Search the Community

I was banded on 2/26. Thank you to everyone for posting your experiences. The gas and burping, I was told, is a side effect from the surgery. I found a comfortable position to sleep in and have not been doing too bad. I eat sugar free popsicles, yogurt, pudding, and broth, plus decaf green tea, Water and decaf coffee. It feels like someone kicked me in the stomach. But I did get my period this morning, which sucks, but I will deal with it. I am, as I am sure you guys are, looking forward to getting back to normal. Melanie PS, weight gain is just the gas they put in you for the surgery...

Kim I hit my two week post OP today This surgery has been super easy I almost have to check if I got it done but my port is definitely there so I know I did!!! LOL... Today starts the Mushy/Pureed foods I love refried Beans and mashed Potatoes so I think I should be able to survive for the next two weeks adding yogurt etc.. to the mix! I am extremely excited about all the new changes to come! I get my first fill on the 17th what about you?

Actually, yogurt is a slider food too. There are foods that are good for us that are complete slider foods too. There are way too many slider foods. The only thing that really fills me up fast is SURPRISE, dense protein. Meat is about the ony thing that I eat when I can really tell I have a sleeve.

Get the plain Chiobani Greek yogurt & mix with sugar free Smuckers jam and a little Splenda. it has 18 grams of protein in the lowest sugar that I could find of the Greek yogurts. then add vanilla or unflavored protein powder to get additional protein in. I add a little of my Sobe yummy berry pomegranate with it to liquify a little bit just so it's not so thick. Yummo! this is what my post op doctor ordered for me and no milk for 10 days. my first day with protein shakes using milk I ended up in the bathroom all day so I'm taking probiotic pills. Good luck!

I've been experimenting with going off my PPI (Prevacid) over the past week and a half and it has been painful! I went almost 4 days without and by the end I felt like a hole was being slowly burned through my chest wall and like my throat was swelling shut. So I took one, then waited 36 hours to take another one and it has now been ... 4 days? since and although I get some uncomfortable burning sensations in the late noontime, if I eat my greek yogurt around that time it helps. I'm wondering if I feed my stomach foods that require a lot of acid to break down, thereby giving it something to do (lol) if that would help?

Here's a great one Pot roast 3-4lb chuck or top round roast 2tsp. minced garlic 1 16 oz low fat Italian dressing 32 oz jar pepperoncini peppers, sliced...do not drain juice Just throw everything on top of roast in CP and cook on medium for about 6 hours. Tortilla Soup 4 boneless chicken breasts, diced (raw) 2 14.5oz chicken broth 2 14.5oz stewed tomatoes 1 cup salsa 1Tbsp ground cumin 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Combine everything in CP except cilantro. Cook on low for 8 hours. Top with cilantro. Can also top with LF sour cream and a few baked tortilla chips Greek Chicken 1lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2Tbsp virgin olive oil 1 onion chopped 1tsp lemon pepper 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 tsp dried oregano Cook all ingredients in CP on low for 6-8 hours. Remove chicken just b/4 ready to serve and shred with fork. Return chicken to sauce and stir. Can be served alone or on a pita. Indonesian Turkey 3 turkey breast tenderloins (about 2lbs) 1 1/2Tbsp fresh grated ginger 1Tbsp sesame oil 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Sprinkle all ingredients over turkey. Cook on low-med. for 7 hours. Remove turkey. Stir in peanut butter. If sauce looks too thick, add 1/3 cup Water. Slice turkey and drizzle with sauce. Fruited Pork 2lbs boneless pork loin roast 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit 1/2 cup apple juice Place pork in CP. Sprinkle with salt and papper. Top with fruit. Pour apple juice over top. Cook on low for six hours. One more Spanish Chicken 8 skinless boneless chicken thighs 2Tbsp virgin olive oil 3/4 cup red wine vinegar 2/3 cup lite soy sauce 1tsp garlic powder 4 6" cinnamon sticks Pour all ingredients over chicken. Break cinnamon sticks into several pieces and distribute among chicken thighs. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Yogurt, mayo, butter, salad dressings, etc. ? I've heard that lap banders should eat low fat but full fat always keeps me fuller longer and keeps my sugar levels more stable. Just curious if anyone does indeed eat full fat products. TIA

April 16 is my surgery date. I am super excited. I am keeping a positive attitude. I have read about the signs of complications and am aware of them, but not I am prepared at this point for when I come home from the hospital. I have already started the pre-surgical diet, by easing into the full liquid phase. I thought it might be easier to do it this way. I made my last "big meal" a night out with my daughter. When we got to the restaurant, I found myself picking something totally healthy. Tasted wonderful, but was VERY healthy and I found myself very mindful of what I was eating and how I was eating it. It was then that I really realized that I had already made a huge shift in my way of thinking and knew I was really ready for this. Oh, I had broiled fish, steamed broccoli and a small side salad, light on the dressing. I do sugar free yogurt for breakfast, two protein shakes during the day and then eat a salad with some form of protein for dinner. At times I have some sugar free pudding for a snack. That has been my ease into the full liquid thing. I have to do the liquid phase for one week before surgery and then three weeks after surgery before moving to pureed foods. Best of luck to all of us! Happy loosing.

Ok....so let me start by saying.....please don't take what I'm getting ready to say as a complaint in any way. I am so thankful for my surgery and wouldn't change my decision if I had the chance. I am in a bad place right now so I need to vent and hopefully get some advice. I was sleeved 4/24/12. Since my consultation appt 3/28 I'm down 58 lbs. Yay! I'm so excited about that! BUT.......I have not felt well for several weeks. I'm never hungry (which is not a bad thing) but it keeps me from eating like I should. I even have alarms set on my cell phone to remind me to eat and I still don't eat right. I actually forget to eat....NEVER thought I'd be able to say that. I stay nauseous a lot of the time...even when I take nausea medicine. I have not been getting in my water and I probably haven't had a protein shake in about 2 weeks. I am still excercising. I play softball with my church, go to zumba class and walk about 3 miles. I'm doing something almost every day. This is my thing.......I know I'm setting myself up for a fall! Let me give you an example of my day.....This was today.....I had about 2 tsp of egg salad. I drank about 1/2 of a 16 oz water...then I went to softball practice and sweated my butt off. While at practice I drank another 16 oz water. I got home and had about 2 tsp of homeade chicken salad. I'm working on another glass of water right now. I didn't reach any of my goals. I know if I don't do better I'm gonna end up flat on my back. I don't like feeling nauseous so I think I just put eating out of my mind and I can't stand protein shakes so I have trouble making myself drink them. My nut is so very strict. Basically she wants me to stay on the same old bland food......eggs cheese Ham Turkey yogurt ........that's about it. Blah!!!! I am not a cook I'm not creative when it comes to cooking and worst of all.....I'm a convenience eater.I am always on the go with my boys, working, exercising, etc! A lot of times I just need to grab and go and the things I need you can't just grab and go. So I think ok I'll eat later and then later never comes. I just don't know how to get on track! I don't know what to do! I put on a front but I really just want to feel good!

Fanny, I can tolerate chicken as long as it is dark meat (more moist). I can also do ground turkey. I have not tried pork yet and beef is way too hard on my sleeve. I do ok with tuna and salmon as well. My "menu" has become very borning, but when I try other things, they just don't sit well and then I don't want to eat at all. I find myself sticking to what I know will be ok. I did mashed potatos the 2nd and 3rd week after surgery and they were fine. Now, I can't stand them and they don't sit well at all. Cottage cheese, cream cheese and Mexican queso fresco all sit well. Yogurt, yuck. I used to love it, but now, it makes me feel yucky. Funny and interesting how much our tastes change with having the sleeve.

I had my surgery January 6th at tufts medical center in Boston MA. Everything has gone smooth so far. I came home from the hospital yesterday 1/8/14. I was 217 1/3 weighed in today 1/9 and I was 210.2. I have been very full. Today I had a carnation instant breakfast with 8 oz skim milk, a small decaf coffee with skim, and some diet cran grape juice for breakfast. Lunch time I had a Dannon light Greek cherry yogurt. That has 12 grams of protein. Dinner I had 1/2 c low fat cottage cheese (I couldn't quite finish it) I also sipped on 16 ounces of water with crystal light throughout the day. Tomorrow I will work on drinking more fluid. I did some walking today. Was shopping at Home Depot with my hubby. Feeling really good. The incision sights are sore, but I am taking my pain pills to it isn't too bad. I am not even tempted to eat anything I shouldn't have. I am 39 and have 3 kids 19, 12, and 9. My mother is staying with me and helping so I can rest and not have to cook for everyone just yet. So excited to start this journey. Now when it start getting smaller sizes I won't be too nervous to give away the big clothes. In fear I may need them again later.

Some say Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. They say it boosts metabolism and provides extra nutrients. It keeps you from being as hungry during the morning, so you’re better able to make healthy eating choices the rest of the day. It gives you energy to be more active. And, it can give you a good dose of that all-important nutrient – Protein. Still, breakfast isn’t always the top priority for everyone. We may be too busy to cook, or too rushed in the morning to sit down for this meal. Or, it can just be too boring to make eggs every day, or grab a container of yogurt on the way out the door. Do you eat breakfast every day? Did you used to, or did you start when you first started thinkg about WLS or even after? What do you usually have for breakfast, and how do you make sure you have time to prepare it every day?

Great Value Light Greek Nonfat Yogurt - either peach or blueberry. 12g of Protein per serving and tastes great! Fills me up too!

I need help... I am getting so very frustrated... My dreaded 3 week stall has lasted 31 days. This is getting ridiculous. The scale has been playing with 2 pounds for 31 days... Did I mention I have NOT LOST WEIGHT in 31 days!!! Here is my "typical Day" Breakfast- Protein shake Drink a large Crystal light. ( I add about 28 ounces of water with one of those tiny packets) Morning snack is Yogurt Lunch is a slice of roasted turkey with some mustard, or maybe a bit of cheese. (2-3 bites) afternoon snack is another protein shake DInner is sometimes caned chicken with cheese, or some refried beans with cheese Then evening snack is my Homemade pudding pops... (Sugar free pudding with double protein powder put in popscicle molds) What am I doingwrong!!???!!!

It gets easier to get the protein in, I can still only do premade shakes, and add unflavored isopure to everything I can pudding, yogurt, tomato soup . . . It is available on Amazon and 26 grams pure spoonful. Hope that helps.

I think it's different for all of us. I got where the Isopure made me so nauseous. That was the closest I came to getting sick. Tomato soup sounds good. Farthest I've ventured is the yogurt and cottage cheese. Good protein there. I'm glad you're doing better. I was sleeved on the 2nd. I have t weighed since Sunday, but had been losing a pound a day. Hope that trend keeps up

So nice to hear from other July sleevers. I had my surgery on July 1. I have only lost 6 pounds since then and am feeling frightened. But on the other hand I have lost 25 since the first of June. I am having trouble getting my protein shakes down and have switched to premade ones and find them easier. I am still so worried to start " real food". I am and emotional eater and need to deal with the reasons I over eat. I move on to puree on Wednesday and bought baby food and yogurt. Anyone have any other suggestions? Congratulations to all of you have started this brave new journey.

Canker sores and ulcers in the mouth can be caused from bacteria changes from diet change. I would when possible seek out active culture yogurts. Activa or any that say Active bacteria culture

You are so lucky. My problem is with my appetite this past week or so. I am not hungry. I drink water when I can. I notice that when I put ice in my water I drink it more easily. I have a b12 vitamin patch now and I take centrum. Tomorrow is my first post op appointment. Let's see what the doctor tells me. I love herbalife shakes and I am going to use them as my protein shakes. I tried other brands and don't like the taste. Yes the chicken broth is great. I will definitely try the Chobani low fat yogurts. Thank you so much.

I am 4 days post op today. I am mostly having trouble with the gas. But I am only taking liquid extra strength tylenol because I do have 3 year old twins to help keep contained. My husband has been so supportive. He even stayed by my side overnight the first day while my mother watched my girls. I haven't stepped on a scale yet. I figure I might weigh more right now because of post-surgical internal swelling and gas/bloating. Once I left was put on a stage 2 diet but I am slowly steping into it with protein shakes, broth, and greek yogurt to reach the minimum 60 grams of protein daily. I do have some soreness around my ribcage and diaphragm. Luckily, my husband is taking care of the household along with my eldest daughter help until after my first post-surgical appointment on the 22nd. I am hoping ot be able to sleep in bed soon. I am a tummy sleeper so this is reeking havoc on my nocternal sleep patterns. Has anyone else had have issues staying awake throughout the day while only taking tylenol for pain? I feel like I am having nacroleptic episodes. One minute I am awake and alert and the next I am passed out for 20-30 minutes.

I love brummel and brown yogurt spread. yummy:hungry: . It is low in fat and has a very dairy flavor. Some butter substitutes imo taste really fake to me. Hope I helped:confused:

What about some Greek yogurt mixed with some sugar free jam??

I forgot about Dannon Lite Yogurt! LOL I eat that regularly also! :-)

Consider Macros That is, “macronutrients,” or carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The news is bad on the surface since the average fast food meal has more carbs and less protein per calorie than the average home-cooked meal. You can work to turn this around, though. Carbohydrates: Cut back on carbohydrates by skipping the starchy sides: French fries, potato chips, and hash browns, steamed, fried, or Mexican rice, and breadsticks. Try to go “green” (lettuce wrap) or “naked” (no wrap) with your burger, tortilla, or sandwich; if the fast food joint cannot honor your request, just eat the filling with a knife and fork, and throw away the bread, bun, tortilla, or taco shell (if you are feeling guilty because of starving children in third-world countries, make a donation. You’ll do more good than you would by adding starch to your hips). Protein: How can you boost your protein intake at a fast food restaurant to be what you need? Skinless grilled or baked chicken, lean cold cuts, cheese, and beans can all up your totals, and yogurt is an increasingly common side option. Even a small burger patty can give you 10 to 15 grams of protein, although it comes with a few extra grams of fat. A good protein goal for a meal is about 20-30 grams. You can get that for 200-300 calories with any of the following. Burger King Double Cheeseburger, no bun; Grilled Chicken Garden Salad, no croutons; or Veggie Burger with cheese, no bun or mayo. McDonald’s Grilled Southwestern Chicken Salad, no cheese; or Grilled Chicken Sandwich, no bun or spread. Taco Bell 2 grilled or fresco steak soft tacos, no tortillas; chicken or steak Power Menu Bowl, no rice or cheese. KFC Grilled Chicken Drumstick plus green beans or side salad. Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki or Asian Chicken. Fats: Your first order of business is to avoid anything fried. You will be avoiding excess grease while also avoiding sneaky carbs in breading – did you know that the amounts of carbs in onion rings and fried chicken are comparable to the amounts in bread? Also, watch the fatty spreads – think mayonnaise – salad dressings, and dips. Find the Vegetables Protein and vegetables…does this sound familiar? It should, since your goals when eating at a fast food restaurant should be the same as when you eat at home. Vegetables help fill you up without filling you out, and it is best to eat as many of them as you can handle with your pouch or sleeve. It may take a little more digging to find vegetables at fast food restaurants than at home, but you can usually do it. Here are a few leads. Ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and any other available vegetables on burgers and sandwiches. Order a side salad or baby carrots with your meal. Check for salads with grilled chicken as an entrée. Pile salsa and diced vegetables onto your naked burrito. When “Value” Isn’t Besides the convenience, the deals are among the most tempting things about fast food. For pennies more, you can often add fries and a drink, or you could get a second burger or taco for half the price. Don’t do it! “Value” depends on what you want and need; why would you pay extra, even if it is “only pennies more,” for extra fat, sugar, starch, and calories? A healthier definition of “value” might be to pay the least you can for a meal that is convenient, delicious, and healthy. Why include “oversized” in your definition? For those times when fast food simply makes sense, go for it – just keep yourself on track by reading the menu carefully and staying focused. You can do it, no matter where you end up. You might as well enjoy it!

I couldn't drink those protein drinks for anything. To me they tase of metal and processed crap. Sorry. Not sorry. What did I do ? and what do I do now 12 years later ? I tried them pre surgery. Most of them made me horribly ill. I found out I cannot digest any of the sugar replacers or any of the milk replacers. It brings on colitis. Like weeks of the runs with terrible cramping. So.... I pre made myself super strong chicken broth; for post surgery I strained it through doubled cheese cloth. I kept and froze the chicken, and carrots separately. Later I made those into mashed carrots with some broth to thin it. And I basically food processed the chicken and had that as I was able to sip non clear liquids. I also made really strong vegetable broth - not soup, broth. With mushrooms and squash, and things like that. I froze my soups in tiny containers. And I made fish broth too. And beef broth. With the bones, and then super strained at first. I still make this and use it as the base for sauces, as I strain out any fats too. I eat simple proteins. I made and ate early on lots of chicken salad with some added broth, and humus instead of mayo. I still eat it that way. more protein and fiber. tuna mixed with greek yogurt. eggs mixed with yogurt for egg salad. Now, I make myself chicken thighs, and vegetables all the time. I like to use my crock pot to make boneless skinless thighs with carrots or chunks of sweet potato - and whatever vegetable I feel like adding. I am into gardening so I might add seasonal veggies like cabbage or beans or english peas, I use very little salt, lots of fresh herbs. I use the crock pot to make pot roast which comes out so tender and easy to eat, with tomatoes and serve it with cauliflower "rice" - I made all these things early on, and just mashed the heck out of things, adding homemade broth to smooth.