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I didn't throw anything in the blender or "puree" anything. At that stage I ate things like yogurt, oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream soups, apple sauce.....

I've been using milk, but I didn't read the directions...so tiny and hard to see (even with reading glasses). Are you supposed to use Water???? I'm just starting my 3rd week post banding and I am too tight to eat in the morning, so I'm doing the Isopure then. I know you have to do 4 scoops in a day to get the daily allowance of Protein, however, I haven't been super careful about that at this point. I planned to really track protein beginning this week. Tonight I had a cup of yogurt mixed with 1 scoop of Isopure. P.S. Wow...I just read the part of the label I could see and was surprised to see 2 scoops does equal 50g (100& of daily allowance). The other powder I bought only has 25g for 2 scoops. Great! So we can either chug it down all at once in a single drink or I think I will do 1 scoop in the morning and 1 in the evening when I start to feel extra hungry. Does it taste okay in water?? I just ordered some of the packets too....perfect for work.

Ok so here's my problem ... I was banded on July 25, was only expected to stay overnight, but because of breathing complications I am still in the hospital...they have had me on diet jello and clear juice the past 5 days, but the protein gel they give me to add is really bad! Do I haven't been using it and feel like I'm not gettin my nutrition I need ! I have asked to see the nutrionist, but haven't yet..... When can I at least have some pudding or yogurt? I had a barium swallow yesterday, and everything with my band is great.

Today I am 6 days post surgery and have lost 29 pounds in the last three weeks. This past week has been a total adventure, complete with all the ups and downs. My surgery went well and my one night hospital stay was uneventful. Doctor and nurses were all very pleased. When I came home, I noticed that I was spitting up. Not vomiting but spitting up a little froth. Called the doctor and was told that was saliva. My stomach was swollen and didn't know what to do. Interesting. Hadn't heard that one before. As soon as I was home the sip, sip, sipping began. Although I had read about others having a hard time to swallow, I had no such trouble. Mostly drank Ensure Clear and it went down great. Pain was manageable and the most pain was due to my hiatal hernia repair, not the stomach. Felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Doctor said that was from the repair on the diaphragm. So far, so good. Then came 3 days post surgery. The chest pain was gone but I could not get on top of the abdominal pain. I figured my abdominal muscles had been moved during surgery and they were very upset with me. Took several doses do pain meds that day, which very much frustrated me. I really wanted off the pain meds ASAP. The fourth and fifth days post surgery were a real low point for me. I wasn't sleeping well and my stomach was giving me fits. I read that we are not supposed to be hungry or it is just excess hormones. Ya right. My stomach was growling, grumbling and throwing the biggest fits. My doctor wants me one a clear liquid diet the first week and introduce skim milk the second week. Full liquids on the third week. I was in such turmoil and agony that I finally said screw this nonsense. Being stupid and brave, I introduced some regular protein shakes. They seemed to go down well but I was still miserable. I tried a little bit of applesauce, just a couple of spoon fills. Didn't bother me but it tasted horrible. In desperation I tried some yogurt. Huge mistake. Only had a third of the container but oh the pain. Finally I found that the regular protein shakes like Atkins and Muscle Milk along with Jello and water through the day helped me and kept me satisfied. Just had to keep sipping. Woke up on day 6 (a Sunday) and decided I would not let this beat me. My attitude had been very poor and my wife, going into this process, was concerned about making her life miserable. Seems I'm not always a nice guy when I'm sick or frustrated. I had learned through other posts that attitude was the key and mine was bad. So, with determination, I made up my mind that this is the Lord's day and I would rejoice. I had not shaved in 3 days and that was part of the problem. I felt gross and that affects everything else. So, I shaved and got fully dressed. A friend came over to visit which lifted my spirits and then my wife and I got out of the house, the first time since surgery. I had been off pain meds for 3 days so I could drive. It felt so good to be normal again. One of my household duties is the laundry and Sunday is laundry day. Got the laundry done and that made me feel better because it was normal and I accomplished something. Now I want to make sure the next few days are normal. Tomorrow is early voting for the primary runoff in Texas. Think I will go vote so it gets me out of the house. I have other tasks planned for tomorrow. The last few days have been idle for me, which is most likely part of the problem. Here's to another good day tomorrow.

I'm getting sleeved in exactly 2 weeks from today so of course I had to start my diet. To say the least it's not that bad. Started off breakfast with a Premier Vanilla protein shake. Lunch soup, snack sugar free chocolate pudding.. For dinner I'll have another protein shake and late snack fat free yogurt... I can do this!

Breakfast is usually a yogurt (yoplait lite about 100 cals), then I usually have fruit for a snack sometime before lunch (apple, or some florida citrus, or a banana), lunch is usually a half a sandwich and a bowl of Soup (sandwich is lean meat, mustard, and lettuce, or simple a tomato sandwich and soup is one of the lean Soups usually around 100 cals), and another snack of fruit, then dinner is a frozen michelinas lean meal (they range around 120 to 300 cals) and fat free sugar free pudding or Jello for dessert. I only drink Water for liquids. That is a typical day for me. I stay in a range of about 800 to 1000 cals a day. It is tough, but if i focus on it I can do it well. Amy

70? I guess different doctors recommend different amounts? My doctor said to shoot for 45 grams for non menstruating women and 55 for those who are menstruating. I eat a lot of chili - thats great protein! (large chili at wendy's has 28 grams) Also you can buy non flavored Protein powder at walmart and put it in anything...applesauce, yogurt, shakes, etc. I like to make a choc Peanut Butter shake with my herbalife choc mix, a tablespoon PB2 (powdered peanut butter - can use regular lowfat) and then add extra protein - it is like a heavenly chocolate dessert and I feel like I am getting something fabulous like dairy queen. LOL I use the vanilla herbalife shake and put in frozen fruit, skim milk, and extra Protein Powder, too. I know they tell us not to drink a lot of our protein - but I cannot eat more than a cup at a time and even then sometimes I can't eat much - so this is the only way I can get in my protein....and since I hit my "sweet spot" I am never hungry anyway... Good luck to you! Kim

My doc has said 60-70 as well for protein intake. I plan 1 snack a day but again that was his instruction. I do have the unflavored protein powder from GNC. I do my best to get most of it via food .. eggs, quiche, tuna, cottage cheese greek yogurt however also add it to the cottage cheese, tuna, even DD ice tea.. it litterally has no flavor so I can make almost anything high in protein.

I borrowed most of these from the thread chimboree26 linked you too, but added a few of my own things... food For Fluid stage: (depending on your doc's instructions) • Bottled Water – plain or flavored, some like Propel or Fruit 2-0 • Popsicles (sugar-free as needed) • Jello (sugar-free) • Gatorade • Bouillon or chicken/beef/veggie broths (low sodium as needed)* • Clear Soups • Hot cocoa mix (sugar-free) broths yogurt smoothie drinks (not homemade) milkshakes – thinned sippy cups DRUGSTORE Tylenol (adult strength) Pain medications Gas-X cough drops sippy cups anti-bacterial soap a thermometer (my doc said to take my temp three times a day after surgery) OTHER THINGS TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE • Heating blanket squishy pillow favorite pillow SLIPPERS loose, comfy pj's and loose clothes a sports bra ipod books/magazines

Go to your surgeon, just to ensure you're fine/or not & be honest about your concerns/pain, etc. I still get spasms at 4 mos out & it helps that my nutritionist (one of 3 free ongoing monthly group support seminars offered by my surgeon) said, "Your stomach's the size of an egg, make a sunnyside up egg so you can see what you can hold. Eat slowly & chew like crazy, don't drink anything for 30 min before/after. Cut your food into sm bites, arrange the bites into the Alphabet, starting w 'A' & take a bite once you've made that letter. Then arrange the next bites into 'B' and so forth. Do this w every meal." I can only handle about 3 baby forks of regular foods & I still can't eat meats (they come right back up), but I can eat eggs, NF/SF: cheeses, cottage cheese & Greek yogurts, and fish (a few bites of each), in addition to the broths, popsicles, fudgesicles, creamsicles, puddings & jellos. I've eaten 2 bites of an English muffin, a slice of cooked bacon & 2 sausages (at separate times, w my egg). Since I tend to still inhale my food, I find that I'm my own worst enemy (self-sabotage) and I'm seeing a therapist to deal w my body dysmorphic & eating issues. I make myself shrimp fetticcine & eat 3 bites on a baby fork (also use a baby spoon). I'm a foodie & chef so I make everything fresh. I make soups/broths, but still can't eat French Onion, Chicken, Veggie, etc. soups (just made myself some, but will try again at 6 mos out). Going to get an avocado & hope I can eat a little bit. Sm victories like eating a few bites of an avocado, are so important. I'm still getting my 3 90 gms shakes in daily, because I'm learning to eat correctly & need the protein. I do get in at least 80 oz of liquids daily, aside from my shakes. As long as you check in w your surgeon/nutritionist to ensure you're doing everything correctly, don't worry about what you can't eat, but focus on what you can eat & be gently and loving to yourself at all times. I've been exercising since the day of surgery and if walking is good for you, do that & enjoy your own journey. I got a flu shot, came down w the flu, so haven't done much for almost a week but walk my dogs! When I feel well, I'll get my 2.5 ml walks in. Please forget about comparing yourself to anyone else on their own journeys: what I've learned is to just get support here on these forums as everyone else is following their own individual paths to health & wellness. Namaste.

So today is my 3 week surgiversary. I have lost 22 pounds and have gone down one jean size so far. I am still eating soups and yogurts because of the tight feeling I get when I try to eat anything thicker. I have really started to want a glass of wine. Just to relax some nights. But Im scared. Everything I read says 3 months or more. Socially it has been weird too. Some people ask why Im not drinking alcohol anymore or at a meeting when lunch is served, I have to make excuses. One friend always declares how bad something tastes in my presence as to make me feel better about not being able to eat whatever she's eating. So there has been lots to get used to but at night when I get home and I see how nicely my cheek bones are becoming defined, I don't care about the excuses or the giant chocolate chip cookie I wasn't able to enjoy. I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. I live (because of work) in Mexico City. I will be going home (to Chicago) in a week to see my family for the first time since the surgery. I know they are going to look me up and down for changes. Hopefully, they can see them right away. I fear hearing...you look the same. Anyway, these are just my random thoughts I have been having. Stuff I don't bother telling my friends because the novelty of my surgery and it's little issues has worn off for them. Happy holidays all!!

I like the ideas she just gave above. When I knew I was doing this journey I started to change my life so it wouldn't be quite as hard once it was here haha so I don't honestly know what I'll do when I'm back to solids (1 week postop). However I eat a paleo diet (anything you can hunt or gather) so I'd do omlettes in this baggies you can boil, eggs, onions, veggies, etc. and then you throw them in the micro and poof omlette. You can reuse them over and over even though ziploc or whatever says 1 use . I'd boil at least a dozen eggs every week so there was always a go to protein. I'd make almond meal pancakes or sizzle up some sausage and put them in the plastic reusable things so mornings which are always rushed we could just micro stuff and eat in 30 seconds flat. Also got a magic bullet and would do baggies of spinach smoothies which had fruits, spinach, protein powder, etc. all mixed and then just add some greek yogurt or 1/2 c juice in blender at time of making - super easy so yummy. Most of the stuff would last about a week in a baggie since I used fresh so never tried to do more than 1 week. As for lunches sometimes sandwiches but I don't eat grains so for me it was usually turkey roll ups, cucumber slices, chicken salad, etc. or pull all the meat off rotis. chicken and divvy it up, etc. and then I'd make a trail mix once a week and have it all bagged up in 4 oz packages, etc. so that there is always *something* I can take. I'm the queen of running out of time and not knowing what to eat so either fast food or starving neither of which is good for me.

While I haven't been on a vacation lately, I do have a few ideas that might help. Since Protein and Water should be your main concern.....call ahead to the resort/hotel, tell them you take medication that needs to be refrigerated, and would it be possible to get a room with a fridge? If that's not an option pack one of those collapsible coolers that are like a large insulated sack lunch type. This is to put ice in. A microwave would be great also. On the way to the resort stop and buy, or pack in your luggage (depending on where your going) RTD Protein shakes, or Protein powder, yogurt, string cheese, SF pudding, etc. Also unjury chicken broth is always a good go to. And if it's convenient a case of water, so you'll never be with out it, and some SF water flavoring like crystal light or Mio. You'll be surprised at how many softer foods you can mash the hell out of and be able to eat. Just chew, chew, chew. Enjoy you vacation. Sherri

It's been 10 mths since my band to sleeve revision but I remember that 4 weeks of full liquids like it was yesterday. Definately hard. After being banded in 2009, I only made it to the 2nd week and then I cheated. Regretted it for yrs. I was single back then and it was easier to cheat. It was also easier to cheat knowing I couldn't really damage myself withe the band. But I could with a sleeve. Plus I gained a "food Nazi" husband who woulda tattled on me had I cheated. I got my hunger back on day 10 (was easy till then) and then I could eaten my arm - had I been able to suck my arm thru a straw. I ate tomato and split pea Soup, Jello, sf pudding, yogurt, and popsicles. Hot stuff satiates (not "fills" u asn liquids don't do that much) better than cold stuff. So sip tomato soup. Sip, sip, sip. Gawd, how I wanted a french fry or a taco. But then I'd be paranoid about causing a leak and my craving would go away - for about 5 minutes. Nothing I can say that will make u feel better. Hang in there. It WILL get better soon. No, u won't feel "full" while on liquids but u certainly won't die. I wouldn't rush out there and eat something - just in case ur the 4% that get a leak. When ur able to eat soft foods, it will get much better. Good luck!

Nope just 3 shakes a day , broth or eggdrop soup, sf jello , 1 sugar free pudding , and 1 low carb yogurt a day oh and sf popsicles but i do not eat ice at all..... i asked the doctor at the pre op for veggies cause i seen others post it but i was told No ...

Hi i am almost 6 months out now. I eat i guess pretty much normal foods. like i did before, just not the same amounts. i pretty well now just eat off a bread and butter plate, and i find most times that satisfys me. For Breakfast i eat things like rolled oats, or poached egg on toast. or it could be friut and yogurt, what ever i feel like. lunch is usually a salad of some discription, and at the moment i am really into ones made with this really nice and easy low fat dressing, It is basically. 1/4 c white vinegar 1/4 cup of equall sugar ( not packed tight) or splenda a few drops of sesame seed oil, no more than 1 tsp total 1/4 c Water 2 tbs soy sauce. pinch of salt and that is it. put it into a shaker, and shake it very well. I also add some small diced fresh chilli, and i love a bit of bite, I tend to chop the vegies very small into it, as though making a salsa. some of the things i add are as follows, just to give you some ideas. 2x fresh truss tomatoes 1/2 avacardo 1/4 spanish onion finely diced 1/2 cobb of fresh corn I shave them off the cobb with a sharp knife. bunch of asian salad greens, or lettuce what ever you like, also chopped good handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped. 1/4 red capsicum 1/4 green capsicum or yellow what every i have on hand 3-4 button mushrooms 1/2 lebanese cucumber diced small i also add a good handfull of mixed sunflower and sesame seeds. just before adding the dressing. I find this goes really well with grilled fish or chicken. or some times i will have it just by itself with some cut up egg or shaved ham for the Protein. I hope you guys enjoy. also i make it up and there is always some left over for the next day. it tastes just as good as left overs. cheers.

You can do it. You will find what works best for you and your schedule, and if you mess up, don't beat yourself up about it, take it as a learning experience and figure out what to do differently next time. Try to find small containers to pack snacks in to take with you. I do yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, protein bars, shakes, and Quest brand chips.

I have to do a liquid diet tomorrow (day before surgery) and I am realizing I did not get everything I should for this 🤦‍♀️ anyways my surgeon said liquid diet, protein shakes are ok. That’s it. So can I have my decaf coffee with milk, or yogurt? Fruit or veggie smoothie? Jello? I have broths, Gatorade zero, decaf coffee, water but that’s it.

Thanks for the quick reply. I am supposed to be on clear, but I thought if I strained off anything remotely solid, it might be okay. I guess that's a cheat. I really don't want to cheat but the yogurt smoothies that I am allowed are good in the morning but just too sweet for night time. Im allowed to thicken up my liquids in 2 days, I guess I'll just have to hang on until then. Marsene

I got my appetite back and could eat anything around 3 months. I welcomed the not getting sick from eating whatever I want part! I will get full pretty quick if I eat I eat dense proteins first. However, I can eat things like yogurt, eggs, cheese, fruit, mashed potatoes, nuts, soup, cereal, etc. and not get full at all. (And I'm sure I could down a LOT of chips or ice cream if I wanted to.) But where's the rule that says we have to eat until we're full? If I'm eating something that isn't as filling, I simply stop when I know I've had "enough". Then I wait 45-60 minutes and start drinking. I will be hungry again in about 3 hours and then I eat again. Rarely do I eat until I'm full. The goal should be about getting good nutrition including minimum goals of protein and water. It shouldn't be about feeling full.

I had my consult and now my next step is to book my surgery date. I haveto do the pre-op diet for two weeks, like some of you I HATE cottage cheese. What yogurt should I stick to? I know I shouldn't have any with the fruit bottoms and it should be sugar/fat free. Is there any one type thats better then the others (not a big yogurt person).

My surgery is on October 18th. I will be starting my pre surgery liver shrink diet on the 11th. Any suggestions about how to make smoothies or anything I can eat without milk, yogurt or eggs ?

I love Splenda and don't have problems with it, but my friend prefers to blue packet, Nutrasweet. Maybe try it and the old standby pink packet artificial sweetener? If you can't use any sugar replacements or find a Protein powder with a sugar-replacement that works for you, try the unsweetened Protein Powder or the chicken Soup flavor from unjury. You will need some kind of protein powder to get in your protein during the first months after surgery. Greek Yogurt has lots of protein too and could be sweetened with any sweetener, but I found it hard to get enough of it down at first. Lynda

I started on puree but only ate yogurt with protein powder and chocolate pudding with protein powder. I am going to try tuna with fat free mayonnaise tomorrow. So far everything going down fine!

Hi! So I'm going to be honest. I eat what I want, when I want. I got this sleeve to help control portions, not control my life. I know Protein is important above all else, so I make protein based meals, but I still enjoy my carbs! Lots of Greek yogurt, cheese, turkey, chicken and a whole lot of beef jerky! (I'm obsessed!) I take Zumba classes regularly, try working on my arms a lot, and as far as my skin, I mean it's not amazing. But I have seen WAY worse. My arms are a little flabby, but I have been using "it works" wraps pretty regularly and that has helped tremendously along with defining gel. hope this helps. It really just depends on the person, everyone's results and theories are different, these are mine . I did get really bad gall stones and have my gall bladder removed a month ago. Phew, glad that's over! Best wishes !!!