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If you can make it, you can puree it. Personally, I've been surviving mostly on greek yogurt, flavored-up cottage cheese, scrambled eggs with cheese, pureed super-spicy chicken taco meat, and refried Beans.

(stole this from March bandsters group!!) There are so many different opinions about what to eat and not to eat post op, I thought it would be helpful to post the LAPBAND SYSTEM guidelines. Hope it's helpful. Recovery Here are some key points for your recovery in the first few days and weeks. First Days You can expect some soreness, especially where the access port is, but it should subside (Please call your surgeon if the pain persists after a few days). To prevent infection, your surgeon may tell you not to shower for a day or so after surgery. Try to walk as much as you can comfortably, so that you'll regain strength and prevent blood clots, but take it slowly. [*]First Week(s) During the first week after surgery, allow yourself to recover and get plenty of rest. In about a week, you should be able to return to work, provided it's not physically demanding. For more physically active jobs, allow yourself two to three weeks to recover. Within four to six weeks, you should be able to resume all normal activity and start a new exercise program. Note: Before engaging in any physical activity or exercise program, first consult your surgeon. Click here to learn more about Exercise Guidelines Many surgeons see their patients weekly or biweekly during the first month after surgery, so you will be sure your recovery is going well, and have any questions answered. Dietary Guidelines After surgery, you'll need a new nutrition plan. You'll learn about the positive changes you can and need to make in your diet and lifestyle from your surgeon and/or dietitian. It's very important to follow your new eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the surgery. In the first few weeks after your LAP-BAND® System surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, after about six weeks, you will be able to eat solid foods. The First Few Days Post-Surgery It's extremely important to follow the eating and drinking instructions immediately after the surgery. This allows your new stomach pouch to heal completely and the LAP-BAND® System to stay in the right position. In the early weeks, it's crucial not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND® System. Vomiting will do this, while also increasing the chance of stomach tissue slipping up through the band. Right after the surgery, you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. Don't take any more liquid than this, though. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear Liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. [*]liquid diet (1-2 weeks post-surgery) Your goal during the first few weeks is to protect the small stomach pouch so that you can heal properly. It can only tolerate thin liquids at this time. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (small amounts at a time). Other liquids recommended during this phase include: clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy) skim milk fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles [*]Pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-surgery) Now, you can start adding slightly textured foods. Think of the consistency of baby foods. This stage will help you transition to more solid foods later. Protein is very important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight. So, you should eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding [*]Please note: In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, because they may contain too many calories. [*]Remember, it's more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your personal timing and progression into each dietary phase depends on your progress. In general, when it comes to your nutrition, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian. [*]Soft Foods (5 weeks post-surgery) Your meals can now include tender, cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. By not chewing properly, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction (obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System). Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause you problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. These might include foods such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish. If solid foods cause any nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask your doctor or dietitian for advice that is specific to you. Again, remember that vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND®.

Hi Rev! I'm only 4 and 1/2 months out but have struggled with some of the things you talk about. I wanted to share that a big challenge for me has been getting the shakes in. I too have had lots of trouble getting them in which in turn caused the problems with the rest of my food intake as you discribed. What I did to get those suckers down is relaxed the rules. In other words, my NUT wanted me to keep the carbs below 5 per drink and Protein of at LEAST 20. I am lactose intolerant big time now and for some reason, just about all shakes give me the runs, if I don't puke first! Sorry :-) None of the powders/soups/drinks seem to work! What I do now is use soy milk and frozen fruit, sometimes fresh, like blueberries or strawberries. I've also been able to tolerate yogurt so I ad some of that and I found a whey protein that has many more carbs but I use that and double up. I can get up to 50 grams of protein in one shake! If I can't finish the entire shake in the morning, I save it and finish it in the afternoon. (I bought a bullet which really helps) This has made a HUGE difference in how I feel and in keeping me even keeled. I have lots of energy to work out as well -- although on occasion I get that "weak feeling" starting in my arms, like they are super heavy. Then I know I'm low on nutrition. I also have a juicer and juice greens - green vegies, especially leafy greens. I don't juice fruit because of the sugar content. I use to do this before surgey as well. You can get fluids in but most importantly a ton of nutrition!!! I have to say, you have to get used to the flavor, but for me, it feels like I take a shot of some kind of magic because it realy energizes me immediately. I really missed it when I could not do it right after surgery. I get organic greens. You don't have to do much. I do about 8oz worth, but you may want to try 3 - 4oz in the begining. Just juice a few kale leaves, celery stalk and cucumber, for example. You can also add a litte parsley. Juicers can be expensive but in my opinion, they are worth it. You get lots of antioxidants as well as vitamines and minerals. (sounds like a commercial, LOL) Like Amanda, I turn to a "to go" shake when I am out and about and struggle with what to eat, what sounds right etc. But use the Ensure, lactose intolerant. Again, it's got more carbs and cals than my NUT would like, but too bad! At least I eat and feel right. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR UPCOMING NUPTUALS!!!!! I imagine what a stressful time this must be, especially with the holidays and all the "fun stuff" you describe! :-) It's possible that all of the preparations in themselves are taking a bit of a toll and things may just get better (i.e., more energy, relaxed, mood,) after the big day! There's alot going on in your life right now and I would not underestimate the effect these things have on our state of being! I wish you a beautiful day!!!!! Hope to see pics in the future!!!! and congrats on ALL you have accomplished!!!!! PS: the Vitamin tip from meggie sounds good too! especially during this stressful time! Be well!

Ok, I am 6 days post op and starting soft foods tomorrow. I have had a ton of protein today! Carnation Instant Breakfast, addred a scoop of Designer Whey Vanilla. Then some 3 parts water apple juice. Then blended up some fat free blueberry yogurt with skim milk and another half scoop of the whey. I still feel so hungry. Any tips?

I was told the point is to drink liquids/shakes. The liquid process is for the liver to shrink, so that they can perform the surgery more effectively. Additionally, to train you to survive off of liquids post-op. I was told that even though you are on a liquid diet you should still try to drink as close to 1,200 calories as possible. so 3 shakes at 160=480cal. And last thing they also told me that I can have some limited things; like vegetables (once a day), yogurt, cottage cheese. oatmeal, everything has to be plain. no butter, seasonings, salad dressing, sugar, etc. I got a lot of info from the internet also. Search "shrink liver" Lastly, NO soda or caffeine.

I too was mostly eating clean. I was off artificial sweetners for several years. But for all the healthy food, my portion sizes of the delicious food made me super obese. So, clean eating can help in a lot of the micro elements of our body, and long term of the many cancers avoided, but I was creating a un-healthy monster with high triglicidates, diabetic, border-line cholesterol. You will have to bite the bullet for about 3 months, maybe more. I drink 2 Protein shakes with artificial sweetner, because my healthy one with seeds, spinach, yogurt, fruit, etc was way way too many calories. I am about 2 months out. I probably drink 1 Crystal light per week and my 2 daily shakes. The rest of the time I am eating healthy and clean. I can buy organic meat and when my portion size is greater than 2 oz, I can start to eliminate the Protein Shakes. If you want to eat a lot of yogurt and cottage cheese, you may be able to eat clean sooner.

I follow the soft foods meal plan (stage 3), but I get hungry. One to two ounces of turkey doesn't cut it, even if it's followed by 1/4 cup of yogurt. And the "slice" of pear? I had a whole nectarine and was not uncomfortable. I'm finding myself reaching for a Protein shake or low fat string cheese to tide me over between meals. I know I'm not supposed to snack. Anyone else have this problem? Also, I'm on my 7th day of a stall. I am exercising and drinking my Water and taking Vitamins.

Lucky you! I am still on clears until Monday, then I go into full liquids which mean yogurts and cream soups. This happens for two weeks. Then on to mushies!!!

I've tried lots of different shakes and agree that the premiers are some of the better ones. However, the vanilla is kinda blah. The chocolate is really good. I also like the Chike shakes (purchase packets from their website). I find that if I make a Protein Shake using powder and frozen fruit they come out well in the blender. Using the packaged ones seem to make more foam. You'll get foam regardless, but it's less using powder. I'll use 1 scoop powder, handful of frozen fruit (choice of usually strawberries or banana or mango) and a scoop of yogurt then thin with Water. No need then for ice.

would it be ok to crush the ones i take already. They are great vitamins and very potent, they dissolve immediately in a cup of water. Could I crush them and take them with yogurt or something?

My mushie staples were scrambled eggs, fat free refried beans with cheese, ricotta cheese with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, tuna and chicken salad (my NUT allowed me this on mushies but not everyone does) and greek yogurt. You can also take ricotta cheese, add splenda, a little vanilla and lemon zest and get a nice little dessert.

I've always said I could live on bread and chocolate. I keep the Russel Stover's SF chocolates (big variety of fillings and dark or milk) as well as other sweets like SF preserves to put on Greek yogurt, SF maple syrup to go on my morning oatmeal, and SF fudgesicles, popsicles and creamsicles. I have one of those chocolates most nights after dinner and that gives me something to look forward to. I'm about 6 mo. out and a very good yo-yo dieter. I've never gone this long without losing it on sweets big time a lot. I have my moment when head hunger wins, but now I can have a bit and I'm OK...it's the weirdest thing. I've taken the attitude that nothing is ever off limits and I don't feel deprived like I have on other diets. If you're really worried about this, I'd at least discuss RNY with my doc as that would give you the added feedback of dumping that some (not all) get.

As long as I got enough protein, I find protein drinks are good. When I was doing my pseudo liquid diet (two shakes, one protein bar, two Greek yogurts a day) I was getting over 80g of protein daily. I was not super hungry.

I can have Protein shakes and sugar free Jello and pudding to add some flavor, fat free Soups with no chunks, fat free yogurt... Sent from my LG-LS995 using the BariatricPal App

I don't do supplements, but I do make sure to have Protein at least 30 minutes before working out and immediately after. I also try to have the bulk of my carbs then as well. However I only do complex carbs. My typical workout routine is a protein shake with 1 scoop of Protein powder, ¼ - ½ cup of Fage 0% greek yogurt and whatever mixins I feel like. Sometimes that a tablespoon of almond butter, sometimes a ¼ cup of fruit like pineapples, strawberries or peaches, or a ½ and orange. Depending on my mood I may add some flax powder for added Fiber, or a handful of raw spinach or ¼ cup if frozen. I add enough Water to mix and toss the whole thing in the nutrabullet. Often I end up drinking half before I workout and the other half post workout. My morning workout is and hour of aquafit and 30 minutes run/walking in the pool. This also counts as my Breakfast. After this I drink water until it's time for lunch. I get in 30 - 38 gms of protein this way.

I was banded last Thursday 12-19-13. I just started my phase 2a which is full liquids. I know it consists of cream Soups, puddings, yogurt and I start my Protein shakes this week. imm wondering if I should be feeling full when I eat at this stage? I know some people said on here that with their band they get a pressure feeling but I haven't felt that yet. im still in some pain from surgery and think that maybe that could be why. I also keep getting like a "gas" feeling through my stomach when im getting hungry and after I eat. I am ot sure if it is from the gas the put in me during surgery but that should be gone by now right?? Any advice would be appreciated and also if you have any other foods I could eat on this stage that would be great too!

Just slowly drink your meals. You probably won't feel full, but only drink your prescribed amount. I, usually, had my creamy Cereal in the am, my shake later, and then for dinner, maybe yogurt or some Soup. You might even want to try eating 4-6 "meals' because you don't want to over exert your stomach at this stage! It might take your whole 1/2 hour to drink the 1/2 cup of liquids that you probably are allowed. Best wishes. And yes, you might still be having gas attacks! Happy New Year, and new you, too! Karen..aka..kll724

right on, mmm yogurt with protien drink, interesting I might try it. damn!! men are so lucky lol

If it is working, then why change it? However, our bodies do flourish with variety, especially with veggies and fruits. These are foods that provide our body with protective nutrients we need. Also, maybe venture out with some shrimp, scallops, beans, eggs? Getting your protein from food is ideal (vs. protein shakes/bars) once you can eat anything. I assume you are past the restrictive phase. I make my own "protein shake" with baby spinach, plain nonfat greek yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1/4 cup guava juice and sugar free torani syrup. Simply divine - a bit more carbs yes but full of many good things for the body and the protein!

Alicia, I am right there with you. I was banded on April 14th and already started to "cheat" by having mashed potatoes, egg salad and sweet potatoes. The rest is just pudding, jello, creamed soups, yogurt and cottage cheese. I miss food soooooooooooo much. I know that in another month, I will be able to try and eat normal foods..but it is so hard right now. And my first fill isn't until June 3rd!! So I am trying my best to control my portions until then. It just seems an eternity away from now and to know that I am going to feel hungry for another 3 1/weeks is just scary. When I get to a low point, I just try and think about how happy I will be in another few months. It helps. Good luck with everything. We can all do it. It's frustrating as heck, but it will be worth it in the end.

The soup sounds like it was a good choice. Good job! I went on my pre-op diet Saturday the 22nd and have about the same experience as you. I too ate a reasonable plate of food on Christmas (nurse said it would be OK). Here's what I have been having and the results. Breakfast - 10 oz skim milk with 1 scoop unjury Protein powder and sugar free Carnation Instant breakfast. lunch - 1 scoop chicken flavored Unjury made with 8 oz Water 10 baby carrots Snack - 1 Light Yogurt dinner - 4 oz lean meat 1 cup veggies Snack - Sugar Free popsicle Pre-op Appt = 225 (with clothes) Today = 217 (without clothes) The first few days I was so weak and lightheaded and my sugar dropped several times (I'm hypoglycemic). I seem to have adjusted now. My surgery is Jan 4th. When's yours? Suzanne

I am a total foodie and love this recipe for ease of cooking. Peel seed and chop one cumcumber. Mix with greek yogurt, chopped garlic, and dill. Set to the side. Cut up salmon into small portions. Think of how much you can eat. Make some bigger ones if you have a significant other. Place a piece of salmon in the middle of a piece of foil and top with yogurt cucumber mixture. Fold foil over making a pouch, sealing edges so no steam escapes. Bake in a 375 degree oven approximately 12 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. TA-DA! yumyumyum!

Protein drinks 60 grams protein, greek yogurt 14 grams protein, 4 ounces fruit juice, low sodium broth, unlimited sugar free Jello, unlimited sugar free popsicles, Water, decaf tea or coffee. I didn't like most of the greek yogurts Fage was one I could tolerate, I would add my fruit juice to the yogurt and it tasted better that way. This worked for me and I lost 15 pounds on it.

Eat Greek Yogurt, soft cheese, lunch meat, kefir, At 4 weeks - 6 weeks I was slow to add food, too. Sometimes a shake just felt better. I doubt anyone is going to crucify you if you have a few more shakes at this point. Let your stomach tell you what it likes and add food in slowly.

Yes, I am on day 5 of an all liquid Protein diet. I can have Protein shakes, Jello, broth, crystal light & yogurt smothies. The first couple of days I did alright except for a bad headache which I attributed to stopping my beloved Diet Pepsi cold turkey. :thumbup: I am not diabetic but I do have Insulin Resistance. At day 5 my headaches aren't so bad but none of the allowable liquids are stopping the hunger pangs. Yesterday afternoon I went out to Lowes with hubby and had to sit down...I suddenly felt so dizzy, nauseous, clammy and my brain stayed pretty fuzzy until I went to bed. And as the day wears on I get so tired of the hunger pains that I am irritable. I have ten more days to go pre-op then I will be on about the same diet for another 14 days post-op, hopefully after surgery things will be a little easier.