Hi everyone! My name is Olivia, and this is my first post here. I got my surgery in April of this year, and thus far I have only lost twelve pounds. Needless to say, I am struggling. So, basically I'm here trying to get other people's perspective on what is working for them and what isn't. I am twenty years old, and for the majority of my life I have made poor food choices. I am also a picky eater, which only makes it that much harder. I am really having a difficult time finding food that is somewhat appetizing, easy enough to make, and affordable. I am a full time college student, therefore I don't have unlimited funds to cook. Another problem I am experiencing is getting food stuck. It happens really often. My band holds ten ccs, and I currently have seven ccs in it. I just got one cc put in last Wednesday. Even before, being at six ccs, I was getting a lot of food stuck. I know that I'm chewing properly, but it continuously happens. And now at seven ccs, it's just that much harder. So, what foods really work for you guys, and have you guys experienced getting food stuck often?

I will share my meatloaf with you. Its really good, cheap and very soft. I can even eat it during my mushies stages. Also, go to the Food section of this forum, there are good things there too.

1 lb ground turkey, 1 can diced tomatos, 2 eggs, 1 pc of wheat bread, 1 can tomato sauce, and pacante sauce. mix turkey, tomatos (drained) and eggs. Wet pc of bread and squeeze out all the water and add to mixture. Season to taste. It will seam very soft. that is normal. Be sure to get bread all mixed in and not clumpy. The eggs keep it moist and the bread acts as the glue to keep it together. Once in a pan, top with tomato sauce and pacante sauce ( the more you put on it the more of a kick it will have). Bake at 350 for 1.5 hrs. Trust me, people at work that dont like meatloaf, like mine. Break it down into portion sizes and take it for lunches or freeze it. I hope you enjoy!!! Good luck to you on your journey.

Olivia,

I too am a very picky eater, and on a budget. For my Protein I do a lot of tuna mixed with light ranch and shredded lettuce. Even with my band at it's tightest I was able to eat meatloaf and meatballs (loudly packed) with marinara and homemade burgers. I know that humus is a wonderful source of protein (personally scares to try it- too picky). Try and stay away from white carbs (rice, white bread).

Install or use something like www.myfitnesspal.com to track calories and keep yourself accountable. Many here use it and the support is great (my username is mauraclegg).

Most of all know that many here are here to support u on your journey

Welcome Olivia! I have been a member for a year now, but been on the site only about 3 times. I was banded in November 2010 and can eat very few things. Meatloaf, salad, pasta, etc. It has done be good so far. Yes, I would get food stuck all of the time, but that is because I wasn't "listening the the band" (as my surgeon likes to say) to let me know when to stop. I would suggest eating slower..take a bite...put your fork down...wait a few minutes to see how you feel...then take another 1-2 if you feel ok. It has taken me 10 months to learn this and I have NOT been stuck in about a month now.