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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!

I am also loving shrimp and I'm 8 weeks out! I even take just 4 boiled shrimp with some lemon for lunch because it doesn't take much planning! Throw some Greek yogurt or a boiled egg with it and I'm ready to go! I've also been grilling it and trying it with different spices, my whole family loves shrimp so it is a win, win!

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.

My Gramma used to use plain yogurt for sunburns and rashes. It might help lol

When you puree in a blender you need to add a liquid or most things will be too dry. Try adding chicken broth to chicken and beef broth to beef. Water, dressings, sauces, soups or gravy to other foods depending on flavors you want. It usually makes more than you can eat so freeze the extra in ice cube trays, pop out cubes when frozen and store in freezer bags. Then thaw or microwave to eat when you want it. (I used to make my own baby food when the kids were little) For a frozen treat this summer, try mixing sf pudding or Greek yogurt with added Protein powder, pour small amounts into Dixie cups, cover with plastic wrap or foil, insert popcicle stick through wrap (it holds stick upright), then freeze. To eat dip in hot water to loosen from cup and... Voila! Enjoy! When your doctor clears you, you can add chopped fruit or whatever. Get creative! You can also just freeze sugar free drinks like crystal light to make the popcicles.

Protein shakes and Greek Yogurt are the most common sources of protein during the liquid phase. (my surgeon let me have yogurt while on liquids). I was also allowed watery oatmeal, sugar free pudding, and cream Soups with no chunks. I was told if it ran off the back of a spoon easily, I could consider it a liquid. Hang in there, we survived the liquid diet and you will too

What does your program recommend? My regimen was: 2 weeks clears (I did 17 days) 2 weeks of full liquids (my surgeon let me just do one week) 2 weeks of mushies 2 weeks of soft solids then slowly progress to regular solid food I followed a few different variations of surgeon's post-op diet. This one is from Dr. Aceves, and it gave me some ideas to break up the monotony of the "regular" stuff on the full liquid and mushy stage. POST-OP DIET: Here are a few ideas concerning the post op diet Day 1 thru 5 ( Clear Liquids Only ) fruit juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg’s Water popsicles Clear Protein drinks only ( example Isopure, unjury ) Day 6-10 ( thin liquids ) All of the above and: Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) whey nectar Protein Mix Day 11 thru 20 ( full liquids ) Cream Soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk Day 21 thru 30 ( soft food ) Soft food should be the consistency of a thick liquid ( no chunks or solid material ) and it should be chewed very well before swallowing until it is a liquid consistency ) Tofu Low fat cottage cheese Cereal oatmeal Precooked pureed rice Low fat Yogurt Yogurt mixed with fruit very well blended Cream soups eggs Boiled pureed fruit ( example pear, apple ) Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Boiled pureed vegetables Beans Day 31st and beyond ( solid food ) Fish, Chiken meat Turkey Vegetables Fruit A diet consisting of 800 calories and 70 grams of protein should be your goal. There is a book called " Weight loss Surgery for Dummies" Authors: Kurian, Thompson and Davidson You might find it helpful. I contains several recipes and ideas on what to eat after surgery Grilled Marinated Tuna with Lime Herbed Beef Patties Turkey Meatballs Seafood salad chicken Salad A diet consisting of 600-800 calories and about 70 grams of protein should be the goal Protein will not only help you heal and build muscle mass but acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Concerning protein supplements here are a few ideas: Isopure protein drinks - 40 grams of protein per bottle. Isopure you mix with water - 50 grams of protein. You can find them at GNC. "Protein Water" by Kellogg’s - 5 grams of protein per drink. You can find it at WallMart Unjuryclear protein drinks - UNJURY Medical Quality Whey Protein Isolate. Great Tasting Whey Protein Supplements for Everyday Health! High Protein and High Quality. Not so good tasting. New Whey Nectar Protein mixis very good but it is kind of expensive. It is said to be one of the best tasting protein products in the market today. You can get itat GNC or on line www.google.com/products?client=safari&rls=en&q=whey+nectar+protei n&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title Some patients enjoymaking popsicles and Jell-O Jigglers out ofproteinliquid. Others enjoy Swanson Clearbroth that comes in a can . But most enjoydelicious homemade broth using chayote squash for flavor ( they strain the broth to make it clear) CHICKEN AND FRESH VEGETABLE BROTH 2-3 pieces of chicken for every 2 bowls of broth1 celery stalk 1chayote (hispanic grocery stores)1 carrot 2zucchini2 small tomatoes 2small onionscilantro (optional) salt to taste - BOIL chicken pieces for approx. 20 minutes - ADD celery, chayote, and carrot - SIMMER 30 minutes - ADD zucchini,m tomatoes and onions - SIMMER15 more minutes (cilantro is optional) - STRAIN and serve. You can also buy powder chicken broth that contains 10 grams protein per serving. You can find it on Amazon.com, it is called ProCel When you start on full liquids try Matrix 5.0 protein drinks. Protein shakes and mixes are very good tasking.You will need to wait until they are allowed in you food stage. Advocare high protein drinks called “Meal Replacement shakes “have Vitamins added to them andare a great optiontoo FOLLOWING THE POST OP DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT REMEMBERWE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT THE STAPLE LINE THE SCAR TISSUE IS STILL FORMING AROUND IT DO NOT OVERFILL YOUR STOMACH AND DO NOT JUMP ANY FOOD STAGES

It's amazing to me how different everyone's pre-op diet is determined by different doctors!! I am to use 4 protein carb controlled shakes ( they gave me a list of types) and 6 snacks a day that consist of my choice out of 1/2 c oatmeal, 1 cup tomato or v-8 juice, 1 cup raw veggies ( a list was given to choose from), a list and amounts of different fruits to choose from, sugar free pudding or jello, and light yogurts. I am on day 4 and am HUNGRY for some reason today!! I am a little overwhelmed with the thought of how my life will change after having the surgery but am exited all the same.

OK, so i kinda cheated today. I am still on liquids only + yogurt for 2 more days and I broke down added an egg to my chicken broth. I am allowed poached eggs in 2 days. I tried to make my own egg drop soup, but I guess the broth wasn't hot enough and it just turned cloudy. I heated it up some more and omg it was delish!! I hope it continues down my digestive tract as happily as it went in. LOL

I hated yogurt especially greek but i found i really like the oikos zero vanilla or toasted coconut...really mild and creamy no sour taste Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Me too! though I'm here until Sunday. The mentioned I shoild try drinking water today (I had my leak test) and that they'd try me on some thin yogurt drink thing tonight, but no drink. Given that I've been zipping water and it still kind of hurts I'm glad though. I'm home now! They started me on this 15g protein shake - it was fruity and actually good. Plus broth, jello and Popsicles. I had to focus on the shakes yesterday and got two in. Just drank one on the 1.5 drive from San Francisco to Sacramento. Taking a break and will just sip water. This afternoon ill try to drink a premier protein shake. It has 30g of protein in it so if I can't get anymore after that im OK. Hope they get you your yogurt drink soon. Does it hurt when water goes down or your whole stomach? yay I found this thread again!

I am 9 weeks post op and measure everything. 1/3 cup meat and 1/8 cup veggie or potato. 1/2 cup yogurt. Since I just started regular food, I don't want to overeat. I take my 1/2 cup container to restaurants. Measure my food and put rest in to go container. I ask for rice and noodles on the side. I leave these or take home to my neighbor. I have a power aide jug that I refill and try to finish one before noon and 4pm and 9pm.

I had a hard time because of hunger and tiredness the first two days. Wednesday and Thursday weren't as hard but I was still hungry. Today I had a harder time because there was a Superbowl Party right behind my desk, but I have fantastic friends that brought veggies and low fat dip and a strawberry salad. I had raw veggies with a little dip and a salad with some raspberry vinaigrette. Not too much sugar and I didn't veer far off the path too far. I had a shake an hour ago because I stay hungry! Do the best you can. It's a struggle but you can do it! it's hard isn't it,I'm on a liquid only diet so I'm allowed 8 yogurts a day with 1 pint of milk that's all :-( the yogurts are making me feel sick though so only managed to eat half of one today and yesterday! But I've lost 8 pounds so that's good I guess! Thank you for your support :-) we can get through this ???? 10 days left until surgery!!

i dont know what brand mine is, but i know its soy whey protien. Its cheap too. i get it at walmart for thirteen dollars a large can, (before i spent over 125 dollars on isopure). when i switched i started losing weight, but ... my nutritionalist looked at me sternly. said she wants me to only do it once a week or so now and ONLY as Meal Replacement, because...after we heal...here it comes are you ready? "we arent supposed to drink our calories"... but in the mornings these days i cant do solid food. which will change from day to day. i think my surgeon has a remote control. i like them for breakfast. i also like them to use as Meal Replacements for the rest of the day if i have a pb. i put a lot of stuff in mine. a happy beth shake: In blender put: •one small container of probiotic yogurt •half the same container of 2percent milk •ten pecans •one scoop of protien powder • one tablespoon flax seed oil (to balance the powder and make my hair gorgeous) •mulitivitamin, calcuim,iron, b12, collegen capsule, acidolpholis (i hate taking pills so its easier for me to grind them up into the shake where i wont taste them) • a serving of metemucel • two fat strawberries from a bag of frozen ones i keep in the freezer • a medium banana after blending it should fit into a pint glass with no problem. its VERY THICK and sticks to the sides of the glass. (like it sticks to the insides of you!) my husband HATES these and refuses to drink them. I dig them, but i like strange things. it has the consistancy of pudding pretty much. I drink half of it before i go out on my morning bikeride, then half when i get back while im getting ready for work. i think as long as your carb count is low you should be okay with protien powder, just remember they tell us not to drink our calories, unless tight or pb and only as a meal replacement, after you are past the initial full liquid stage.

I have to agree you. There's just something about the texture.. gritty maybe? I can totally live without yogurt but, I tried yet another kind today and it was really good. Try the Yoplait 100 greek yogurt. It was crazy creamy. Creamy enough to make me actually want go and buy more for tomorrow!

Hi ! I am Bonnie, 59 years old and live in IOWA. Married 41 years with two daughters and 4 grandchildren.They are everything they are cracked up to be. I had a Realize band 8/24/2010 and have lost 62 pounds to date. I am at a weight standstill for a couple weeks and getting frustrated. I had a fill about two weeks ago and am pretty tight at 8cc in 11cc band. I really really need to eat slowly and chew. I can get "stuck" on yogurt in the am, but loser in pm. We have two golden retrievers, treated like children. I work three days a week, I am an RN and manage a medical office. I started at 266 and a size 22 and now able to wear a 14W. We are going scuba diving in May in Florida, something I have not done in 8 years due to a big weight gain during stress. Nice to meet you folks. I know I come to this sight daily for help and inspiration.

Just had my surgery yesterday, May 7th and so far so good. Had clear liquids the first day. Today I had cream of tomato/roasted pepper soup, Spirutein shakes, and greek yogurt. I am sore, but have tried to walk a lot today. Gas pain from the air injected and some local soreness is what I have experienced so far. Tylenol has been my main pain med so far and hopefully tomorrow I will not need it.

I think the #1 basic guideline for me is to get to my green zone and stay there. Some of my other basics: -Know my full signals and stop eating -Stay busy when head hunger sets in (sewing, crafts, cleaning house...) - Stay away from fast food - Stick with fat free or sugar free the best I can -Take my vits. -Try to drink fluids between meals. I like iced tea and coffee, and sometimes water. I do not measure and am sure it's not 64oz a day. -I drink a yogurt smoothie with protein powder every weekend (used to more often) -Try to eat a variety each day. Sometimes this is not easy because I do still never eat bread, pasta, rice, dense meats, eggs, fried foods....... -Weigh several times a week to make sure my weight does not creep up too much and then modify as needed. -I ate quite a bit of chili in my weightloss phase to get in protein. Not large amounts, just small amounts often. -I do not think of this "diet" or lap-band as a punishment

Make sure you eat every 2 hours. I know it is hard. The diet plan they gave me: Sample Menu: Breakfast meat Carb Fruit/Veg. 2 eggs Waffle/toast 1 pat butter 1/3 cup light yogurt & 1 egg 3 slices turkey bacon 1/3 cup oatmeal 2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter 1 slice toast with 1/ 3 cup low-fat cottage cheese 2 peach slices I egg 1 turkey Sausage Waffle/toast 1 pat butter lunch Meat Carb Fruit/Veg. ½ cup diced, grilled skinless chicken breast mixed salad greens 1 Tbsp. light dressing 4 Turkey Slice – 1 string Cheese 3 slices of lean turkey breast, ham, or roast beef 1 slice low-fat cheese lettuce, tomato, & mustard 1/ 3 cup Low Fat Refried Beans 1 oz. shredded 2% cheese 3 Baked Tortilla chips 1/ 3 cup Black Bean Chili 1 oz. shredded 2% cheese 2 peach slices dinner Meat Carb Fruit/Veg. 3 oz. oven-fried chicken breast 1-2 Tbsp. cooked carrots 3 oz. grilled chicken breast 1-2 Tbsp. grilled vegetables 3 oz. roasted pork tenderloin 2 slices cooked cinnamon/Stevia apples 3 oz. oven-fried tilapia 2 Tbsp. low-fat coleslaw 3 oz. grilled salmon 2 Tbsp. mashed sweet potatoes Snacks 1-2 Meat Carb Fruit/Veg. Protein drink 8 oz. skim milk ½ cup cottage cheese 1 oz. low-fat Milk 1- 2 Tbsp. peanut butter 2 Celery or 1/ 2 apple 1/2 cup light yogurt Did you get something like this? It took me along to not eat for my head. I wanted tubs of guacamole and pints of ice cream. I am better after a year. But somedays are so hard. I take Cymbalta for Major Depression and Fibromylagia. It helps also with wanting everything in the cub board. It is mindful eating....http://www.tcme.org/ The carb is what fills you up. Qunioa is a good protein choice also. I have not tried this yet: http://www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-energy-bars Calories 147, Fat 8.1g, Carbohydrates 17g, Protein 3.8g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 12mg, Fiber 1, Sugars 7.8g

I wonder why it needs to be plain yogurt ??? On my full liquids/soft foods for week two says we can have bannanas... And melons?? I would think strawberry would be ok?

I've been eating Greek yogurt, poached eggs, chicken, tuna, imitation crab meat, ricotta bake with sauce and cheese & my favorite is re-fried beans with some cheese. I did try some green beans and they were great. Next I'm going to try some baked fish, shrimp and scallops. I can't wait to have some salad and tomatoes, but I'm going to wait another week for that.

Sleeved 5/29. Still doing 11oz of protein shakes a day..premiere protein. I eat very softly scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, puréed soup, and Greek yogurt. Tried refried beans very well puréed and it didn't sit well at all. Down 23lbs including pre op diet weight loss. Slow and steady!

I'm just on the 3rd week post op but I'll tell you about the change after the surgery. I have no longer hunger but I know I MUST eat for energy and the amount of food that I can eat is 2 tablespoons. I have sleeved in France so the restriction post-op for diet is a bit different, my doctor said I can eat anything I want but blended. The first two weeks it has to be only Fluid (but I can eat yogurt) then the 3rd week I can start eating pureed food like potato smashed. Oh, yes, but no candies no soda, all sweet stuff. Eat a little at a time (4 times a day) on the fix hour, I'm not hungry but I just eat on the meal time. Eat very small amount and slowly and the most important thing is at least 1 L of Water everyday 20 minutes before and after the meal. After the research I'd done on my own, like you, I asked him about Protein shake and he said, no need, no supplementary diet of any kind is necessary at the moment. He told me to eat only small amount of natural food. Seems like he needs me to get used to my new stomach first and learn that I can live on a very small amount of food Personally I try to eat as much as protein as possible like eggs, purred fish, Greek yogurt with purred fruits, cooked brocoli purred, mainly protein, fruits and vegetable. One time I tried Pasta purred with salmon and I felt sick, so no pasta at the moment. My doctor said I have 3 years post-op to learn to eat right to maintain the weight for life. I guess that at some point the hunger will return, I will be able to eat more than 2 spoons per meal but at least the experience of being obese for 20 years and receiving the second chance should remind me to pick the best choice of food and move my (hopefully smaller) ass to exercise to keep this gift for life. And I know I can do it because during the pre-op I tried the low carb diet to see if I can make it after the surgery (my surgeon never asked me to lose weight before the surgery) and it worked pretty well actually, I wasn't really too strict because I ate small amont of carb only for lunch or Breakfast but not for dinner and I lost 13 lbs in 2 months before the surgery between my first consultation with my surgeon and the date of operation. What's different is I've lost almost 19 lbs in 20 days post-op woo hoo!

@@OKCPirate - that looks yummy! I have heard quite a bit about the Genepro. Does it mix well? What's the taste like? I haven't tried any of the Greek yogurt yet, but planning to

I've been buying mine at stop and shop if you catch them on sale they are five dollars and as far as the yogurt choban greek vanilla is the lowest ( other than plain which is nasty LOL ) but i have not seen AA in bulk/cases only 4 packs