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Im jealous of you guys...you get shakes. Im only allowed Isopure [clear Protein ] broth and Jello. I had a hard time the first day, second day was a breeze, third day I found out insurance denied me so I had some yogurt and scrambled eggs. But, Im going to stay pretty close to this diet for awhile just because of the health benefits. Im down 27lbs since January, 6 of which were the last 3 days. Im pretty bummed about the denial but we are fighting it and shooting for July. And yes I agree on giving up the high carb shakes. They wont help curb your appetite and will damper tge results of liver shrinking. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Every doctor does it slightly different on the preop diet. My recommended a 10 day liquid diet. I could have some juice, cottage cheese, Protein shakes, and yogurt. I actually ate some turkey and boiled eggs too while I was doing it. It wasn't that bad, you just kind of have to remind yourself that you've got what your body needs to keep going. I would wait until I was super hungry and then eat something small and wait again until I was super hungry. Most days I only got in 400-500 calories. After the surgery: I remember I woke up in quite a bit of pain, but I was also super out of it. They actually had me awake while I was still in the operating room. As soon as I got to post op they started giving me drugs and I felt way better. I had a pain pump. Push your button. Push it often. And if it's not cutting it, ask for something else. I got what was in my pain pump and something for inflation too. From that point on my pain was tolerable. You'll have to do a swallow test in the hospital, and it's pretty gross but once you're clear from that you'll be on your way to going home. I got to eat clear liquids in the hospital. My worst days were my first 3 days home. I had trouble standing for more than a few minutes. Make yourself move around as much as you can. My husband was great during this time, he waited on me hand and foot and was always there helping me up, to the bathroom, in the shower ECT. I'm on day 8 now, I'm still tired and sore but I got my staples and my JP drain out today so I'm looking forward to getting back to normal. The best things you can do to prepare is to focus on eating slow, and listening to when you're stomach is full. Try to find some protein you might like, but remember your taste might change after your surgery. Also stock up on things you'll need when you come home, like your Calcium and Multi Vitamins.

I usually travel by car but I travel quite a bit as a freelance video producer that takes marathon road trips with a lot of ground to cover. Before I check in my first night when I arrive somewhere, I will hit a local grocery store and pick up some things like sugar-free yogurt, string cheese, lunchmeat, grape tomatoes, etc and keep it in the fridge in my room so I'm not tempted to grab something from the breakfast buffet or door-dash late night junk to my room because I didn't prepare properly. After a day or two, if I don't take care of my business I can FEEL it, and the last time I took a trip where I didn't do what I needed to do, my husband said I looked visibly tired and weak when I got home. My biggest issue when traveling is not eating enough fresh veggies and fruits so at least once a day I try to find somewhere decent I can get a healthy salad or at least something like a green smoothie or something. I know better than to try to eat carbs on the go, but my downfall when I'm in "the travel zone" is living on meat snacks/cheese and therefore too much sodium and not enough vitamins and minerals. I also make liberal use of little plastic condiment cups with lids for organizing my supplements and vitamins (I even use them to portion out my collagen powder into individual servings.). I put all of them inside a freezer bag and then all I have to do is grab one each morning/evening.

protein bars are good to take. I used to sometimes take beef jerky and cheese sticks with me, too (they can be out of refrigeration for quite awhile - as in hours if not a day or so). Once you're there, you may be able to find a grocery or convenience store that has things like yogurt, cheese sticks, etc.

Welcome! There is a pregnancy forum here at LBT. I believe most women get their bands unfilled while preggers to allow for more nutrition. Sometimes bands need to be replaced. You can search pubmed for studies on it. It is an implanted device, and something to be considered. Tell your surgeon you have worked with nutritionists in the past. I only had to do one consultation to be sure I understood how I should eat post-banding. As she is in my surgeon's office, it was part of an insurance-covered office visit with my surgeon. How much you will be able to eat will depend on your restriction level. I am in maintenance mode now. I eat about 1500-1700 calories a day. A meal for me is about 3 oz of solid Protein, 1/2 cup of veggies, and some starch. I do not eat low-carb. I still eat all the foods I used to with the exception of very soft doughy breads (they get stuck) and white meat chicken (also gets stuck). I still have my junk food treats. Just not as often, and not as much. If I cannot eat solid protein, my surgeon wants me to come in for an unfill. It is unacceptable to him for me to rely on Protein shakes and "slider" foods--foods that slide right on through the band. Those are foods like Soups, yogurt, and highly processed junk like chips, Cookies, ice cream, etc. Advice for the early stages...don't get caught up in Last Supper Syndrome. you WILL eat your favorites again. There is no need to gorge yourself on food like you will never eat it again. My diet is pretty "normal" now. Except when my stomach is irritated from a bad stuck episode, most people watching me would not know that I've had weight loss surgery. Don't stock up on boodles of protein shakes until you know that your surgeon wants you on them long-term. I bought a bunch of the stuff after reading on here how many people continue to use them after banding only to find out that my surgeon doesn't want me using them. He wants me eating my calories. I was only allowed them during the full liquid phase of post-op. This forum is a great place for support. My surgeon has support groups, but his are too late in the evening for me to attend as I start work early in the morning. I hang out here a lot and credit it with with my continued success. It helps me keep my head in the game. In real life I only know one other banded person. It's great to come here and be able to connect with peeps who "get it!"

Hi all, I'm a new member. Im having a problem disgesting everything except water and yogurt. How long does this usally last and when are you able to add more to your food intake. I'm hungry!

Quest Protein bars. Low sugar or carb control yogurt. Premier Protein. A lot of people on here seem to like GENEPRO (sp) My stomach doesn't like meat either.

WOW thanks so much for all the replies! I am feeling better about the whole thing now. I think my issue might be what I am eating. I only eat half cup every 2-3 hours... I am just eating pureed soups, cottage cheese, and yogurt. I guess i am just confused of what I can eat at this point. (3 weeks post op)

I've read many reports of consistent restriction from VSG vs. tha random restriction I had from AGB. Is your restriction consistent? Yes, I can eat more mushie food like yogurt, but meat 2-3 oz s it consistent both in terms of times of day you can eat and types of food you can eat? Yes I eat anything I want for breakfast lunch and dinner, With AGB "stuck" foods caused me discomfort or pain, often quite a bit of pain, and often for a fairly long time. Does food stick with VSG? Never for me. I've read about people brining stuff up, but is this because of failure to pass through some stoma, or is it because of eating more than you can hold? Or both? I've never had an issue with food coming up,but I've been careful not to overeat. Does it hurt like it did with your band? When it comes up, is it "saliva + stuck bits" like with the band, or is it actual vomit? I've never vomited with the sleeve. I know some dumping can occur with VSG - do you dump? Is it on specific foods, or random? I've never had a dumping problem. I had my gall bladder out at the same time as my revision and now fatty foods nauseate me, but sweets are fine. What period is the greatest risk for developing a leak? I see references to 2 weeks, 2 months... That's a doctor question, but I think you have to be careful for a couple of months until you are completely healed. Is leak the (currently known) most likely complication of VSG? I see people talking about leaks, and pOuch stretching, but that's about it. Surely there's something else out there... That's all I've heard also, though I didn't have any problems. WIthout the need for fills, what does your post-op care look like? I only went back to my surgeon once post-op. After that my primary care doc handles everything. I just have labs once or twice a year. Do you have periodoc leak tests as a bandster might have period fluoro or xray? No. What do you like best about your VSG? The ability to eat healthy foods that I couldn't with the band (salads, certain fruits/veggies), not having to ever worry again about eating too much - I can't, being able to eat like a "normal" person (not counting calories, fat grams, etc.). I eat whatever I want, but in moderation. What do you like least about your VSG? There are times your brain still wants to pig out on something, but your body can't do it, so you have to just deal with that. I lost more muscle than I would have liked to, but that I can build back up. What did you not know going in, that you wish you did? I was pretty well informed, but I guess I didn't realize how hard it would be to get all my protein in without supplements. I still have to eat protein bars to get it all in. I keep reading "recovery is a lot harder than with the band," but no one really elaborates. Can someone please share their comparison of recovery? I've had 12 surgeries in my life, so I may be an old pro about it, but I thought my recovery was just as easy. I work from home on the computer and was back at my desk the day after I got home from the hospital for short spurts. Pain was minimal. How hard did you find the transition in terns of behavior? I'm assuming there are shared rules such as chewing to goo, small bites, waiting between bites, etc. You don't have to worry about chewing everything up super small with the VSG like you do with the band or taking small bites. The opening to your stomach is the same as anyone else's, so that's not an issue anymore. I eat just like anyone else. Do you have a "soft stop" with VSG? (I never had one with AGB, but I'm wondering if it exists with VSG) Not sure what that means... Did anyone out thyere have a difficult revision due to scar tissue/etc. with the band? My surgeon did both the band and my revision to VSG. He had put my port in there really good, so it was a bear to get out. I was left with a large open area internally that filled with blood and caused a hematoma. The incision above the hematoma opened up, the blood drained, and the hole had to then heal from the inside out. I had to keep it packed with cotton tape and change twice a day for a couple of months. I also had a hiatal hernia that I fell was caused by the band. The doc fixed it during the revision surgery. Any bathroom problems? (e.g. the terrible stinkies DSers are known for) None at all. In fact, I used to have IBS but no more. It seems like most people encounter significant heartburn. Is reflux an issue with VSG? Is the heartburn long term, or does it resolve after a while? I continue to take a PPI to control acid, so it's not an issue. Are your food intolerances (if any) the same as with your AGB? I can eat or drink anything I want with the sleeve, no restrictions. I choose to NOT eat much bread, as it swells with liquids and takes up room in my tummy I should be filling with protein. I can tolerate anything - spicy foods, wine and spirits, etc.

I have to be on a 10 day diet before surgery. I am drinking two Pure Protein Powder Vanilla Shakes a day. I mix it with 12 oz of 1% milk. (Breakfast and Dinner) I then drink 4 oz of 100% Apple Juice. Mid-morning I drink 20 oz of water. At lunch, I have 1/2 cup of broth and 16oz of water. Midafternoon I have a special K protein water with Fiber, I mix the packet with 20 oz of water. For dinner a protein shake and a popsicle. I tried to eat the yogurt and cottage cheese but it does not seem to satisfy me as much as the drinking. I taking two Flintstones vitamins in the morning. I feel great and have energy! Now to my downfall, Easter dinner. I think that I am going to skip the dinner and drop my kids off with the family. No temptations! I was shocked this morning when I stepped on the scale and had lost a total of 9 lbs.

Isopure (over ice is great), yogurt without fruit, all kinds of soup broths (homemade are the best) try my lentil soup recipe in the recipe section here. I added applesauce in the second week as well as nibbled on Baby Bel low fat cheese until it was liquid in my mouth. Actually Cornell Weight Loss center has bariatric clears only while their sleeve patients are in the hospital and they go home with a diet of soft and pureed foods. So I had a copy of that and incorporated some of their suggestions into my diet after the second week at home. Hope this helps, Donna:001_cool:

I also had signs of EO when the doc found my ulcer. Although the test did not demonstrate a high enough eosinophilic count to actually call it EO, the changes in the esophagus sure looked that way. And those abnormal striations were NOT there when I had my preop endoscope. The only thing that was dramatically added to my diet post op was whey protein. Doc said that sometimes people do have allergic tissue reactions to whey, so I stopped the whey and all dairy. A lot of my bloating and gas issues resolved almost immediately. I am very hopeful that my next scope in April will show this to be completely resolved. Fortunately for me, it was a no brainer as to what food was the culprit, and elimination was easy. I just switched to pea protein powder, Ripple milk (pea protein), soy or oat yogurt.

Well I've lost 30 pounds post.25 days. I'm eating Greek yogurt and Protein packs of meat and cheese mostly. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Breakfast - 4 oz cottage cheese with 4 tblsp of lc yogurt mixed in (12 grams of protein) Lunch - grilled chicken (left over from the salad yesterday) and 2 slices of avocado Snack - string cheese Dinner - 1 FRIED chicken breast (I took the skin & crust off) TRUE CONFESSION TIME - I overdosed on girlscout cookies - I'm so mad at myself. I had 5 trefolds (150 calories - 20 g of carbs), and 3 thin mints - about (110 calores - 11 g of carbs), 1 cup of 2% milk - BAD BAD Water - 50 oz - not enough Supplements - 2 Therno Dynamx before breakfast, 1 multi vitamin, Liquid B-12 Exercise - NONE Notes - What in the heck did I do to myself? I feel miserable, I ate way too much tonight, and the cookies did not help at all. Now I am in pain, my port area hurts. I know I have over ate and I WILL NOT do this again. I can't believe I did this to myself. I need a fill - BADLY. And I must deal with my emotions rather than turning to COOKIES (MY weakness is sweets). I'm glad today is over, tomorrow will be a better day! On the bright side, I had my 6 week follow up appointment with my doctor. He said How well I've been doing on my weight loss, I explained to him, most of my weight loss came from my 1st two weeks, then he said "Oh, well, I guess your not doing too well after all" - He told me I need a fill - duh. So, I'm scheduled for my fill on Tuesday, March 6th at 12:30. I have to fast before my fill. It will be with the radiology dept at the hospital. It will be interesting what my first fill will do for me. I hope I can get back to losing weight. I don't want to gain - I need to lose. I think that is why I turned to cookies tonight. i was feeling so down - but I must learn to deal with my emotions. I have to change my behavior.

My surgeon's office recommends Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, lentils, tofu, and veggie burgers (Boca burgers etc.) for vegetarians. I am not a vegetarian but I have eaten all those things since being sleeved about 12 weeks ago and haven't had any problems with any of them. Good luck to you.

There are several vegetarians on here. I get most of my Protein via a coffee shake, cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Over time as my stomach expands, I expect to add more Beans to my diet. I do eat 2-3 oz of meat once or twice a day but it's not the biggest source of protein for me. Occasionally I have an egg but that only has 6 gms of protein and really fills me up. In contrast, 4 oz of cottage cheese has 12 gms and doesn't stuff me as full as an egg. Okay OP, I say this with love and caring for you. I agree with the previous poster who suggested talking to a therapist. I've seen several of your posts expressing regret, and the fact is, you've had an irreversible procedure. You can't change that, and you may need some help accepting your decision and moving forward. Post-op depression is common. Many of us have varying degrees of it, it's not a sign of weakness. More likely hormones and chemicals are out of whack somewhere. Be good to yourself and maybe see if you can find someone to talk to? Sending you hugs.

One more thing freespirt I usually eat 6 times a day but very small meals like for breakfast I ate a little under a hAlf a cup of Greek yogurt then I gave the rest to my daughter and it took about 30 min to eat

I was able to get 50-60g in from the very beginning, thanks to Protein shakes and not eating anything that wasn't protein. After about 7 months when my restriction relaxed a little I am easily able to get 80-100g everyday... at least 40-50g from a protein smoothie and a Quest or other Protein Bar. The rest comes from food....fish, elk meat, burger, steak, roasts, tuna fish, egg salad, omelets, edamame, Greek yogurt, Kashi Go Lean Cereal (13g protein+ 4-6 from the milk), crab cakes, split pea Soup, bean soup, pumpkin seeds, beef Jerky, mixed nuts, turkey, chicken, cheese (any kind...not just string), bratwurst, sausage, smoked pork loin, baked Beans, scallops, shrimp, homemade protein pancakes, milk, cottage cheese, Peanut Butter..... And yes, and I usually do eat at least 6 times/day.

Also, for home, I didn't stock up on much. I had crystal light, yogurt, whey protein isolate, Atkins ready-to-drink shakes, broths and cream soups. I bought enough to get me through one/two weeks. I didn't know what I could tolerate afterwards. Today is my first day home. Liquids are really all I want, broth is delicious! The yogurt I tossed after a few bites.

yes, if you are experiencing pain after solids I would say you aren't prepared for them. definitely go to your doctor because s/he knows best. the chart that I have in front of me for one of the hospitals my doctor participates in says : week 1 clear liquid only, week 2-3 OR 4 (depending on the patients needs) high Protein liquids and pureed foods (this is very well blended food--think stage 1 and 2 baby foods), weeks 5-6 OR 7 (again depending on the patients needs) soft solids diet (think tofu, yogurt, baby food, pureed Beans, tuna fish, mashed potatoes), weeks 8-9 or longer if necessary...slow advancement to regular foods diet. so I would think you may be in the category of a patient who's progress is a bit slower...so you may not be ready for solids yet. some patients need 8 weeks, and some even a little longer, to advance to solid foods. definitely talk to your doctor and I hope you begin to feel better soon!

Just a side note: I still take stool softeners as well every morning with my yogurt. Sent from my Nexus 5 using BariatricPal mobile app

Sample a variety. Think about if RTD or powdered better fits into your lifestyle and pocketbook. I was using almond milk, but stopped since it was too low of a Protein payoff for the carbs it contains. I already had a nutra bullet because I drink Protein shakes pre-gym. That may not be an expense you want to make if you won't use it after the early post-op stages. Popular brands are Premier Protein, unjury, GENEPRO, Isopure and Syntrax nectar. However there are a zillion other brands out there. Make sure you speak to your nutritionist about what they recommend. Mine wanted me to make sure that the one I chose either had whey or soy isolates since that is the most concentrated form of protein. She said to make sure to not get concentrates. She also gave me guidelines as to nutrition levels per serving. I think it was at least 15 gms Proteins, and no more than 6 gms of sugar. I would have to double check my binder to be sure. I found I needed some unflavored protein as the constant sweet of the drinks was too much for me after a week. Being able to have vegetable broth or non chunky Soup with a scoop of unflavored protein was a welcome break. I also liked the Isopure teas because I needed something non milk based. Save all receipts. Most stores will accept unused portions if you decide you do not like them. Since people are sharing, here's my iced coffee/mock frap/mock coolata recipe. I buy a med Dunkin Donuts coffee with cream. Cool then pour into ice cube trays. 1 scoop of CVS chocolate whey ¼ - ½ cup of FAGE 0% plain greek yogurt depending on taste 4 - 6 ice cubes (a traditional ice cube is ~ 1 ounce) just enough Water to blend. Throw the whole thing in the nutra bullet. Based on 6 cubes and ½ cup of yogurt your totals are: 242 calories 14 carbs 4 fat 39 protein 111 sodium 7 sugar If you want to cut calories and carbs try ¼ cup and 4 cubes. I do this for pre-gym, drink half and drink the rest post workout for recovery. At 39 gms of protein I have now gotten in most of my protein before noon.

I had mine done on 3/7 too I started puréed today. I started with choc pudding(made from the box) and yo plait yogurt. I are 1/2 and was full. Any other ideas for puréed foods that you don't have to blend? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Welcome. Most surgeon's have us doing clear liquids for the week immediately following surgery. Then we move on to full liquids. After full for a week or two, we move to mushy. Mushies include stufff like yogurt, baby food, or food that has been pureed in your blender. But, as previously mentioned above, follow your Surgeon's guidelines. These are what OUR surgeon have told us. Best wishes, Karen..aka..kll724

So I'm 6 days post op and I've definitely lost weight. I can feel it and my clothes are starting droop in different ways. I still have a pretty good amount of gas in me and it's been difficult to drink or eat. Eating is actually the hardest. I can maybe get through a few bits of yogurt and a few bits of apple sauce before the pain comes. I've come to realize it's not that somethings wrong but that the gas they pumped into me during surgery is desperately trying to get out, believe me, I want it out!!!! It does hurt and makes it really hard to get fluids in. Walking is also somewhat painful but I keep doing it in small intervals. Will keep you updated. So far so good.