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I know Special K protein cereal is a good protein source. We all can dump on different things. What will affect me won't affect you and visa versa. If you really liked it, wait a while, then try it again in a much smaller amount. I personally can't eat cereals by themselves but I like Special K protein mixed into my Greek yogurt. Bear Naked Protein granola is good in yogurt too. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies, after I spoke to the friend today, I realized she said she was put on blood thinners after her surgery. For other reasons, she was only given a blood thinner before her surgery, as many are. I spoke to several friends about this and they all said they werent put on blood thinners post surgery. Only during the surgery itself. I guess I misread, or misunderstood, or jumped ahead of myself. The reality is hitting me I suppose that I am only 12 days from my date, and maybe I am getting a little freaked out. Trying to stick to the pre-op diet, my doctor told me yesterday to ease up a little, I was pretty much living on broth, yogurt, and bananas and Protein drinks for the last 4 days, she told me I can have some eggs and tuna and green veggies as long as I dont have starchy carby foods, or sugary drinks...for the next 4 or 5 days, then i need to go back on the stricter diet. I think my brain was misfunctioning from malnutrition, just kidding.

At 3 months, Probably 3-5 fluid ounces at a time (approx 1/2 cup). Lower end it it was meat, higher end if it was yogurt or something “looser”. Now this amount was about the volume to eat that would satisfy as well as not feel any discomfort.

Hey there! I'm with you on the "I don't eat too much, I eat the wrong kinds of foods." I was a total junk food junkie, and it cost me a lot of time--time I didn't do what I really wanted to do, see the people I wanted to see, go to the places I wanted to go, etc. etc. because I was embarrassed to be so fat. I want to share with you that for me and for my husband (also a sleever), the sleeve has been a turning point in our eating habits, AND WE DO NOT FEEL DEPRIVED!! My husband was sleeved in 2010; he said then that he wanted something that would serve as a "hand slapper" to tell him it was time to stop eating, since he WAS a volume eater--of the wrong types of foods, double whammy. He was shocked to discover that post-sleeve, his body would pretty much dictate that he avoid junky foods, and he began to PREFER healthier foods like salad and yogurt! My 2-portions-of-spaghetti-with-meatsauce-and-garlic-bread-eating husband PREFERS salads!!! In my case, I had the diet of a teenage boy--I ate junk food almost all the time, washed down with soda. It was ridiculous. I never had a problem with emotional eating or eating too much volume-wise, just made consistently bad food choices. I was hooked on sugar. The sleeve solved that for me by limiting what I could eat until my body got those toxins cleaned out. I always loved vegetables and healthy food; I just never chose it before because I was "super hungry" or whatever--I don't know the reason. Post-sleeve, I find I am eating extremely healthy food in "normal" quantities, never feel deprived or like "oh, I really wish I could have _____," because I'm satisfied from a food point of view. You will probably miss food at the beginning--you'll miss the sense of comfort and routine that a particular food is associated with. But TRUST me, once that weight starts dropping off, and it will soon after surgery, your body changes, your body chemistry changes, and your brain begins to adapt to "the new you." It's WONDERFUL. Getting off all meds caused by poor diet--WONDERFUL. Knowing you're going to live longer because you are healthier--WONDERFUL. Feel free to PM--lots of helpful folks on this board, lots of support. It's entirely up to you, and I wish you the best no matter what you decide to do.

That is very odd, I am going for surgery on Monday. My packet clearly states full liquid diet: You will remain on this diet for the first four weeks post operatively. Food included: all protien drinks ff milk puddings ff jello sugar free yogurt ff veggie juices soups strained hot cerals made thin and soupy Hope this helps

No, it's not painful. It's almost like a real dull heartburn sensation, but not really LIKE heartburn. Hard to describe I guess. I see we were banded on the same day!! Are you still on clear liquids? I'm sick of broth, and juice!! They told me I could add drinkable yogurt yesterday, and that was a "little" better. Still doesn't compare to REAL FOOD. LOL:hungry: Donna

I stated my liquid diet today, surgery is next Monday 11/17/14. So far I have been ok with Atkins shakes and broth. Going to get some Jello and yogurt too. My doctor said I could eat oatmeal too but not a fan of the consistancy of it so I won't be eating that. Good luck to you, I don't know if I could do it for 4 weeks (unless that counts with post op).

I never hear anyone talk about the pain you feel when you eat solid food. I'm wondering I am the only one experiencing this? The pain is excruciating, it'll take me to my knees! I'm unable to function, barely able to handle it at all and it will last for 2-4 hours. When I was able to eat solid food, the first thing I tried was soup with veggies so soft they melted in your mouth. I had two teaspoonfuls and before I took my third I felt this really hard knot forming from my stomach to my throat, my back teeth started ringing and shooting pain. It hurt so bad I could barely get to my bed to lay down! It lasted 3 hrs. I figured I ate to fast. The next day, I tried again, the same thing I figured I ate to much this time. It took me awhile to try again, it really is something I am afraid of now! The next time was on the day of my 1st check up, 10 days later. I had a scrabbled egg, chewed the crap out of, took 20 minutes to eat it and didn't actually eat the whole egg! It didn't hurt but it was alittle uncomfortable. My doc app was fine! So from the time I ate it to the time my doctors appointment was over was 3 hrs. I got into my truck and took a sip of water (first sip since before breakfast) and almost instantly I was doubled over in pain. I sat in the parking lot for about 40 minutes before I could drive, I still wasn't ok but better. When I got home I went right to bed. An hour later I tried water again and same thing, pain. At this point it was 5 hr since breakfast, and by now I'm behind on my water consumption. It was a total of 8 hrs of pain. Thankfully it goes away and I'm able to drink water again! Doctor told me to goto liquids only again for a while. It's about 7 weeks since surgery and I can't do solid food unless it puréed. I've hurt myself a couple more times trying to salmon and spaghetti O's. Now I'm just to afraid to eat. I stick with the protein drinks, yogurt and broth. If it doesn't have protein in it then I don't bother. My family and friend keep telling me that I have to eat at some point but I'm to afraid and plus no appetite. Doctor says that with the supplement and protein drink I can live fine. Does anyone else experience this pain?

I honestly can't believe how time has flown. At first it seemed to go oh so slowly. I think in part because my diet the first few weeks was liquid and I couldn't wait to move onto eating something more substantial. I am very pleased with my progress so far. I will see my surgeon on Tuesday, 5/29, for my 3 month post-op visit (though I will be shy by 10 days of being out 3 months). I think the main things I've learned are how badly simple carbs affected my life. My surgeon does not allow carbs until Month 7 - so I have had no bread, pasta, potatoes, beans or even nuts since surgery. It really hasn't bothered me which has been a surprise. I think it also shows that if you stay away from these things you won't miss them, but if you eat them you will think you can't live without them. I am currently on my surgeon's Stage 4 diet which means I am to eat 3-5 oz of protein and 2 oz of fruit/veggies for my meals - 3 x day; plus a serving of yogurt and then a protein shake, if needed to make my required protein levels (63-87g per day). I am completely unable to eat this much food. I can tolerate 1 1/2 oz of protein. Any more than that and I cannot hold it down. It also seems that everytime I have tried to even have a bite of veggies after my protein I also then can't keep my meal down. One thing about the Sleeve is that it is unforgiving and it teaches you what you can and cannot do quickly. One thing I continue to have to work on daily is taking a good amount of time to eat and chew, chew, chewing my food. I downloaded a free app for my iPhone called Timer+ and set up two timers (amongst many others). One is called "Take Time to Eat" and it's set for 20 minutes; the other is called "Wait to Drink" and it's set for 60 minutes. So what I do is when I begin eating I activate the first one and then when I am done eating I activate the second one. It has worked out pretty well for me. Not ideal if you are in a big group or travelling - I was out of town for several days each of the last 3 weeks. Speaking of that I took six different flights to travel - on different airlines and different models of planes. I brought my personal seat belt extender with me, just in case, and I'm thrilled to report that I never needed it. What a great feeling!! At the same time I found it so much easier to walk down the aisle when having to go use the rest room. If there's one main thing that I need to do better, it's get in regular exercise. I have done OK - usually at least 30 mins a day of walking, swimming or biking. But my surgeon wants me to get 90-120 minutes in a day. To help with that I just joined LA Fitness this week and signed up to work with a Personal Trainer once a week. It was a big financial commitment but the sales guy reminded me that by having the surgery I had already made a major commitment (smart sales guy I guess I had a introductory session yesterday and have my first official one tomorrow night. I'm also going tonight to get my measurements done and do some cardio. On Sunday, 5/13, I celebrated not only Mother's Day but also the fact that I lost more than 50 lbs -- 50.8 to be exact. What a great feeling. I'm going to try and attach an updated photo of myself taken that day below. That's about it for now..... Very, very happy with my decision to have this life changing surgery. All the Best to those of you contemplating surgery, working on your pre-requisites or along the journey with me Updates to my "Ah Hah" moments that I am looking forward to - in relatively random order: Weigh under 280 lbs -- Achieved -- 2/29/2012 - 10 lbs lost during 2 week pre-op diet Surgery complete -- Achieved -- 3/7/2012 Weigh under 270 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/14/2012 Weigh under 260 lbs -- Achieved -- 3/31/2012 Size 2X clothes fit again -- Achieved -- 4/4/2012 Weigh under 250 lbs -- Achieved -- 4/18/2012 Weigh under 248 lbs (personal significance) -- Achieved 4/20/2012 Weigh under 240 lbs -- Achieved 5/9/2012 Start Jazzercise Classes -- Decide to join LA Fitness and work with a Personal Trainer instead -- 5/23/12 Weigh under 230 lbs Weigh under 229 lbs (lowest with LapBand) No longer have to wear airplane seat belt extender -- Achieved 5/1/2012 - WOOHOO!!! Flew on six planes (different models) over the next three weeks with no Extender!! Size 1X clothes fit again Weigh under 220 lbs Weigh under 210 lbs Weigh under 200 lbs -- ONEDERLAND! Size XL clothes fit again Weigh under 190 lbs Weigh under 189 lbs (lowest while on WW in 2001 after losing 105 lbs) Able to wear one of the cute sundresses I see at Flea Markets Go bike riding -- Achieved 5/20/2012 Bought a new bike and took it for a spin. Weigh under 180 lbs Size L clothes fit again Weigh under 170 lbs Weigh 163 lbs or less - Wedding Day weight in 1983 Weigh under 160 lbs Size M clothes fit again Weigh under 150 lbs Weigh under 140 lbs Go rollerblading Size S clothes fit?? Reach Goal Weight - 134 lbs!!!

Liquids slide right through. You are fine! Put your thumb and forefinger together to make an "O." That's about how big the passage is. Of course liquids can flow through easily. I was told that things like yogurt, applesauce, etc., will have the same effect -- they will flow through easily and as a result, you may become hungry somewhat quickly. I was banded on the same day that you were. My doctor does things very differently than many here, I am finding. I was told to start mushies two days after banding. (I really could not stomach that thought until today though, when I started feeling very 'normal' and hunger resumed to a slight degree.) I have no idea why my doctor's office is so different. They just call themselves "progressive." LOL. But you should stick with your own doctor's advice. I think you actually lose a lot of weight on the liquid diet, vs. those of us who start mushies fairly early, so that is one benefit. Anyway, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Being able to consume a lot of liquid doesn't mean your band slipped. After all, they want us to consume about 64 oz of Fluid per day. They wouldn't recommend that if it would mean a possible slippage.

Odaisy, When you say a shake has 20 + grams of Protein, how many ounces are you talking about? I have started drinking the Naked protein shakes and 10 grams is for 8 oz. Tiff, chicken has been very difficult for me to handle since the surg. I do like your idea of adding yogurt though. I may just try that. Do you actually weigh your meat or are you eyeballing it? If you are weighing it, is that raw or cooked? I also like your suggestion of eating 15 grams 4 times p day. Is 60 grams what you shoot for? We do not have a cosco anywhere around me. I did pretty good today. I have had 60 + grams. I have pretty much had to eat all day though. I really do not want to eat if I am not hungry. That is a habit I am trying to break. Today = 2 protein shakes = 20 pr bar = 10 2 string cheeses = 12 2 slices ham w cheese rolled up inside = 16 cheese nips = 2______ 50 GRAMS Then I had a piece of fried venison = ? butterbeans = 6 So I would say I got at least 60 grams!!! WOO Hoo~!

I shoot for 60grams of Protein, and now can get in over 100grams. For the chicken, I have a recipe for chicken wings in the crock pot. They are so tender and juicy, it literally just melts in your mouth if you'd like me to share with you. If you can't do chicken, try canned tuna, crab or salmon for protein dense foods. My stomach holds by volume. I used those little medication measuring cups early out until I could eyeball a portion. Weighing food never made sense to me since our tummies hold food by volume and not weight. Food is always cooked for my measurements. I know some food will measure by volume the same as it does by weight, but others will be totally off. 3oz of chicken has about 21gr of protein so I shot for 3oz of chicken for most meals early out. If you can't do 3oz of meat, try adding a soft cheese (most have 2-6gr of protein), or greek yogurt to the mix to help max out protein grams. If you have a crock pot, have you tried dumping a frozen chicken breast or a couple of thighs in there with a can of cream of "whatever you like" Soup, and then shred the chicken. Cook it low and slow for about 6-8 hours, and you might have better luck with chicken that way. I also throw round steak in the crock pot with cream of Soups, and let it cook low and slow until it's super tender. Here's a recipe I found tonight, and it is deliciously wonderful. Spinach beef hot dish Beef Spinach Hot Dish Recipe - Allrecipes.com I added a bunch of minced garlic, and Worchestershire sauce to the meat while browning it. 1 can of cream of mushroom 98% reduced fat soup 1 package of frozen spinach 1 (8oz) package of non-fat cream cheese Brown the meat, drain Add the spinach, stir until mixed well and all liquid evaporates Add the soup Add the cream cheese Stir in skillet until mixed well Transferred to a 9x9 casserole pan sprayed with Pam. Baked in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. I added several heavy handed dashes of Season All No salt, and 1/4 tsp of ground cayenne pepper to the mixture before tossing it in the oven. I'll serve it to the guys in the house over no yolk egg noodles, and I'm eating it by itself no noodles tonight for me. I've also served it with mashed potatoes and long grain rice. It's a staple in our home. I've also made it with ground turkey, and the guys didn't know it wasn't ground beef. This recipe freezes very well, and tastes really great a couple of weeks later. It does make a large amount with just 1 package of spinach.

I can't eat most things yet. I'm eating off the approved list, and a little bit into the next list (pureed/soft)....taking everything slowly, only eating what's comfortable. Doing my 70 minute rule. Am enjoying: Mashed potatoes oatmeal cream of wheat baby meat sticks yogurt bean/pea Soup canned chicken sweet potato cottage cheese canned green Beans fresh greens in my nutrabullet....set to liquefy with a little apple or prune juice for regularity avacado Tofu Premier Protien...One caramel shake a day used as creamer in my decaf coffee I'm walking about 6-7 miles a day, have incredible energy, am sleeping 7-8 hours a night, and am off most of my meds. I'm eating 1000 calories a day, and getting at least 80g of protien. Sipping drinks nonstop. Weight improves daily. Am pooping daily. I read so many stories on this site about people who have problems....thought I'd add my positive experience to the stew. No nausea. no pain. Feeling like a million bucks. Healing up great. Enjoying my diet, and looking forward to being able to tolerate more Proteins and veggies. Am dying for a salad...but know that's weeks away. Some lessons I've learned: If foods feel uncomfortable or gets stuck for a minute....you're not ready for them. Put them away for another week or two and try again cautiously. If you feel uncomfortably full......get up and walk...it helps shake things loose. Anything new....try a tiny little amount and WAIT 15 minutes. See how it feels. Listen to your body cues. Eating super sugary food makes me sick. Sugary things are good for a bite...not a bowl, even a small bowl. Mom's Christmas cookie was NOT a good idea. A nibble would have been ok. Eating half a cookie...not so much. I was dumb and rationalized I was eating oatmeal, and the cookie was oatmeal....can't hurt, right? Wrong! Be very carful with heavily refined sugar products. The cookie triggered some nausea and I felt really crappy for a bit. It passed in 20 minutes, but I'd rather not repeat that. I love oatmeal and cream of wheat with almond milk and splenda. Greek yogurt is 12g of Protein a tub...try the whipped, it's awesome. You can get instant oatmeal with extra protein. Canned chicken isn't as awful as I feared. Particularly in homemade Soups with beans. Decaf coffee doesn't taste like coffee....but it's not bad. I think of it as something similar to coffee...but not quite coffee. LOL This isn't meant to be advice to anyone else....this is simply what's been working for me. I just wanted people to know that not everyone has a rough hellish experience. For some of us...the surgery is very easy on us and the changes are very tolerable:) Best wishes to each and everyone....on a safe healthy good outcome:)

Congratulations!! I put photos on my blog of all of the things I bought for my liquids diet. Feel free to take a look (it's at the very beginning). The things I most enjoyed were: Soups, which I'd blend until they were very liquid; cottage cheese (thinned out in the blender with skim milk); Yogurt; Fat Free/Sugar Free Jello pudding (chocolate); FF/SF ice pops; baby food (I bought an organic brand); and Isopure Protein drinks (the Gatoraid-like kind). Best wishes for a safe surgery & speedy recovery, Catherine

I am on the PreOp diet and have gained weight. Before starting, I ate 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch. Breakfast was a small low-fat yogurt, a little bit of low sugar granola and a banana or some other fruit. Lunch as usually out while at work. Normally places like Luby's, where I never get fried foods. Rarely ever did I get anything fried. I am a big salad lover with a vinegarette dressing. Now that I have been having a little breakfast (2 of what is on the allowed list), a sensible lunch (tilapia or some other sensible meat), and those 2 shakes (made with 8 oz of skim milk), I have gained 2 pounds. I am not eating sweets, I haven't been eating stuff that I shouldn't eat. What is going on? Any ideas?

Exercise #1 - 25 min on treadmill (would have done 30 min or more, but the darn thing came unplugged and then couldn't get it to work again - so left) Exercise #2 - LBWO M1 - SF yogurt mixed with lf cottage cheese m2 - coffee & cream m 3 - 3 whole wheat crackers & 3 oz of pink salmon m 4 - grilled talapia and broccoli sald (the last of it - getting sick of it now - lol) Notes - I've started tanning and I tried on a shirt I bought last year on clearance for $4.00, it was way too tight on me, but I tried it on, it fit! I'm wearing it today and I feel so good in it! I guess I feel so good becaue I remember how tight it was on me, and now it slips on with ease.

That sounds really challenging. What about bean based dishes? They won't smell bad heating up. I have been living off them right now, as it's the only thing that has been tasting good. Or, Greek yogurt or soup with protein powder? Good luck!

Congratulations! That's a huge drop in four n 1/2 months! I was just sleeved on Tuesday. I enjoy reading about other sleeved patients and their recovery. Sorry I'm still at the stage two (yogurts, applesauce, Soups - only broth & creamy). I would LOVE some steamed veggies, I can't wait until I'm at that stage. How long after you were sleeved did you go back to work? And good luck with your new dating life! How exciting is that!!!!!

I was allowed cream soups as well. So originally , I stocked up on a bunch of “sipping Bone broths” they had them in all different flavors like a chicken, rosemary and lemon , Chinese 5 spice or something like that. I also bought miso broth to switch it up a bit . I did end up getting tired of those and so I reached out to my nutritionist and tried to get a better idea on if it had to be clear liquids or as long as it’s liquid then it’s fine and threw out a few examples for approval . She pretty much said it’s fine , as long as it’s liquid and as long as you “LOSE WEIGHT” just like that in caps lol . From that point on, I puréed my own vegetable soups and lentil soup , I bought different Tomato soups , a butternut squash and sweet potato soup. It was a game changer at that point so i would definitely find out more info as you get closer to see how strict the liquid diet for you will be .I know you mainly sound like you want soups to make at home but if interested here are a few other suggestions ! I bought sugar free popsicles the different colorful flavored ones lol AND the SF fudge pops! Those came in super handy when I was craving chocolate (which I NEVER do). I also got sugar free apple sauce , SF chocolate/vanilla puddings , SF Jello and oatmeal, non fat low sugar yogurt with honey and cinnamon . Of course , I bought all kind of premier protein shakes to test out my favorite flavors. I found these premeir protein clear drinks , quest (cookies N cream) protein shake soooo good!!! Then for water alternatives because trust me, you WILL get tired of water when it’s the only thing you can drink… I bought a bunch of different flavored crystal light packets such as a peach mango green tea and lemon Iced tea and they even had a large packets for pitchers and I got that in strawberry watermelon . I hope this helps!!!

I Use The Same Product Only I Buy Strawberry .. Didnt Care Much For The Chocolate. I Blend It With Frozen Straberries, Water And Sugar / Fat Free Yogurt For A Smoothie. It Is Costly However Because It Is Considered Medically Necessary I Have Been Able To Write It Off On My Taxes , So Keep Ur Receipts And Ask, As Well As All The Chewable Vitamens I Now Need

I came out of surgery able to take in an ounce of protein drink and an ounce of water (at the same time) every 15 minutes. I did need to mix up my protein intake from room temp clear protein, to cold shakes, to warmed tomato soup with added protein powder per my nausea tolerance the first 5 days due to nausea with the pain meds but once off those I'm good with any. I drink 50-70 ounces of water a day, (preop I was 80 to 120 minimum) with electrolyte drop ins. That puts me at 80 to 90 ounces "intake" a day. I meet and exceed the fluid and protein goals. My 2nd week post-surgery I began to get a painful empty feeling several times a day. Its pissing me off. Its not acid, I'm on omeprazole and do 2 antacid meltaway chewable a day. I can eat an entire Greek yogurt serving tub in 30 minutes, with small bites and putting down my appetizer spoon between them. I don't like it, though, lactose pisses off my digestive system, but I was desperate for a "solid" and popsicles don't cut it either. I can easily get in 500-600 calories with the meal protein drinks and 2 snacks to stop my stomach hurting because of its "empty" feeling. I'm 12 days out. This is ridiculous! Anyone else come out of surgery this way and struggle with liquids? Please tell me moving to food is going to curb this, lower my overall calories when I can focus on solid proteins, and let me feel full.

Good Morning All My name is Tammara and I am a mother of 2 here in the ATL (Atlanta, GA for those who don’t know...LOL!). I have been overweight for almost 18 years now. I have gone on diet after diet only to gain the weight back. I will say that over the past few years after I found out that I have PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) I have been confused about how to lose weight. So I really have not tried like I should to. Like everyone else, when I am told that I cant have something it make me want it more and now time is not my friend in the journey for weight loss. So I decided to get WLS. I decided on the Lap Band procedure as I did not want anything too invasive to my body. I just need a little bit of help as I know I need to do the work. I am on a diet from my nutritionist and my surgeon where I have to eat of get in 70 grams of protein a day. I am having a hell of a time getting to that number. I really don’t know what to eat to get that amount in. I am not a milk drinker...I don’t like oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, brain cereal...LOL!!! I know it is a lot. But I just need to know what I need to do to get this amount in. I want the surgery will all my heart and I don’t want to do anything that might get me turned down. I just need a little help. If all goes well I should be scheduled for sometime in June and I will like to lose 20lbs before that time. Any bit will help...Thanks everyone.... Tammara!!! :thumbup:

What a cute teeny taco! I use tiny ramekins the size of my cat's food bowls for teeny lentil soup & chili (doctored with said sliced avocado, shredded cheddar and a teeny dollop of plain FF Greek yogurt). So how does your tummy do with the teeny tortilla? I still can't keep any kind of bread down. Not even a teeny bite.

I think avocado would be great! Also sour cream or plain yogurt.

Labrada Rock 'n Roll nutty peanut bars are good--and pack a good Protein punch (20 g/bar, I think; I can only eat half a bar at a time) Nuts are a good choice--low carb, though more of a fat than a protein I think you'll probably find it pretty easy to find "safe" Snacks on the go---I'd pack a pouch of PURE unflavored protein to stir into things like yogurt, which you can pick up in any concession place or corner store.