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So it is the end of my 6th fast day - week three and it has gone well... got a little hungry earlier, but lasted out and enjoyed my frozen fruit and yogurt! All packed and ready for out school trip to Spain! It is gonna be a lot of fun - with a little stress added in but that goes with the turf! Not sure how I am going to get my fasts days in; I will see how it goes! Wish me luck... speak to you soon x

Hey y'all: Sorry I've been MIA for a few--it's been a hectic time at work (it's the centennial of the founding of our university, so lots of extra programs, concerts, etc.). Down to 187 without really trying--so very strange--I honestly think it's the focus on veggies and fruit that's doing it. I don't eat a lot of cheese any more, either, so that might be helping (?). Most Protein now comes from vegetable sources (nuts, beans) and some dairy (milk, yogurt), but I eat a lot more vegetables and fruit than I have in a long time. I'm actually really looking forward to summer's bounty at the farmers' markets that I frequent. Wednesday is my 1-year sleeve-aversary. I'm going to try my hardest to get 1 more pound off between now and then to Celebrate that date with 120 pounds GONE. 120 flipping pounds--off my body. I am SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL for this sleeve!!!!!

I did experience aversion to food. I wasn't nauseated, but just couldn't stand eating. At about the five week mark I found a couple of things that tasted okay. Then thing started improving and I can eat now. At my worst, yogurt seemed to go down without a problem. I also had peanut butter on Melba toast or 1/2 a toasted English muffin. I love milk, so that helped.

Delicious and high protein!!! In my local health food store I recently got some Ladybird brand Protein pwder in White chocolate flavour. Yum as it is, or with blended fruit. As an experiment, I mixed it with yogurt in the morning and left it until lunchtime to eat at work. It had thickened and tasted like cheesecake. SO DELICIOUS! DETAILS- Ladybird All Natural supplements Women's whey Isoflavone Enriched Protein- White Chocolate flavour (also available in Cookies and Cream and vanilla Gelato) per serve of powder only 111 cal Protein 24.6g Carbs 1.7g Fat 0.5g Best with thick yogurt but worked okay with no fat, low sugar yogurt, just runnier. Website www.lady-bird.net

I get my protein from eating those little cans of prepared tuna. They have snap-off lids. I love the Thai and the tuna with lemon and pepper the best. I also eat a lot of tzatziki - yogurt with cucumber and garlic. These are foods that taste good and all you require is a spoon and a recycle box for the tubs they come in. So very, very easy for a lazy grrl!

I have posted on the general forum about my experience. I was banded on 9/16/2008. On 1/31/09 I had emergency surgery to remove the band and repair my stomach - I had a hole along the bandline and I was leaking air into my body cavity. Luckily I had gone to just yogurt with probios because I though I had gaz so somehow there was no food to infect me even worse. This was followed by a second surgery on 2/2/09 to help stop a massive infection. I spent three weeks in the hospital - left on 2/20/09. My symptoms appeared about a week/11 days earlier. I woke up bloated on my left side. No pain. I disregarded for another 6 days where I went to my generalist. She felt a mass. Called the bariatric surgeon and they thought perhaps a hernia. A cat scan was arranged another 3 days later. Two days later, Sat 1/31/09 I got an urgent message to get to ER because the Cat scan revealed air in my abdmoninal cavity. A lot of it. I called the bariatric surgeon and got her partner. I was told by this surgeon: " You dont sound like you have air in your abdomen (this is a critical situation), the Cat scan must have been wrong. You should have them redo it. It cant be the band, they dont erode at 5 months" Luckily, I still went to ER and from there was taken in an ambulance to another branch of the hospital which did bariatric surgery. I was wheeled into the operating room and soon after operated. I would have likely died had I not gotten to ER and been operated. Out of the whole 3 weeks, I only remember about 12 days. I was delirious the first half of my hospital stay. I was confined to a bed with a nasal gastric tube, and 24/7 Ivs pupping me full of antibiotics and hydration. It appears more like a leaking staple or a staple that pulled? then erosion from what I have understood. I am unclear how that would happen. Anyone Its taken me 3 more weeks to be able to take a shower without feeling faint. Two weeks before I could even drive/walk to my mailbox. I was exausted. My voice has been altered by the nasal tube and its gotten squeaky. I HATE it. I am almost back to normal except I must eat very little to protect my stomach. In 2 days I will graduate to 5-6 oz 3x a day. I was on 2oz of food 3x a day the last 2 weeks. Basically I must pretend I have a band though the scaring is so bad, I will never be a candidate for bariatric surgery again. The original surgeon has not called to ask how I am doing. However they have been asking and trying to get my hospital records. That's been very dissapointing. Finally, I think my insurance is picking the tab after I have paid my deductible but I am not 100% sure. If not, I am really concerned what 3 weeks, 2 surgeries, several cat scans and other tests with cost. From what I understand I am now at a higher risk of intestinal occlusions. My stomach was attached to my abdomen and I feel it. I am no longer a candidate for bariatric surgery, and therefore at a very high risk of regaining the 62 lb I have lost. I forgot, a very important thing. My surgeon told me that sometimes in obese people there is not always a fever to reflect an increase of white cell and an infection. That was my case. Zero fever until after the operation. So, if your stomach gets very bloated, call your doctor. Oh, and I missed a 2 weeks 1/2 trip to New Zealand. Grrrr.

Thursday: B-danactive priobiotic drink coffee w/ s/f creamer L-Live active low fat cottage cheese F/F light yoplait yogurt-keylime pie flavor s-EAS protein drink String cheese stick D-Healthy choice salisbury steak Calories:941 Friday B-coffee w/ sf creamer danactive priobiotic drink L-(brunch at the office) one biscuit w/ sausage gravy two biscuits with egg, cheese, onions in them D-Ramen noodles, added cabbage and green onions Calories: 1380 Today: B-None--woke up late L-Miso Soup Sushi-one mexican roll (ate 2/3 of it) one piece of my philly roll D-left over sushi Calories: approximately 1098 I think I'm ready for my next fill....I have an appt. on Feb. 3rd.

Thursday B - Oatmeal S - Yogurt L - Mac-n-broccoli bake S - Banana D - Chicken nuggets and couple of fries S - Popcorn

Well I got over my pizza craving the hard way! I am now on a full diet... so yesterday I decided to have 1 small slice of thin crust light cheese pizza... and it got stuck. If this hasn't happened to you yet count your blessings, as it's extremely uncomfortable. :grouphug: It'll be a while till I consider having pizza again! Except for the crustless kind, that is- it's an idea I got on this site. I take some pizza toppings, add some low fat mozzarella and sauce, and microwave. Today: B: 1 small yogurt and a small soy latte L: 1 cup broth-based soup Snack: 1 yogurt parfait (yogurt with berries and a little granola topping) D: (planned): 1 crustless pizza (1/2 cup total)

Yesterday was fill day, so it was a Protein shake in the morning, and then one lst night before I went to bed. Today is Protein Shake for breakfast - which I couldn't drink until 4 hours later....that's a first! lunch and supper will be creamed Soups and yogurt. This is the first time that after a fill, I have not been able to have my breakfast within 30 minutes of getting up in the morning. I am used to starting my day with coffee, then having my breakfast within a half hour before I head to the Y. Today, no such luck...felt kinda weak at the Y but worked through it.

hi evryone..i was banded the 23rd and still having gas pain ...i have to be on liquid diet until march 9th and that seems pretty hard...hate the taste of all that artificial sweetener...i have not had a problem with drinking or yogurts but just getting sick of it ..i move to stage 3 and even though i cant wait to taste real food i am following the rules. it is important for the healing process...doesnt mean that i couldnt eat food...but i wont worked too hard for this whole procedure...i think we just have to get through until our fills then it will be easier

I'm scheduled for the 23rd as well! I hope you're doing well on whatever pre-op diet they have you on. (I have to drink 3 slim fasts a day and applesauce/yogurt/pudding.) Good luck! I'm starting, for the first time, to get nervous. I had my first consultation on September, did all my pre-op testing in October/November and then had to find the money to pay a program fee. Finally, right after New Year's, I got to go to the last two appointments before they schedule surgery. I've been excited the whole time, but now, it's just starting to get nerve racking. I'm not worried about possible side effects, I trust my surgeon. I think I'm scared on what's on the other side. I'm 21 and I've been overweight since I was 12. I don't know what it's like to be thin. I've never experienced it. I think that's what I'm scared of. I don't know whose under all the fat. Anyone else feel that way?

Tomorrow will be my one week bandaversary. So far so good, still some pains in my lower stomach, not sure if it's muscles or intestines or what. First night last night that I didnt take any pain meds, some soreness in my belly when I turn over and laying in my left side. Haven't taken anything during the day for a few days. We were out and about yesterday and I had a little chili and cheese at sonic and some refried beans at a mexican restaurant, I chewed them both really well and didn't eat much. Smoothies and blended soups have been my staple so far. I do a fruit smoothie in the morning, apple, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, kefir and protein powder and in the evening I do a chocolate protein powder, banana, almond butter, kefer and/or greek yogurt, almond milk and flax seeds. Bought a blendtec so it's really smooth, no chunks.

Unless you're putting protein in your broth, you're not getting any protein in broth, jello, and tea. Are you counting your protein grams daily? Unjury makes a really good broth that is 21gr in 8oz. Greek yogurt is good protein although it has a fair amount of carbs too. Hope it gets better for you.

I read a lot of posts and people say that your body don't really start to suffer until your about a month out with little to none protein.. I would highly reccomend that you turn it around and start getting the needed protein in because it will affect your muscle mass and instead of losing fat weight you will be losing muscle weight. There are soo many foods that are loaded with proteins (carb master yougurt,greek yogurt,milk, some sugar free puddings. Are you having problems with protein shakes? I am on thick liquids and I am only having to drink one protein shake a day..

It stinks, doesn't it? I mean, we had surgery so we could eat less but I think deep down, we expect that we'll eat less of things we enjoy the same way while reaping the benefits of the weight loss! I wish! There are some folks that never have the taste change or have finicky sleeves but so many more of us go through exactly this phase. And iegal is exactly right: hang in there and it will pass. I did not really enjoy a meal until more than a year out. But before that I did get to a point where eating wasn't such a chore. I hated eating. And I developed lactose intolerance, so my "easy" Protein foods like yogurt and cottage cheese stopped being options early on. It was miserable. But it does come back. Your tastes change and your standards get higher but you'll find yourself genuinely enjoying your tiny portion of a meal at some point. I can't say when, but it really will happen. There are a few things you can do in the meantime. One, keep trying new Vitamins. Gummy vites are not the ideal but if that's what you can keep down right now, take those (and your other supplements) until you can handle the other ones. The multi that finally worked for me was a chewable prenatal Vitamin that I started taking more than a year before I got pregnant. I think it was the sixth or seventh multi I'd tried and it was the first one that didn't give me hours of nausea after taking it. Two, do not force yourself to drink a protein you hate. Keep trying new ones until you find the one you like. There is one out there if you try hard enough! I cannot even begin to count how many times I changed protein powders. The only brand that has hung in there the entire time and tasted good to me is the Syntrax nectar - I like the chocolate, vanilla, Cappuccino and unflavored versions. It's the only unflavored I've had that I really cannot taste or smell once it's mixed. Find what works for you. Find a site that sells samples so you can try many different things and track what you like. The Syntha-6 drinks by BSN have a higher calorie/carb profile but taste very good. You might find that in order to get to your protein goals you need to compromise with yourself and eat what works and keeps you happy. And mix with something other than milk - try almond milk, hemp milk, Water, tea, coffee...keep trying until you find what works for you. Make your diet as varied as possible. Eating the same, boring foods day in and out, choking down unpleasant Protein shakes and feeling exhausted by eating will only make you feel run down, discouraged and depressed. If you're having Soup, make it spicy or different in some way. Introduce foods you might not have eaten prior to surgery to liven things up. Do you like quinoa? It digests quite easily and is a complete protein. If you don't use it already, it's easy to use it in place of rice in dish you used to enjoy. Get out there and find foods that you can eat and enjoy, or at least not hate. This is a very normal part of the journey. It really does get easier. ~Cheri

These last 3 days have been the toughest by far. I eat yogurt for breakfast and it's still sitting in my chest like a blockage with bubbles and belches and I just relieved myself of about have of it. Should I be worried that I have a blockage? Sipping tea and it's not going down.

Lilly is the Greek yogurt ok with the strawberries in it because I do not like the taste of it by itself?

Me too! I've also added strained cream soups, sf popsicles, sf puddings and non-fat yogurt. I also try to get in a protein shake each day. It's still so BORING! Generic gas x, liquid Tylenol, and milk of magnesia have become mainstays. I'm hoping my need for this stuff reduces. The weight loss is great. But I did this to reduce my medication needs, not increase them.

In addition to premier and unjury protein shakes, Yogurt, beans, egg. I did try mashed up pork roast one day did ok. Any of the above only 1-2 teaspoons tops except yogurt, can do 1/2. Each teaspoon takes about 3 or 4 nibbles to finish. My appt is monday too good luck! Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

That list sounds similar to mine. I'm on week 2 post op RNY on Dec 30. I've considered puréeing everything in our house, but have only actually puréed Mac n Cheese with tuna ( wasn't bad tasted like cheese wiz) eating mashed and gravy, applesauce unsweetened, loads of Fage Greek yogurt with Splenda , broths, Powerade Zero, a Laughing cow cheese triangle per day, and I think I have issues with some sugar substitutes. It seems like I can drink normally, no huge issues there. Weird stuff: Crystal Light was way too sweet after surgery, couldn't stand the smells from the cleaning persons products in hospital.

I'm on phase 3 now. I can eat pretty much what I want...just no grains...basically nothing that might swell in my belly. Tonight I had chicken and made some califlower "cheesy bread". It was really good! I still do at least one protien shake a day, a Greek yogurt every day...all about getting that protien in. I did the califlower tonight because I NEED to start getting some fiber if u know what I mean

It really does make you feel very isolated. My husband doesn't understand how I can eat something one day and the next day it makes me gag. Some days I eat fine and some days I eat nothing and have to force myself to drink. My staples are Quest bars and a smoothie I make with Greek yogurt, diet cran-grape juice, lemon juice, ice and stevia. It gives me 20 grams of protein plus lots of fluids since I tend to dehydrate easily. I wish I could get in a good pattern of eating regular food but it's just not happening for me yet.

For my protein, I eat eggs, refried Beans, cheese sticks (sometimes wrapped in a slice of light deli ham or turkey if it's a meal rather than a snack), salmon or fish in general, a bit of chicken, quinoa (sometimes a tbsp as a side dish if I'm still hungry after my meat portion at dinner). I currently don't eat anything (other than the SF popsicles, which count as a liquid) that doesn't have protein in it, because I just don't have the room. I hit between 45 and 60 grams of protein daily at 5 weeks out, which the doctor said is fine at this point. He is more concerned with me staying hydrated and said the protein will come as I'm able to eat more food (and he said VERY firmly to not rush this point but take it very slow...which is okay with me) My sleeve doesn't tolerate milk products or Greek yogurt, but it's fine with cheese (but not cottage cheese. It just tastes funky post-surgery. I loved it pre-surgery). Protein shakes make me gag because they're so sweet...although I did okay with the Chike coffee protein when I was still full liquids. For more protein/recipe ideas, check out According to Eggface or the Bariatric Foodie. They have a lot of suggestions (that's where I go to look for recipes)

laura - i've never been to melting pot but we have one right down the street. do you reccommend it? what kinds of stuff did you get? mmmm, sopapilla cheesecake sounds so good! I'm trying to be sooooo good now. I had a carnation instant breakfast for breakfast. I have greek yogurt with granola for a snack and then a smart one for lunch. tonight i am making grilled fish with spinach. I CAN DO THIS. 50 lbs in 6 months. that's only around 8 lbs A MONTH. that's not hard haydee... talking to myself now... scary... Michelle - WOW, you were childless for almost as long as me! I want kids so bad but at the same time relish our time together so much. I hope I make a good transition like you did. You are awesome at it! Judy - saw some of grady's pics on facebook. AWW, he's too too cute. You looked so good too! You look radiant! I'm glad that there was a less intensive option for Zumba for you. It's always a good thing to mix up your workouts to keep things interesting... Jane - how are you? I'm glad you got your machine fixed. You working on any cross stiching projects lately? Pam - saw your wedding pics on FB. They looked so happy! She's preggo? I didn't even notice! All I saw was happy! Heather - hope you're settling in! Did the lady end up keeping your deposit??