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I had my surgery 3 weeks ago. It's been rough. Not able to eat anything but jello, popsicles and the occasional bit of yogurt. Protein is tough too but I am trying. I've lost 47 pounds (surgery weight was 264) which seems fast. I'm taking all of my vitamins and actually went back to work on Monday. I worked at my desk, took it slow, no big flights of stairs on both Monday and Tuesday. I even left a bit early. Tuesday night I began having excruciating pain in my upper right side. I couldn't sleep and getting up was near impossible. The pain moved into my legs for a few hours as well which was very scary. Weird thing is that I could have sworn on Tuesday at my desk I felt a popping in that same area, almost like a snap or an electric shock. I stayed home today but the pain is even worse. No fever. No vomiting. I don't want to be a wuss but it seems odd that 3 weeks out I would develop the worst pain yet. Am I overreacting? Any recommendations?

Those values are what my dr had me on - I used fage non fat Plain yogurt and non fat cottage cheese to supplement - also flaky fish really helps boost - even tuna if you can handle it - I was lucky and was able to eat fish (soft fish like tilapia, alacore tuna from a can/pouch mixed with mayo and mashed), walu, black cod) in small quantities and light deli turkey and string cheese as part of my soft.. I think fish - once you can handle it will give you a good Protein punch... So I went back to myfitnesspal for that time frame and this is what I was having: 1. Breakfast: premiere protein ready made drink (160c/30g protein/5gcarbs/3g fat)2. lunch: (I made little cupcakes and reheated them) 3 tbs egg white scramble (25c / 5g protein/1g carb/0fat) with 1/2 jimmy dean turkey sausage pulsed really fine and mixed in (17c / 2g protein/0g carb/1fat) reduced fat sharp cheddar (20c / 2g protein/0g carb/2gfat) 3. Dinner: 2 oz Tilapia ((55c / 11g protein/0g carb/1fat) Lemon wedge (2c / 0g protein/1g carb/0fat) 4: snacked on throughout the day as I was able to stomach Non Fat Cottage Cheese (40c / 7g protein/3g carb/0fat) Lite String Cheese ((50c/ 6g protein/3g carb/0fat) Turkey Meat (60c / 14g protein/1g carb/1fat) Fage 0% Greek Yogurt Plain (33c / 6g protein/2g carb/0fat) sugar free torani Raspberry syrup to mix in yogurt (0c / 0g protein/1g carb/0fat) That brought me to 64 protein, 16 carbs, 8 fat. I have to admit i would sometimes skip the cottage cheese and double the yogurt - and I would have the yogurt later at night than i should have - I would eat it as my dessert...

Here are some of the items I've had in similar situations: Cottage cheese (you can get small containers), greek yogurt, string cheese, beef jerky, cold meats like ground turkey, deli meat, chicken, etc, soups (put can in sink with hot water before opening it to heat it a little). Not a ton of variety, but maybe eough to get through. For extra storage you could bring a cooler an keep it full of Ice from the ice Machine.

I was banded a week ago (8/1) and was able to start mushy foods (thin oatmeal, strained cream soups, yogurt, etc) as well as doing my liquids and I'm having trouble as well. I end up feeling like I have a knot in the center of my chest. I need to take my own advice, but seriously take is super slow. Take a sip, let it go down, then do another. I've found that it helps a lot.

Foster farms meatballs are a must have. 18g of Protein in 3 balls!! GOOD STUFF. chicken, Steak and Salmon. YUMMM eggs, cheese, turkey sausage Bananas, watermelon, cantalope-i eat very small amounts of these weekly after my protein is in. I use to eat lots of yogurt and cottage cheese, but was always hungry so my dr. told me to cut the soft calories out and eat more meat and protein that would stay in my sleeve longer. Kelly

Hi all - I went and had a fill on Monday. I knew I was close to that "sweet spot", but since I was still eating about 2-2.5 cups of food with a meal, I wanted a small fill. So I had 1ml added - I'm now up to a total of 8.5mls in my APS band. Well, on Monday, after I had the fill, I had trouble keeping down yogurt. I was able to drink Water and liquid without hiccups or burping or anything. Now, 2 days later, I am starting to try solids, and I am really tight. I haven't had any vomiting, but I can't eat much. For example: 2 ravioli over 30 minutes 1/2 container of yogurt over 30 minutes 1cup water over an hour. This seems REALLY tight to me. But I know in the past, after a week or two, my fills always seem to be not quite as full as I first get them. I'm thinking I should just "wait it out" and see what happens over the next week or two, to see if it loosens up, as it normally does. Does anyone else have this experience? Do you think I'm crazy and should just go get unfilled now? Thanks for any advice or stories. Anna

What are your carbs in relation to the calories? I'm starting to believe that some of us are very carb sensitive and even with LapBand will have to stay on a healthy LowCal/LowCarb diet for the rest of our lives. You may want to try different food choices and keep the carb intake to 30 grams a day. What you eat needs to stay in the single digits for carbs. George Stella - Stella Style Community "1 cup of food per meal and that does fill me up, but then I'm hungry (drooling) 1 hour later." The low-carbers would say that your carb intake is waaaay too high and that's why you are hungry an hour later. There are lots of low-carb fruits and veggies but banana's are high, milk is somewhat high. The yogurt is high unless it's a low-carb yogurt. I've been addicted to carbs for many years and I think I've just worn out my body with them. I've got to shock my system into not having carbs - like detox. :biggrin: I was just banded on 1/16/08 and I'm reading low-carb books while I'm laying around recovering. Doing fairly well but right now I feel like I have a cement block in the upper part of my stomach, sure hope that "big knot" feeling goes away? it goes away right?

for the past month my stomach has been aching. it doesnt bother me when i eat but say an hour or two after. it feels like the band is eating its way through my stomach. its like a toothache on the outside. i know that you cant feel the band but im convinced that you can. what else would this be. alot of times i feel tight. i had my third fill on tues and i am eating very little due to the fact that my doctor said that i am tight. today i had a ww meal and ate the whole thing but thats as much as ive eaten since my fill. ive had slimfast , almonds, yogurt, protein bars. i am happy that im cautious again but im a little worried about the aching. i dont dare eat much in case this is a sign of overeating. what do you think? andrea

I think I had my first IBS attack last night at 9PM after I drank a kids cup Lil Angel from smoothie King and had 1/2 scoop of greek frozen yogurt. I have had these items before and was fine... I thought my appendix was going to burst or my intestines were inflamed from having diarrhea for the last few days (TMI sorry)...I haven't felt pain like this since the week after my surgery! Thankfully 1 hour ago, almost 20 hours after the pain started, I am feeling well enough to get out of bed. Has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks Guys! It helps to know I am not the only one. I have to remind myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint. I guess I should consider myself lucky that I CAN eat anything I want. The only thing that I have had stick was a baked chicken breast that I ate too fast.. I really think that band is working in that I eat three pretty small meals, Greek Yogurt and a little chicken salad for breakfast, two reasonable veggie dishes such as Beans for lunch. dinner is the hardest. That's when I usually eat too much. I do feel full and really don't snack and have eliminated sugar totally. No, I do not excercise. No excuses! If I did I am sure I would losing 5 to 6 pounds a month. I think I will ask for a more aggresive fill next month. Funny thing is that I don't feel any difference after the fillls. As for any food I want, I can eat bread, chips, steak, although I try to minimize those foods.

Thanks for the article, Rick. Helped release some stress. I also think that maybe the cream of wheat and cream soups on my full liquid diet and even the yogurt may have too many carbs.

Whatever Protein drink that you find that you like and will drink is the best - the highest protein/lowest carb or fat drink is of little value if you can't choke it down. I've played with the Protein drinks for years (since my wife rejected them after her WLS several years ago). For chocolate shakes I have settled on the EAS powder that can be bought at Target, Walmart, etc. which I find has a fairly delicate flavor with little of the sometimes objectionable protein taste; adding some unsweetend cocoa powder can boost the chocolate flavor while cutting the sweetness while the SF chocolate syrups can boost the chocolate flavor while adding some sweetness - use whichever floats your boat. I also use the protein powders in SF instant puddings along with greek yogurt to boost their protein content. I also use the EAS to blend with other protein powders that I have tried and found to strong on their protein taste or aftertaste on their own (I wind up blending a lot of things in this post op world to hit the right taste/calorie/nutrition compromise.) Adding fruit to the shakes is a common and popular addition, though check with your doctor's plan - the rationale for most of the pre-op diets is to keep low carb to improve liver condition, so they may not want you adding fruit at this time for that reason. If they're just wanting you to lose a bit of weight pre-op and get used to protein shakes while watching calories, it may fit in. Good luck and welcome to the club.

Thanks everyone for responding. The Protein shake thing is intriguing because last night I had greek yogurt before bed and no night sweats. The other day I drank 2 ounces of bolthouse Protein Drink (which is delicious) and then an hour later drank 2 ounces more. It was like I was drunk. Terrible feeling. Only think I could figure out was too much sugar at a time when I am having to readjust to digest. Also, I am sweating during the day. So, while I do think some of this is horomonal and might pass I am definitely going to watch on the Protein shakes and see if I can find a relationship.

I am not sure why you exclude Protein shakes - I know a lot of people hate them but you just have to look until you find something you like. I like GNC, and while they are more expensive, they are usually in some mall and the best thing is, that they let you return the product. I have tried it several times, I buy Protein powder, and try it. If I don't like it, I return it. I never have more than one serving, no need to abuse their awesome policy. I have found that I really like the GNC Wheybolic Extreme chocolate and I think it is as close as possible to chocolate milk. It has no after taste IMHO and it packs a lot of great protein (isolates, no concentrate). It also mixes very well so it is good to use without an electric blender. Anyway, my nutritionist says a lot of sleeves continue to rely on protein supplements for ease of mind and I see this. I have a chocolate shake in the morning - 30g of protein and 140 calories, and it usually isn't too hard to get 30g in naturally. You can go all out and get the whole serving for 60g of protein and 280 calories and then never have to think about protein the whole day but often I don't want to sacrifice 280 calories on just a shake. It's not cheap, make sure you get a coupon or wait for the same (usually beginning of the month) Other than this obvious, here are some other things I like: Hummus with yogurt (greek/regular plain) - this makes for a nice hearty protein snack, add a little olive oil, curry powder or hot sauce on top for an extra kick but not necessary Fage 2% yogurt - make sure to use the 2%, because the calories are about the same (maybe 10 cals more when comparing by weight) but it tastes a LOT better than the 0% versions of Fage, Oikos, Dannon and the like. If you can spare the calories and carbs, add a little maple syrup or agave nectar I am still on full liquid, so I have to wait for tuna, chicken and eggs :-(

Hi Marc, The first few weeks are about letting your stomach heal. The purspose eating soft and liquidy foods is to keep your stomach muscle from moving too much while it's healing. The more movement you have at this time, the higher the risk of slippage or, at least, the chance that your stitches won't heal properly. It's best not to stress them for at least several weeks after surgery. Normal foods chewed well are what you'll be eating after you've healed and are on to a regular banded life. For this time it's definitely better to stick with things that don't need chewing at all--thick Soups, puddings, and yogurt are all included in this "diet." I had fun with it and wasn't at all hungry. So remember that this time is not for you to work on your eating habits or worry about whether you're getting full or sticking to a particular diet. It's all about HEALING. You don't want to take any chances! (No one told me this, either, but I'm glad to have found it out before deciding to test my theories out on myself. )

I'm exactly 3 weeks post RNY and the dr and nutritionist say I am doing great (need to keep increasing my protein). Last night in bed I turned over to continue reading my kindle and had @ 15 seconds of extreme dizziness and not being able to focus on the book, then I was fine. This afternoon after my nutritionist appt I went into the grocery store and on the way in, had to stop in the parking lot because I became dizzy and thought I was going to fall. It only lasted about 10 seconds.....I attribute that one to not have eaten soon enough, went in a bought some yogurt. When I came home, my husband took my blood pressure and it was 123/69 which everyone says is okay. Just wondering if anyone else has had these incidents, if it is dangerous, or somewhat normal? Just a little scared. Thanks for listening. I hope you can shed some possibilities on this.

I'm so sorry to hear that - that sounds awful. :-( Have you talked to your doctor and/or nutritionist? If not, you should do so right away - hopefully they will have some helpful advice. I honestly don't know if the stomach shrinks, but I can tell you that my fullness levels have changed over time. After the first few days of nausea, I was REALLY hungry for like a week, but I was afraid to eat too much (I didn't want to throw up again). Then I was fine for about a month - not hungry, not full. Now I am starting to feel fuller. So I don't know if the stomach actually shrinks, or if you body/brain just adjusts. But I definitely notice a difference. You might want to try Protein /meal replacement drinks and soft protein-rich foods (ex: Greek yogurt, eggs, etc.) to ensure that you're getting some decent nutrition until you talk to your doctor. That all might go down better than solid foods, and have an easier time working its way around the balloon. And maybe even things like Gatorade to help with hydration. Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!

scrambled egg, yogurt, cottage cheese hope your recovery is improving take care good luck

How about sf pudding, sf jello, yogurt? Those are really easy on the tummy. Or go back to the very basics like broths and increase the consistency slowly. Hope you get your tummy working better soon.

Hey there, I'm pretty new at this myself so I don't have any wonderfully creative ideas for you but can you get Protein powders and what not? I have several different brands and I mix them all with Water. I cannot tolerate isopure...I think it's disgusting. I've taken to calling it isopuke...picked that up from tiffykins! lol Also do they sell the Hood Carb Countdown Milk where you live? I use that to mix in my creamed soups for added protein as well. Also greek yogurt has a lot of protein in it. What was your surgery date?

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. I guess I imagined that if I took small bites (which to me is basically about 1/4 teaspoon), chewed really well, and waited a couple of minutes between bites then I wouldn't have any problems. But after thinking it over maybe my bites were a little larger than they should have been and maybe the couple of the bites I didn't wait long enough. I completely get the restriction part and so glad that I have this working for now. I am just going to have to give it some time as far as capacity. Tonight for dinner I boiled and egg and made some egg salad (using light mayo, greek yogurt, and seasonings) and it went down really well not to mention I didn't miss the gobs of full fat mayo I used in the past to make it. Thanks again for all your help and advice!

Go slow!!!! I used a baby spoon for a couple of months to remind me how small of bites I should be taking. Also, I couldn't eat more than about 3 bites - and that took me 20 minutes!!! Chew until it is liquid, and then swallow. Also, eggs and Beans may not be good ways to start. Easiest for me were: cottage cheese, very mashed sweet potato with salt, yogurt, soft cheese. That's all I ate for a while. I still can't eat refried beans without feeling queasy after (bummer, because I love it), and eggs were off limits until about 6 months. Even then, I could only get down about half of one. Take your time and don't do anything that is uncomfortable.

lauraellen80's post is excellent. Buy the tupperware cups and don't purchase individual foods. More preservatives are in those for some reason. In my case, I packed cottage cheese, applesauce and greek yogurt. Better develop a taste for greek yogurt, it's a lot higher in Protein than American so you don't have to eat as much. Don't worry, it will be funky at first but you will acclimate to it soon enough. I buy the Faget plain yogurt in the big tub and add Torani sugar free flavoring or PB2 Protein powder to suit my tastes. Applesauce is not high in protein, but it is in Fiber and you are going to want that. Dried apricots, prunes and figs can be put into a blender with your protein powders for a well rounded food/drink combo. Those individual tuna bags are awesome, but try to avoid the canned chicken and tuna salad. They are too high in fat. Also, get a good shaker cup. Damn things cost $15 sometimes, but you will have it by your side at all times and you don't want one that leaks after being washed a couple times. Don't ask me how I know. Crystal Light Water enhancers are a lifesaver for me. The water at my office tastes like pool water to me, so that helps mask it. Hope this helps!

I am eleven months post op so I can eat more than a recent post op. Here is an example of one of my days: Breakfast: two scrambled eggs Lunch: grilled chicken (one leg and a thigh) Dinner: grilled salmon, steamed green Beans Snacks: one piece of string cheese, Greek yogurt, turkey Jerky Of course my days vary. Sometimes I will add a Protein drink a few days a week. I also am only a few pounds from goal so I do have "cheat" days. Yesterday was one of them. I had a chocolate bar, and two sugar Cookies. Will be back on my plan today. I feel I can almost eat close to what is considered "normal".

I'm 18 months out and don't tend to always follow the Protein first rules, but I'm maintaining beneath my goal weight and still losing, so it seems to have worked out. My days tend to vary, but they usually go something along the lines of this: Breakfast - 1/3 cup Cascadian Farms Fruit and Nut Granola (I only eat this kind- no reason I just like it best) Snack (after morning workout) -Protein shake (almond milk, frozen Greek yogurt, PB2, & protein powder) lunch - 1/2 Hillshire Farms Little Plate (it has salami, cheese, and a hard cracker- like an adult lunchable) Snack - turkey and cheddar cheese roll-up or cottage cheese or 1/2 a Protein Bar or handful of granola dinner - other half of the Hilshire Farms Little Plate Snack -Veggie crisps This day works out to 916 calories (with turkey as the second snack), 92 carbs, 40 fat grams, 53g protein, 2,370 mg sodium, and 32g sugar. I ate exactly that the other day so MyFitnessPal gives me the full breakdown. The fat grams are a little higher than I like because of the cheese, and the veggie crisps have no great nutritional value, but I like them. On some days I'll eat more than that because I'm hungry or I've worked out a lot. I routinely eat a grilled chicken sandwich from a fast food place, the other day I had an entire chicken salad from Chik Fil A over the course of two meals, and I add things like hummus, watermelon, cantaloupe, crackers, chili, marinara sauce with zuchinni noodles, etc. For the most part I eat whatever I want to, just in very small servings. Also, my "whatever I want to" is dictated by my sleeve which hates anything that has fat, sugar, or has been near butter or a fryer. Almost all sweets and junk food make me instantly sick, so while I wouldn't mind eating a piece of cake, one or two bites is about all my stomach will tolerate so I just tend to not go for things like that anymore. Also, there are days where I may hit 1800 calories, so don't think you'll be stuck eating 1000 calories for the rest of your life. I'm hungrier when I workout more and when I know I'm going to blow my calorie goal for the day I just make sure I do it in protein based food instead of junk. Once you've hit the maintenance stage, you can eat anything your stomach will tolerate. I weigh myself everyday and I record everything I eat or drink in MyFitnessPal, so I keep myself accountable and then if I happen to want to have a cocktail or some cake or something else bad for me, I eat a few bites, I enjoy it, I put it into MyFitnessPal, and then I go back to eating my regular food afterwards. The nice thing about the sleeve is that it has taught me moderation- something I could never manage before surgery.