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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.

Hi there, that feeling of "What have I done?" is common, as is the fear that it's not going to work. I failed at so many diets over the years and worried that I'd be the one person who failed at LapBand. I'm very grateful that when I was in the research stage and newly-banded there was not the flood of negative information out there as I probably would have been deterred and still fighting my weight problems. Those people do go on (and on) -- many are unwilling to change eating patterns like fast food, etc. and it's important not to have the band too tight -- the links below in my signature helped me understand this. The Lapband is Not About Restriction and the Eight Golden Rules. Honestly, I read that Simpson piece over and over to get it through my big fat head. Restriction is a word we use with regard to the amount of fill but it's misleading. There are things that surprised me about what my body prefers and tolerates now. I was pretty sure I'd be eating scrambled eggs as I've always loved those. Well, they don't work well for me now but a fried egg -- something I never liked -- is kind of perfect for me. I need to be able to chew. My test for myself is salmon and broccoli. I need to be able to eat those foods (Slowly, oh that's still hard for me to remember sometimes but the band reminds me). Dense protein well-chewed is where it's at. I use chicken thighs for the most part or pound the chicken (I like those organic tenders) so it's not too fibrous. For burger i sauté it with stock over time so it's not stringy. These are just my personal tendencies. And I splurge on tenderloin or filet mignon when we go out. I don't eat rice or bread, etc., although my husband is gluten-free and I do have a few rice crackers with cheeses, etc. I thought I'd have to give up cheese -- worried that I might come out of surgery lactose intolerant or something -- but I really love cheese and I haven't really had to "give up" anything. It's important for me not to have sliders. Yogurt is a slider for me so I add chia seeds, a little GF cereal, a few nuts, etc. To give myself something to really chew. It's the chewing that signals the brain for satiety. So for me the cheese needs a cracker or some celery or something to chew. Last night I was on the way to a performance and suddenly needed food. Ducked into a market for a cheese stick and a small bag of unsalted almonds and a square of chocolate. Had about half of each. Full. No desire to go on and on, which is what I always did before. I am able to stop. No more appetite monster to appease! Good luck. You're going to do great! Pay attention to your pants and how they loosen rather than the scale. It will all happen!

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!

Full liquids are getting dull quickly. I enjoy my sugar free Popsicles. I finally made it to the required intake of 64oz, most days I've been under. Protein is difficult for me as well. I used to like the GNC strawberry whey and now not so much. But I used to add frozen fruit, spinach,and coconut oil. So that's probably the issue, it's bland right now. I added ice tonight and it was better. I may have to add coconut milk to the skim milk for flavor. I enjoy the light vanilla yogurt, Sugar free puddings, and broth. I've tried the thinned down creamed soups strained. I would rather just broth. Cream of what isn't bad. It's funny how one little yogurt lasts 3 days Total side note, all the constant ads and pictures of food on TV and the internet are really obnoxious and annoying. I don't generally watch tv so I've increased my exposure and of course my sensitivity to it has increased.

PB2 is powdered peanut butter. You can add it to things like yogurt or protein shakes or mix it with water to make peanut butter that has 85% less fat calories than even l-f pb. A lot of websites sell it. I'm sure you can Google it & get all the information you would ever need. I think that it's awesome!

Peanut butter/nuts/seeds all have good fats and some protein. Olive oil, peanut oil, and butter are my go-to cooking fats. Peanut oil handles higher temperatures. (As soon as oil starts smoking, you're damaging it). I get 70g of protein without a protein bar or shake in sight. Cottage cheese, greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, beans, meat, poultry, fish, eggs. Sample daily menu for you: Breakfast: 2 eggs, 4oz beans (21g protein) Snack: 2oz nuts or seeds (14g protein) Lunch: 4oz meat or fish (28g protein) Snack: 4oz cooked spinach plus 2-4oz cottage cheese (whatever you can fit in) (7g-13g protein) Dinner: 4oz meat or fish (28g protein) Yes, it's a LOT of food! But, you're a big guy, and I suspect your weight is stalling because you're not eating enough. Even if you don't eat this much every day, to have an occasional "splurge day", will help kick start your weight loss. I personally also take in a 4oz piece of fruit each day.. but that's optional, depending on your carb desires. (But I skip the dinner, and only have 1 egg for breakfast).

I remember feeling similarly. Scared to put anything in my mouth in case I threw it back up or had it get stuck. Just start slow with whatever you're comfortable with. Some apple sauce? Yogurt? Soup? Something that will slide down easy. Then slowly progress to the things like mashed veggies, egg salad, etc. I'm 3 weeks out as of Monday and I'm eating fish and chicken, potato salad, egg salad, cooked veggies, lots of low fat cheese! Life is feeling normal again.

Hi! I’ve lurked for a week or now. I finally got the courage to post. I have a question about the eating phases that you all were told to follow. My SD was on 12/14. I am on full liquid diet for a total of five weeks (protein shakes, blended soups, oatmeal, yogurt, SF jello, SF popsicles, applesauce,etc. ) all only 1/4 cup at a time. I’m concerned that I will begin solid foods without a real transition to solids. Also, I am having a hard time with drinking water, protein shakes and eating. It’s a juggling mess right now. Can’t get it all in. What were you told to eat and when? Do you have any sample schedules that you can share?

Back on the protien shakes again... as that fill sure is working hard this time and not letting much down at all, was so happy the yogurt went down:thumbup: But.... I think I'm going to start hanging around the butchers and maybe licking the windows because I really need to eat a giant juicy steak.:thumbup: My friend said to me at least you can't be a piggy anymore, all I could think was what kind of piggy???? Roast? Sweet & Sour? Sizzling????? AAGHHHHH:cursing: I swear if I see anyone wearing leather I will start to drool and shake. This hasn't happened before, my boy say's I must be turning into a vampire or something,, v.supportive that one let me tell you. Why is it when you decide to give it your all at the gym those skinny girls who bounce around yelling at everyone to "Push it Guys" or "The work is worth it people" and never cast a glance in your direction decide to be your best friend when your just about having a corony and your only thoughts are "the only thing you are gunna push is her head into her butt." But oh no she's going to chat away as if you met for drinks. This one stood in front of the treadmill so no matter how far i ran I couldn't get my hands around her neck:biggrin: Gosh should I have vanilla or choccy shake for dinner? they should make a Rare Sirloin with mushroom sauce and fries shake. That would be walking out the doors. Expresso tonight I think. m mmm Cheers Chooky

Here is the thing, if you are still required to take all of them ( I don't know what they are for) they will either find the liquid form of those prescriptions or they will have you crush them and take them with yogurt. ( not a fun experience by any means). The good news is, this is temporary. After your tummy heals you will be able to swallow some of them whole. The other good news is, if some of these are used to treat your co morbitiies such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc, you will likely stop taking some of them very soon. I think the medication changes was one of the most positive non scale victories most of us have within a few weeks or days of surgery. I went from taking 8 differnt prescriptions every day to 1! Good luck on your surgery and keep us posted on your progress.

I think so too, it's helping me and I'm happy about it. I'm eating normal food, I try to find foods that are high in protein but I just don't know how to get up to 90grams of protein. I want to stay at or just below 1500 or 1200 calories. Vanilla Greek yogurt has 22grams of protein in it with 170 cals for one cup. Anyways, Good plan, it really does help and it really does help recording what exercises you do, I just added walking 2 miles [today] for everyday besides Wednesdays and Thursdays. Every 4 weeks, I'll increase it a mile, til' I get to 6 miles. I do not work but I am taking a Cosmetology class [second year] where I'm on my feet and doing something most of the week. I'd just say whenever you have some downtime, do some simple things that will get your heart rate up. I feel that it is working but I think I'm going to do every 5 mins that I am on the computer, watching TV, or doing nothing and then do some kind of exercise for 5 mins, I feel like I will get more out of it because I tried the 10 for 10 yesturday and I didn't feel like I got much out of it. So far so good, sticking to it for 5 days now, and I feel different about how I eat now, like if someone offered something I'll be like "no thanks" or something. I feel more dedicated to it than I ever did. And it's awesome! I know what you mean, a lot of people think I weigh less than I do and I don't even know why. What's the high side of your goal? And how do I get more grams of protein in?? Thanks to all of you!♥

Today I started the pre-liquid diet because I am an eater and I needed to transition. My pre-liquid is actually a liquid diet that the surgeon gave but but also include vegetable pureed soup, and oranges, limes and grapefruit. I've spent the day laying down as if I am going to die of misery. Later in the afternoon I felt better and got motivated to make my beef soup. It's still boiling and I am too excited. This morning I had a protein drink, and peppermint tea. Brunch I had orange juice, 2 jello cups and a yogurt. I was sooo hungry. Lunch the wonderful tomato and herb soup. I've never thought that tomato soup would be so delicious. :crying: I had 1 more cup of orange juice and I am waiting on my beef soup to be done so that I can strain the broth. Question is why can't we have vegetables anyway? The whole theory is to shrink the liver. Maybe they also want your stomach to shrink. I can do this. I can do this. I am scheduled for 11-9-09

Ruby Reds are a GREAT invention, they give you a full day serving of fruits & vegtables in a small scoopful and they taste great. They were a gift to me and they've lasted quite well through my on again off again healthy fads/trends. You can put the RubyReds in anything, water, juice, etc.. I've noticed it's especially good with Berry Propel and the Healthy Balance Brand Pomergrante/blueberry/Acai blend juice. I originally found the Healthy Balance juices as an alternative for my diabetic mother, but quickly found out they taste great. Even my 9 yr old nephew likes them and has for last 2 years we've been buying them. That being said today I made my best shake yet, it tasted just like a smooth from Planet Smoothie or someplace like that... 2oz vanilla lowfat yogurt 1 scoop designer whey french vanilla protein powder 1 scoop ruby reds 4oz Healthy Balance Pomergrante, blueberry, acai blend juice. Handful of ice Stir or blend either way is delicious. If you try the shake let me know what you think.

I'll tell you what I did. What I took to the hospital...bipap machine, pony tail, chapstick, phone and charger. What I wish I'd also brought... gas x strips. Puree foods I liked Greek yogurt, Wendy's chili and taco bell pintos and cheese. Make sure you have broth to thin out food going in the blender. I preferred the little 6 oz water bottles because they're easier to handle and won't get warm as quickly since you can only sip such a small amount at a time. I use regular spoons but know to just put a small amount on it. I was glad I only had to do pureed for one week. Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 3 weeks post op. I am down 15 pounds since surgery. I am usually drinking about 48 oz fluids and getting 60 gr protein and taking my vitamins. I am noticing that I am retaining fluid again in my ankles but nowhere near ad much as I used to. A normal day is a protein shake for breakfast, Greek yogurt around 11, cottage cheese 1/2 cup around 2, and 3 of puréed tuna, chicken or 1/2 c refried beans around 6. Occasionally I also eat 2 tbsp of pb2. I am afraid I am able to take in too much already. Am I overeating? Yesterday I was at 653 calories. Carbs were 52. I am just nervous I am not on the right track

My kids are visiting me this week and I have taken them out to eat at great places in Chicago. Now mind you I am eating way less than before but I stuck to the plan religiously before they got here and did not lose 1 oz but then they come and I lose 1lb??? Go figure! I guess its the walking around and bowling that helped. I am also trying to stick to the rules, no bread, no water with meals (that is really hard to do), eat the good stuff :wub:. I ate pasta, a little, some popcorn and some frozen yogurt. I nibbled on this and that but no where near the crap I used to inhale. I guess the band is doing its job. Now I have to do mine:thumbup: and I get my first fill this week!

I am also sick of shakes. I have been able to get in 60-80g of Protein without them. Protein meals and Snacks are all I eat basically. Greek yogurt and light string cheese are good low cal high protein snacks. I will say the shakes seem to be more filling if you are struggling with fullness or overeating (which I am also. I am not eating to the point of discomfort but grazing perhaps a bit too much. Seem to get "hungry" often)

Ooh... I haven't tried yogurt yet I ate about 3 tbsp of broccoli cheese soup and that was awesome. I feel like I get that tight in throat feeling really quick.

I am 4 days post op. Up until now I have read everything quietly in the background never commented. I just wanted to say what a lovely supportive community this is. I had a nurse and my dietitician warn me away from the forums because people can be really negative and it won't help the healing process. But this thread proves them wrong. Thanks for being so supportive and human!! Jfcarjr.... I'm still struggling with the water sips. But it is starting to get easier. Just finished two tablespoons of yogurt and didn't have any issues... of course I used a baby spoon and just coated it and took a good 15 minutes to finish. But no pain in the process. Chin up!! We will get better and it will be all worth it when we can wear the new clothes we buy and look fabulous!!!

I had the gastric bypass the end of April and have lost 25 lbs over the last 2.5 months.. I feel my weight loss has literally halted here. Does anyone have advice on changes they made when they noticed stalls? I drink over 50ozs of water a day a protein shake and yogurt { Danon light and fit with 12 grams protein and also try to eat some oatmeal for breakfast and veggies and grilled chicken for dinner. Along with waking 2 miles every day. I’m following all of the advice but have literally only lost 1 lb in the last 2 weeks which is very frustrating. I’m shocked to see how slow my weight loss has been with such a calorie deficit.has anyone else experienced this issue and if so do you have any advice? My nutritionist does not advise using the shakes more than once a day but they do offer a lot of protein. I’m curious to hear about others experiences and what foods they have chosen that helped in their weight loss journey…Thank you in advance!

My doctor recommended White Mountain Bulgarian Yogurt. It reminds me of homemade yogurt and no additives which is really hard to come by. I encourage everyone to seek this stuff out.