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So after reading a different post and looking at some fb pages, I have a question. My post op diet week one....liquid only week two....protein shakes, greek yogurt, cottage cheese week three..same as above week four....pureed week five or six depending...normal consistency....protein only week six and beyond can begin adding veggies/fruits I have read of people on week 2 eating mashed potatoes....those are on my no no list. What kind of diet does your surgeon have you following?

On my paperwork I can do yogurt, applesauce, watery cream of wheat, etc and stuff like that on the full liquids

Please feel free to comment or suggest. I'm using this primarily as my record... I started my preop diet 1/5/10, had surgery 1/14, and today is 1/18/10 (Happy Bday, Dr. King). I've lost 16.6 lbs. I guess it's not that amazing when compared to the other losses I see, but for me, it's amazing! I know that the last 20 lbs I put on really seemed to put me over the edge in terms of my health. I discovered that I have severe sleep apnea, had acute GERD (reflux) and other problems. I remember the joy over learning I had sleep apnea, because it meant there was actually a reason and a solution to my constant fatigue. I thought it was just fat. I am sick of the liquid diet, though, and actually concerned that I'm not getting enough calories. I've heard that your metabolism just slows to a crawl if your body thinks food is scarce, but it is hard to increase my calorie count and follow instructions, so I am favoring the latter. My protein drinks (Isopure and Pure Protein) only have about 150 calories for 40 grams of protein, and I am supposed to consume them in small 1-2 oz amounts every 15-30 mins. It's easy to forget. And I am still full of burp bubbles. Ugh. So I am on protein, yogurt, broth, water, s/f jello or pudding, and low-fat creamed soups. It was hard to walk today because we had a powerful rainstorm. No more significant pain, so I'm off the narcotics. Incisions are itchy! I have been very careful about not lifting and not using my abdominal muscles (I'm sure they're buried under there somewhere). I wonder how long that will last. It's a lonnnnnnnng way to food. Sigh. It's only Monday, and I have two weeks. If the loss continues in the way that it has I will be thrilled. There was a "Biggest Loser" marathon on the other day so I watched. Their weight loss is incredible and the show is a good reminder of how much physical activity is an integral part of this process. I don't want to lose momentum. I tried some Muscle Milk light and loved it, so of course when I Googled it there's a controversy about using it. It seems there's andro...something steroid-ish in it. Bummer. It reminded me of the carob drinks I had as a kid (that I can never find now). Well, that's it for now.

Breakfast is grab and go: Protein shake or bar Snack: Greek yogurt or 1 oz mixed nuts Lunch: lean Protein with veggie side (like chicken and broccoli) Snack: string cheese, sometimes with a few crackers Dinner: mini pizza (lo carb tortilla, turkey pepperoni etc) or some variation of lean protein and a veggie. I average around 800 cals.

I found that instead of trying to drink from a big cup pour 2 ounces into a shot glass or smaller cup. then put a 10 minute timer on with a goal to finish the cup in 10 minutes. I did this 2-3 times and hour, then just sipped on water in between then focused again on getting 2 ounces in over 10 minutes. Today is day 5 and I have already hit 40g protein and 30oz of fluids. Also my doctor counts the shakes into the total fluids (even the yogurt counts towards fluid ounces). I also found that reclining in bed and trying to drink didn't work well. I needed to be sitting straight up.

Hi Jaime, Yes I had the Midband. So the instructions are different. On page 12 of the hand book it says: The day after the operation: liquids only (water, milk, tea, broth) The 3rd, 4th and 5th days: semi-liquids only (thinck soups, purees, yogurts, baby foods) Then eat as normal but: 1- Stop eating as soon as you feel satisfied. 2- Everyday you must have some animal Protein. 3- Drink between meals, and never fizzy drinks. I think it may have to do with the fact that the midband is flexible and it is not a rigid ring placed around the stomach. I was also sent this great CD that goes through the entire procedure. The CD was made for physicians because it does get technical as well but I got it through my dad who is a doctor. So instructions are different from band to band and also from one doctor to the next. I have been reading other posts and I do notice that my instructions were not as rigid as others. May be it was because I did not have as much weight to lose so they didn't need to put me on such a restricted diet after the surgery. I don't know.... Mary

banded Tuesday May 22nd-Clear Liquids for 2 days then & currently-liquids, cream soups, yogurt, jello for total of 21 days then more mushey stuff. I've been seeing some weird things, like someone eating mashed potatoes isn't that how we got big in the first place )o: Anyway I'm glad I found this site & no others are hungry, gasey also LOL It will all be worth one day....(o:

Week 1 & 2: Clear Liquids AND skim milk, thin yogurt, Protein Drinks for Protein Week 3 & 4: All liquids; plus runny oatmeal, pudding, blended Soups Weeks 5-9: Soft foods After 9 weeks: normal food! It seems like ages since I was going through all that. I had to look at the handout to refresh my memory about how long I was on each stage.

See, I still try all sorts of spices, just only when I'm home "Just in case" The condiments are specifically listed as for WLS, but they are low cal, low/no sugar, low/no carb, etc options. Just following the nutritional guidelines etc. The yogurt dressings I find with the other health food veggies in the market. The natural honey sweetened ketchup is by Heinz... etc etc. Just label surfing for the best options.

I also had food early. Like 7 or 8 days in. I had cheese, greek yogurt, grilled squash, and delivery lunch meat (not all in one day, but I cheated with those.) Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I agree with ajtexas. i have coffee 1st thing and then have my yogurt or whatever I decide for breakfast later. Anyway, I and most people do not tend to eat when they 1st get up. drink something warm to wake up your band. Good luck

Yeah all dr's seem to be different. I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and I'm still on mostly liquid. My dr wants me to be on that until next week. I've been trying things though here and there. I've found that I seem to be now lactose intolerant to the non-fat milk products like yogurt. Which bums me out because I love milk etc. I have been trying beans, eggs, and I tried a bit of potato. I know others are usually on the full mushy or soft stage by now. I honestly think it depends on your body as well

Count yourself lucky. My surgeon requires 3 weeks of liquids only. And he means liquids, no jell-o, no yogurt, no pudding, no purees, etc. His definition of liquids is anything that can go through a strainer easy; no lumps, no bumps. I have 4 more days to go! Of course he also said that in 6,000 procedures he's only had 2 patients with leaks, so I trust him.

I guess I'm so confused bc I was given two diets. One from the hospiyal program and one from my dr. My dr. Said ok to juicing...his nut also said ok to refried beans. However, I don't trust her. The hospital nut said no to all. I just wish I could understand how all that processed stuff was better for me than juiced fruit, eggs, and cooked well beans. I could take it better if I understood why all dr are different. I'm one that needs to rationalize it...and I can't rationalize being flushed of fluids bc I can only have processed soups, broth, and yogurt. I know this will end in one week!!!

Hi eveyyone, I'm post sleeve (almost 3 years out). I'd love to hear from post sleevers & find out what everyone is eating these days. There seems to be a lot of focus on pre surgery & immediately thereafter as you feel that's when you need the most support. I beg to differ. At this point, most of us know what we're supposed to do, what we're supposed to be eating, how much, etc... BUT, we don't talk much about how those lousy bad habits creep back in during the most stressful times of our lives, and how we can handle it. I was laid off 6 weeks ago. Yup, right before the holidays. By now I understand that stress is my trigger for making bad choices. Isn't it for most of us? :-( Nonetheless, I've made many. I now find myself with an additional 10 pds & I can feel it & see it. I still remember after I had lost all the weight, how I "swore" I would never let myself go up more than 2 or 3 pds. Humm, what happened? Let's focus on the positive & talk about going back to basics. What is everyone eating to maintain their weight loss? What's a day in your life look like? Do you have a favorite recipe? Do you have restrictions on what you can eat? I find that I am now much more lactose intolerant, so my original "go-to" foods like greek yogurt is now not such a good idea Come on, share your favorite foods / recipes.. And gooo.........

Here are my Top 3 Healthy Fillers: 1. Cottage cheese with herbs 2. Trader Joes Plain NF Greek Yogurt - Put sweetener in it or fruit (2x the Protein of other yogurts) 3. Chocolate/Banana pudding in a cup

I am terrible for boredom eating. I do things like Lynda, especially playing on the computer. Sometimes just chewing a piece of gum helps satisfy that need to chew something. If I do end up eating something, I try to keep it "healthy" junk....cause really, most of us don't want a celery stick! So I will have greek yogurt sweetened with vanilla stevia and a tbsp of chocolate chips, or stove-popped popcorn with just a TBSP of oil and salt. The biggest challenge with the sleeve is our brains. They can't take it out, so we just have to deal with it!

pureed food, what a joy! I'm going to give you a TON of great Smoothie recipes! I'm the queen of them. Actually someone gave me this list but it's incredible! Sorry for the long post. chocolate Monkey 8 oz. Water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate Protein 1/2 a banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. strawberry Banana Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 banana 3 whole frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Split 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla Protein Powder 1/2 banana 1/4 cup chopped pineapple 2 frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Covered Cherry 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 10-12 frozen or fresh cherries optional: 1 tsp. of SF Cherry Torani Syrup or a drop of cherry extract Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Latte 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Mocha 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie 4 oz. Vitasoy Peppermint Chocolate soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. pumpkin Spice Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (chilled) Dash of pumpkin pie spice Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. berry Berry Good Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mochachinno 8 oz. cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate protein 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Egg Nog Protein shake 4 oz. Silk Nog soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein Dash of nutmeg Place liquid in the blender first, then powder. Blend on low then high till well blended. Dash of nutmeg on top. Pina Colada 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup pineapple 1 Tbs. SF Coconut Torani Syrup (I've also used 2 T. of unsweetened coconut from the health food store or Baker's catalog) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peanut Butter Cup 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 2-3 ice cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 5-6 maraschino cherries 1 Tbs. SF French Vanilla Torani Syrup Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Caramel Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. SF Caramel Torani Syrup 3 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 3-4 Frozen Whole Strawberries Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Lemon Meringue Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Lemon pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Green Giant 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Pistachio Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Butterscotch Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Butterscotch Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Cheesecake Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Cheesecake Pudding Powder 3-4 Frozen or Fresh Strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Vanilla Spice Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 T. Almond Butter 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Madness Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/2 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup fresh coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Carrot Cake Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk (if you use Vanilla or Plain Milk add more cinnamon and nutmeg) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots 1 Tablespoon Cream cheese Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg Place liquids in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Banana Protein Lassi 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1 Tbs. SF Vanilla Torani Syrup 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 Ice Cubes 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peach Cobbler Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen sliced peaches dash cinnamon dash nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended Mango Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 a banana 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Gingersnap Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 Tablespoon Starbuck's SF Cinnamon Dolce Syrup dash of cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Mango Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 3 whole strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Bread Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 1 T. SF Jello Banana Pudding Mix, dry 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon dash Nutmeg dash Ground Cloves 1/2 Banana, frozen 2-3 Ice Cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Top with another dash of nutmeg.

I was allowed to eat yogurt as soon as I wanted to do so. My doctor considered that a liquid. I also didn't have a clear liquid stage and was allowed to eat soft foods after one week. Yazzy is right. There are many sets of rules out there.

I am 4 weeks post op...eating soft foods and drinking fine. By Soft I mean...yogurt, cottage cheese, ground meats, fish. I have tried recently - a few bites of chicken breast that was not dry- was fine ...a homemade cheeseburger (was also fine)- no bun of course and ate it for two meals and still tossed some. And I am to eat soft veggies but i dont have room for them most meals...I supplement with one protein shake IF i have not met my protein goals. I also eat string cheese and some other things per my plan. I haven't gone out to a restaurant yet but I could and feel comfortable if i had to right now. Just watch sugars, butters, etc....and customize things. That being said you have to check where you will be on your plan at 4.5 weeks..... I would be totally fine walking around at a park and the beach. I would likely be tired from the amusement park earlier than everyone else but I have no issues drinking water. I get around 100 ounces a day now- but would like to get a bit more. Check with your team but I think you will be fine as long as things are going well. Best of luck!

I'm sorry you are going through this. I have had issues with constipation and now I take Miralax if I don't go within 2 days. I also use Benefiber in my yogurt every day. I had two days of the worst constipation of my life and i keep an enema bottle for emergencies in my bathroom in case the Miralax doesn't work. I was taking a vitamin with 45 mg of Iron and switched it out to one with 18 mg, I also have added a bit of fruit and beans to my diet and things seemed smoother. Things will get better once your fiber intake increases. Good luck I'm sure you will be fine.

Yogurt and soups do not satisfy me. I eat 4 times per day. Each meal is 3 oz of food. Egg salad, tuna salad, and ground turkey with tomato sauce and cheese are my favorites. I use unflavored protein in sugar free cocoa once a day and I drink Nectar protein drink once a day in my water. My body is trying to get used to everything and it is not easy watching others lose weight and I am not losing anything. I know my body will eventually start to let go of the pounds, I just need to be patient. I am glad to hear your story. I also thought my surgeon did not do my surgery right...lol!! I know she did, because I can not eat as much of the denser proteins. I think I also have trouble with feeling full since I had the lap band. I think the lapband have me scar tissue or my nerves are not as sensitive, it is harder to feel the fullness. During my 5th week (next thur) I will be able to have vegetables. I'm so looking forward to having them again. When do you get to vegetables?

Cooking, Baking and recipes - LAP-BAND There's some good ideas in there. I think with weightloss most of the time comes with preparation of food though - eating pre-packaged non-fresh foods can lead you to trouble. I personally eat a lot of oranges, and 'For me' yogurt, which contains only 70 calories for a 175g tub. Baby food is good too! Just don't get the savoury ones - they're pretty gross.

K- I too am always on the run... 4 boys 5-17 yrs and we live an hour from the closest town. I've tried the Zone protein bars, Detour protein bars and a couple others. The ThinkThin bars work/taste the best for me. I also carry Almonds, Peanuts in the Shell, String Cheese, Greek yogurt, and LOTS of Water (w/mio)! When in a pinch I have had a McD grilled chicken snack wrap- no sauce, and I throw away most of the wrap. Hope this helps!

Yogurt is a good thing to take to work. Also, you can take a potato and microwave it. Creamy soups are good too if you don't mind opening a can and microwaving them. I take my magic bullet blender. Its really small and its very convenient for things like work. Good luck.