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I was told anything that would pass through a straw (but not to use the straw. I had protein shakes, water, propel zero, tea, drinkable yogurt (highly recommended by my nut) and I added Unjury protein powder to every kind of broth and creamed soup I could find....diluted and strained the cream soups.

I couldn't drink those protein drinks for anything. To me they tase of metal and processed crap. Sorry. Not sorry. What did I do ? and what do I do now 12 years later ? I tried them pre surgery. Most of them made me horribly ill. I found out I cannot digest any of the sugar replacers or any of the milk replacers. It brings on colitis. Like weeks of the runs with terrible cramping. So.... I pre made myself super strong chicken broth; for post surgery I strained it through doubled cheese cloth. I kept and froze the chicken, and carrots separately. Later I made those into mashed carrots with some broth to thin it. And I basically food processed the chicken and had that as I was able to sip non clear liquids. I also made really strong vegetable broth - not soup, broth. With mushrooms and squash, and things like that. I froze my soups in tiny containers. And I made fish broth too. And beef broth. With the bones, and then super strained at first. I still make this and use it as the base for sauces, as I strain out any fats too. I eat simple proteins. I made and ate early on lots of chicken salad with some added broth, and humus instead of mayo. I still eat it that way. more protein and fiber. tuna mixed with greek yogurt. eggs mixed with yogurt for egg salad. Now, I make myself chicken thighs, and vegetables all the time. I like to use my crock pot to make boneless skinless thighs with carrots or chunks of sweet potato - and whatever vegetable I feel like adding. I am into gardening so I might add seasonal veggies like cabbage or beans or english peas, I use very little salt, lots of fresh herbs. I use the crock pot to make pot roast which comes out so tender and easy to eat, with tomatoes and serve it with cauliflower "rice" - I made all these things early on, and just mashed the heck out of things, adding homemade broth to smooth.

You can buy acidophilous (the active ingredient in yogurt) in pill form in the vitamin section of any drug store. Take a few of those every day and you won't need the yogurt. It works for me!

Megan... no I wasn't on antibiotics. Godo point on the yogurt. My doctor prescribed me a regimen for my second outbreak but I decided to wait and see if my period would cure it. So far so good. I might have "relations" later this week and see what happens. Alexandra, it's the pits, isn't it!! Your statement about disrupting the hormones got me thinking. I hadn't had yeast infections for years until last year I started a new birth control, Yasmin. I am now getting a yeast infection once every 5 months. Then after surgerym, as mentioned above, I got 2 in two weeks. I am going to investigate this with my GP next time I see him.

Funny! It's my baby picture that my dad took! Update... I had relations a few days ago and so far so good. Still, I am going to stock up on the acidophilous pills (can't stand the taste of yogurt. :sick )

I have a question. I am currently at 3CC's and to be honest I am afraid. I get so guilty when I eat foods other than yogurt mashed potatoes, and Soup. I so afraid that this is not going to work for me. I hear that you should not diet, but I have spent so much of my life dieting.....How and what do you all eat? How do you control the junk food urges? I am in dire need of advice..... Thanks Birdee!

THAT'S WHAT I FORGOT...this senility thing is such a pain. Yes! My counselor advised me to try a Protein type shake or smoothie or yogurt some such thing. AND, the band surgeons tell us (or me, at least) to refrain from Protein shakes or smoothies or yogurt, because they are liquids! In fact, I recall one (rather arrogant, young) Mexican physician (you know of whom I speak) actually YELLING, "Yogurt is a liquid! You can't have liquids!" Alrighty then, now I think I've got it. So, I guess I'm wondering who is "right." (I know, they probably are both right.) I probably need the protein and I probably should stick to solids. And I am definitely resistant to change. KEEP ON TALKING, FOLKS! I'M SEEKING WISDOM HERE! Sue *getting older by the minute*

I do eat breakfast shortly after waking. I'm almost always very hungry when I wake up. It's the meal that I have to be the most careful with though. Usually I have something small, my latest kick has been a mini bagel toasted *really* well with a slice of 2% cheddar cheese on it. I have to take really small bites and chew very well, but it satisfies me and qualifies as breakfast. If I don't have that, I have a crunchy type Protein bar (Zone bar usually) or yogurt with The Baker brand pecan granola. As far as the liquids thing goes, I know that for me, a Protein shake or yogurt fill me up when I have good restriction, and tend to keep me full almost as long as solid food. And calorie-wise, I don't have to consume any more of these than I do of solid food to satisfy me. So to the Mexican-Doctor-Who-Shall-Remain-Nameless-And-Likes-To-Mess-With-Fat-Peoples'-Minds, I say...well, I can't really say what I want to say here. If a full liquid in the morning will satisify you and doesn't take more than solid food, there's no reason why you shouldn't go that route. I think it's when we start using less than solids to get around a tighter fill all the time that we can run into problems. A yogurt or Protein Drink for breakfast ain't gonna kill anyone.

Sue, I've never really been a breakfast person. I'd rather just have my coffee. I do sometimes eat a litttle something though. It might be a yogurt, it might be a small slice of cheese, or it might be a Protein shake. Even when I do eat, it's not usually when I first get up. It's usually about 2 hours later. Everything I've read says breakfast is very important, I just haven't developed a habit of eating it every day. In answer to your question, I have no answer. LOL Tonia

A good reference for anyone looking into the DS (or any WLS for that matter, as the DS should at least be on everyone's radar along with the other mainline procedures) is http://www.dsfacts.com/ My wife had a DS around nine years ago (and I'm three years out on a VSG.) What is the protocol to get to surgery? It should be the same as any other WLS, though you do have to find a DS qualified surgeon as it is a more technically challenging procedure than most other WLS, so many surgeons don't find it worthwhile for them to develop the requisite skills (but that also means that most of your experienced DS surgeons tend to come from the top of the class!) Go to a surgeon's seminar and become familiar with them and what they need to get the ball rolling; some insurance may require a PCP referral, so it pays to be knowledgeable about the procedure so that one can educate their PCP on it. Pre-op and post-op diets/experiences (I know this will be different for all depending on doc) As you note, there can be wide variation between docs' programs. Our doc doesn't do any pre-op diets other than the semi-usual day before bowel cleansing diet (similar to what's done before a colonoscopy.) Post op, progression is more rapid than many docs prescribe, with liquids, purees and soft Proteins like cheeses, yogurt and many seafoods for the first month and most everything else after that. How long is the surgery? IIRC, typically 2-4 hours, though can be longer depending upon complications that the patient may bring to the table (extreme obesity, adhesions from prior surgeries, etc.) How long were you in the hospital? 3-4 days would be typical. How was your recovery? How long before back to work? IIRC, my wife took a month off, but she always milks these things - some may take longer while others may be able to get back to it sooner, depending upon the work. Are there foods you can/cannot eat? She became lactose intolerant, which is not unusual, and that has become worse over time - lactaid tablets with dairy don't do quite the job anymore. She has also become gluten sensitive, which may or may not have anything to do with the DS. Side effects from surgery? Similar to the RNY in that one needs to keep up on supplements and follow up labs, though the profile is somewhat different. Gas and stool can be rather aromatic at times as one would expect from incomplete digestion, though most work out what foods trigger problems so they can be avoided, and Probiotics can also be useful in helping the system adapt to its new reality. Why did you chose this surgery? Of the procedures readily performed at the time, neither the bands or bypass offered sufficient weightloss performance relative to their complications and side effects. The DS (and VSG) allows use of NSAID pain relievers which are a giant no-no with the bypass. The DS offers better regain resistance than any of the other mainstream WLS procedures, along with a generally more normal diet long term than most (no place for things to get stuck like there is in the bypass.)

I had one plain scrambled egg this morning, with half a mushy banana topped with a teaspoon of Peanut Butter. Heavenly! My stomach isn't very hungry yet, but after two weeks of Jello and yogurt smoothies my brain has been craving salty stuff. I bought some gooey shrimp dip with microscopic pieces of seafood; it really takes the edge off those salt pangs. Of course I can't dip anything into it except my finger, but it'll do for now. By the way, I'm finally on the other side of 250. It sounds silly, but it's a big milestone for me. (I have friends who would be mortified to weigh as much as 150!) I can almost imagine being under 200 again... look out world, here I come.

Marie "better quarter" hehe I called my doctor's office this morning about the reflux problem, he's in surgery, but I should hear something back today. I didn't sleep at all on Saturday, and got very little sleep last night. It's awful and a bit scary. I'm glad to hear that removing a little of your fill has helped you. I PB'd on yogurt last week, I thought that was a bit odd. I tend to slime (eeeww) quite a bit also. It would not surprise me if the doc wants to take some out. I just don't want to lose the restriction, BUT it aint worth the reflux if that's what's causing it. Thanks for the encouragement....

For the PICC line, watch the nurse change the dressing, I walked my husband through it after I watched the nurses and it just needed to be changed weekly. I had a feeding tube for little over two months - but mine was inserted through the abdonminal wall to the intestine not down my nose. I could easily hide it under my clothes although I was" feeding" 16-22 hours a day, consuming 2100-2600 calories a day - thus no weight loss. My doctor is very cautious and had already removed the drains and tubes thinking there was no leak and tried to talk me into reinserting the feed tube to make sure my nutrition stayed on track - but I refused. Having it in had an emotional impact that I couldn't explain, having it out gave me mental strength. I have eaten steak, refried beans, tilapia, tuna, soups, yogurt, etc. I can't eat a lot - 3 oz at a time but I believe the natural protien is superior to the medical feedings for making me feel better and exercising. The hole will heal (doc promises) and it gets better daily. Your boyfriend's will too. I hope that he tolerates the stents. It is a very weird feeling but I had one in stomach and another anchored in esophgus (sp?) which is why it effected me so. I researched stents and they will help him eat and drink while leak heals. Again, good luck!!! Best wishes to you both.

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 B- Side Question: What are your favorite foods? I'm partial to tea, nuts, melon, yogurt, leafy greens, salmon and pastries (always) 😂

I love Genpro unflavored protein powder. You can literally put it in ANYTHING and you can't tell. I add it to flavored water, coffee, any flavor of broth, yogurt, cottage cheese I could go on and on. It really opens up your flavor options! Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

An anyone recommend to me a good, easily tolerable( taste and texture ) unflavored protien powder that I can add to things like soups and yogurts to increase my intake? There are so many, but they are so expensive and I'm afraid to spend the money and I will hate it!

Barbara, Congratulations on having your surgery date and I'll keep you in my prayers this week. I am 10 days post op and these are the things I can tell you from my experience. First of all, know that everyone's experiences seem to be a bit different as you can see from the posts. So it could be different for you. I did have on hand and made up prior to surgery a Jell O buffet (lots of different kinds) and lots of different caffeine free teas - loved the Almond vanilla and it made me feel better to think I could have more of a choice - after all how much choice is there with clear liquids. I also thought no problem eating this way for a couple of weeks, but it is taking its toll no matter how different kinds of Jello and tea I have - it's boring. I can hardly wait for some texture. I heard about the gas pains after surgery, but had no idea what to expect. Found it is not a good idea to be in a public place because of the screams they would cause me. They don't give a lot of warning either. My pains were mainly in my left shoulder area. Took a box of Gas X (not at one time) and it didn't seem to give me that much relief, but would recommend having one on hand. Walk around and getting your fluids is a great tip! I did go back to work the Monday after my surgery on Thursday. Take it easy - don't think you are Super Woman you will pay for it - one way or another. It's funny how your body will "scream" at you when you don't take care of it. I learned this by Tuesday evening I was on the couch by 4 pm in tears, exhausted, and wiped out. I rested a while and felt so much better, so rest when you can so your body can heal. I felt really pretty much back to normal by the 7th day. The port incision is still tender however. I also tried to get by without the pain meds when I got home, there is a reason they give you the pain meds so feel free to use them and not try to be a hero for the first couple of days. I hated the fact that they would make me fall asleep - but in hind sight, that's not a bad thing -helps in that healing process. I also found that using a straw helps me take a sip and drinking hot tea is another way to change any "gulping" habits. The other thing I wanted to share with you is that you may feel a tightness in your chest - right between your breasts - I couldn't tell if that was I was hungry, full, surgery, etc. But I guess it is normal from the posts I have found now, so check those out. It is crazy because there are times it seems I can't get full and other times I eat a half of a yogurt and feel full. So just start looking for the "full" feeling, you'll know it and I am practicing now not to push the bar for when the fill comes, I am not wanting to practice the PBing. I find it hard to also get in enough Protein and eat all that the nutritionist wants me to - so I would encourage you to get some high Protein shake or I got some Protein powder that I can add to my Instant Breakfast or pudding or yogurt - it's flavorless and not bad and gets me lots of protein, with no fat or sugar. Bottom line always follow your doctor's orders and you'll be on your way to a new way of life. The posts here are also very helpful and looking forward to using this resource to its full potential. Best wishes, Lisa Banded 12/9/04 13 pounds down

I just take 1 capsule 3 times a day of the Celebrate Multi-Complete 45 with Iron, it has everything you need, minus calcium. Because my diet is still largely based on dairy like cheese, yogurt, milk, etc I'm not on a calcium supplement yet but I'll probably start that soon as I'm starting to branch out from that now that I'm on soft foods.

Hi. I love sweets, too. My new substitute for candy and sugar is dried fruit. It's got fiber and vitamins and is very sweet. Nonfat, sugar-free yogurt is another sweet treat that is healthy. Sorry about the job situation. You really should find something new. We spend so much of our life at work that it's really important to find something you like. Nancy

Hey Lauren, I was banded tuesday and know exactly what you are talking about.. the only thing I have been following is what the nutritionist told me.. about 2-4 oz of full liquids three times a day.. and sip Water at 2-4 oz per hour in between meals.. trying to add up to 32. oz a day. i know that feeling you are talking about.. but i think if we stick to this.. next week we will be better... also, i think they said it takes 30 min to feel full.. so take a few oz.. then wait about 15-25 min and see how you feel.. I hope this helps.. my doc said fat free suger free pudding is ok.. but in small portions.. maybe try yogurt? or what my plan is to dilute the cream of wheat single packages with water.. and mix in some protien powder and have a few oz. of that.. better than broth! Take care

Right now I'm doing an hour of cardio a day. When I started it on the 30th, I was only able to walk about 2.25 miles in that amount of time. Now I'm almost to 3 miles in that hour. I'm only doing the treadmill right now. I tried the elliptical for 10 minutes, and couldn't handle it...stomach cramps, etc. As soon as I'm cleared, I will add weights to the workout. Arms twice a week and legs twice a week. I know it's so hard to get everything in. I hear those protein bullets are good to use. Have you tried those? When were you sleeved again, the 31st? I feel so much better now that I'm off liquids. So much more energy. Right now, I'm trying to only weigh once a week...but weighed this morning and it's only moved down 4 ounces. I did do a food transition over the weekend, and did not work out 4 days last week due to low energy, so I'm that worried about it. Good luck finding some more protein. The greek yogurt is pretty good.

I had my surgery two weeks ago. I did liquids for the first week then I got hungry! So, I started to eat very mushy stuff like yogurt, pudding, and soupy beans. Now, I can eat fish and tamales. I am worried that I may not have the right size band on b/c this doesn't seem right. I do get full faster than I used to, but still it seems that I should notice a huge difference.

I had my sixth fill yesterday. It was hard earned...the doc always has a hard time finding my port and he had to poke me quite a bit to find it. Just when he was going to give up, he got it. He gave me .25cc's and then I drank the barrium...I love seeing on the tv what it feels like in my stomach. We both thought it looked good..but just for good measure I always drink some water. So, the water gurgled down nicely and I am so happy. This morning I had three bites of yogurt and I was full. It's such a great feeling. I ate a small piece of banana bread for a mid morning snack and that went down just fine...I feel like I just ate the whole loaf...that's why restriction is so awesome. Let's hope this restriction level stays for awhile and I don't need to get poked (with a needle, anyway..hee hee)again for a long time. The doc did say that he should move my port so it's not so hard to get to. Has anyone else gone through the surgery? Can you tell me your experience? Megan

My typical day: Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal with 1/3 cup egg whites cooked into the oatmeal with 1/8 cup blueberries, 2 pecan halves and 1 teaspoon raw sugar, substitute breakfast, Greek yogurt with 1/8 cup granola ( I love crunch) or small tortilla with egg whites scrabbled with some peppers, onions and tablespoon of cheese. ( I have an addiction for Starbucks SF Nonfat Carmel Machatta on the days I indulge I have my coffee and a protein bar) Snack mid morning: small protein bar or shake depending on how breakfast went or how busy my afternoon is going to be Lunch: 2-3 ozs of lean protein, turkey, chicken, pork. or fish. (early days I ate a lot of thinly sliced lunch meat, other meats were dry and got stuck. 1/2 cup green veggies, or a very small salad with oil and vinegar. If I am going to eat a starch this would be the meal I would do it. Mid afternoon snack, small apple or banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or a protein bar. Depends on how portable I need my snack to be. Dinner: Again lean meet around 3 ozs and a veggie. Snack: 1/8 to 1/4 cup of almonds or sometimes 2 cups of popcorn. I have ate this way for over two years, I have always done snacks, I was never able to do just 3 meals. It took me months to work up to a 1000 calories a day and I try very hard to keep my calories around 1200. I am at goal and I still eat this way but now I try to hit 1400 to 1600 calories a day and yes I still weigh and measure my food and I still eat off a small plate with a big fork. I do not drink with meals. I do not deprive myself of anything I want, if I want something that is high calorie and not as nutritious, I eat it and adjust accordingly. I say that now but I am at goal, when I was trying to lose, I rarely indulged. I allowed my self one splurge meal a week on a Thursday. I find weekends, especially Sundays difficult and exercise was the key to continued successful weigh loss for me. Good luck and hope this helps.

It appears you are still in the mushy stage??? If so, try and focus on lower calorie soft foods. I have not eaten potatoes since my surgery 8 months ago because they are too fattening. You can eat oatmeal with some Protein powder added to boost the Protein. Fat free Greek yogurt is very high in protein. You can have cottage cheese, beans-excellent, low cal source of protein. Get creative. Make some home made chili for the cold days.