So what should I be looking too after surgery in general? As far as what and when I will be eating, etc? Do you folks recommend certain things to buy to make life and eating easier? I will gladly take any recommendations, I am due to have my surgery on 8/4/11

For eating you won't be for a week or two. Get Jello (mix with 1 c Isopure clear Protein drink and 1 c hot Water to make a high protein snack), crystal light, Protein shakes you enjoy, broth, single serving Soup (tomato and such), yogurt, frozen fruit bars, milk (cow, soy, almond) things like that. That will tide you over the first 1-2 weeks. You likely will not want to leave the house the first 3-5 days.

After that get heartier Soups you can blend smooth, milk, protein shakes still, veggies you can purée (try to avoid potatoes), apple sauce (sugar free), pudding (add protein powder), oatmeal, bananas, fruit you can blend, ice, hummus, other soft foods that don't need much chewing.

That should tie you over through to week three.

After that look for fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, oatmeal, tofu, fish, soft meat if you eat meat, and everything above.

Stay away from anything refined, white products (flour, sugar), cakes, candies, pastries, Pasta (except small and whole wheat), breads, fried foods, breading, etc.

For eating you won't be for a week or two. Get Jello (mix with 1 c isopure clear Protein drink and 1 c hot Water to make a high protein snack), crystal light, protein shakes you enjoy, broth, single serving soup (tomato and such), yogurt, frozen fruit bars, milk (cow, soy, almond) things like that. That will tide you over the first 1-2 weeks. You likely will not want to leave the house the first 3-5 days.

After that get heartier soups you can blend smooth, milk, protein shakes still, veggies you can purée (try to avoid potatoes), apple sauce (sugar free), pudding (add protein powder), oatmeal, bananas, fruit you can blend, ice, hummus, other soft foods that don't need much chewing.

That should tie you over through to week three.

After that look for fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, oatmeal, tofu, fish, soft meat if you eat meat, and everything above.

Stay away from anything refined, white products (flour, sugar), cakes, candies, pastries, Pasta (except small and whole wheat), breads, fried foods, breading, etc.

My surgeon's protocol is: similar to above -- Clear liquids for the first few days. Transition to liquids for up to 2 weeks. For weeks 3 and 4 - mushies. Should be concentrating on healing and making sure the band does not slip. At week 4 - can start with regular foods,

Hey there, acadia!

Your listing is VERY helpful! My surgery is sked for the July 20th, and I have a question regarding Protein drinks. I currently drink Muscle Milke light. Can I drink the regular(it's not that many calorie/fat grams more, and much more filling) My nutritionist has me on the light, just wanted to know if you-or anyone else- drink the regular.-strength Protein Drinks or stick to sugar-free...or does it even matter?

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For eating you won't be for a week or two. Get Jello (mix with 1 c isopure clear Protein Drink and 1 c hot Water to make a high protein snack), crystal light, protein shakes you enjoy, broth, single serving soup (tomato and such), yogurt, frozen fruit bars, milk (cow, soy, almond) things like that. That will tide you over the first 1-2 weeks. You likely will not want to leave the house the first 3-5 days.

After that get heartier soups you can blend smooth, milk, protein shakes still, veggies you can purée (try to avoid potatoes), apple sauce (sugar free), pudding (add protein powder), oatmeal, bananas, fruit you can blend, ice, hummus, other soft foods that don't need much chewing.

That should tie you over through to week three.

After that look for fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, oatmeal, tofu, fish, soft meat if you eat meat, and everything above.

Stay away from anything refined, white products (flour, sugar), cakes, candies, pastries, Pasta (except small and whole wheat), breads, fried foods, breading, etc.

Hey there, acadia!

Your listing is VERY helpful! My surgery is sked for the July 20th, and I have a question regarding Protein drinks. I currently drink Muscle Milke light. Can I drink the regular(it's not that many calorie/fat grams more, and much more filling) My nutritionist has me on the light, just wanted to know if you-or anyone else- drink the regular.-strength protein drinks or stick to sugar-free...or does it even matter?

I didn't do the "light" before surgery and after surgery I drank (and still do) a protein drink formulated for bariatric patients. Nestle's Optisource Bariatric Drink. I love it because honestly, I could barely stomach any other kind. It I wasn't to drink that one, I probably would more than likely drink a regular one.

I drink the light myself, while you can do regular I wouldn't make it a habit. You're probably better to make a double portion of light than drink a single portion of regular. Simply because of the calories and additional sugars, etc. If you buy the mix yourself add 1/4-1 cup of light soy or almond milk (60 calories), it will add even more to the filling aspect than water with fewer calories and more protein than regular milk (and you won't taste the difference). Once you're on more solid liquids add in some silken tofu, makes it like a milk shake, thick and creamy, add some ice, perfect to fill you up and keep you on track. You won't taste the soy or tofu at all. The flavor of the protein powder will blend right in.

I do drink the light(8.25 oz.-) from costco, but there are SO many different Muscle Milk formulations it's ridiculous!..lol.. -

There's the light I drink(that while not sugar free-3 grams sugar) is 150 cal, and 20 grams of Protein, the "diet" one,(8.25 oz.,100 cal, 0 grams sugar,and 15 grams protein, then, finally, the regular, 11 oz., 180 cal, 3 sugars and 20 grams of protein-just insane. The best one I've had is the light in the bottle, 14 oz., 0 grams sugar and 30 grams protein.

I think I'll try a few other bands of protein drinks, and your suggestion..Thanks for the advice...

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I drink the light myself, while you can do regular I wouldn't make it a habit. You're probably better to make a double portion of light than drink a single portion of regular. Simply because of the calories and additional sugars, etc. If you buy the mix yourself add 1/4-1 cup of light soy or almond milk (60 calories), it will add even more to the filling aspect than Water with fewer calories and more protein than regular milk (and you won't taste the difference). Once you're on more solid liquids add in some silken tofu, makes it like a milk shake, thick and creamy, add some ice, perfect to fill you up and keep you on track. You won't taste the soy or tofu at all. The flavor of the protein powder will blend right in.