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I don't know if any of this will be helpful, but during this stage, I stuck with 2 Premier Protein shakes per day (to get higher protein numbers and it counts as liquids), plus I ate refried Beans (mushed up and chewed to liquid) and Laughing Cow cheese wedges. On rough days, I had 3 Premier shakes to get my 90 grams the easy way. When I wanted flavor, I had my Better Than Bouillon cup of broth, or I'd go to Panera for chicken noodle Soup and eat only the broth. From time to time, I would have instant mashed potatoes with a little bit of chicken gravy. It tasted so good and went down easily. I am an uber-picky eater as well, so this is what got me through. I would not eat pureed meat or baby food. I don't like yogurt and can barely stand pudding. Also, I hate the taste of whey, and only the Premier Protein Shakes taste good to me. So, I was very limited too, and sort of mixed the full liquids and pureed stage into something I could handle for that 2 week period. I absolutely do not think he should move to the next stage early - follow the doctor's plan to a "T." His huge staple line is healing and you don't want him to do anything that could cause a problem during these early weeks. As my surgeon explained to me, these are the crucial healing weeks - it is not about weight loss right now, it's about healing properly - since the "harm" could be damaging the staple line. But, as always, check with the doctor before deviating even a bit from the program that is outlined. Hang in there! ETA: Also, during these early weeks it's rare to feel hunger - I was super bored which made me want to eat, but I didn't actually feel like I needed to eat. And of course, this is how we get dehydrated and end up back in the hospital. It's such a balancing act - for 2 months I couldn't seem to get in my daily Water requirement and even now I sometimes miss it and feel so dry. Hunger does return but those first weeks are just regulating oneself to the new circumstances and the new stomach!

Hi, I just got my surgery sept, 12, last monday, jayyyy. no pain, no reflux, nothing, feeling great from day 2. I have a question. Is that ok if I get to try nonfat plain greek yogurt at day 4 post op ( today)?????? thank you.

How long does it usually last? I can't eat even yogurt or pudding without feeling like it can hardly go through. Then it feels very uncomfortable for quite a while after. I go for my first feel in 2 weeks. I hope I'm back to normal by then..

That's what I"m supposed to be eating each meal. I only have to worry about lunch and dinner right now as I still get one eight ounce Protein shake a day. I am not allowed to snack so that leaves getting all the protein in my meals. The problem I'm having is that I can only hold two ounces of meat at a time and I'm limited to chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, yogurt and cottage cheese. And as of yesterday, I'm supposed to be adding non-starchy veggies to each meal. How am I supposed to eat all that?! Any suggestions or ideas?

I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet and, I'm hangry. I'm at work , which helps a little, but it's still rough. I restricted my calories for months before, dropped weight and so, I didn't think it would be this tough. Maybe it's in my head. Maybe it's also because there is food with all of the birthdays at work. I usually have lunch with people and I don't feel like it today (but I will go with them and sit at the work deli downstairs). I thought I was mentally prepared, and I am, but it is hard. My stomach growls. They told me 2 shakes, a sensible meal (3-4 oz of meat, 1 cup non-starchy veg and 1/2 good carbs, i.e. quinoa). They said snacks, like SF jello, pudding, oikos trip. zero yogurt, but didn't say how many you can have. I don't want to mess up. I don't have my nut's phone # with me to ask today. Sorry, just venting. This is some hard core mental prep, for sure.

Girl yes this is hard. I'm surprised you're able to eat meat. The majority of us are on full liquids. So in my little carnal mind, I'm trying to understand why you're hungry? I would think just one yogurt, but I can't have that so idk. I would definitely give a call to find out. Best wishes.

I had my surgery on March 1st and I am still on liquids although I get to add certain mushy things like cottage cheese, and yogurt and just today I get to eat mushed squash. I am still losing and wont be eating anything solid for another 2 weeks. My surgeon, Dr. Aceves, is pretty strict for the post op diet but I think it is because he really wants to be sure the stomach is completely healed before introducing solids. I am thankful that I am not hungry. I drink CIB in the morning, then have a yogurt for snack. Lunch is 1 cup of soup. Snack is jello or maybe another CIB. Then Dinner is another cup of soup, with fruit or yogurt or cottage cheese as a snack. I know it depends on the person because I just posted on OH that I thought I might be eating too much compared to some post op just as many days as me. However, I can't wait to get my first fill sometime in mid April because I am noticing I am not staying full as long as before, and everyday I think I can drink or eat a little bit more. BUt I am still losing. So I guess I didn't give you any advice but maybe something to compare too. If you are not losing after eating solids, you may need to track what you are eating on fitday.com to make sure you aren't getting in too many calories. But it could just be that your body is in shock like everyone else is saying.

I am now 13 days postop and still eating the sugar free jello and pudding, broth, protein and small amount yogurt!

Hi and welcome to the other side..... please keep hydrated and get your protein in.. I had soup, sugar free ice pops, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. etc.

andrea - you don't necessarily have to cook, though - just assembling things and putting them together in a to-go container is better and cheaper for you than hitting up your local sandwich place. for instance, fruit/veggies and cheese and crackers, and a yogurt cup... there's a lunch right there... and instead of a cooler, what about those thinner insulated bags they have these days? or you can cook a nice medley of veggies and store it in a ball jar and just keep taking some... that way you don't have to cook 4 dinners, but just keep eating leftovers... i'm not trying to preach, i just honestly care, and it's sooo much better for you. in terms of eating out, i would say just try to look for the healthier options on a menu - where do you usually go? if you get a salad, can you get oil and vinegar on the side, so they don't drown your lettuce? what about subway? you can get a big sandwich there with mainly vegetables, and tell them what to put on it, so they don't load it up with mayo. hm, what else? i would tell you to try to go mainly vegetarian... i have posted before that even people like the new york times' mark bittman are saying even if you love meat, you should be mainly vegetarian... and red meat, well i would either cut that out all together or have it once every few months. it's very bad for you. Soup is also a good option, depending on what it has in it. smoothies are SOMETIMES good if you can choose what goes in them, my dr. told me that a lot of eople remain fat by going to places like jamba juice, though. i'm trying to think of what else i do when i go out... if i get a sandwich, i usually take off most of the bread, but i rarely get sandwiches anymore. if you're in an italian place, or actually, any place, you can ask them what dishes they have that are primarily vegetables... instead of (trying to) eat a big thing of pasta/chinese rice/etc... if i think of anything else i will try and let you know! one other reason i say eating in is good is because you get to experiment with what you can eat for when you do eat out, you know?

The protein cereal doesn't sound so good. I guess it will be oatmeal as usual. After surgery I don't like eggs too much. I have cooked them thinking I will eat them, and end up throwing them away. I am not, or ever been much of a yogurt eater. I am lactose intolerant, and have tried those, but I don't like it. I did end up buying the caramel flavored Fairlife Protein Shake (someone on here told me about it), and I do like that one. I have not tried the chocolate yet. Funny how our taste changes after surgery.

At 6 days post op you should only be on liquids (most likely clear ones), which will go straight through your sleeve. Once you get to mushies you should start feeling fuller for longer. I was permitted full liquids at 1 week (ie anything that you can suck through a straw), so yogurt drinks helped me. Maybe you can try some protein shakes and I remember things like cream of tomato really filling me up - obviously assuming you have the OK from your surgeon.

My start weight was 334. I don't eat much tho. I eat Greek yogurt. Premier protein shakes. Light baby bells. Beef jerky and some fresh fruit. I only drink water and G2 or diet cranberry juice. And I eat soup often.

I eat a lot of cottage cheese. I can eat about 4-6 ounces per meal. The nutritionist recommends 2-4 ounces 3 times a day. So, basically I am on 90 percent Protein and 10 percent complex carbs. My calorie count is probably somewhere between 600-800 right now. I use protein supplements and Multivitamins, B complex, Calcium and D Vitamin. I eat a lot of string cheese for Snacks. I eat eggs, yogurt, deli turkey slices, cheese, chicken, and I have added a whole grain Cereal to try to get more fiber. I eat Beans - refried and kidney, sausage, bacon, chili, Soups, broccoli, Protein Bars, fish and hamburgers without the bread. I use to keep a journal daily - now I just jot down notes. You are certainly eating better than I am and I need to eat more to prevent my body from shutting down the weight loss. My problem is that I am short and I cannot eat as many calories as others can. Normally, I probably can't have more than 1200 calories per day. If so, I will gain weight. It is a little depressing but that is just the way it is. If I go exercise crazy I can eat more and I have done that but it is a lot of work and maintenance - we are talking Richard Simmons. Lots of luck to you.

My surgeon gave me one of the most lenient post-op regimes that I have read about in this forum and even his rules do not allow for fish after only 2 weeks. From the "consider my surgeon dead" comment, I can only assume that you've become disillusioned with your surgeon for whatever reason. I suspect it might be simply that you're hungry and spitting the dummy a little, as we Aussies say, but if you've seriously given up on your relationship with your surgeon already, let me urge you to find another and to FOLLOW HIS/HER ADVICE. In the mean time, this was my regime which, as I said, it about as quick progress through the stages as any doctor will recommend: First 4-7 days: Clear liquids only - teas, juices, consomme Soups, stock, jellies. Next 7-14 days: Thick liquids only - all above plus creamed soups (not chunky), yogurt, very watery porridge. At 3-4 weeks: Mushies - all of above plus soft scrambled eggs, chunky soups, porridge, mashed vegetables, very soft cooked fish At 4-5 weeks: Soft foods - all of above plus mashed tuna, casseroles, minced meat dishes (e.g. bolognaise), cooked veges. At 5-6 weeks: Normal foods. First fill for me was at 4 weeks and that's also very early compared to most others. Don't let frustration due to hunger cause you to damage your body and your band. There is a reason why the doctors don't want you on solid foods too early - it is to give the scar tissue around your band to form properly (without your stomach churning from digesting solid foods), seating the band properly in place. This prevents slippage later. Even though you might not feel the repercussions from eating too early now, it is a leading cause of slippage and you could well have problems in about a year's time if you stray from the path now.

I'm 12 days post op and I'm having a hard time getting my protein in. I'm so over the shake any other ideas? Would it be gross if I put some protein powder in my yogurt or pudding?

My dr had me add powdered milk to everything when I got to the full liquid stage to bump up the protein. 1 scoop in yogurt, pudding, soup, shakes too! As for water try room temp. But if your having discomfort it might be gas… so try walking more (down the hall 2-3x) before and after sipping. I didn't get all 64oz in for a couple of weeks. Way to go, your doing great!

Plain Fage contains pasteurized skim milk and live yogurt cultures. THAT IT. I use protein powder, Torani SF syrups or puréed berries or fruit for flavor. Much healthier and less crap than all the flavored yogurts out there, and I can control the sweetness.

Yep! They're great in yogurt... I put flax seed in too, also helps with the number 2s!

I eat okios triple 000 Greek yogurt very good and filling and they have pretty good flavors

I am right there with you guys. I had a fill last Monday and it seems like I can't eat anything. This is really wierd but I can tolerate crunchy things better than soft things. I can tolerate yogurt though. I have been wondering if I am too tight but I don't feel bad all of the time and not everything gets stuck so I am hoping it will just level itself out soon. I haven't really known restriction until now I don't think so I am figuring it is just me...

I'm 9 days out of surgery. I just ate 3 ounces of yogurt and then 45 min later pureed some chili and ate that. Am I messing things up? I need someone to talk too.

It is confusing to try to eat high Protein, low fat, and low carb. What you basically need to do is eat very lean meats, like chicken, fish, and very lean beef occasionally, but not often. Beef is higher in fat than other meats. Shrimp is very high in protein, but lots of cholesterol if you have a problem with that. The shrimp need to be boiled, grilled, etc. If you sautee them in butter, that will make them high fat to. You also can eat salmon, but in moderation due to it having a higher fat level as well. meat and lentils are very high in protein. That's how you do the high protein low fat part. I agree that the low carb is the hardest to follow, so you have to really learn to read labels. For example, Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing has fewer carbs in it than any other brand of salad dressing. Trust me, I've checked them all that are available in my area. Most canned and raw vegetables are very low carb, but you have to cut out ALL white flour products, potatoes, corn, carrots, and beets. Sweet potatoes are also full of carbs. Most fruits are good, but there are a few that spike your sugar levels. These are pineapple, bananas, and watermelon, which are my favorite fruits. But, I have to avoid them all together because I'm now diabetic. Things like low fat sour cream and yogurt are very high in carbs, so if you are going to have them, you are better off with regular sour cream, but there are a few brands of yogurt that are low carb. Again, you have to read the labels on everything. A typical meal for me would consist of a chicken breast, either baked or grilled, yellow and zucchini squash with onions sauteed with a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil, and salad with the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. Other veggies and meats were used as well, that's just a good example of a meal that fits all of the catagories. My cardiologist told me not to eat things like bacon, sausage, or lots of cheese high in fat. String cheese is very low fat, for example. He said to drink whey Protein shakes made with fruit or fruit juice, ice, Water, and splenda mixed in the blender. They are yummy if you make them right. However, I have to add that this diet was not with a band, so the Breakfast would have to changed, but I think most of the other foods would be allowed in small quantities. It would depend on the person and what foods they can tolerate with the band. I also ate no bread, Pasta, rice, or anything like that. Cool Whip free is also a great alternative to the whipped cream. I've also read several posts that talk about the South Beach diet. Has anyone ever read the Suzanne Somers diet books? Her philosophy is the combinations of foods eaten together. I've done it before with success, but as usual, I gained it all back when I started adding the carbs in. I hope this explanation helps you with your food purchases. Again, read read read the labels and you will discover which foods are low carb and the ones that aren't. The carbs in most veggies are minimal and you can have them. Sorry this is so lengthy, but I tend to rattle. LOL

Split Pea is a Fav - but not for most people. Progresso Tomato Basil is very good. Old fashioned Campbell's Tomato is a standard. Gazpacho - I make a very chunky version, but blended it for a better tasting and thicker V-8 type deal. Cold Cucumber - Yummy. Made the old Cabbage soup - blended - looks gross but tastes good. Lentil is very good. Sweet potato - It was good - the whole 3 spoonfuls i got before it was consumed by others. Butternut Squash w a swirl of greek yogurt. I am going to make taco soup - blended - can't imagine that it is going to look pretty, but flavor wise I think it will rock. Italian tortellini - it is basically an Italian Minestrone with tortellini in it, that should be good too. I love to cook, and I have been cooking since day 3 and the only thing I have made for the family that I have even wanted to have is a slice of cucumber and onion that I pickled in vinegar/sugar. I am handling all the food prep and eating with other much better than I had expected to. Good Luck!

It is interesting that a doctor would say no pills for month. I remember it being kind of difficult to take pills for a couple weeks, but did start 2-3 again on pills days after surgery. Today (11 months), I am taking pills of all sizes. I agree pudding or yogurt will help you with getting those pills down until you are fully healed.