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Ok, first off the hunger is probably real. Mine was. I was hungry right after surgery and didn't stop being hungry ALL THE TIME until about 2 weeks post op, then things got better. This is different for some people, the lucky ones are never hungry, the unlucky have to deal with hunger. That said, I get so frustrated reading posts from people who cheat early after surgery. This is a hint at epic failure down the road. If you cannot control yourself while healing from having your *stomach cut out*, you are going to be hard pressed to control yourself once the hard healing is over. Seek professional help instead of cheating. There are plenty of ways to alleviate hunger without making stupid (sorry but crackers, chips, crunchy anything, hard to digest meats, things with seeds, popcorn etc are really freekin' stupid) choices. I can't believe some of the things people decide to shovel down their throats while their bellies are healing!! STOP IT ALL OF YOU!!! I thrived on yogurt, pudding, and cream Soups. I made it through, so can anyone. Really, if you feel you must cheat, see your team psychologist. If you don't have one, find one. This is possibly the single most important thing you can do in terms of getting a handle on long term success NOW.

My NUT didn't give me a carb total yet at this point. I was told 60-70 grams of protein at 1/4 - 1/2 per meal. I could do 1/4 - 1/3 protein then 1-2 tbs of cooked non fibrous veggies. I would say most of the carbs I get are from the tiny bit of veggies or the natural carbs in milk. With that said I'm going back to Almond milk and adding in greek yogurt to my shakes to lower those carbs. My personal goal is to keep my carbs low and have them come from veggies. To many carbs is what got me here to begin with. That all being said everyone is very different and I say go with what works for you and your weight loss goals.

Blended soups Milk sugar-free blended yogurt Sugar-free hot cocoa Carnation instant Breakfast Sugar-free fudgesicle Sugar-free pudding C ooked Cereal (oatmeal, Grits, Cream of Wheat, Farina) Dry cereal with fat free milk-soggy Dannon Lite and Fit creamy yogurt (like a drinkable smothie on the go) Low-fat cottage cheese (small curd) chicken, Tuna, salmon, crab, Egg, salads made with (low-fat mayo) premade crab cakes Mashed potatoes Unsweetened applesauce Soft cooked/scrambled eggs Canned fruit in its own juice Sugar-free Jell-O Soft cooked vegetables Soups should be non-chunky. Low-fat cream soups or pureed low-fat soups like Healthy Choice. (I bought a little food processor at Wal Mart for $14 from Black and Decker. You can just add any delicious soup and puree it) Add tasteless Protein powder to boost protein in soups. canned fruit in their own juice (no pineapple) and baby fruit, V-8 juice. ****Avoid overeating/vomiting at all costs. Both may cause slippage of the band and send you back to the operating room. Eat slowly and chew foods until they are a mushy/thin consistency. Work your way slowly up to ¼-1/2 cup of food meals. Do not eat pieces of food that are too large and can block the stomach opening (avoid thick meats and soft breads, opening of the stoma is the size of a dime). Stop eating when satisfied and comfortable not when overly full. Overeating can cause the pouch to stretch prematurely and may cause vomiting. This may also cause a slip of the band and require surgery. Eat three meals a day and consume protein with each meal. Consume one Protein shake (ex: 1/2 cup a few times a day if needed for extra protein) Always read food labels for low fat, the sugar rule, and high Fiber. Make sure you journal so you can keep track of what you are eating so you can let your doctor know. Also, you don't want to exceed 1,000-1200 a day. Also, what was happening to me, was that I was not getting enough Water, cyrstal light so my body was really thirsty not hungry. When I upped the water intake, my hunger pangs went away. I hope this helps!!! Audree:clap2:

Hahaha sex toy. I've been thinking about getting the Magic bullet (blender). Do you like it much better than a normal blender? Also, I can understand how you feel about the liquid diet. Luckily my 2 week pre op diet is only two meals of Protein drinks or bars. Then I get to eat one meal a day. (low fat, low carb meal). but I'm not to worried about it. I think the one thing that has helped me is being on Weight watchers since March. I've totally changed the way I eat. Making better food choices and finding other things low cal./low fat that satisfy my hunger. If I'm really wanting something to eat or something sweet, I turn to greek yogurt with honey. My fav. I don't feel so deprived from eating what use to be 'normal" food for me, like pizza, hamburgers, chinese and so on. Sure i might have that once or twice a month, but I may go 2 weeks not eating any fast food or junk. But when I do eat it, its only one meal and much smaller than I use to eat. I think learning how to eat again is the hardest part. It's a mind game. One game I don't want to lose. Good luck with your pre op diet. Hope it gets easier for you.

I was banded on 12-29 and have been eating between 600 to 1100 in calories per day. Lost 20lbs in the first 6 1/2 weeks. Pound up or down for the last 6 1/2 weeks. I see where people list what they've eaten for the day & it seems like it is so much less than what I've eaten. I can eat 1/2 to 1 cup of greek yogurt for Breakfast or cottage cheese, Soup, etc but others list "I can only eat a few bites" or 1/4 cup of whatever. I do measure all my food so I'm just concerned that I'm eating too much volume instead of watching my calories like I've been doing. Had 3cc in band from surgery & I requested a fill last week since I could eat pretty much anything. Now have 4 1/2 ccs and am eating softer foods for a few more days. Opinions?

I'm now 4weeks post op. Cant eat more than 1/8 c of food. The only thing I can push to get 1/4c is greek yogurt. And. Besides yogurt. Egg salad. There really isn't much else my body accepts. I hate protein shAkes they are all gross to me. Water I have to drink very slowly or I will be in pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

During the first few weeks after surgery, you need to take the time to recover and to start adjusting to your new life with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. A big part of your long term weight loss success will be your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle that includes a new diet and exercise plan, routine check ups with your surgeon, ongoing LAP-BAND® System adjustments, support group meetings, and more. However, be patient with yourself in the first weeks after surgery. You've already taken the biggest step - the first one. Now, it'll be a new life and lifestyle you create over time, not overnight. Your doctor will work with you to address your needs specifically. Below are some guidelines: Recovery Here are some key points for your recovery in the first few days and weeks. First Days You can expect some soreness, especially where the access port is, but it should subside (Please call your surgeon if the pain persists after a few days). To prevent infection, your surgeon may tell you not to shower for a day or so after surgery. Try to walk as much as you can comfortably, so that you'll regain strength and prevent blood clots, but take it slowly. [*]First Week(s) During the first week after surgery, allow yourself to recover and get plenty of rest. In about a week, you should be able to return to work, provided it's not physically demanding. For more physically active jobs, allow yourself two to three weeks to recover. Within four to six weeks, you should be able to resume all normal activity and start a new exercise program. Note: Before engaging in any physical activity or exercise program, first consult your surgeon. Many surgeons see their patients weekly or biweekly during the first month after surgery, so you will be sure your recovery is going well, and have any questions answered. Dietary Guidelines After surgery, you'll need a new nutrition plan. You'll learn about the positive changes you can and need to make in your diet and lifestyle from your surgeon and/or dietitian. It's very important to follow your new eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the surgery. In the first few weeks after your LAP-BAND® System surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, after about six weeks, you will be able to eat solid foods. The First Few Days Post-Surgery It's extremely important to follow the eating and drinking instructions immediately after the surgery. This allows your new stomach pouch to heal completely and the LAP-BAND® System to stay in the right position. In the early weeks, it's crucial not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND® System. Vomiting will do this, while also increasing the chance of stomach tissue slipping up through the band. Right after the surgery, you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. Don't take any more liquid than this, though. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear Liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. [*]liquid diet (1-2 weeks post-surgery) Your goal during the first few weeks is to protect the small stomach pouch so that you can heal properly. It can only tolerate thin liquids at this time. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (small amounts at a time). Other liquids recommended during this phase include: clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy) skim milk fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles [*]Pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-surgery) Now, you can start adding slightly textured foods. Think of the consistency of baby foods. This stage will help you transition to more solid foods later. Protein is very important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight. So, you should eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding [*]Please note: In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, because they may contain too many calories. [*]Remember, it's more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your personal timing and progression into each dietary phase depends on your progress. In general, when it comes to your nutrition, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian. [*]Soft Foods (5 weeks post-surgery) Your meals can now include tender, cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. By not chewing properly, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction (obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System). Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause you problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. These might include foods such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish. If solid foods cause any nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask your doctor or dietitian for advice that is specific to you. Again, remember that vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND®.

Yes, I can see the calories adding up with fancy shakes lol Mine are 192 calories each because I use 1% milk to mix them, so 1/2 of my daily calories are coming from shakes at this point. It's all I can do ... I get the other 300-400 calories with fish/seafood of some sort and maybe some cheese & yogurt ...

Hey guys, sorry I've been MIA, had a tooth pulled, didn't know it was gonna put me out of commission for 2 days!!! Globetrotter thanks for keeping the post going! Today's food for me is still mushie since my jaw is killing me! Stopped the pain meds since they made me coma-like, and sick to my tiny stomach! PreB- Protein shake B- Yogurt w/ blueberries L- no ideas D- no ideaa vites- already gone water- going down (keeping a log so I at least get to 40 oz trying to increase) exercise - will take a walk outside at lunch, it is going to be near 70 today! NEXT>>>>>

Try the protein shake thinned out with milk. I only tolerated it ice cold initially. Maybe just try Fairlife milk and see if that is tolerable and work up to the shakes? What about soups? I was allowed low fat cream of chicken, mushroom etc. but I had to strain the pieces out. Maybe try that. I would only do 2 tablespoons, wait an hour, try 2 more etc. Otherwise maybe low sugar yogurt, it can be flavored but not chunks of fruit.

Bad carbs is highly processed white carbs - sugar in other words. Donuts, white breads, white Pasta, too much starchy foods like potatoes and white rice. Basically low GI foods (glycaemic index) meaning they give you that sugar rush, are digested quickly and lead to an insulin rush. Good carbs are low glycaemic index ones, brown foods - wholegrains, certain fruits, vegetables, etc. There's no real consensus, proponents of the GI diet believe that eating only low GI foods has a similar effect to a high Protein diet in terms of fat loss and balancing blood sugar levels. I tend to believe it too - and it does have the major effect of weight loss, blood chemistry improvements AND its good for your bowels becuase its high fibre. Anyway, I eat plenty of carbs and I"ve still lost weight, I just avoid high GI ones. I tend to try to stay moderate on fat but I dont hold back on good fats like fish oils and avocado. I dont purposely buy low fat products becuase with things like yogurt and cheese, your body doesnt absorb the Calcium, Vitamin A and D as well without the fat, your body does need small amoutns of it. I drink skim milk because i prefer it but eat full fat yogurt and cheese (in small amounts).

I've been making my own greek yogurt..its easy and less expensive!! I just add fresh fruit..no sugar, no additives, nothing but fresh milk and fruity goodness. You can find the method on our blog www.thereddragoncafe.blogspot.com I'm also finding that it is more filling eating whole or cut up fruit rather than the sugary processed fruit they put in yogurt.

I eat lunch at around 1; go swimming in the early evening, and eat dinner around 7. Sometimes I have fruited Greek Yogurt by itself. Occationaly I will add vanilla flavored low fat/carb protein powder (and some splenda). Makes for a good prework out snack.

I thought I would have a much harder time with the no drinking while eating than I really did. I was a bit lucky in that my surgeon only requires I stop 5 minutes before eating and wait 20 minutes after eating. I've heard of some surgeons saying an hour before and an hour after! How could you possibly get all your Water in if you can't drink for like 80% of the day??!?! Anyway, when I first started eating solid foods post-op, it was a little challenging, because I was used to being able to "wash down" dry foods. So, that took a little getting used to. I found it was best just to not have water within reach while I was eating, otherwise I would drink without even thinking about it. I had to re-train my brain. One fascinating thing I learned was that I had CLEARLY been using drinking while eating as a means of eating more food pre-op, without even realizing it. The first time I got a "full" sensation while eating solids post-op, my instinct was to reach for the water to wash down the food so I could eat more! I never realized that about myself until I was post-op. I will say that, while I am cleared by my surgeon to drink 20 minutes after eating, I often find that after a full meal, I need to wait about 40-45 minutes anyway. Otherwise I feel overfull and uncomfortable. If I am just having a small snack, like a cheese stick or some yogurt, then it is easier for me to drink sooner after eating.

I had surgery two weeks ago. Out of everything, the worst thing for me was I threw up once and had some dry heaves the first night. The next morning they gave me some wonderful medicine and it went away. I needed help getting up for a few hours in the hospital, but after that, I was able to do things on my own. They did keep me for two nights, instead of 1 because of the first night. I didn't drive for a week, but that was my choice. I have a very low car and didn't want to have to climb out of it. I never needed pain medication so I didn't have to worry about driving while on it. I went back to work part time 5 days after surgery and the following Monday went back full time. It was exhausting in the beginning of the week but get easier as the week went on. I tried a few protein drinks and found I like Unjury the best. I particularly like the Chocolate Splendor and I put PB2 in it, with my NUT's approval. It's wonderful! I found while on the liquid diet portion and taking the protein drinks, it's hard to get it all in. The water hasn't been a problem. Just sip,sip, sip away! I haven't had sex yet. Not for any medical or physical reasons, just haven't. My husband is being more than patient! Now that I've moved on from pureed food to soft food, I seem to be alternating constipation and diareaha. I haven't been able to get in as much yogurt as I'd like, so i'm not balanced out yet. I'm sure once I get back on it, I'll even out. Everyone's journey is different, but I was exactly like you! I wanted to be prepared and ready for when I got home. I found I over prepared, but I guess that's ok! Emotionally, I was so ready for it to happen already. Even now, a couple of weeks out, I find I'm more excited than ever. The weight is melting away and I feel euphoric! Best of luck to you!!!!!

I made some fresh yogurt. Chipotle chicken broth mixed with mashed potatoes instead of Water is great. Have not tried refried Beans yet. Made deviled eggs and ate one. thats my mushy experience so far.

[quote name="meggieo79" post="3789051" Meggio, I feel everything at umass was great! I didn't have dr Kelly but he spoke at one of the support meetings I went to. They set me up with dr perugini and I really liked him too. I had a six month wait because of my insurance requirements, but when I look back, I needed it to mentally ready for these changes. I had no problems with surgery...a little nausea for the first day but was up walking to the bathroom while in recovery, because I waited several hours for a bed on the floor. The nurses were great though everywhere I was. The have you drinking a Protein drink the next morning and I was discharged by 330 that afternoon. For a couple days, everytime I drank, whether it was Water or carnation instant Breakfast, I had spasms in my belly for 5-10 seconds, but when I called, dr perugini called me back within 20 mins...it was all normal and it actually was gone by a week out. My incisions healed up nicely and I have no complaints!! I go today for my fist follow up and really hope I can add yogurt and cream Soups...yummmmm.

I don't know if you were referring to me but if it'll help any i don't have a set menu. I try to stick to low carb. 50g carbs and under, 60 to 70g Protein and at least 64oz of Water. Most days im good. But others i struggle. I try to log everything. Even the "bad" foods, which of im being honest I've had way more of than i should. I've been taking sips of things like full sugar soda. Which is dangerous. Especially since it's very uncomfortable. But after this last time that's a non issue. I've been slipping but on my good days I'll have as follows: Bk: boiled egg Snack: half a greek yogurt Lunch: 2 to 3 oz of meat protein Snack: 1oz cheese stick Dinner: 2oz meat protein .5oz veg maybe a carb but usually not Snack: last half of Greek yogurt maybe 2.5 oz. I have no food scale as of yet but plan on it in the very near future. I think meal planning is in this vein. What's does your food consist of if you don't mind me asking? I seriously need meal suggestions and ideas. Sorry this is so long im really struggling. Going back to my shakes until i can get a better handle on my food. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

I've been doing a fairly good job of staying away from stuff I'm not supposed to eat. I was able to keep carrots and celery and stuff like that that I could use as fillers in my meals. I used small amounts of fruits and berries mixed with plain or sugar free vanilla yogurt. Yogurt made s nice dessert at meals or added to salad as dressing. But it's end of the month and I don't have those right now. I find myself positively longing for some kind of sweet treat. How do I get passed it. Haven't broken yet but Dairy Queen's not that far away. (Also know that something as sweet as a blizzard will probably not even taste that good. My daughter decided I wanted a taste of hers and poked it in my mouth. Too sweet, just the one bite)

I absolutely hated the mushy stage. Couldn't stand yogurt or cottage cheese nor oatmeal. That pretty much left me to alternate between cheesy mashed potatos and canned chili. I did discover though that hot sauce was my best friend. I could alter the taste enough with different sauces that not every meal tasted exactly the same. I think I went through half a jar of cayenne pepper during this phase. As for the pills - I was able to handle them 1 week out, but I think that really depends on the person, whether you typically use liquid as a chaser or to help swallow them, etc... But the number one thing I'd recommend is not to stock up on anything until after you've tried it a time or two after your surgery. I made the mistake of stocking up on a few things (Isopure Protein drinks, SF popsicles, greek yogurt etc...) and after surgery couldn't choke them down if you paid me.

I know how u feel. I was so over it. I stopped eating 8 days before I transitioned to purees although it wasn't the best thing to do but I sucked on sugar free popsicles and yogurt and orange juice(trop 50) and it kept me leveled also don't forget to hydrate hope this helps.

I'm eating frozen fruit blended like a smoothie with yogurt, ice, and protien powder. I have been released to eat that or canned in light or natural juices. Hopes this hels

I have had the band initially in October of 2004. I have had so many problems that I wish I never had it done. In July of 2007, I had to have it replaced due to slippage and since then have been afraid to go for adjustments. I have the first fill of 5cc and still am unable to eat much but I have not lost any weight because I am so hungry that I eat the wrong things. Ice Cream goes down really well, so does chocolate which melts, many soups I try to eat do not go down and if and when I do eat, I have to follow that with very hot coffee or tea to make it go down. I make my own trying to keep it very thin because I seem to have trouble keeping that down. to say the least, I have not lost any weight because the foods that I can eat are the foods that are not good for me. I am also a cancer survivor and am concerned about calcium due to the fact that my body no longer creates it and osteoporosis runs in my family. I talked to my doctor and he keeps telling me that it is because I eat to fast and I eat the wrong things. I can't even keep yogurt or shakes down, the consistency is too thick.

I could only do refried beans at first. But my nut said if you use black beans and puree them like a hummus they were ok too at the stage that I could have yogurt, cottage cheese, etc...But no baked beans at that time. I think it had something to do with fiber.

Pacific foods makes great soups in the carton Coconut water- will keep you hydrated Isopure...liquid protein Steamed spinach in chicken broth Steamed fish in broth Jello Cottage cheese Chobani plain or Fage yogurt because they have the least amount of sugar. Popsicles GasX- just because Listenine strips - to combat crappy taste in mouth Cream of wheat Protein drinks an powders. Electric heating pad