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Thanks for all the suggestions I'm going to see my nutritionist tomorrow I just feel like I'm reverting back to old ways now that my appetite has pick up a bit.. No breads or pastas but just looking for something to eat every hour is annoying so I'll grab a yogurt or some lite cheese...but with doing that I'm not getting in my meals I might just start from scratch and go back to my liquid diet to start again.

Dont get discouraged.. I still eat some stuff i shouldnt..i started making and decorating cakes.. NOt a good thing for a recovering fat addict(LOL) but i enjoy and will taste test on occasion.. i also am looking at low sugar and low fat recipes too..so.. just think protein first..i do alot of turkey burgers, turkey meat instead of beef.. have icecream called skinny cow here that is really really good.. and weight watchers.. also frozen yogurt..i get a craving i go with lower fat instead.. FIGURE its like 8 weeks til end of aug.. if u even lose 2lbs a week thats very close..its 16 lbs.. do some walking or if u can go to gym or have exercise stuff home us it.. im not motivated all the time.. but i make myself.. I have been overweight for 14 yrs and just tired of it.. i want the old me back.. and im determined to get her back.. GOOD LUCK>> you can do anything u set ur mind to.. you already started it just stick with it..if u get a bad day.. its ok.. dont beat yourself up.. just start fresh next day and stick with it..

My gripe is "Why can't my husband WAKE the F*** up" He says to me in public when I have 2 Tablespoons of food on my plate...."wow your being a pig tonight" or "making a gluten out of yourself today"...I came home last night and he had fixed dinner (first time in 10 yrs) Deep Fried Battered shrimp a and chicken and Homemade Fries....really...does he think this is "GOOD HEEALTHY" food? or is it just deliberate sabbatage tactics...? I made a banana strawberry greek yogurt smoothie....was wonderful and chose not to indulge in the mounds of saturated oils...Oh but how the food smelled so wonderful.

I am 4 months out and was going thru the same thing. I talked to my diatician and increased my calories to 1000-1100 because I wasnt eatting enough. I was constantly hungry and found myself snacking a lot. I started working out 5 days a week and my body was in starvation mode. Now I use my fitness pal and track every single thing that goes into my mouth and all of my activities. I have only one protien shake a day by primer protien bc its 30g of protien a day and only 1g of sugar. I love all their flavors. Usually I have it for breakfast with a greek yogurt. I also plan every single meal and snack for the day and put it in my fitness pal the day before. If its not in my lunch box or recorded in my fitness pal it doesn't touch my lips. Someone told me this and it has really been my montra and what keeps me so on track and dedicated to the daily planning: If you fail to plan you plan to fail. And since I have been living by this the last few weeks the scale has been finally moving.

When you put them in the shake, the entire shake tastes yuck. Try crushing the pills and taking them with a small amount of pudding or yogurt. It will taste bad, but then you can kill the taste with sips from your protein shake.

I make yogurt every weekend. It is very easy you can buy a yogurt maker if you choose but it's really not required to make a good tasting product. I got started making yogurt by watching an episode of good eats I couldn't find a link to the episode but here is a link to the recipe-http://www.food.com/recipe/yogurt-homemade-from-good-eats-alton-brown-40602 I use good organic milk now (lesson learned) and i always run the vessels I'm gonna use through the dishwasher to act like a sterilizer before I begin a batch Good Luck- its really very satisfying to make, and if you have an Ice cream maker you are in, just pop in the fresh yogurt with some sliced peaches and you now have a lovely frozen treat- you can also use it to make cheese (kinda a nice farmers style herb it up any way you like)

It’s day seven of my liquid diet, and today was the first time I really struggled. First, let me say that today was a great day in many respects. My husband and I took our oldest on a college visit today where he and other students auditioned and interviewed for theater scholarships. I’m not just saying this because I’m his mom—my son did great! Some of the professors even told me so afterwards. He had such a great experience today (this was our second visit), that he decided to commit to the school, which is a huge load off of all of our minds. My son really shined today, and I’m excited about this new chapter in his life. He's going to do amazing things! Okay, now here’s the crabby part. This, as many of you already know, is just a really hard time of year to be on a liquid diet. (Though I'm sure every time of the year has its own unique challenges.) While on campus today, we were treated to lunch in a recently updated dining hall that truly is more like a collection of restaurants. It puts my old college’s microwave eggs and frozen pizzas to shame! And it was a social lunch, one that was stretched out for an hour so that we could talk to the faculty and visit with other prospective students. I felt a little self-conscious about my tiny bowl of soup (which probably wasn’t even technically on my list) as people went back for seconds. Then, we were enthusiastically encouraged to hit the icecream bar. I got another diet soda—a no-no, I know, but at least it wasn’t the icecream bar, and it made me feel like I was having a treat. After a very long two hour drive, we got back into town right around supper time and stopped to pick up my two younger kids from my mom’s house. When we got there, my kids showed off the frosted Christmas sugar cookies they made and everyone endulged—except me. Now, I can see this as a small victory, and I do, but I felt bad because my 3 year old daughter didn’t entirely understand why I wasn’t eating her special cookies. And I felt like my mom was disappointed in me too. Maybe it was in my head, but she kept looking at me like, “Come on, Jennie, just eat one, for your kids.” Then Mom continued to talk about how excited that she was that her favorite pizza place was moving back into our neighborhood. I got out of there as quickly as I could. As soon as I got home, my phone was ringing. My little sis, who lives 3 hours away, is hosting a girls weekend at her place this weekend. It’s the first time she’s had many of the girls of the family down to visit since she moved there, and she’s especially excited because she has a beautiful new home and it’s all decked out for the holidays. Plus, she’s newly pregnant. If you haven’t noticed already—backing out of the trip is simply not a possibility. She is really supportive of what I’m doing, but in her defense, she’s been planning this weekend for a while, and certainly not just for me. So on the agenda for the weekend: a winery (and I LOVE wine—it’s kinda my thing), a local festival of fresh baked goods and Christmas crafts (the crafts should be cool), and then out on the town for dinner in Kansas City. Sigh. This is going to be a tough week, I can tell. But, here it is: I have 7 days left, and A LOT to do. I have to get sub plans ready for the 9 days I’ll miss work, and I pretty much need to have Christmas shopping and wrapping done before I leave town Friday. I teach a college night class, and the grades for that are due next week, and I have to take my student group out to buy gifts for ten area needy kids that we “adopted” for Christmas. I’m hoping that I’m so busy, I won’t have time to lament the loss of real food. Though this weekend will be tough. I’ll just have to keep focused on my surgery. It will be here before I know it. Writing this all down has really helped me get my head around where I am emotionally today. Maybe I wanted to eat more today because, even though it’s a really wonderful milestone, there’s something very bittersweet in my son’s final selection of a college. This is exactly the kind of thing that I would have celebrated by going out for a nice, high calorie dinner! And maybe it’s bothering me that I don’t feel as supported by my extended family as I wish I was. But on the other hand, I’m never going to change them, and I love them how they are. I’m sure I drive them nuts from time to time. And my husband has been amazing. He’s passing on food all the time just so that he’s not eating in front of me. He is even making all of the dinners for the kids right now, which allows me to make my shake/soup/yogurt/whatever and go sit and unwind a minute alone at the end of the day. So I have a lot to stay positive about—I’ve having the surgery, afterall. I’m only days away from something I’ve wanted for almost two years. So I just need to stay positive. Stay positive.

Cooked chicken fat free greek yogurt some seasoning - such as a sprinkle from a Ranch dressing packet, or taco seasoning

Beverly, Thanks for the compliment. My typical day is: Breakfast shake w/ 2 scoops of protein mix, 1 Dannon fit and lite yogurt and 3 oz skim milk which is 325 calories and lots of protein, around 59 grams Lunch is normally a can of tuna, the snack size (3oz) with ff mayo and pickle relish 155 calories Dinner protein shake 2 scoops, no yogurt, 3 oz skim milk 265 calories 2 sugar free popsicles for snacks and 2 gallons, yep 2, of crystal light/water Not real exciting, but it works for me.

LMAO ... ummmm ... no. (and that is an understatement ) today i am at 90.1 g of fat b - fage yogurt 1/2 container - getting VERY sick of it VERY quickly 3/4 tablespoon of Apricot preserves s - 14 almonds chocolate Peanut Butter Protein wafer (needed protein - i was starving) l - sweet & spicy tuna from Starkist (higher in carbs, but love the flavor) 2.5 tablespoons of chipotle mayo s - prob none - late lunch due to Snacks d planned - 4 chicken wings 2 tablespoons of Marie's blue cheese dressing ... yum

Wow...a couple of things here... First, it's totally normal to be more hungry when you workout, even without the band. Your body metabolizes food faster when you're moving around, thus making it work through your system faster. Be careful NOT to drink until at least an hour after a meal. That should slow it down a little. Also, have something small to eat if you are hungry after working out, but be sure it's something higher in Protein. Protein will stay with you longer and make you feel satiated. My doctor told me not to agonize over losing only 2-3 pounds in a month as we're still "looking for my sweet spot". He explained that until I'm where I need to be, I'm really just dieting without help. Sure, we all know that the band is/should be helping along the way, but it's not worth stressing over. Be sure your foods are solids....don't make the mistake I did of eating yogurt and cottage cheese because they're high in protein. They don't stay with you and are considered to be liquid. Eat solids slowly and let them sit in your stomach. I liked the funnel anaolgy. If you put food into the funnel (your modified stomach) and let it work it's way through, it's going to serve you far better than if you run the Water and push it through.... I haven't lost much weight, but I've been exercising. I thought you guys might find it amusing to know---NO LIE---my nutritionist told me to CUT BACK ON THE WORKING OUT!!!! Not something I ever expected. I was doing about 45 minutes of circuit training plus 45 minutes of jogging/walking a day, at least 5 to 6 days a week. Oh, and would it make you feel better to know that I lost 4 pounds that month?! Yes..only 4. LOL. Then, after cutting back, as directed, I only lost 3--just as I anticipated! I was an athlete in college and my body is accustomed to working out 2-3 hours a day. Granted, that was nearly 14 years ago, but once programmed....it's hard to get out of that. Obviously I don't have the time or energy to do that at this age. This is why my nutritionist told me to find some physical activity that would be something sustainable. Meaning, in 3-4 years time, I'll still want/be able to keep it up. Don't make life changes you aren't willing to maintain. They'll just set you up for failure and disappointment. Good luck to all of us! I hope that knowing we're not alone in our frustration makes you all feel as good as it does me. I appreciate your sharing. :smile2:

I'm about 5 weeks post op almost 6 now. I still can not tolerate much. My new tummy hates mashed potatoes, refried beans, avocado, chicken, tuna, and now even my protein shakes. A sip in and up it comes. Im living off iced tea, strained soup and yogurt and sick of it!!! My nut says some heal faster than others and dont get discouraged but how can I not? Im starting to feel regret. A month and a half later and I think, "will I ever eat again???" I have lost weight, yes. But is it because of the constant vomiting??? Ive already been hospitalized for dehydration because I couldnt keep fluids down. Had several infections, and now just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Please help. The constant regret and negative thoughts are taking over.

I couldn't stand the Protein drinks at all and so I started eating mushies a couple of weeks earlier than advised. I am now 5 weeks out and I can eat just about anything (slowly and in small amounts), As you know, you have to keep hydrated - have you tried some of the crystal lite additives, or even just a squirt of lemon in your Water? My NUT said that I was becoming "protein intolerant" and so I had to force myself to eat as much mushy stuff as I could stand - liverwurst, tuna, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese. Can you drink milk ? I certainly wouldn't be concerned about keeping things low fat at this point. You need to eat! What kind of infections did you have? Were you on antibiotics? They can really mess with the flora in your stomach. You may want to make sure you are eating live culture yogurt or take some acidolpholous supplements. I pray that you heal quickly and that your stomach stops being so sensitive.

Everyone is different but for me, yes there was a lot of pain -- much more than anyone said but I'll be the first to say I'd do it again in a heartbeat! How quickly you succeed depend on the fills you get more than anything. I was lucky and got a good tight fill my first time (2.6 cc) and had lost about 35 pounds in around 4 months - then had to have an unfill due to a stomach virus causing swelling I couldn't shake. After a month unfilled, I maintained but then had 2.8 CC's put in, which was too tight and again had to have an unfill... Then put 2.5 cc's and now I'm at about 2.2 CC's which is a 'maintenance' fill for me - it's been a lot of fills and unfills and adjustments but don't be shy about that. it seems like there is no one thing that works for everyone, so you really have to be patient and pay attention to your body. I can eat just about anthing but have a lot of trouble with some things... tuna from a can is difficult fo rme, but chicken from a can is great! I can drink beer, most cannot. I can eat salads, most cannot. I can't do bread unless it's a good hearty wheat and is toasted to a crunch. I can do rice just fine, potatos are difficult, french fries nearly impossible. Chips are okay, cheetos go down good, and for some reason I've always been able to eat popcorn when nothing else will go down... and lots of it! I can't eat yogurt or applesauce (go figure) but protein shakes and meal replacement drinks are very good... I can eat most vegetables but have to be careful with them. Good luck to you! BTW, I was banded August 31 2005, at 212 pounds. I now weight 158 - holding for about a year now - I'm 5'10" and went from a size 16-18 to a size 8 - -- you can do it!

I definitely wouldn't handle it by eating cookies. That is going to sabotage your weight loss efforts. Try the SF popcycles or pudding and see if that will help curb your cravings. How about greek yogurt? This is where you are going to have to buckle down and really use your willpower. That's the things about WLS, a chocolate chip cookie still smells and tastes like a chocolate chip cookie. We have to find ways to resist the urge. Good luck

My dr never mentioned anything about pills. I wil ask about this during my follow up. In the meantime, I'm on day 8 with my new sleeve and I have been taking my pills since day 3. I put them on a small spoon with a little bit of yogurt. Hope it works out for you - keep us posted!

I have the same issues! I gag now even trying to drink a sm amt of protein shake. I am trying to get my water in, i was bumped up to puree on wed and have started adding real food which is sooo much better. Thin cream of wheat, applesauce, i made a beef stew w no potatoes but zucchini and veggies and blended it w broth which results in 25g of protein per 8oz serving. Plain Greek yogurt w honey to sweeten and cottage cheese. So far have been able to tolerate it all, whey protein seems to not agree w me and the rash i had on my stomach has dissapeared making me think it was the cause. Yuck. I also had tuna w mayo and tolerated it fine, i have to get my protein in somehow as the shakes arent working. Also i was told to take the prevacid for two months. Try laying flat or on your left side to get rid if that air in your abdomen. It has to be absorbed into your tissue to go away and took me zbout 5 days.

Hi, I am 9 months out. Eating out is very hard, and I feel for you having to do do all three meals out. I would suggest you look for a Protein bar that you like so that you can eat one for a meal. I like Pure Protein Bars which I find at Target. As for restaunants, I have found the half of a small cup of Wendy's chili works well, I prefer Culvers chili, but I don't know if they are in Florida. Perkins also works well. I just order one or two scrambled eggs, and request that they use egg beaters (this would probably work at many restaunants). Hopefully, you can find some low calorie Greek Yogurt at a convenience store since that makes a good meal. I have also eaten at Applebees, but not that early on. I try to eat at national chains because it makes it easier to research thier menu on line before I go to the restaunant so I know exactly how much of what I am ordering I can eat. As for Water, other than the first couple of weeks, I never needed to sip. I just drink water like I always have. Now, maybe you mean that you can't keep a sip down, then I would think that ice chips would be fine. I can down a 20 ounce glass of water in about 15 minutes if I want to (I usually drink it much slower though). Hope this helps! Enjoy sunny Florida - I'm stuck in cold Minnesota!! Carol

I'm shifting into mommy mode. Pack like you would a school lunch. Freeze 2 Water bottles and pack in a small container or lunchbox. The frozen water will keep the other foods cold for a few hours. Yogurts, tuna, applesauce and fruit cups are easy to go down and should keep well. These two water bottles you can then drink. I hope this helps.

Hi Tracylou, Pre-op diets are similar but you should check with your MD or his/her dietician to determine what they want you to follow. My full Fluid diet consisted of clear soups, sugar-free ice-pops, sugar-free/fat-free pudding and yogurt, and sugar-free fruit juices. The day before surgery and the day after was clear fluids. For two weeks after surgery, I have to do full fluids again and progress to a soft diet for weeks 3-5. For the ticker, go to tickerfactory.com and follow the directions. I posted a thread on this today.

Today is an official blizzard..it is made of snow and not of ICECREAM. I woke up very early this morning, felt achy and like I had slept all wrong! Took a little liquid pain med slept a few more hours and walaa..I felt so much better! I start my day with sips of H2O, I find that if I start my protein too early I burp way too much! This is day 5 post op. My pain level is very low, seems to be just at the button site and no where else. My incision sites look really good, a few steri strips came off today too. TMI I'm sure.lol I'm going to try and post a new recipe every day from my lap band "bible", they are SO good and a nice change.. Just tried an awesome one today.. Strawberry pie: In a blender add: 4 ounces fat free milk 6 ounces light yogurt * I used strawberry 1 graham cracker 1 scoop strawberry protein mix Blend This provided 26 grams of protein! I will try and add a new one each day..I am now down to my pre surgical weight,plus a pound, so that feels good, I have an Ipod, added a free app that tracks my footsteps with music that I choose, so I go round and round to my faves!! Happy snow day to you all!

I'm only 17 days post-op and I don't eat more than 3oz's... My full feeling kinda just sits under my breasts... I'm eating yogurt, cottage cheese, broth, Jello, pudding, cream of wheat/farina, or mashed potatoes so I have a variety and switch it up a bit but 3 oz's is enough or just under that works also... I have also had sugar free icepops... Still having trouble getting in the protein/ Water but everyday I try to get down a little bit more! Thank you all for giving your time and advice! It is always nice to know were not alone and there are people out there to listen and help! Happy journeys everyone!

Yes it helps I think my confusion comes because I am & will be relying on 1shake & one protein bar a day for around 50 grams of that 80 & there are so many choices. (The reason I will be using those for food is because those are items I can nibble on & hide quickly between/during clients. I can't have containers of chicken & bowls of yogurt sitting on my station while I'm training or taking clients. It's tacky & will undermined my expertise to have food items visible aside from being ILLEGAL! HAHA!! It's strictly against state board regulation to have food in chemical areas.

So today I dropped the shakes all together to recover from a bad night of feeling gross. I didn't eat til later like 130/2 and i ate 2 yogurts and 8oz of soup like wow. I slowed down after cause I was worried. Could I just be feeling better not doing my shakes? Maybe from not eating til late. I don't wanna stretch it or rupture. I stopped when I felt full. Ugh I'm so nervous

Good Morning all. I am almost 5 months post op (20 weeks). I have lost 69 pounds. But two weeks ago the weight just haulted. HAULTED. I have had stalls before (seemingly about every 3 weeks) but this one is sticking solidly. I have changed two things: 1) my husband and I joined the local gym three weeks ago. I am doing cardio and light weights (3X a week) with many reps (trying to get this body a little toned, and help with skin sags) and 2) I have noticed that my hunger has returned. I am consuming at least 1000 calories a day. Sticking to high Protein choices (yogurt, string cheese, HB egg, Protein Bar, etc) but the calories add up fast! So I am wondering.. do you all count calories? or just let your body direct you? I was astonished, when I started using My Fitness Pal, how many calories I was actually consuming. I would have guessed 400-500 per day, but I am eating twice that! I am getting concerned that my sleeve is done helping me, and I am on my own now. And I am finding myself more hungry than I have been in the last five months. Anyone have some words of advice? encouragment? I know that working out will increase hunger, but I kind of thought the surgery would curb that, at least for a little while longer.