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I used the EAS from Costco mixed with water and it was fine. Also mixed it into smoothies. Yogurt based smoothies are good too. I make my own. Soups are a good alternative. Some have around 50 calories in a cup. Then you can mix some protein in there. I have miso a couple of times on my preop. The sodium count is high though, so it may make you retain water.

I too pureed everything. Being a vegetarian it was a bit of a challenge. I found that CVS whey powder had 26 grams of Protein. So every morning I started with a shake made with unsweetened almond milk and a scoop of almond butter. It was a nice boost to start the day, clocking on at 31 grams of protein. I also used prosource noncarb Liquid Protein. I'd but the neutral flavor and add it to herbal tea. Moving onto food, I made a soft scrambled egg with a tiny bit of shredded cheese and a tsp of 0% plain greek yogurt. Once a week I made Soups using Beans or root veg like squash or sweet potato, spinach and corresponding protein powders. I mixed salsa with greek yogurt, or mashed a bit of fresh fruit and had that with greek yogurt. I also had plain veg broth at night as a treat if I made my protein goal throughout the day. Even now I prefer to start my day with a Protein Shake. I usually woke out in the mornings and the big protein boost give me enough energy to work out but isn't too heavy on my stomach that I get sick.

In a cruel twist of fate, my brother has always had issues keeping weight on, so I've seen all his tricks. Some suggestions: Add fat to your diet. Butter on veggies, cook in healthy olive oil, cheese in your morning eggs, etc. It doesn't take up much more volume in your tummy, but will add calories. Drink some calories. Again, not suggested for most banders, but every day my brother drinks milk, juices, and even has an occasional milkshake. Again, all in an effort to get in calories. He also does soda, but we can't do that, I don't think, with the sleeve. Add Protein powder to everything. He scoops it in oatmeal or yogurt in the morning, generally, but it can be hidden in a lot of places. There are protein powders that are specifically for people that are trying to put on weight. HIgh quality Snacks - He eats a lot of nuts or nutbutters on apples, etc. and cheese sticks for snacks. I'm not sure if you can fit those in, but it might be easier to eat more often. Passing out after eating is odd, though. Low blood sugar would mean passing out, but after eating, your sugar should be higher. I'd have that checked.

I'm three days out from surgery, and I'm really struggling finding things to eat on my "thick liquid" diet. Jello and Cream soups make me literally gag, yogurt and smoothies are too sweet. Any ideas? Also, I'm having some pain under the incision closest to my ribs, is that normal? I have been coughing alot. Can that dislodge anything?:confused2:

they're not totally bad, but it's only like a shot too:smile2: also try the soups, and entrees etc from Bariatric Choice... I use they're product, and I have a Shakeology shake every day... Remember your protein from other foods too like greek yogurt... lean meats and fish and my favorite is salmon yum!

I have both kidneys, but am stage 3 kidney disease. At my last visit to the nephrologist, he said 60-80 g of Protein was ok, but to watch my Calcium. I was eating yogurt 3 times a day because the nut said it was in place of milk, but with the calcium pills, the calcium test was too high. He made me get off the yogurt until I see him in August. I probably won't be having my surgery until September, so we see what happens.

I thought with me eating much less my grocery bill would go down, but it hasn't, but it hasn't gone up either. Instead of buying crap (little debbie / french fries) I buy healthy things - fruit and veggies. I no longer buy any soft drinks, just crystal light flavor packs for water. I am married so I do have to buy for the hubs, but while he isn't banded he opted to adopted the banded life. He eats the same healthy foods I do just in a large quantity, but hey that is a step. We have opted to oust junk foods all together. So I no longer go down the junk isles. I use to buy a lb of sugar monthly, I have purchased one in 4 months now - don't use it any more. I use to buy hamburger, chicken and pork. Now I still buy chicken, but opt for ground turkey instead of beef and still do a little pork sometimes and a lot more fish. We also use eggs instead of meat - I made an awesome veggie quiche last night and it gave us dinner last night and breaksfast for today and tomorrow- that is the way to stretch a buck. I have learned that Mrs. Dash makes fish better grilled and broiled than it was when we ate it fried. So while my bill hasn't gone down, I feel like the quality of food I purchase is better and I like that. Fresh veggies and fruit are great. My hubs has given up high cal yogurt for apple slices and likes it better. So I don't mind that the bill hasn't gone down quality means more than quantity so that is the aim these days. What has being banded done for your grocery bill?

That's why we're preaching Fairlife! It's ultra-filtered to remove sugars and lactose, and it packs 14g of protein and 1/3 of daily Calcium in ONE cup. For me, someone who can be sensitive to higher amounts of lactose, it's a godsend. Almond milk had more carbs and less protein for me. How you manage to find so much success as vegan is AMAZING. It's hard enough as a carnivore trying to cobble a decent diet together! Thanks but I'm vegetarian. It makes things easier because I do eat milk based products like yogurt and I also eat eggs. Those 2 items make it relatively easy for me. I hope to go vegan once I get to a normal BMI. I'm currently following a few vegan athletes for when I transition. I also have to eat as unprocessed as possible, because heavily processed foods trigger my allergies.

Well Happy Monday everyone! If you're like me, you once again managed to manuver a whole weekend of being off your eating schedule and work out regiment in order to do the "fun" stuff you've waited a whole 5 days to do. I almost couldn't wait for Monday to get here. Well, in terms of how I am eating. The week days are so much easier for me. I can put my day's worth of food in my little pink lunch bag and not have to worry about what I can eat off this menu. I feel relief to get up at 6:30am, have my protein shake on the way to work, my 20 oz of water before lunch, a little bit of yogurt, some soup for lunch. But regardless, i'm here. And it's another Monday. This morning I stepped on the scale and much to my disappointment, the number hadn't changed from last week. The christmas challenge started and my goal was to get from 231 to 215 by December 25th and so far I'm not starting off very fast. I can't really complain though because I did slack off on exercise and I can tell you I haven't made the best of food choices. 40lbs lost since September 14th however, is still good to me. I know though in order to get to this next tier in my journey I have to buckle down and just do the damn thing. I think I'm all healed up, no pain from incisions, no intolerance to anything (other than raw almonds...bleh). Several months ago, I bought a voucher for 30 days of a fitness bootcamp off Groupon. Well the time for me to redeem it has dwindled down, so I need to get in there by this week in order to use my 30 day pass. But, i'm so scared! lol. The class is at 5:30 in the morning and I'm terrified that this trainer will kill me. I've been cleared for rigorous exercise but other than brisk walking and the elliptacle machine, I haven't been that intense. So,not only did I buy this bootcamp class, I also bought a round of 20 yoga classes that I also have to use by the end of December. So, I guess if anything, come Christmas, I'll be one in shape woman! Well, tha'ts what i'm hoping. As I'm sitting here typing I'm eating some lasagna a co-worker made for me. She's noticed the weightloss and she also noticed the lack of eating. I think she thinks I'm starving myself to get skinny lol. Bless her heart. The lasagna is awesome, but I obviously can't eat the portion that she served me, so it's going back to the fridge for later. Wednesday I'll be 2 months post-op. Just seems like time has flew by so fast. My fiance asked if I feel different and I thought about it for a while. While I am ecstatic that my weight has been dropping, I honestly don't FEEL any different. I get up on the scale and it's obviously waaaay less than it was two months ago, but for some reason my brain hasn't really caught up yet. I'm not sure when that's going to happen. The last thing I want is to be blind to the changes that have actually occurred. I want to enjoy them every step of the way. But it does feel good when he looks at me and says, wow, you are melting away. Although i can't see it myself yet, it's awesome that I hear it from someone else. I'm curious about how other people are feeling around this 2-3 month point. Are you cognitive of the differences? Do you still see the same fat you in the mirror? When does it click that your body is changing?

Some foods are sort of notorious for gas production--Beans, certain veggies, etc. So this may be a contributor, depending on what "normal food" means to you. I found, post-banding, that I've become lactose intolerant. Anything containing milk (except yogurt and cheese; the bacterial cultures in those prevent the problem) makes me terribly gassy. It's my understanding that this is not unusual post-bariatric surgery (but more common after RNY). I also have NO tolerance for sugar; I found this out when treating my just-discovered lactose intolerance with Rolaids---it didn't even occur to me to be concerned about the amount of sugar in a Rolaid, but it caused great gastrointestinal distress. So, two new intolerances identified at once! (Fun.) BUT--the most common reason for gas is swallowing too much air when eating. I assume you're not using straws or drinking during meals, since your doctor probably forbade these both. But also remember to chew slowly and carefully and don't talk while eating. (I don't mean don't talk during the meal--just not between putting a bite in your mouth and swallowing.)

You've gotten good suggestions. In Store Vitamin Shoppe ad GNC are great places to go. Whole Foods and most drugs stores also carry Protein shakes and powders. I am the rare person who hated the taste of premiere protein. I like Isopure. I can drink their green tea, black tea with lemon and coconut waters. I also liked CVS brand Protein powder. Try to get a variety and try to find one that can be mixed with Soups and teas. I also ate and still eat loads of FAGE 0% greek yogurt. Early on I used to make a Soup by pureeing Beans, straining it and thinning it with vegetable broth. Add in a ½ scoop of unflavored protein powder and it makes for a great high protein, nutritious soup.

Yesss....that is totally how I feel with soup, yogurt, etc.. The only reason I stop eating is because it still hurts once the food is going down or I get really bad acid reflux (or what feels like reflux). Sometimes I keep regretting this decision.

I have actually drank about 5 cups of broth throughout the day....eating popsicles, crystal lite, jello, and still starving...I can't have milk or yogurt until I advance to full liquids....As far as the pain, yes, I am extremely sore....I know to walk...Had and have no problem getting up and walking right after surgery and everyday because I know that is what will help me heal faster too....There is extreme soreness but nothing like my C-Sections and tubal....I don't feel I have any restriction but at times it feels as though my stomach is having spasms....I know I have no saline in my band but usually after surgery due to being swollen, most people are not hungry....My main concern isn't pain/soreness...I know this will go away with time....My main concern is I am starving and my doctor makes us do clear liquids for a week after surgery, then full liquids for a week, then mushies x 1 wk, then solids......My BP too has been sky high since surgery....I have never had a problem with my BP....I thought could possibly be from the discomfort I am having but I took pain med and 45mins later got up to go to the bathroom and my BP is sky high and only coming down slightly after taking pain meds...

What is everyone's pre op diets? I have been on mine for a week and its been ok I did cheat this weekend but other then that not to bad. I can have grits in the morning, yogurt at 9:30, 11 applesauce, much protein shake, 3 pudding, 5 yogurt, and dinner is another shake.

The Protein shots I've had do taste bad! I have a few ways of getting the protein in.. in the morning i have 4oz. skim, 4-8 oz decaf coffee (i perfer cold), 1 serviing of vanilla protein and 3tbs of sugar free flavored syrup. Greek yogurt has lots of protein and is very filling. Tuna fish also has alot of protein.

I find beef jerky to be great - fills me up, lots of protein Greek Yogurt Edamame Lunch meat of all types Shrimp Chicken Tofu

I use lactose free milk and it tastes the same as regular milk....I even make my own yogurt from scratch with it. Mimi

I am familiar with PCOS. It is true that there are more challenges with weight loss, but not for all women. It's also true that women, band or no band, are able to lose weight with diet and lifestyle change, WITH PCOS. I'm not trying to minimize how difficult it is for YOU. But it can be very easy to fall into old behaviors, while totally blaming it on a health issue. Your original post said that you were hungry all the time, and finding food on every corner. I believe that some of the posters were responding to that. PCOS doesn't force anyone to make poor food choices. Even pregnant women choose yogurt over a Big Mac & fries. Again, I'm not saying that's what YOU were eating at every food venue on every corner. But you were eating enough to gain a substantial amount of weight, which typically equates to too much food, and poor choices. If a good portion of your issues are in fact PCOS, then maybe posting in an online PCOS forum is a better option.

FRESCA: I cook very fast and I make sure to have a shake right before i cook. It smells so good, but I haven tried anyting since Tuesday. I was even offered a yogurt parfait from McDs and I said NO. I have stuck with the Optifast, little Water, Slimfast at night, sugarfree Jello, & sugarfree candies since Tuesday. It's been a challenge, but I get over each battle a little stronger. I told my daughter of 19, that she might have to cooking soon. I think I'm pretty strong, but yesterday's dinner smelled soooo goooodd!!!. Then they eat in front of me. I just don't look and focus on the tv. I have to do this until March 3. Then Clear liquids.....yummy...lol...... I know there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I JUST KEEP THINKING, BY THE TIME SUMMER COMES, I SHOULD BE ABOUT 30LBS LIGHTER OR MORE. THAT'S GREAT...... GOOD LUCK FRESCA!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Hi all! I just started my liquid diet today and am now freaking out that I am not doing it right. Of course there is a huge snow storm so no one is in the office and I don't want to mess this up. I think I can have sugar free jell-o, pudding and the carnation instant breakfast shakes. but what about oatmeal? Is that ok? Yogurt? Are there specific types? Thanks for the help! FYI- my surgeon is Dr. Benedetto, and it will be at Salem (MA)Hospital.

Hi I am 1 week post op, going onto my 2nd week liquid post op stage. Typically in a day I will wake up and have some Water, my Vitamins that really tiny and easy to swallow. Then at around 11am... I would have one or two small rusks (soft like crackers) that I chew until they are mushy in my mouth with light Philadelphia cheese or I might have a low fat yogurt instead (probably half). Also, sometimes for Breakfast I might have a few sips of a cup of tea and I am full. It really depends on how I feel. For lunch, I will have a yogurt or a frozen yogurt or some thin Soup, it depends how hungry I feel and what I am in the mood for. For dinner a thin soup, and from the soup I can only probably eat 5/6 small spoon fulls, sometimes more... Throughout the day I sip on water and low fat fruit juices. The first few weeks is recovery period and just learning to adapt to your band...

B: 2 poached eggs with 1/2 whole grain English muffin or 6 oz vanilla ff/sf Greek yogurt with 1/4 c Kashi L: 1/2 cup ff cottage cheese, few raw baby carrots or tuna salad with 10 RF wheat thins or lean chicken made into chicken salad using Greek yogurt instead of mayo S: 1 oz cheese with a few grapes D: lean dense Protein, chicken thigh, beef, pork or fish, veggies and once in a while brown jasmine rice 128 oz Water per day Usually a glass of wine before dinner.

Hi Abigail! I know you don't want to hear this, but you have to make an apt to see your Dr., or in the very least, talk to your NUT. This person will have the knowledge to help you & suggest what you can do to get back on track. More importantly, do NOT be ashamed of yourself. This is a tough journey & we really need to work hard to make it work BUT IT DOES WORK!!! You didn't mention what you're eating or how much. That's the first thing I'd look at. I had my surgery done on Jan 16th, so I'm about 5 1/2 weeks out. I had my band removed & revised to the sleeve. Here's an example of what I eat at this point. Keep in mind, everyone's food menu is slightly different the first 6 - 8 weeks. It all depends on the Dr's office: Breakfast: 1/2 - 3/4 cup of egg whites mixed with feta cheese, turkey crumbles and spinach or 1 egg feta cheese, turkey crumbles and spinach or Protein drink (Greek yogurt, Pure Protein vanilla creme shake w/ 1 scoop of Pure Protein vanilla powder). I actually don't like chocolate that much lunch 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of tuna fish blended with low-fat mayo 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of leftover dinner from night before Dinner 1/2 - 3/4 cup of any lean protein (like homemade ham & navy bean Soup in the crock pot) 1/2 -3/4 cup of turkey chili (in the crock pot) tonight I'm making Lemony Lentil & Spinach Soup (yup, in the crock pot again, LOL) *No, I don't use the crock pot all the time, but it does help) I hope this might help you. But, I really think you should call your NUT. They're job is to help you. Do NOT be ashamed. Nothing to be ashamed of. You are NOT alone my dear. Most of us enjoy helping & encouraging others. You CAN do this & you WILL be successful. Best of luck & hang in there!

I know it's hard I'm 2 months post op and I've lost 72lbs. I recently started eating more my intake is higher then a half a cup and it scares me. Remember your protein water stay away from sweets minimize carbs. I've learned to cut back and change my foods. I plan I'm starting a workout maybe Zumba I want to do insanity but I doubt my body could handle it. I suggest you see your doctor or email your nutritionist. I email mine all the time lol. Any questions message me. If I were you I wouldn't do that yogurt diet you did this surgery to help you not so you could live on a diet. Good luck.

I had my post-op appointment this morning and I happened to ask why most surgeon's require that their patients go through a long process of being on a liquid diet before introducing back normal foods. I'm not posting this on the main board because I think it would annoy a lot of people, but I thought you would find the information useful since you are already introducing real food (and getting scolded for it!). Melissa (who is Dr. Blackstone's assistant surgeon) told me that most programs require a long liquid diet because they don't have the support staff to answer a lot of questions about food or to deal w/problems that occur when their patients eat food. In other words, if the patient only drinks shakes, they will never get any food stuck, they will never have any problems w/food, etc... because they aren't EATING food. So, this keeps their call volume down. She said that otherwise there is no reason to be so cautious about introducing food. Anyway, so for what its worth, that's her opinion on the matter. If you are curious the details of my post-op restrictions for the first month, I can eat any protein except red meat (chicken, fish, egg, soy products, cottage cheese, yogurt, reduced fat cheese-in moderation). Any cooked vegetables (except potato, peas, corn). Any fruit (but peel it first). No starches (bread, pasta, rice, etc.). This is just for the first month. Then, you can add back in a small amount of starch and red meat. There are other rules... like don't drink while you eat or after you eat for at least 30 minutes (helps the food stick longer in your pouch). And, don't drink calories (no shakes, juice, etc.) because these are considered 'sliders'. And, make protein your main priority (60-80 grams). Anyway, I'm just giving you this info cause I know you were questioning their advice to be on liquids only. Personally, I would be so annoyed if I was told to be on liquids for so long when liquids just slide right through the band. And, you have to learn to chew at some point anyway. I would think its easier to learn this now when we have the least amount of restriction (before we get any fills). Anyway, sorry you got scolded. I think you are doing great!