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I had my gastric bypass on March 22nd. The surgeons and other people say I should be re-introducing soft foods into my system. Some days I can eat pudding Jello yogurt....and some days even broiled/grilled chicken. However for like 2-3 days I haven't been able to eat anything. I'm barely even drinking Water. I force myself to so as not to become dehydrated. Before the surgery, I was on a partial liquid diet and I drank glucose controlled Boost and Glucerna shakes. Do y'all think it would be ok for me to resume drinking them just to get some type of nutrients in my system? Even the Protein shakes come back up sometimes and the water based ones are just gross. I went from weight 403 to 377 in 3 weeks. I don't see a difference but I feel it in the way my clothes fit [ATTACH]36[/ATTACH]

I'm 9 weeks out today and my meal sizes are still pretty small. I have zero hunger, like I mean I am never hungry and pretty much force myself to eat. The only way I know my body is hungry is that I find myself yawning or I just start not feeling great. I have gotten really good at reading the signs my body is showing me, because I do not get any brain signal of hunger anymore. I would prefer to just have 3 meals per day but in order to get my Protein quantities in I have to eat more like 4-5 times/day. I drink a 1-1/2 scoop protein shake for Breakfast (with a bunch of things added i.e. green powder etc), mid morning I have a small snack (i.e. 1/2 cup of greek yogurt), lunch would be maybe 1/2 cup chili, dinner maybe 2-3oz of meat and maybe 1-2 pieces of veggie (i.e. steamed broccoli). If I can I will try and eat a small piece of turkey pepperoni or turkey Jerky in the afternoons. That's it, I'm lucky if I hit 800 calories in a day, it's typically more like 600-700. I rarely have room for veggies or fruit which I miss ALOT but protein is obviously the priority. I add an organic greens powder to my morning shake to try and compensate for the deficiency.

i would add hummus to tuna salad, cottage cheese or eat alone...now i eat it w/veggies greek yogurt has more protein than the regular kind, no fat as well - you can find it at most stores & walmart now carries.

I am having a similar issue. According to my food plan I can have greek yogurt and pudding, but i tried to eat some hummus (same consistency) and I could only tolerate about a tablespoonful... if that!!! I can finish off the yogurt and pudding with no problem but the hummus fills me up QUICKLY!!!

Anjela- I'm just a baby when it comes to trying things but maybe I'll try to give it a chance frozen..I have had/liked frozen yogurt!

I have a costco Premier shake each day and that is 30 grams of protein. I also "fortify" Greek Yogurt with a flavorless whey protein and that averages another 30 grams. Then adding another 20 grams through eggs, cheese, cottage cheese or Peanut Butter. Means that I get enough protein in. I hope this explanation helps.

Alarm. 7.00 AM showered, maple and brown sugar oatmeal (for kate). went to make coffee, milk was outdated on November 7th & today is the 11th. suggested kate smell it to see if it was feasible. it was not. have to stop at dunkins donuts. at this point cole realizes banks are closed due to veterans day. now no coffee and no money. enter sisters wallet. 9:00 AM drs appointment mass general hospital downtown boston. seeing hand doctor for hand pain. (and not from slappin kate) he was a total toolbag and his assistant typed out our entire conversation. click click. clickety clicky. CLICK. instead of addressing my hand pain issue he psychoanalyzed me and said the pain is all in my mind. so i said i imagined that my hand hurt so much this morning i could not wipe my ass. his assistant still typing, click click clack. i felt like i was withstanding trial. as soon as we left the office kate declared, your hand doctor should get a foot up his ass. onto Boston common. sister sat on Mrs. mallard and i collected leaves to give to friends who live in tropical places and do not have fall leaves (which i made kate carry in her purse.) alot of men with tight pants, which kate pointed out are referred to as” moose knuckles" if you don’t have a visual of what that is, as kate said 10 times today, google it. especially one guy in yellow pants with yellow shoes. he was looking for his yellow hat, and we were looking for a curious monkey. Sorry we were laughing to hard to snap photo. we then went to the paper store. this is now kate talking now before i explain this, just a reminder that my sister nicole is 35. and i am 24. [kate] *points at table with miscellaneous items, but particularly a book about cupcakes picture included* "oh nicole, i almost got you that for christmas last year" *nicole turns around and looks at table, instead of asking, almost got me what?, she sees a stuffed chicken and with the enthusiasm of a 3 year old says " you almost.... got me.... the CHICKEN!" "really, oh my god" to which i have to reply, "no nicole, the cupcake book" She slumps down with a big "ooooooo" and frowns. Besides this incident, everything was going smoothly until I purchased 3 rolls of paper to use later to decorate a bulletin board. The lady at the store gives me a small bag that barely contains the long rolls of paper. Picture included. off to the Prudential building but were cool Bostonians so we will call it the Pru. Lunch at Wagamama. asian bistro. miso soup was had,with Japanese pickles and real ramen noodles with chicken. pictures included. this is a big moment people, i introduced kate to pinkberry frozen yogurt. pics also attached. I had a 200 calorie pumpkin with raspberry small frozen yogurt. Kate had a super sized. chocolate , with peanut butter crunchies and to top off the fat already around her liver, white chocolate shavings. 9000 calories. its 10 pm and this was at noon. she still wont stop asking to go back and bellyaching about how amazing pinkberry was. bathroom break lord and taylor. enter Pandora. we check out some charms and get kate sized . we speak to who we at first thought was a nice and normal salesperson. back story. my stupid sister loves the Minnesota Vikings football team who btw are 2 and 6. so we ask her to show us a ton of charms until kate says "oh can i see the viking, that’s my favorite i want that one for Christmas" salesperson [silence...................] [but why?, why would you like the viking?] like it was bad luck or something. i mean really lady what kinda question was that? kate "well i like the Minnesota vikings football team" salesperson [oh] nicole*rolls eyes in disgust* saleslady then forces us both to take pandora catalogs. which i also make kate carry in her purse (Go Pats!) off to crate and barrel. where i pick up some wine glasses for a xmas present. when we get to the checkout counter the saleslady asks "can i just throw a handle on your box instead of give you a bag?" mind you, there are 6 fat heavy wine glasses in said box, and since were at the pru, were obviously not parked outside and have a long trek back home so a bag would be handy. Nicole “actually, may i please have a bag? to which saleslady makes a clicking noise with her tongue rolls her eyes and throws them in a bag. kate was so pissed she was ranting about the stupid b***h at the "Cracker barrel" for the rest of the day. i said kate, its crate and barrel.... to which i get a whatever! fast forward, Davis square train you know the picture of the bag with the rolls of paper sticking out because the paper people didn’t have a decent bag. yeah well thats about to come into play .when were leaving the train station and i walk by an up and down escalator and BOOM this is when the bag decides it can no longer handle the paper rolls. i bend over and realize im not going to reach it in time to which i yell to the little sister to go after paper rolls being carried down the down escalator of course there’s 1000 people watching much their joy since nothing exciting has happened all day. kate grabs rolls just in time and we flee with red faces. we finally make it home and prepare a great meal with swiss chard, chicken, Brussels sprouts, and red mashed potatoes. it was delicious and we washed it down with some ice cold beers. we recanted our day and our full bellies hurt from laughing so much!

Well, kind of, lol. I haven't been able to do the shakes or fruit drinks or anything yet.....they have been the only thing that make me ill. Now, that being said, I am only 3 wks out of surgery and my NUT said it was not uncommon in the first month to not be able to hit the required protein. I eat Greek yogurt, and pureed bean soups and such so I can get some protein in, but as far as someone telling me to limit my intake, haven't heard that yet.

jlweb23: Wow! Sounds like you had quite a rough time! So sorry! Hopefully you can take it easy for a few weeks and just let yourself heal. It sounds like your stomach really needs that time to heal so I would follow just what the doctor orders (liquids) and let it heal. Also I know how tempting it is to want to take the kids to the zoo when you wake up feeling great, but don't over do it - - I literally had to force myself some days to chill and not get over excited when I was feeling good or I would definitely overdo it. For a change in liquids from your EAS protein drinks (I like these too! fast & good protein), you can blend some other protein drinks (strawberry fatfree yogurt with some vanilla protein powder and water/ice, etc) so you're still doing liquid but also getting your protein. Watch that belly button too if it is still oozing any yuck - c/b infected so I'd keep an eye on that. Lots of water and REST REST REST! You're losing so keep the faith!!

Greek yogurt is a little different from regular. It is more thicker and creamy. stir it up really good. I just switched from Yoplait light to chobani also. U can always try a different one... I'm weird with food, If I think it's bad, it drives me nuts and I won't eat it! LOL

So I will be 3 months out on Friday, and have been wondering something. I've been losing at a pace I'm pretty happy with and don't feel deprived at all. I have three meals a day, with one snack during the longer span between lunch and dinner. My calories have been landing between 550-650 per day on average- carbs 40 or below (35 most days, including vitamins) and Protein at 60 or above. My question is this: I've started working out pretty regularly, and the loss has slowed down a bit. I know that's normal, but I always see people saying that if you work out, you have to get in more like 800-900 calories to keep losing. I don't get how that's possible!!!! LOL. Don't get me wrong, it's a great problem to have, but I feel VERY satisfied with what I eat, and can't imagine eating more. So how am I supposed to get in the extra calories to keep the loss going? I can already feel that my stomach has relaxed and I can eat more than I did at the beginning (6-8 weeks post op I didn't exercise and probably only ate about 400 cals per day). But I don't feel like I want to eat much more than I do now.. Here is a sample day of my diet, for reference: Breakfast 3 oz. plain Greek yogurt 8 blueberries 6 almonds Lunch 2 oz. homemade turkey meatloaf 1 oz. mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup sauteed veggies Snacks 1 stick of string cheese 1 tall soy cafe au lait Dinner 2 Trader Joe's turkey meatballs 1/4 cup bolognese sauce 1/8 cup shredded cheese If I'm still hungry, maybe 1 tbsp natural Peanut Butter before bed All of that only totals up to about 700 calories, which is at the higher end range for me. I'm really satisfied eating meals like these and not hungry in between. So if anyone can advise on where you put the extra calories to help when you're working out, or advise on whether that's really necessary, that would be appreciated!

hello everyone, So Im starting my pre op diet very soon and I am a lil confused as to calorie and carb intake.... Is there a certain amount of calories and carbs we should be limiting ourselves to during the pre op diet?? I was told to do one week of : 3 Protein shakes A DAY ALL THE Water I CAN DRINK ALL THE YOGURT I CAN EAT ALL THE broth I CAN EAT ALL THE juice I CAN DRINK NO PULP AND I CAN HAVE sugar free Jello AS A TREAT. It sounds as if there is no limit to how much..... I purchased the Ensure clear and it has 180g cals and 35gcarbs, seems to be a lot....does this sound like something I should be drinking on a daily basis?? also the Ensure clear only has 9g protein which seems pretty low, is there a certain amount of protein I should be getting during the pre op?? Should I get the Ensure shakes they have 25g protein also should I be taking the little protein shots during the pre op?? Also what about the 3 day laxative I hear that people had to take should I do that even though I wasnt told to?? I see that each surgeon has different requirements but I just want to make sure I am taking the best route to lose as much as possible. Any ideas/adivce would be appreciated thanks so much 17 days to go yay!!

Hi there! When I was on mushies after surgery, I stuck with very soft foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, and fat free refried Beans. Remember that your stitches are still healing and your stomach is still swollen from the surgery. For the gas pains, take Gas-X. It was a real lifesaver for me! Good luck!

I just wanted to see if there are any other friends out there that are/had a hard time eatting after lap-band?? I am just 48 hrs out of surgery but cannot seem to want to eat! Ive tried sipping on chicken broth and just ate alittle yogurt. Is this normal?? Im up walking around just fine, its just a bad gassy feeling like I cant eat and hold it down.. Thanks for your help..

At the beginning, you can't. But you try. Over time, it gets easier. If you can't eat your protein, then you should drink your protein--protein shakes, Isopure, Syntrax Nectar, those types of things that also count as your fluid intake. But also start to note what types of protein you are able to eat. Can you tolerate yogurt? Cottage cheese? Have you tried that Ricotta Bake?

I use the Protein powder and turn it into slushies. I haven't tried any of the flavored syrups; just read about them yesterday. I combine the milk, orange juice ice and powder for my Breakfast shake and for dinner I use the powder, small amount of milk, ice, yogurt and a spoonful of cocoa ... yummy. I buy Centrum chewables as a Vitamin. I'm a bit ahead of you at 60 and this is exciting! Full steam ahead with no looking back!!!

I use the unflavored in my banana yogurt smoothies. No problem! Jo Ann

Anyone who might know this answer. I am scheduled for the band on 17 Jan. I started on all liquids Monday, and have done pretty well until last night. Hunger has not been as much of an issue as my lactose intollerance. I had no idea it was this bad because I don't use milk or yogurt much. I have been following the 60-80mg of protien shakes, no/low-cal liquids and broths, with about 45 carbs or less per day. Last night I woke up at 1 AM with my stomach in major pain. my reg stomach meds did not work, so ran to get acidophilis and lactaid when the store opened, So far I am a littel better. I am wondering if I cooked eggwhites with 1 egg for the full protien and had broth for the evening if that woudl hurt. It wouid simply give my system a break from the milk based stuff. Does anyone know???

First off congratulations on your future banding. I was banded August 27th and am still on the liquids...here are my thoughts. Being on the liquids can be hard because I swear if I have anything that tastes like vanilla, strawberry or tomato, I am gonna hurl! I had to get creative so I could tolerate the thought of one more Protein shake. UGH! So my friends and I went to the store and got some of the following: cream of anything Soup that I could put in the blender and make more liquid, Jello, maple yogurt (by brown cow), chocolate Protein powder (to add with Peanut Butter and milk), propel, diet snapple, pudding, lentil soup (put in the blender), the usual vanilla yougurt, popsicles, crystal light, tomato soup (I cannot stand it anymore...), squash soup, lentil curry soup...I so can't wait til the puree stage next week so I can add some meat and variety to my diet. I have mixed chocolate protein powder in a light mocha frappacino and I have also used vanilla protein powder in a fruit smoothie. I honestly don't know if you are supposed to do that, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Good luck, Chris:cool2:

This is the handout I received from my NUT: Morning Meal: 1 serving Protein shake 1/2c. outmeal (plain/unflavored), farina, grits, and other hot cereals (do not add butter or sugar) Snack: 1 c. sugar-free pudding lunch: 1 serving of Protein Shake 6 oz. fat-free, low sugar yogurt (<20 grams sugar/serving) Snack: Sugar-free Gelatin dinner: 1 serving of Protein Shake 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce Bedtime Snack: 1 serving of Protein Shake 6 oz. fat-free, low sugar yogurt (<20 grams sugar/serving) 1200 calories per day 60 - 80 grams protein per day (women: 60; men: 80) <= 100 - 125 grams of total carbohydrate per day (women: <= 100g; men: <=125)

I've had 2 fills, the first 3 cc in June and 1 cc in August. I think I may need another 1-2 cc but it's pretty close to right. I think I can still eat too much "because it's there" but I'm trying to retrain myself that I can save it for later. I am the "go box" queen. Portion sizes are really wayyy too big but u don't feel like u are wasting money if u can eat it 2-3 times. Chicken is the number one food on my list...grilled, baked or fajitas. I have also found the wraps with 90 calories and 8 grams of protein. I don't eat much bread and am usually giving pieces of the wrap to my dogs. As far as a sandwich or burger at least 1 bun's worth will be picked off. Some veggies but I spend most of my food allowance trying to get in the 60 grams of protein. Some junk but just in a smaller portion, the 100 calorie bags are my friend. Fried stuff makes me feel bad, usually diarrhea. I eat yogurt or cottage cheese for breakfast...not a breakfast person at all, really don't want to eat in the mornings much, but u have to. I use the WW or LC meals as backup in case there is nothing I want to fix or there is nothing at work that will work. I try to shut down the food by 6 pm and make myself some decaf if I'm feeling deprived or try to get the rest of the day's fluid in. I try to keep a running calorie count in my head and try to put the brakes on at 1200-1500 calories. Hope this helps....the weight loss is slowing down and it looks like I must make friends with exercise. Surprise....it doesn't hurt as much as it used to and I'm trying to go the gym 2-3 times a week. My exercise is simple at present, 20 minutes on the treadmill and 9 of the machines, 40 reps at whatever weight for that exercise.

I can't believe your Dr. didn't give you more information. Every doctor is different, but mine only had me on liquids for several days, then mushies (mashed potatoes, yogurt, SF pudding, etc.). Sugarfree popsicles were, and still are, my lifesavers! I also found a Protein drink at The smoothie Factory that I love. If you have one of those nearby, they'll mix you up samples in the store to try so you know if you like it before purchasing the huge, expensive jugs of powder. They seem to fill me up pretty well. I had my first fill yesterday afternoon and after one Protein Drink this morning, feel stuffed! I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get my morning Water down. Good luck!

Here's what I am doing per my surgeon's office: 4 Protein shakes per day (unjury or Nectar) - 1 scoop per 8 ounces of skim milk. If I don't use milk, then add a 5th Protein shake. 6 servings from the following per day: 1/2 cup cream of wheat or oatmeal 1 cup sugar free pudding, sugar free Gelatin or low fat custard 4-6 oz of fat-free, sugar free yogurt 1 cup low-fat Soup or broth 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup baby carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, tomato or iceberg lettuce with 2 tablespoons fat-free dressing 48-64 oz of Water or other sugar free, non-caffinated, non-carbonated beverages each day can have sugar free popsicles. It's tough to get all of this in! This is my second day on it, and I have yet to eat everything as I'm just not hungry. Hope this helps.

I didn't puree anything. I couldn't think of anything grosser. I've stuck with foods close to puree: protein drinks, yogurt, fortified pudding, ect. Once I got to other foods, I just took very small bites and chewed really well. That included scrambled eggs. Personally, I'd rather chew to pureed consistency, rather than drinking a "food shake." My gag reflex would take over otherwise. That's just my opinion though, so that and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

That was a great reply Allie, I haven't even gotten a date and felt like I should be eating all kinds of stuff because I won't be able to again..Crazy thinking, and I know it.. I find that the more I explain how the band is really a tool to help me, and not to stop me from eating entirely it is starting to sink in. The all liquid does frighten me.. Can you drink yogurt drinks and thin soups or is it all just Clear Liquids??