hair loss after surgery. Think of protein first when you plan meals and snacks, and eat it first so you don’t fill up before you get to it. Go for lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breast, fat-free cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, canned tuna, fresh fish, tofu, and beans. Skip processed and fatty options, such as bacon, ribs, and sausage. “I Will Exercise Most Days.” It burns calories, reduces stress, and keeps you focused. It improves mood, lowers disease risk, and gives you confidence. What’s not to love? If you really don’t like exercising, keep trying! There are so many types to try, from boot camp and Zumba classes to walking around the neighborhood to exercise DVDs to rock climbing to sports leagues. If none of those appeal, hire a personal trainer to give you more ideas and match you up with something you love. We’re convinced these resolutions are do-able and useful. If you implement some of these, we’re sure you can make good progress towards your overall weight loss and health goals for 2016. Put them together with your own resolutions, and keep us posted on your progress this year!

Yesss, love this! ^^^ Here's my typical menu at work: Morning commute - this guy: https://www.amazon.com/Protein2o-Low-Calorie-Protein-Infused-16-9-Ounce/dp/B01GQ5HBGI/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521227525&sr=8-3&keywords=protein%2Bwater&th=1 (Tastes a little like feet, but once you get used to it - it's not horrible.) Breakfast - 0%, 100 Calorie Greek yogurt cup Mid-morning snack - hard boiled egg or this guy: https://www.amazon.com/Oh-Yeah-Birthday-Cake-12/dp/B0171F2HL6/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1521228100&sr=1-3&keywords=one%2Bbar%2Bbirthday%2Bcake&th=1 *Lunch - 1/4 c. cottage cheese and tuna pouch. The herb & garlic and ranch flavors are delish! (I know it sounds gross together, but this is kinda like a mock-tuna salad and you don't miss the mayo. Add grapes, apples or green onion if you wanna get fancy.) Afternoon snack - hard boiled egg, raw almonds or LF string cheese *Dinner - protein slab (beef filet, fish fillet, chicken) and veggies if there's room *Not sure what options you have at your local grocery store, but mine has pre-made, healthy meals that are actually TWO servings for my new tummy! I'll usually eat half of one of these babies for dinner and then bring the rest to work for lunch, or vice versa. **Be careful with hummus - it's actually not a good source of protein... ***Most important - PLAN AHEAD!!! If you're unprepared, you'll grab the first thing you see; and at the office, that will RARELY be a protein-rich option. You got this!

I have the same reaction to Tylenol 3 and Tylenol 4 - my bariatric surgeon chalks it up to an increased sensitivity to Tylenol. What about straight hydrocodone or oxycodone, or even dilaudid or morphine? I'm not sure what the culprit in Tramadol is, as I take it PRN for herniated discs and a shoulder injury and have had no issues with it. Does it help to "sandwich" pills in some cheese or yogurt? Take a bite of the food and swallow, take the pill, then take another bite. I did that in the past while taking anti-depressants, since they can cause minor stomach irritation and I have had problems with ulcers (TWO emergency perforations; and two ulcers in between - I have bi-annual EGDs to keep track of them, and am on lifetime prescriptions of Protonix and Carafate).

I eat everything in moderation within reason. I ate a pancake with maple syrup for breakfast this morning, shock, horror! Not the wisest of choices nutritionally, but normally I have a good high fibre cereal or a yogurt. lunch is usually salad/meat combos - I was just at the shops and had a lamb kebab minus the pita bread, I had it in a bowl. Or a sandwich or wrap of some description. dinner is usually meat and 3 veg type meals.

well to continue I have three sons but they are older and do not need me liek they used to. Oldest two on their own and this year youngest wants to be in the big smoke so he is with his dad..so just me in the basement while the one ( BF)who ignores me sits upstairs watching tv. Yes i have tried talking til I am blue in the face but I can see,he shuts me out as I get that glazed look in his eyes. Can I do this? Do you need support and someone to help and drive etc. I have three dogs too so I will need to be there for them. I am feeling really miserable,honest to god, and why must I eat yogurt and cottage cheese?? How will that help my liver, I don't understand, boy I can see that I will feel more yucky as far as mood when I do that. I am supposed to have a b day party for my mom and son on the 7th of aug,,just three days before i get banded, how the heck am I going to pull that off and just eat cottage frigging cheese??? I must apologize to you all for sounding so down. I have read you guys now everyday and I feel like you get to know someone, I mean mandy aka ARGon is hilarious, Yoda is the wise sage, there's cloe and the list goes on and on, man I feel like I am looking through the romper room mirror.. Anyway apologies!

Being newly banded since March 12th and maintaining a liquid diet for the next couple weeks my, fiber intake as expected is low. Also being a hobbyist cook I've been coming up with recipes to go with my new lifestyle. I was wondering this. If I were to take 1/2 cup of fiber one which has 14gr. of fiber and only 60 calories and put it in my coffee grinder and turn it to powder and say mix it with a cup of applesauce (100cal) or mix it with my yogurt, would I still get the full 14 gr. of fiber in it's new altered state? I'm assuming so, but wanted to know others' thoughts. I would think this highly rich fiber would be ideal to mix with soups, and other liquids that it wouldn't be an issue downing it.

I don't know about the amount, but don't you love adding the protein in the yogurt and eating it in place of drinking a shake?

I'm so glad you posted this because the same has happened to me. I have gained 3 pounds and I am only eating yogurt, soup, and protein shakes. I only do about 1200 calories a day. I'm huge! How can I gain weight???

Today I decided to get a fruit & yogurt parfait from McDonalds for the first time. I ate about half the yogurt but not the fruit. 10 minutes later I had some serious back pain going across my mid back. It lasted for about an hour. Well, jus to make sure that I wasn't imagining things I just ate the other half of the yogart. Lo & Behold my back is killing me again. Has anyone experienced anything like this? What causes this type of reaction? Any info. would help. Thanks!

Your symptoms do sound like lactose intolerance. I developed it after surgery. At first, the only Protein powder I could tolerate was unjury chicken flavor. It is easier to digest if you are lactose intolerant. I also switched to Soy Milk and gave up cottage cheese. I can eat greek yogurt, but not regular yogurt. After a few weeks I also used the Gold Standard whey Protein in French vanilla, mixed with soy milk. Hope you feel better soon. Lynda

I was banded last November and I am so happy with my choice. I am not hungry in the mornings so usually I don't eat until around noontime. I like Greek yogurt and buy the 100 calorie kind then pack the cup with things like chopped walnuts, chia seeds, a bit of gluten free cereal, etc. For me this is like a giant treat. Later I'll have whatever protein is going and some veg. Tonight we grilled and I loved my steak, just a small amount and then when I'm full I'm done. Oh, earlier I had cheese and crackers (GF) and we are having cocktails. I don't want to say what's good for any one but me, but this banded life is wonderful. I sure I could be losing faster but for the first time I'm not on a diet, I have no deprivation and I am at peace with food. I still love to cool -- have some chicken Marbella marinating right now. I've lost about sixty pounds and feel GREAT.

During the work week: 7am: Protein latte 10am: Greek yogurt/eggs/ or berries/nuts 1pm: lunch - usually out and will be either chicken or fish with salad or veg 4pm: Some nuts/fruit or a protein bar/avocado/baby bel/eggs or the like 8pm: Chicken/fish/pork with veg The Snacks are based on what I am doing work wise so can change. At the weekends I tend to just eat 3 meals and one snack and my meals are spread out more. Kate

I made tuna salad with yogurt instead of mayo - added protein to it. Also did this with hard boiled eggs for egg salad. A bit of brown mustard in with the egg salad. The tuna I just used the yogurt and tuna and smashed the heck out of it. Tiny bites and tiny amounts. You could do that with chopped/diced chicken too.

Day 14 - 2 weeks out!! I've lost 14 lbs! I am averaging about 500 calories a day and trying to get this Protein in. I'm getting about 44-50 grams in mainly in the form of Protein shakes and Greek yogurt. I went back to work today so that's a bummer lol I'm still getting sleepy during the day. Feel like I need a nap. Noticed my scrubs are a lil big on me today. I bought em when I was 40 lbs heavier though. I'm still having the problem of food going straight through me when everyone else is saying they are constipated. U would know I'd be different! I want Mexican food for some reason lately. Idk why cause nothing really is sounding all that great except Mexican. Maybe it'll be a refried bean, enchilada aside and bit of cheese night! I'm a couple of days late on this post cause day to day stuff seems a bit Boring.