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April 20th was my one month surgiversary . Had my month one post op with the surgeon on the 23rd ..I'm down 26lbs ..10lbs of fat BMI went from 43 to 39 I've been eating all Protein ..only carb intake has been from fruit and vegetables and practically drowning myself in Water which is helping tremendously with the "bathroom visits " ☺️ . My surgeon checked my band and said that it looked perfect so no fill was needed ..said I was doing great and cleared me to start working out ...???????? I'm extremely happy with my progress..I'm down a size in shirts and pants ....it's still a little weird adjusting to my pants being too big and being able to wear clothes that I still have tags on in my closet but I'm getting used to it little by little I think my biggest struggle will be my head catching up to my body changes .????????????????????

My friend in TX used Chike Protein shakes in 2013 after her WLS. Thought I would ask here to see if anyone else had opinions prior to ordering their sample pack. I have unjury samples being delivered today.

I love them! I use a half serving to make my protein shakes because otherwise the calories and carbs are too high for my plan. Then I add in some additional flavorings to make up for half the protein powder being missing. For example, I use their coffee protein powder just about every morning -- I make it with one scoop (their standard serving is two scoops), add in a couple teaspoons of instant coffee granules, and mix with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. If you have a Kroger near you, you may want to look into their CarbMaster milks - also really good to mix with shakes, fewer calories and carbs and a lot more protein than regular skim milk.

Congrats on getting to the other side 😊 You're not the only one: I started thinking about food day 3. I tried to use the time to understand the difference between real hunger and head hunger. I knew mine HAD to be head hunger because my new stomach was still sore and full from protein shakes and crystal light. I tried to keep my brain occupied by manually creating a chart to keep track of what I ate/took daily. Also I tried reading up on mind-body connection After all, that mind-body disconnect IS why I got to this point. I also knew my end goal was to get it straight in my head and deal with whatever issues made me such a big over eater So really this is ur best time to start/continue that journey. Don't substitute one addiction with another I wish you well!! Ana

I decided after stuffing to breakfast burritos in my face at 7:30am that I cant began my new start by eating everything in sight! I will be eating salad "STARTING TODAY AT LUNCH"everyday until Saturday March 3rd, I'm gonna start my liquid diet that day and Sunday My surgery is Monday March 5th at 10am..... I have to apologize to my body for stuffing because I've been thinking of "The Last Meal"....I'm sorry Going to get protein drinks, popsicles, soups, this weekend and The Better Than Bullion stuff.. thanks for for listening.....

Hello all, So yesterday morning I awoke, got on the scale and hit the 212 pound mark. which puts my weight loss at 150 pounds down. I was stunned to say the least. It really makes for a great day. The weight loss numbers are wonderful, but i also just bought some new shorts and fit into a size 36 , or a mens medium, now instead of the 56 and a 4xl last summer. Now that really makes for a great day. This morning i logged into Facebook and the folks over at Si03.com aka the makers of Syntrax Protein products, sent me a wonderful message. They are starting a new social media campaign, called Transformation Tuesdays. They asked me to be their first subject, and would like before and after pictures of me and the link to my blog to be featured on their Facebook site and twitter feed. I almost came to tears just reading their message. So tomorrow, if you would like, feel free to check out the syntrax facebook page and see me there lol. just kidding you don't have to go, But I wanted to share this bit of a success with so many here who have helped me along the way. And to show anyone who hasn't got to where they want to be yet, that we can do this.

"Lean body" at Walmart and premier protein at sams club. Tastes good and have the highest protein and lowest sugar. Make sure you read the labels before u buy. You want at least 20g protein or higher and 3 or less grams of sugar. Don't worry about the rest and as for the price unfortunately there ALL expensive! But lean body is the cheapest for the amount of fluid ounces you get.

I'm almost 4 weeks post op and I have decided I don't like food anymore. I just drink protein shakes. I really can't stand the feeling that eating just a small amount of food gives me. Maybe it will get better but it's kinda sad.

@Goodlife1206: My apprehension has abated some, now that I've talked to my psychologist. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my positive attitude and determination will give me the strength to help me see this journey all the way through. I cannot let the fear of the "unknown" or fear of "failure" stop me from doing what I know is right in my heart, which is living a healthy, successful lifestyle. I, like you, have tried a 'gazillion' times only to tell myself, "This is just too hard, can't do it." But I have come to the conclusion that if I can quit smoking cold turkey after 30 years of putting my body through unnecessary sickness, then I can spend the next 30 years trying to make up for it by treating my body right. Attitude is everything, my friend. Thank you for your post and good luck with your journey. I am here if you'd like to talk further. Well, I went for my psych evaluation today and just as I suspected...I am certifiably crazy lol. Actually, It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. Dr. and I talked for about 30 minutes, then I took a computer test and two short paper tests, which consisted mostly of common sense questions, my opinion about myself and basically making sure I had the good sense to follow instructions and maintain my weight and health with serious dedication. After all was completed, Dr. let me know after evaluating all my tests that his recommendation is "I am a good candidate for this surgery". Again, the only apprehension I have is the fact that 85% of my stomach will be permanently removed and I just want reassurance (especially from previous patients) that, provided I follow instructions and recommendations, there won't be any "ongoing, major complications". After all, once I do this, there's no turning back. I believe in my heart and soul that I have the desire, determination, will power and support to make this a successful journey. I've done my homework through research, reviews, asking a lot of questions, weighing my options, etc. I quit smoking cold turkey on May 27, 2014 and have lost 17 pounds from 06/25/14 through today's date (07/17/14) simply by following the 'pre-pre diet' my bariatric clinic recommended to help me get used to the upcoming pre/post surgery diet. So far, so good. I plan on keeping a journal and updating everyone so that if anyone has questions, just as I have, maybe my personal experience can help them through and make their transition experience a little easier for them. I will post pics soon. Again, feel free to question or comment on your personal experience so I can get a "heads up" on your trials and tribulations of the sleeve surgery. Thanks for all your input!

Fortunately, I wasn't working because I was fuzzy and had a hard time focusing after surgery. I don't remember how long it lasted but at least a month (or so). I THINK it may have cleared once I was able to get in a few healthy carbs. Or, it just may have been related to the healing process. This is one reason I recommend people not rush right back to work or school. You may be able to be physically present more quickly than you may be able to be mentally present. If you have the option to take some time to recover and adjust, then I recommend you take it.

Hi guys, Today is day 5 and I am doing very well - no cheats. A lot of credit to those of you who have talked me through the first couple of days where yes, I was cranky to say the least. Thank you! Diet is liquid only, with a Protein bar thrown in. I am adapting since this is how I will live for a while after having surgery.

I had a lot of issues with water too at first but I made myself drink it so I wouldn't get dehydrated. The lemonade they had at the hospital went down easier for me. Also when I got home and had milk, broths and protein drinks they all went down better too.

what should we be intaking for the pre op diet..... is it just protein shakes and broths? and has anyone heard of iso-pro low carb? I am thinking about buying that for my preop diet/ post op.. any advice?

chicken broth saved my life during my liquid diet. I know some companies have a savory Protein Soup mix instead of the shakes. You will look back in a couple of months and know you struggled, but you also know it paid off. You will thank yourself for everything you did. It's funny I went to lunch and ordered steamed veggies and the amount of butter they were in was disgusting. I remember choking down the same veggies 6 months ago and thinking how flavorless these veggies were. Something happened to me. I don't understand it!!

They seem to see cheaper at Walmart. They also have a better selection than some of the grocery stores in my area. saw your username and knew you were upper east side. I'm in the West Village. I had lapband a little over a year ago. hope you are doing well. I stay away from frozen meals...lots of sodium even in the 'healthier' meals. I'll tell you what I do. I go to Citarella or Westside Market and buy their prepared food...fish and chicken mostly. I freeze the Protein into 3 oz. portions. I also get veggies there as well and freeze them in 1/2 cup amounts. I add some carbs...potato or rice...not much...about 1/4 cup and I have several ready to eat meals that are better than the TV dinner type meals. I havent learned to put my own meals together yet, still trying to figure this all out. Mainly looking to avoid sugars and fats, also watching carbs too.Nice to have a neighbor nearby, perhaps I can learn a few things about your shopping in Manhattan. FYI: I left the UES for Wash Hts about 2 yrs ago, I just been using this username for so long, I can't get myself to change it.

Thanks for the advice The Advocare have only 24 grams of Protein and 12 grams of sugar!

And this would be an example of how very different eating plans are between clinics. I also had the Roux-en-y and I live in Minnesota. The test to be able to leave the hospital was to be able to drink a Protein shake without issue (a sip at a time over several hours). I went home on full liquids for one week. Weeks two and three were soft / pureed foods. At week four I graduated to a regular soft diet. Portions were very limited for the first three months. Only 3 tablespoons of protein and 1 tablespoon of a fruit,vegetable or starch. Up to six months my protein intake was under 60 grams per day. It then slowly increased to where I am today, 80 - 90 grams per day. I should now be eating about 1 cup of food at each meal. I will be one year post op on June 25th. Call your clinic tomorrow for clarification. They should be able to explain the rules of YOUR plan. Carol

How much are you able to drink/eat? It sounds like you are not even able to hold much liquid- is that right? (you said you have no more room for more water.) I'd add at LEAST one more shake to your diet. Those things are what, 150 calories, tops? During the liquid/mushy stage you don't have to restrict that so much (in my opinion.) You might also try to add some vanilla greek yogurt. 110-150 calories- 14-17 g of Protein. And it'll give you some carbs- which will help the dizzy feeling go away (your brain needs some carbs.)

In the dead center of your chest it feels like theres a ball sitting there. You hesitate breathing momentarily. You try to swallow, no budge. If it's the first time it may seem like a pill that went down too dry so you think downing a bit of liquid will help NO. It's scary, the wait for the food to go down sucks, once that wait gets too long you think of other options. The only other real one is to bring back up what you can. For me if I don't end up bringing it back I know it's over when I can burp again. To answer your question generally yes that's where you'll feel it.

I also suggest edamame pasta. High in protein... Amazingly, being Italian, I do not want or crave pasta products. I'll take it as a gift. I've eaten my share of pasta in my previous life... It was cheap and I was kinda poor. It worked to fill me up...to the tune of 249 lbs! I am thankful to not have issues with my band For almost 9 years.. It scares me a bit when I read of all the complications here. I read in studies 1/2 the banders no longer have their band after 10 years. I am hopeful by keeping it a bit under inflated and not challenging it that I can go on with my healthy life????

Hi Everyone Its my 3rd week after my operation & I have to say it's been really tough for me. I've been feeling very tired a lot & my mood & moral has been extremely low. As for food I've not really been that bothered sometimes & I've had to force myself to eat as I've had no appetite. I managed to eat a very child size sandwich this evening with no crusts as I made sure it had Protein in it. I know I'm not supposed to eat like that yet; but I'm really struggling to get protein & other things I need in to my diet. Partly because I have no energy & I'm not interested in cooking atm; even tho I used to love to cook, I'm generally so down in myself & due to personal / relationship & family issues, I'm struggling to motivate myself to do anything. Does this pass as even tho I love healthy food; I've lost all interest in food & life :'(

Today is my third week post-op. I'm still struggling trying to get 64 ozs of fluid and a minimum of 60 gms of protein which I actually mix with my drinks. For me that is first priority and food is second. The doctor was okay with that. I do try to eat, a couple of tablespoons of tuna, cottage cheese, yogurt, egg, soft boiled or poached, refried beans with low fat cheese melted and mixed with the beans, sf pudding, sf jello, sf popsicles, and thinking of trying sf fudgesicles. I am allowed some other things at this point but just haven't built myself up to trying them. Also I get my vitamins in. My energy level is doing okay, mental status is good, I'm back to working starting last week. But will say, each day gets better regarding my stamia. I can also tell when I'm not getting enough protein as feel it in the muscles. Classic sign for me is to raise my arms up and I can feel them get tired almost immediately. I'm a happy camper that I've had this surgery. But need to win the lottery as I need new clothes, because everything is falling off and I don't want to invest because at the rate I'm losing I'll be buying new clothes every couple of weeks.

Jay's Egg White protein powder. Chocolate taste really good. I got it at Vitamine Shop.

Early Wednesday morning and I am still awake as usual. I wake, therefore I write. I weigh on Monday mornngs and otherwise avoid the scales because it would just make me crazy. This Monday morning I weighed 207. Things are still moving in the right direction. Last night I gave a reading of my short stories and poetry at a local music and literature event that happens each summer. It's fun- I get feedback on my work and $100 for 45 minutes of reading. A friend of mine took a picture of me last night and showed it to me today. There is less of me than there was, though I still look pretty soft and spongy. I wondered if it is really possible that I shall eventually dig myself out of all this too, too solid flesh and if a thin person might actually emerge in time. It won't be the same person that emerged the last time I lost weight- for one thing I am six years older and even in the normal course of events, certain parts of me would be heading south by now. I'm a bit afraid I might wake up one morning and discover I am a thin person hiding inside a fat person's skin, and I don't have the financial resources to have a lot of excess skin sculpted away. On the positive side, I don't have a lot of stretch marks to indicate damage and I didn't have a lot of loose skin the last time I lost a significant amount of weight. On the negative side- well, no reason to belabor the batwings or relaxed throat that come with five and a half decades of life even in some of my thin friends. It will be what it will be, and even so will be better than hauling around the equivalent of my fourth grade self on my body. A loss of 33 pounds is just beginning to really show to other people, but I feel much better living inside my body. I move better, dancing is easier, my horse doesn't have such a load to carry, and my jeans need to be replaced pretty soon. I saw the doc last week as planned and told him that I was still dealing with some issues including carbonated beverages. He asked, "Do you drink the high octane stuff?" I thought he meant caffienated, but he meant sugar. Told him no, I haven't drunk sugared soft drinks since Tab came out about a hundred years ago. He said, "Then what's the problem?" I explained I'd read and been told that the carbonation caused stomach stretching. He smiled and said that was usually more of a problem with the gastric bypass than with banding and not to worry about drinking occasional diet soft drinks. That made me quite happy as I love carbonated drinks, including things like Perrier and lime, and it makes life easier and more pleasant to not have to work to give them up altogether. DISCLAIMER: I am not suggesting anyone else should or should not imbibe diet soft drinks and I am not particularly interested in discussing the pros and cons of diet soft drinks. We shall now return to our irregularly scheduled blog. I have discovered there are some things I can no longer eat and the reality actually bothers me less than the anticipation of having to give them up. Black pepper Trisket crackers don't sit well, with or without Brie cheese. Microwaved chicken breast is a seriously bad idea. Hamburger patties are on the way out of my life, which is just as well since I really liked hamburgers and ate a lot of them before banding. French fries aren't too bad in small amounts, but what good are french fries without hamburgers? Most bread is a problem, though toast seems to be okay. This was one of the biggies for me- man may not live by bread alone, but it was a pretty serious part of my diet. Still, pain and foaming are excellent incentives to give up certain foods, and I find it bothers me less as time goes on. On the positive side, I can still eat rice and angel hair spaghetti and I am learning to eat fruit so that the fibrous membranes don't trip me up. Cheese and low fat low sugar pineapple sherbert are still edible, though I have to be careful not to eat all my meals in some form of frozen milk and eggs. That'll probably get easier as the weather cools off and as I figure what else I can eat without causing myself problems. One step at a time; I'm not going to freak out because of a chocolate malt every couple of weeks. I am not a person who can eliminate all fats and sugar from my diet; eating an occasional small package of cocoanut M&Ms is not going to set me back, but I also need to not become complacent about the amount of sweets I eat. Getting enough protein has always been a problem for me and even more so now, but I'm working on it. I've been eating a fair number of almonds because they are easy to chew up and get down. Well, this has been a remarkably boring entry, but it helps me to line some things out on paper in order to see where I am so I know where to go next. I haven't eliminated all problems from my diet, but the good old LAP-BAND®® keeps me from eating too much of anything. I realized this week that I am stopping when I feel full instead of finishing that last bite of ice cream or the second half of a sandwich. "Clean your plate" was hardwired into my psyche sometime early in life along with the idea if you fail to eat what someone puts in front of you their feelings may be hurt because food=love and affection. For years I've known intellectually this isn't true, but tell that to my inner child. Maybe she's finally getting restructured. Off to bed. I have several newspaper articles to write tomorrow and need to get up before noon to do the research. Blessed be.

Sometimes sorbital in fruits can and will upset your stomach, my dietician said no veggies or fruits during this pre op diet.. My first week I was on my high protein diet, my body was going through withdrawls (stomach pains), but then it subsided.