Tomorrow makes one week since I have been banded. I am healing well…minimal pain and some slight indigestion which pepto helps. I have been on Clear liquids (broth, crystal light, popsicles, etc.) since November 13^th. I am so excited to move to Full Liquids tomorrow where I can add in Protein shakes, pudding, yogurt, strained cream Soups, etc. With the excitement comes some slight nerves as well…

*How much should you eat at a sitting?

*With only Full Liquids, how many times a day did you eat?

*How different does something like pudding feel going through the band vs. liquid?

*How do you feel when you are full from eating?

Thank you for your help and advice. I am so excited that I took the step to a new me. I will be on Full Liquids for a week, then move on to pureed Foods.

I was banded about a week before you... still learning but for the most part when you feel the slightest feeling of fullness STOP, I have had a few times where I finished my "drink" and I thought I would explode from fullness. It will not take you long to notice, drink slow and take your time...

Eat slowly. You'll feel the fullness. Initially, I measured out one cup of soup and often didn't finish it. Using a smaller bowl and plate also helps "trick" your head hunger. I ate full liquids 3 time a day. But if I was hungry I would add a protein shake.

Today is day 3 for me and I was only on a clear liquids for the first day (clearly doctors differ here too). I am drinking Protein shakes, but I feel that I am always drinking as I struggle to drink 2-3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated, and at the same time trying to get in my calories and protein. Yesterday I could only eat 800 calories with 2 shakes, a cup of soup, and juice.

Do I focus less of calories and more of "feeling full" as I was not necessary hungry when I ate all of this.

Use a small spoon and wait between bites to see how your band reacts. For me, "full" is a whisper of satiety. As soon as you feel a lack of hunger, you are done. When I was on full liquids, i could eat more than three times a day.

It is a big learning curve for eating with a band. Take your time and get to know your new partner.

I was banded two days ago. Have been on clear liquids, and am slowly introducing a bit of other liquids today. I took some watermelon and apple juice and blended it for about 2 minutes. Poured through a strainer and let sit for about 10 minutes. Skimmed off all the 'thickness' that I could get out and am drinking it now. I found that it took MUCH less of this to help me hit full than just clear liquids.

My doc says if you aren't hungry , dont feel obligated to eat. This is day two post op for me and I had less than 1 cup of soup all day. I'm worried about not getting enough water and protein.

Thank you for your suggestions. Day one of full liquids went pretty well. I had 1/2c. runny cream of wheat and 1/2c. of banana pudding made with Protein powder for Breakfast. It took me about 50 minutes to eat. Then we went and ran to a few stores and a movie and I became very hungry. I had my bottle Water with me so that helped curve the hunger. We got home about 5:30 and I made a Protein shake, and then had a cup of strained cream of mushroom soup about 7:45. I did not get all of my protein in, but I will plan better if I go out next time. I am unsure if I should still eat if I am not feeling hungry as well.

Dusty Rider- I think I am going to try the watermelon smoothie, that sounds so refreshing!

Julian- It is amazing how different the doctor’s orders are across the board. My doctor said a week for each stage of foods after surgery, and the nutritionist I went to said 3 days for each stage. When I asked my doctor, he said to follow his rules so I heal. I am sure each doctor tells their patients to follow their rules.

I know that right after surgery your stomach is still swollen and you cant eat but a little bit, My doctor had me on a liquid diet for a week and mushy foods for two weeks and then I went to regular food. I can say that the feeling never changed for me until I was able to eat regular food. you can buy instant dry milk to help get more protein in your diet, just mix about 1/3 cup in a dairy product and you'll never know the difference. If your doctor didn't fill the band during surgery then you will notice that, as the swelling goes down you will be able to eat more and, getting your water in becomes much easier. good luck

You found out how it felt to get Hungry ! Then have a Protein shake, or something high in protein, you will get your protein in that way. Also the Water that you use to make those shakes,,, that counts t words your daily water intake.

You keep it up, and make adjustments, and you will see that you will get your protein in.

Just take your time, and sip.

Isopure Zero Carb RTD's have been my fall back Protein source. 40 grams of protein in 20 oz of clear Fluid, no carbs, no fat, no sugars, only 160 calories. Tasty light drink.

That and Muscle milk. People always say "but it's higher in calories" that's fine since I can't pack down the calories like I used to and being banded one "serving" could be 2 or 3 for me. So it really does balance out. They taste GREAT too!

A bit tip I have for people getting sick of broths, is to invest in a tea steeper. Steep your broth in seasonings that you would normally cook that meat with. IE Lemon and Herb with chicken broth. Garlic, onion, pepper, basil with beef broth.

I will pour out a set amount, like 1/2 a cup or so and drink that slowly. When I feel a bit heavy in the chest, I stop. Don't want to push it and cause slippage or early pouch expansion!

Good Luck and Stay Strong!!!

I really liked Pacific branch Sweet Red Pepper/tomato soup (sometimes found in the organic section). I would add Mrs. Dash salt free Chicken season before heating in the microwave. This would reconstitute the minced spices and the taste was fabulous (after being on clears). I would make the soup and then wait it out for an hour or so and then have the protein shake. Spreading out my eating helped with the head and stomach hunger.

I been eating that soup for years. It is delicious, and fills you up. The Flavor is like nothing I have ever had before.

There Mushroom Soup is Hearty also, and very good, and I can remember a Butternut Squash Soup by them that is actually good.

Glad to hear someone else has discovered it.

For anyone looking, it is in a tall box in the Organic Area. If you want something to keep you full ! This will help do the job.

Shirley.