I will be having my second fill in one week. I don't have restriction and am limiting my daily calories to about 1100 a day. I exercise regularly. Even at 1100 calories a day I sometimes have trouble getting the required 70 grams of protein in. I can't imagine how I will get the protein in when I have restriction. And what about some veggies? I know I need to re-imagine my diet but I'm really having trouble. I would appreciate hearing from those of you with restriction. What does a healthy diet at restriction look like?

EXCELLENT Question...I can't wait to see the responses!

Right now, I'm lucky to get in 60 grams of Protein...Eggs have been my best friend and #1 source of protein!

I just had my 4th fill on Mon March 1st...and this is the tightest I have ever been. Its been rough!

I was only able to get down yogurt, and cream Soups for two days. Water goes down, I have to drink it slowly, but I am still managing 64 oz of water daily.

But I am proud to say that I had some good Protein last night! I boiled some chicken legs in some water with onion and garlic..for flavor, for like 45 min. Pulled it out of water peeled the meat of the bone, and had 1 entire chicken leg. 26 gr of protein. I had to cut it up into small pieces and it took me about 30 min to get it down.. but It worked. I also had a little bit of steamed frozen broccoli..like 2 tbsp.

I am going to have left overs for lunch today again.

It has been rough this week! food has been difficult. But I am getting through it. I guess we just have to take it easy.

Edited March 5, 201016 yr by Starting-overin-AZ

I too keep my calories low. My nutritonist has said 60gms of protien. Some days I fall a little short. Tuna has lots of protien, chicken breast does as well. Salmon is also on my eating plan. There is protien in yougurt and cheese as well ( my nut. says 2 servings of dairy a day). Beans have some protien. I supplement the food with myoplex lite shakes. 20 grams of protien and 170 cals. You can get them at Walmart.

I also have trouble with the veggies, I just don't like them too much and get filled up on the protien. I stay away from fruit except for berries because of there high carbs. Be sure you are taking a multi-vitamin. I take celebrate, specifically for bariatric patients.

Hope all this helps and keep up the great work!

I had a hard time getting in all my Protein and veggies. Someone suggested up here the Morning Star veggie line. I have been eating their burgers, chicken, and ribs--really tender and moist and like real meat--you get veggies and protein in--a burger last night was 17--topped with cheese added more--toasted that new wheat flat bread by arnold--very thin has 4 grams of protein--sometimes add little chilli to get more protein.

I also make one of my Snacks a shake or sometimes my breakfast--never been a big Breakfast eater, so a shake sometimes does the trick. I put unflavored protein or vanilla protein mix in puddings, yogurt, and oatmeal to give them more protein. I now most days hit 80 and sometimes more. Hope this helps?

For breakfast during the week I eat Kroger's CARBMaster yogurt, 12 g Protein and only 4 g carbs, and a stick of Frigo's Light cheese stick, 8 g protein. So that right there gets me 20 g protein.

Then for lunch and dinner, I eat chicken or beef or whatever I'm making for dinner.

You'd be surprised how much protein you can get in if you concentrate on the meat first, but do work in your veggies as they are important too. Also, look for veggies/beans that are high in protein.

I got my from my Krogers (King Soopers) grocery store from their deli the edimami caviar (doen't actually have fish eggs in it). It was made with edimami, black Beans, garbonzo beans, red onion, red and orange bell peppers, cilantro, and a vinegar/oil dressing. Very light and refreshing, and it has protein in it as well.

I also make turkey chili a lot, which can be quite high in protein as well as Fiber. Just brown your ground lean turkey, add a bit of onion and garlic, pinto beans, chili beans, kidney beans, black beans (if you like them), diced canned tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices like cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper. I even will had a small can of diced green chiles to it, and diced green or red bell pepper.

Good luck. After experimenting with foods, you will find what provides you with the most protein.

One thing I found really helpful in the beginning were what are referred to as Protein bullets. They are REALLY sweet, but one made called New whey has 42 grams of protein in it. They make one that has half that too. Very little carbs, about 170 calories (for the 42g one) but tons of protein. I tend to keep my protein higher, in the 80 to 100g a day range, or at least try to. Only three ounces to a serving. Kind of expensive, but I found them very worth it.

Also, in the beginning, I relied heavily on fish. Its a great source of protein, and omega-3's. To this day, I start every day with a Protein shake that contains about 32g of protein... my band doesn't like solid food in the morning.

Its natural to be worried... its a sign that you are taking this as seriously as you should. Keep up the good work!

Jennie-O Ground Lean Turkey Breast - 4 oz., 120 calories, 26 grams protien.....anything you would use ground beef for use this instead....tacos, meatballs, chili, etc...

Thanks everyone,

You've given me lots to think about and some great food suggestions. I will definitely take your advice.

This is why taking vitamins and drinking at least 1 high quality protein drink daily is so important. Also following the protein first, vegtable or fruit second rule is critical.