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YouTube is an option, or blogging too. I like both!

Count me in...I'm 3 weeks post op and I have experienced the same. As my food options increase, I just keep measuring. I do find that as I combine foods (2oz egg whites with 1oz cottage cheese), I find that as I get closer to finishing, I am starting to feel a little "fuller" and by fuller it doesn't really feel like that. More of like a stuck/blocked feeling in the lower chest/upper ab area. I was getting paranoid though thinking the surgeon made kinetic too big or that after all I went through I would still fail but countless ppl told me that a lot of it has to do healing, swelling internally and decreased nerve response. Some people said the whole full restricting feeling came at about 2 months post op. So I think your pretty normal for those of us who are really lucky to have an easy recovery . Best of luck to you.

My Nut made me cut out protein shakes, I could only have them as meal replacements. I can only have 3 meals a day.

That all looks pretty good , nice job! I am 15 months out one scrambled egg is all I can fit comfortably. I still drink 2-4 protein drinks a day. One whey 30 grams when I wake and one casein 30 grams at bed every day. Plus a pre and post workout about 30 grams each.

I had my 2nd fill a week ago...had to go back that afternoon and have some taken out...hard pain all afternoon. After 3 days on liquids I seemed ok and was able to eat Fri & Sat but at lunch on Sun something got stuck and it all started. I know what PB is but what does PB stand for???? Anyway, I have had horrible pain and pb/throwing up since Sun...even with liquids. I go to the doc today but I have had sooooo much pain that I am to the point of wanting my band removed! What am I doing wrong??? My protein drink got stuck this morning!

I didn't use slim fast/carnation. I just mixed 1% milk or soy milk with protein powder. Towards the end of your 3 weeks I figure it's natural to be hungry since the swelling has gone down and obviously you don't have any restriction yet. You'll have to just try things like cream soups to see how you respond. I had no problem with butternut squash, but tomato based soups give me reflux now, and I never had that problem pre-banding. good luck

I've been drinking Pure Protein almost exclusively for months. Taste is very subjective but for my money Pure Protein and Myoplex are the best on the market. I prefer Pure Protein because they have 35g of protein and 160 calories. Myoplex are just a hair better as far as taste goes but they have 300 calories so I opted for the lower cals. When you have the opportunity, try their chocolate Deluxe bars. 200 calories and 20g of protein and they are excellent. I have tried some of the other flavors and they're not bad but the chocolate - OMG. The bars also come in larger sizes including 32g and one that has a whopping 78g of protein. Target has the best prices that I have found anywhere on the bars.

Firstly I am delighted that I have found this forum it has really helped reading about the diverse views and experiences. Thank you all for being so honest. Here is my story so far... Moment of truth. Decision made..... I live in UK and have a job I love, but it can be a huge pressure. My work takes me away from home quite often, in the UK to the US and the Far East. Over the years that has taken its toll eating the wrong food, at the wrong times. (And maybe a tipple or two) For a big guy I am quite fit but over the last years have found more aches and pains, to the point I felt the need to visit my doctor, something I don't normally do. I did this 10 days ago. Long story short he gave it me straight .....lose weight or die young....I'm 43 and heading towards an illness crisis .....and his opinion, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems and that early grave. I've tried lots of things I've had my ups and downs but now the time has come for something more drastic. The wake-up call I needed had arrived! I don't want to wait to go through the process and however fantastic our national health services is (and it is fab), it will take and age. I don't want to be diabetic or have a heart attack. So...... By 10 AM the following morning I was sat in a consultants office having the various options explained to me. My choice, the sleeve. Within a further 24 hours I'd booked my date with destiny September 13th (and it's not a Friday for the superstitious amongst us!) I have gone from being petrified to super excited I see a future me, doing things that I've not enjoyed for number of years... fastening a seatbelt on an aeroplane....going on the trampoline in our garden writhing rolling off! walking into a normal shop and buying clothes from a normal section. Don't get me wrong I don't want to be mega thin, I like being me but I want to be a me that has longer to live and can enjoy my family, my children, my future grandchildren and actually my work too. Mentally I've got this.....! My concerns....... Personality: I don't want to change my personality has anybody out there experienced that over the long term they change? Food: i've got my head round that it is going to be a nightmare for the first 3/4 months but after this.... Is it truly normal food but obviously in smaller portions and healthier options? Alcohol: now then..... my biggest enjoyment and my nemesis ....my consultant asked me? do you drink a lot? I said no ....however when I go out I'm always known as the life and soul of the party and the last man standing.... response you can still be a life and soul of the party but expect to be the first one falling. What have people experienced with alcohol? How much on a night out? What type? Rightly or wrongly , I've created a bucket list of things I wish to eat or drink before the pre-op diet....my son made me laugh yesterday when he said 'Dad make sure you don't die while trying to complete your bucket list'... Point well noted! If you have got to this point thanks for reading I'll be keeping in contact via the forms. I'm sure as I need the help on the journey.. You, the Warriors that have gone before me will offer the support and help needed! Ollie x

Try this also: You know you have to get your Protein in, so this should work. If you mix your own shake, and you use 8oz. of Water, change that to 10oz.. It's thinned out, your getting your protein, and you can take your time sipping on it. (JUST DON'T USE COLD WATER). Look warm would be best. Protein helps kill the Hunger. So this might help. It takes time to get use to the feeling if it's from a fill. You will get use to it, just take your time. If nothing works,,,,call your Doctor. Good Health To You, Shirley.

Today is a new day. You know where the changes are that you need to make, so make them. Force them. Do NOT look at the way we are to eat post op as a diet. It is not a diet it's lifelong eating. Yes by all means go eat something that is not all that healthy from time to time but it keep it as a treat. We have gone out to eat a lot since my surgery and I keep it at healthier foods than what I would have gotten pre-op and obviously smaller portions. Look at how great you have done too! So don't beat yourself up so bad. Just start fresh. Take your Vitamins, just get some Multivitamins and some vit D and b12 is good too. Oh and on the Protein, we were told 60 grams a day was the number to shoot for. So fill up on the protein before anything else.

Congratulations! I am counting the hours until Monday , my 3 week mark, when I get off thin liquids and on mushies/soft food. I can't WAIT! I really don't mind my doctor being conservative though, this sleeve is for the rest of my life so I want it good and healed. Meanwhile.... Protein shakes. GAG.

I don't feel my personality changed but definitely my outlook on life has changed. I used to be a eat drink and be merry type of person. Always had a glass of wine (or 2) with dinner and weekend cocktails and basically ate whatever I wanted. I'm 8 months post op now and don't eat whatever because I have to make sure I get my Protein in. As for the alcohol, on a rare occasion I will have 1 glass of wine that I will sip on for the evening if I'm at a special occasion party. I once was forgetful and drank 3 glasses within a shorter period of time and the hangover was so unpleasant I will never do it again, it's not worth it. I was very nervous before surgery about my life changing, and reassured my friends it was just for a few months while healing then I'll be able to go out again and enjoy a few cocktails. Truth is, I don't want to go back to that life, I am so much happier in my healthier lifestyle now. I have lost 84 pounds and have so much energy now that I'm enjoying life in so many different healthier ways. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

1. Eat 3 small meals a day? yes but I also ate 2 snacks. I worked out twice and had to drink juice twice to bring my blood sugar up. 2. Eat slowly and thoroughly Yes 3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full. yes 4.do not drink while you are eating. 30 minutes before and 1 hour after. Check I did well with this one. 5. Do not eat between meals. Not so good since I ate snacks. 6. Eat only good quality food Yes 7. Avoid fiber? Yea 8. 64 ounces a day yes wanted more but only did 64. 9.drink only low calorie beverages yes 10.exercise 30 minutes. Exercised 90 minutes. Am and pm. I thought over all today was a good day. I'm trying to follow the band rules everyday so I can be successful. I will be blogging everyday how I did. I think I should add that I made my protein goal as well. The rules I need to work on are three meals and no snacking we will see how tomorrow goes. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 15, 2011, at 9:26 PM, Melanie Vigil <mmv671@gmail.com> wrote:

LOVE P90X. Ive been doing it for a year now in addition to bootcamps and INSANITY. I dont eat any carbs at all anymore. I just dont crave them. Ideally you should have a protein shake before your workout and that shake should include carbs! You need half of your weight in protein grams every day if you are working out with weights. For instance, I weigh 190 today, so I need about 95 grams of protein a day. A lot of days that is hard to get in so I have 2 shakes a day. They should have NO sugar. You need Whey protein before a workout and soy or Casein when you arent working out. I hope this helps

Why not go for an awesome wide garter belt? You get double duty: 1) you hold in your tummy 2) you get to feel sexy Hips & Curves has some good looking ones for "plus sizes" and if you don't need a plus size then you have lots of other online options.

you guys are not alone. I am also 6 weeks out and have been suffering from the vomiting/nausea since week 2. My surgeon says it is probably scar tissue in the stomach and is at it's toughest around 6 weeks. I am also trying to look at the brighter side. It has been horrible and I have been in bed for weeks. I know I need protein but some days I can hardly eat or drink anything. Hang in there, that's all we can do and hope later we will reflect and say that was just a short time we suffered to get to the goal!

By the time my preop diet ended and I had my band put in I was so over the Protein Shakes. My doctor told me about Boost, its sold at walgeens. Its a high Protein Shake that comes in 8 ounces, has 15 grams of Protein, and it tastes like chocolate milk. It goes down easy, especially when cold. I sipped at that stuff along with Water throughout the day for the first few days. Good luck to you and wish you the best.

I'm currently drinking eas pre made chocolate shakes. But I think I'm am going to change up for a shake with more protein. Mine only has 17g. You had your surgery? Congrats!!!!

Gas...and lots of it here! I also struggle with this and have come to terms that it will likely be the normal for me. It is very painful and Gas X doesn't touch it for me. Dr. Malley's nurse told me they only recommend the Mylanta or Malox with Simethecone (40 mg) because they have found the most success with those. The nurse told me that sometimes Gas X doesn't work with the band. She also said this could be something that just doesn't go away. I had my surgery on Sept 16, 2010 and if I don't take Mylanta twice a day I am doubled over in pain. The heat feels great and so does yoga, but it just doesn't get rid of the gas for me. Moving around doesn't seem to prevent the gas, either. I am strict with liquid protocol. I have also found that going with the basics for food works the best for me, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, eggs and a bit of cheese. Bariatric Advantage Protein shakes to supplement. I can't handle many veggies without awful gas and forget anything with sugar or heavy carbs. My tummy becomes a fermentation tank! So, that's what has worked for me, but still I have extreme gas without the help of the daily dose of Mylanta. Everyone is so different, you'll just have to tinker a bit and find the fixes that work for you....the best to you!:biggrin: Rebecca

Carbs are not bad and carbs in oatmeal are really good for you although I think it is better to cook it yourself than use instant. One thing oats are good for are lowering cholesterol If this is a short term solution to get over the hump then I don't see a problem. Sometimes knowing what you are able to eat in advance and being able to grab it quickly and easily makes a huge difference. Why not try the lower calorie option and if you do get hungry have a glass of milk or some non starchy vegetables to help fill you up. Good luck and let us know how it works.

Try costco brand premeir protein shakes . 30gm of protein in each they taste good and only need 2 a day to get your min amt. of protein a day

So I’m officially one week post op. I haven’t posted until now because I’m just really trying to take it all in and enjoy this very special experience. Here’s a small recap of what I’ve been through thus far. My first seminar was on 6/11/09 I weighed 250. I met with the dietician on 6/20/09 and weighed 245. The day of my surgery is 7/7/09 and I weighed 237. Today I’m one week post op (7/14/09) and I weigh 228. I feel really good about that, and I can’t wait to see more weight melt away. Tuesday 7/7/09 Today is the date of my surgery and I weighed in at weighed in at 237 lbs. I’m really impressed with myself because that means I’ve lost 13 pounds since my first seminar on June 11th. Everyone at the hospital was great. I’m not going to fake it, I was nervous about having this surgery. I kept thinking did I rush this decision, could I truly have done this on my own, isn’t this a drastic measure, etc, etc. I could think of a million other things that I would rather be doing than having surgery, but this surgery was my one opportunity to truly change my life. I knew that then, and I know that now. How wonderfully exciting it is! My surgery was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and everything started on time. By 1 p.m. I was wheeled into my room, and the rooms were new and very nice. Surprisingly I was not in very much pain. I couldn’t have any water or broth until 6 p.m. so they started having me walk a little after five, before I started the liquids. The first time I got up, I felt very warm and a bit nauseas. So I sat on the chair and waited a while until I took my first journey down the hall with my lovely IV. The gown that I had on was so big and long that my lovely husband went out and bought me a shorter gown and light robe (I don’t know why I didn’t bring one on my own) 6:15 p.m. until midnight that night I took in a total of 6.5 ounces of water/broth. They would allow me 15 ml’s every 15 minutes. I also walked roughly an hour that night (they even showed me a longer path) that way I wouldn’t have to keep turning around. That first day I didn’t nap or anything like they. I remember them waking me up just a little before midnight, at four the next morning, and at eight the next morning. Overall I got some decent sleep. The majority of my time in the hospital was spent seating in the hospital chairs. When I was in the bed I felt like a patient, when I was in the chair I felt like a visitor. I’m such a freak. Wednesday 7/8/09 So today I feel pretty good. I’m not hungry but I am a little thirsty. Again I could only have 15 mls of water/broth per 15 minutes and I ended up consuming roughly 16.5 ounces. Again the pain is under control and I’m just not in nearly as much pain as I anticipated. Thursday 7/9/09 Today is the first day I’m feeling some hunger. I can’t wait until tomorrow when I can have a protein shake. I spoke with my friend who had her Lap Band surgery a little over two years ago. She’s one heck of a mentor and an amazing example of how successful you can be with this Band. She has went from 243 pounds (a size 24) and is now 127 pounds (and a size 2/4). I told her that I am going through a small bout of buyer’s remorse. I know that a protein shake will help suppress my hunger, but I can’t wait until I get some normal food. I’m just excited at the thought of eating cottage cheese, yogurt, roasted veggies, cheese, and chicken, yum. This time I can tell that I’m having true physical hunger, not just head hunger. I walked with my husband and Adrie (our black Lab) around the block. Halfway through it my stomach had a lot of pain. The pain is near the incision where the port its. That’s where all my pain is, nowhere else. Today I’ve had 21 ounces of water and 4 ounces of light Tropicana Orange Juice (super delicious) for a total of 25 fluid ounces. Friday 7/10/09 Today I woke up hungry and I was glad to know that I could have a protein shake, thank goodness. My mom came down to see me today. She said that she was impressed that I was in regular clothes, and not all slouched out in pj’s. J Yes I get up every day I take a shower, put on some make up, and do my hair. I’m not a girly girl, but by doing so that way I feel better which I hope will help the whole process. I went with my mom and hubby to the bookstore. Instead of the “typical” lunch we had unsweetened tea and enjoyed an hour of reading magazines and books. I looked all over for a book on weight loss surgery. There was one book (besides two separate recipe books) called, Before & After: Living & Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach. I really liked what she had to say and I could find myself relating to her story. Granted we had two separate weight loss procedures, but we’re both fighting the same battle. Today I had water, 4 ounces of prune juice, green tea, ½ cup of soup, and 1 ½ Bariatric Shakes. That’s a total of 37 ounces for today. Saturday 7/11/09 I woke up early and I decided that I was going to find a couple of garage sales to attend to. I found this one exceptional garage sale and I was in bargain heaven. J I drove by the farmers market, and I told myself that I could stop on over there next week (when I could actually purchase some veggies and fruits for the next stage of my post op diet). I had a total of 43 ounces today, mostly water, 4 ounces of OJ, 8 ounces of a Bariatric Shake, and ¼ cup soup. I feel asleep at 7 p.m. and didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Now that’s so good sleep! Sunday 7/12/09 Today was the first day where I didn’t much hunger. I love that feeling. I feel so good not having food at the forefront of my mind, I have this new sense of peace and hope in my life. It’s an amazing feeling. My sleep is improving and I’m finally not waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve been having quite a bit of pain today and yesterday with the area around my port. I don’t like taking the liquid pain medicine, because it makes me feel a nauseous and I’m worried that it will make me vomit (and I haven’t done so yet, and I’m a bit scared). I went with my hubby and my little brother to watch Bruno. I had this scheduled for quite some time, but I told them that we would have to wait until Sunday before we could see the movie (I just didn’t think I could sit through a whole movie until then). The movie was totally out of control, but very funny and I laughed the whole time. Going to the movies now is a totally different experience. I didn’t have my diet coke, with popcorn, and sour gummy worms. Nope, this time I had water and I was completely satisfied. Instead of the movie experience being about the food, it was being with my family and just enjoying ourselves, with food not included. What a first. I had 2: 8 ounce protein shakes, 52 ounces of water, 4 ounces of OJ, for a total of 74 ounces of liquids. Monday 7/13/09 So this may be TMI, but I haven’t been having any bowel movements, and I’m thinking that’s why my lower belly is still so swollen. I miss my old bowel movements; I had worked my way into one bowel movement a day. Now they are pretty much non-existent. Is anyone else having any problems with their stomach looking very swollen? I’ve noticed it in my lower stomach, and I’m thinking that its gas related. I wonder when it will go away. Even though I’ve lost 21 pounds, I can still only get one of my pairs of jeans to button. I’d figured that I could wear some old pants that were too tight, but it looks like I’ll have to wait until the swelling goes down. I’m having some strange cravings, grilled cheese (because I’m thoroughly convinced I won’t be able to tolerate bread) and Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa and corn tortillas. Today I had one protein shake, water, OJ, 4 ounces of prune juice, ½ cup of soup, and one serving of jello. I’ve had a total of 40 ounces of today.

I had surgery on Monday. My surgeon wants me to focus on getting my 64 oz of Fluid down each day. As he says...we can live off our fat stores for 6 - 12 months so we're not going to starve! lol I've just had a couple bites of jello and a few swallows of broth each day and I feel like I'm doing great! I start full liquids tomorrow so I'm looking forward to Protein shakes and creamed soups! Best of luck to you in the coming days. Walk, walk, walk, and walk some more to keep the gas pain at bay!

SO I'm 6 weeks post op and I'm desperate. For the whole first month post op, I was totally fine. I was able to eat, drink my liquids and be merry. Now, for the past two weeks, I've been dead ill. Throwing up everyday, hospitalized twice for dehydration and now its not so bad, but its comin back. I'm working on keeping my fluid intake ok, but I'm sick!! All the protein drinks make me sick and when I was eating, I made sure to eat high protein foods to get my daily intake. now, I'm lucky if i can stay hydrated. The dr said be patient and it will pass and gave me some meds but I'm ready to give up......although how you give up on the pouch I still haven't figured out. HELP PLEASE!!! What should I be doing?!?!?!

Hi Bandayed! I started a similiar thread in the food forum. i got a lot of good posts from other members. Check it out. I think it is whey vs. soy protein powder. I bumped it for you..........Jess