Hi all,

I was just banded on July 14, 2011. I am having a very difficult time with Protein shakes. I am not getting in much protein at all and that really worries me. I have had a liquid bm and thought that would help but it hasn't I have a ton of stomache growling and so I feel like I should eat! When I do a popsicle or chicken broth I feel very full and burp alot. I have only done 1oz every 15 minutes but I haven't been able to do more than that. I am also struggling with all the food commercials. I really didn't think I was an emotional eater but I miss the chips and dip at night while watching tv. I feel hungry and can't wait to start my soft food diet on day 5. According to my surgeon I can start four select soft foods 1. refried Beans 2. yogurt 3. cottage cheese 4. egg beaters.

Any suggestions?

You have just been banded so things are going to feel very tight for the first few days. I know I wasnt able to get much in at all for the first 5 days after surgery and then things loosened up a bit. Hang in there! Your mushies are just around the corner.

TV commercials are the worst. I always kept the remote in my hand to quickly change the channel when my favorite places came on. I swear Papa John's and Domino's increased their frequency of commercials just because I had surgery!

I also had my band on July 14, 2011 and am starving!! I mean starving. Can't seem to drink all the liquid I need to from water and juice but am doing the required 3 optifast for protein and still hungry. The truly disappointing fact is that I've gone up 2 pounds since I came home from the hospital. I really don't get it. Have only had water, two bowls of broth, a little juice and optifast...and I only had 3 starting a day or so ago. I'm really hungry. I can add creamy soup on Thursday. Anyone else feel this?

It took me a couple of days to get back into drinking the protein shakes, and even then I could only do a little teensy amount. I am sure that you'll feel better soon. Lucky you, soft foods at 5 days! I had to wait almost two weeks! There is a lot of swelling after the surgery, and that's part of why you aren't able to get much protein in. Don't worry though, you will soon!

I was like that at first well. I was banded 4 weeks ago today! I wish I could have soft foods. My doctor still has me on mushies for another week! It took me awhile, but I am now actually starting to like the protein shakes for breakfast...it makes things really easy in the morning before work! Keep trying... it will get better

To those entering the stage that allows yogurt... I can't recommend enough the Oikos brand greek caramel yogurt. It is the best tasting yogurt I have ever had. It can be hard to find - but try Target or Walmart. It is amazing.