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It does serve as a good reminder that there are other sources of Protein than meat, though for them to consider a fast food cheeseburger like that a "meat dish" may be stretching things a bit, particularly amongst our crowd. Much of calories in there are from the far from lean meat used and the bun - a 4oz patty of 85% ground beef pan fried with cheese is around 240 cal and 27g protein. And, while some of the veg mentioned, like broccoli and cauliflower, may have a decent amount of protein per calorie, it doesn't help us much with the volume restrictions that we have. Nevertheless, it is still a good lesson that we can mix things up some and still get in our protein.

I am just looking for ideas as far as the pre-op diet goes. My BMI is 52 so the doc wants me to do three weeks of the pre-op diet. I am looking for different ideas so I don't get bored. What did your pre-op consist of?

Ash not to be nosey but is it that time of the month. I know for me I use to gain about 8 lbs with the water retention from it. Watch your sugar intake really closely and avoid any carbs that you can. Protein first everything else second. You should also be getting ready for your first fill to that should help too.

I did'nt necesarily gain when I went to mushies but I've been a slow looser. During the hearing phase I tried to space out my food consumption like tomato soup and then an hour later shredded chicken made with low fat laughing cow (during mushies). Other than that I bought a digital scale and weighed my protein. When the food was gone I stopped eating. My doctor does'nt approve of snacking so his opinion was that you should grit it out. Took me 5 plus months to get restriction.

Diane, good luck tomorrow. OMG, a three clear liquid diet on a full stomach sounds brutal. I too think about it will be like to live on the protein drinks and shakes and not have food around for emotional comfort. I plan on becoming obsessed with the Winter Olympics to take my mind of the liquid diet. LOL. Anyway, let us know when you are back and positive vibes for a speedy recovery. Bella, my surgery is on Wed at 7:30 in the morning. I have to be there at 5:30:scared0:. Good luck to all my sleevers to be. Keep in touch:thumbup: Pennie

I have been enjoying the Real Good Pizza (it has a chicken breast based crust). One serving has 25 grams of protein. It's very tasty. It's also a bit pricey, but it does last for two meals. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Jultrim it is okay and normal to feel this way. I think I have read on this site a million times this same feeling. It is learning to eat all over again. I too struggle with food; always have, but now it is different. I am learning to eat protein first just like you. I try to have a bite of my old favorite foods and they are just not the same anymore; you know, just not comforting and fun like they used to be. I was to do things differently than I have in the bast and establish better eating habits. You are not alone! I feel your pain. We can do this!!

747heavy this is good information regarding the post surgical regiment. 800-1000 calories and 10% of that Protein. I was just told to drink 64ozs of low cal fluids (get in the protein). I do have a list of what I should an should not have but a count is good. I was ok'd to start on solid foods a week post op, a little nervous about that but I see you continue with liquids then puree then ease into food. sounds like a good plan. Thanks for sharing

I'm getting sleeved in exactly 2 weeks from today so of course I had to start my diet. To say the least it's not that bad. Started off breakfast with a Premier Vanilla protein shake. Lunch soup, snack sugar free chocolate pudding.. For dinner I'll have another protein shake and late snack fat free yogurt... I can do this!

I'm doing good! Getting hungry but today I finally got 35 grams of protein soooo happy! I'm going to eat some jello and more protein, hoping this is quick. Saturday I start my mushy foods finally! No longer using pain meds only at night to sleep. I do feel like band is up in my chest so when I feel tight I inhale and exhale. It helps

Hi, yes I'm still on liquids till Friday. Saturday I will start on mushies finally. Monday was my first official day WITHOUT nausea! Yay!!! I drank my protein good up to 63 grams. Hoping it's the beginning to the great feeling of having this band/plication.(cross fingers)

Yep, no special pre op here. Just liquid diet for 14 days. Any kind if Protein shake, sf Jello, broth , any type of low or zero cal drink. At what you paid I won't complain. Lol. What I paid if for 2 of us!!!! What will you do post op? Can u choose a Protein Drink of ur choice then? Btw, the ESA carb control was yummy. Had zero grit or after taste. Think it will be my best friend. Ready to change my life!

Texas I was panicked my first couple days about not getting enough protein. My doctor was like don't even worry about it at this point. I don't remember it lasting very long- 2-3 days maybe? The idea of protein shakes sounded NASTY those early days when I'd enjoyed them prior to surgery. I like them again now too.

He doesn't do the fills in the office; he does them in the hospital under flouroscopy. He counsels all his patients in the beginning that the reason why he does it this way is because you have fewer "misses" and he can ensure a positive experience that way. I know my original post sounded a bit whiney...I'm so excited I did this and this 20 pounds I'm down is the fastest I've ever seen any type of weight loss on any type of program. I'm just so frustrated in not seeing the scale move at all for 2 weeks straight. I'm following their guidelines strictly with the help of all the fabulous recipes I found here and I get all my Water in and my protein/drinks. I know we are only supposed to lose 1-2 a week and I'd be so happy if I saw that in the past 2 weeks. those of you going through something similar have you gone back to mushies to give yourself a boost???

Try protein shakes they kind of curve your hunger and it helps with weight loss just hang in there you will be ok

Mine is tons tighter in the mornings. I have a Protein shake for Breakfast every morning because I'm simply too tight and not hungry enough for actual food. Interestingly, if I take a nap during the day, when I get up it's really tight all over again. In stark contrast, at night I could the entire fridge if I wanted to. There's a huge difference in my band tightness from morning to evening.

I feel the same as you do. When I went for my one month post surgery appointment, the surgeon told me I had lost slightly more at that point than the norm. He felt that I would definitely hit my goal by one year. However, since then, my weight loss has really slowed down. I am almost 3 months out now, and I've lost 40 lbs. I went through a stall that lasted almost a month! But, I've been dribbling down a pound here and a pound there. I know I've eaten a few things I probably shouldn't have (like crackers), but not too much. Sometimes I feel like I'm not doing something right, but I don't know what it could be. I look for Protein in everything I put in my mouth, and I still use shakes/drinks. All the veterans say that you have to embrace the "stalls" and they will end. As long as I continue to lose, I will hang in there. I don't know what else to do. Are you exercising? Taking your supplements/vitamins? Get that 64 oz Water in a day (at least) and your protein. I think all of that is the most important.

Thank you both so so much! I didn't realise I could add the cups of tea I have had or the Water in my Protein shake. In the uk they don't advise protein shakes but I bought some Anyways as I was struggling to get the food in. I have managed half a tea plate yesterday of food but that was for my evening meal..so am going to switch that around to lunchtime foods.. And try to have a bit less. I will update on my progress Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I know exactly what you mean, that was so frustrating w/ the band. Never satisfied, ate all junk b/c healthy food would get stuck. Mine slipped and had to have it repaired in 2007..so this is technically my 3rd WL surgery. I was sleeved on 8/2 and did not have to do the pre-op diet. So far I have lost 21 lbs....which I'm happy w/ as I just weighed in today at 179. I don't have that much to lose, so it's slower for me, but happy so far. I just finally feel like food no longer owns me...don't really have to "diet". I just make better choices for my sleeve so I will be satisfied. I've not had an ouce of chocolate since the surgery and I don't crave sweets anymore...but I do crave savory, which is good I'm eating good food, not junk. Good luck on Monday, make sure you post an update!! You will not regret it..best thing ever; wish it was around for us 9 years ago!

Flew from Atlanta to San Diego on 9/9/05 @ 6am. Picked up by driver in San Diego around 11:00 am then driven to Alma Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico (about a 3 hr drive). I was met at the hospital by Yolanda (Dr. Aceves' coordinator) which informed me of the things that would be taking place. Yolanda is a very lovely lady, very informed (was previous a professor at one of the colleges). I was then checked into a room and immediately they started running test for my surgery (X-rays, bloodwork, ekg, etc., I had elected to have surgery the same day I arrived). Dr. Aceves came into my room sat down and talked with me. He is a very soft spoken, kind, and very knowledgable man. He began to demonostrate the band (he had brought one with him), telling me how everything worked, the good and the bad. He made me feel very comfortable answering all questions patiently without making me feel he needed to be seeing the next patient. He understands English very well, but when he speaks you have to pay attention to get it all. Around 1pm I was taken into surgery, 54 min later I was in recovery. I stayed in recovery for an hour then wheeled back to my room. I was expecting lots of pain (according to everything I had read), but it was more "pressure" than pain (for me anyway). By that evening I was up and walking some. Dr. Aceves came by that night, before leaving the hospital to check on me and to ask if I needed a sleeping pill. The nurses checked on me continually throughout the night giving me pain medicine (through my iv) every 3 hours. The next day I walked a good bit because it makes you feel so much better. Sunday, after lunch, Yolanda came by, got the papers for me to check out and took me to the hotel. The driver picked me up the next morning (Monday) around 7am to go to the airport. I did not get back to GA until 10:45pm (a very long trip). The worse thing for me was the flight returning home; sitting that long with the seatbelt over that area was very uncomfortable, even tho I had on very loose clothes. Probably had the flight not been so long (7 hours) it would not have been nearly as bad. I had taken the following week off and basically I just took it slow. I have a 16 year old daughter that helped me alot, but within a day or so I was fine. I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks which actually wasn't that bad. The people at work simply thought I was just drinking tea or something. I had not told anyone at work because I simply did not want to hear their opinion about me leaving the country for my surgery. On November 23rd I went to get my first fill. They could not locate the port (done without fluro). I had to schedule another location a couple of weeks later to get the fill done under fluro. On December 12th/2005 I went to receive my fill (under fluro) and was given a 2.5cc. By the end of December I knew that my fill was too restricted, however, at their request continued to try to work with it. I basically drank my breakfast and often my lunch, sometimes I could eat something like soup for lunch and then by around 5:30pm I could eat like most bandsters do - protein, veggies etc. I struggled through January and February and was pretty much okay other than still unable to eat in the mornings. In March I received some very disturbing news about my daughter that was and still is very stressful. I started having acid reflux during the night; waking up strangling. I contacted the center and they still think I do not need to have a slight unfill; they want me to "work around" this problem. They did put me on medication which I have been on for 3 days now. However, it is only a 14-day treatment so after this I am not sure what will happen. The good news is that I have lost 45 lbs plus 18 lbs before surgery which amounts to 63 pounds. I am very thankful for the band; I would never have lost this much without it. :clap2: 3/16/06 I have an appointment to go get some of the fill taken out. Still having reflux pretty bad; the little food and little sleep is like waaay too much. 4/21/06 Drove to Nashville to have a portion of the fill removed and they could not find/hit the port (after 4 or 5 sticks...ouch). I was sooooo dissappointed after a 6 hour drive, the cost of gasoline, the cost of a hotel room etc. So...I now have an appointment in Tampa, Fla to have the fill completed under fluro. 5/3/06 - Tampa/fillcenterusa - Had fill (1.8cc), everything went great! No problems in locating the port, in fact the easiest one I've had yet. 9/06 - 1 Year anniversary - total of 71 lbs loss. 10/06 - 203 and still loosing, just slowly, but....that's okay. No hair loss, no loose skin etc., and that's pretty good for someone 51 years old. 1/2007 - 193 - total loss of 85 lbs....yeah. 3/2007 - 187 4/2007 - 180 (-98 lbs) yeah!!!

I've heard that everyone "stalls". Some people start from basics. Protein shakes during the day and a meal in the evening. Good luck...

So I completely understand. My husband was very unsure of where to stand. My mom has and still is the biggest obstacle. She is very unsupportive. She doesn't understand the struggle I have been through my whole life. Often telling me how bad my breathing was or asking what size I was in now. Knowing that my cholesterol was cobstantly increasing, my np rising, my sugar at nearly diabetic levels, my thyroid not producing, etc. seeing the weight fall off I think she is starting to come around we shall see. My cousin. Where do I start. Perhaps my toughest critic. She is a body figure champ. Much like a body builder. She didn't want me to have surgery at all. She has given me Protein shakes, Vitamins, diets, exercise plans and meal plans. I have done them all, sometimes gaining weight. I've been accused of not trying from her. She has been a perfect size 0 her entire life. She doesn't know the struggle at all. I just steer away from her because her comments have really killed me. My coworkers have been my biggest fans. I didn't expect it. They are constantly checking to make sure I'm drinking my Water, that I am moving (walking, getting up to file) and making sure that I am feeling good. One of my coworkers probably needs the surgery more than I did. She perhaps has built the strongest relationship through this. Hitting every little milestone she sees as a victory. They are all telling me how great I look. Asking how I feel. I love it. I think the biggest part of my journey is having a support system, I don't know if I would have made through the first few weeks had I not had my coworkers. They have become more like sisters to me. My husband is coming around. I'm very impressed that it has motivated him as well. He has put down the dr. Pepper, cut back on his eating, even started walking with me. He has had positive results. I would definitely find a local support group. Attend the meetings, I think you will find you are not alone.

70? I guess different doctors recommend different amounts? My doctor said to shoot for 45 grams for non menstruating women and 55 for those who are menstruating. I eat a lot of chili - thats great protein! (large chili at wendy's has 28 grams) Also you can buy non flavored Protein powder at walmart and put it in anything...applesauce, yogurt, shakes, etc. I like to make a choc Peanut Butter shake with my herbalife choc mix, a tablespoon PB2 (powdered peanut butter - can use regular lowfat) and then add extra protein - it is like a heavenly chocolate dessert and I feel like I am getting something fabulous like dairy queen. LOL I use the vanilla herbalife shake and put in frozen fruit, skim milk, and extra Protein Powder, too. I know they tell us not to drink a lot of our protein - but I cannot eat more than a cup at a time and even then sometimes I can't eat much - so this is the only way I can get in my protein....and since I hit my "sweet spot" I am never hungry anyway... Good luck to you! Kim

My doc has said 60-70 as well for protein intake. I plan 1 snack a day but again that was his instruction. I do have the unflavored protein powder from GNC. I do my best to get most of it via food .. eggs, quiche, tuna, cottage cheese greek yogurt however also add it to the cottage cheese, tuna, even DD ice tea.. it litterally has no flavor so I can make almost anything high in protein.

I noticed on my pre-op grocery list they gave me. They listed a meal replacement protein shake and then a protein shake. Is there a difference between them. Is one to replace a meal and one for a snack or are they the same?