I was banded 11/11/11 (I will never forget that date!) My doctor moved me onto puréed foods but didn't mention anything but drink 20 grams of protein, calcium citrate, and vitamins daily. I just joined this website and notice people talking about calories and stuff like that?? Should I be counting calories? Also since there's not much I can eat I've been living on yogurt, mashed potatoes and eggs!! I was on the south beach diet previous to surgery but feel that's impossible to do until I can eat solids.... Any suggestions??

Congrats on being banded!

Don't worry about calories right now. Concentrate on getting your Proteins and drink fluids.

Calories start to count once you're on solid foods again.

Best of luck to you!

You can also have strained soups, cream of wheat, mashed cauliflower or squash, FF refried beans that have been made mushier. Cottage cheese.

Thanks everyone!! That was my first post, glad someone responded!! It's also really hard for me to drink the whey drinks, any suggestions??

Keep drinking them until you're on solid food. You need the protein for the healing process. Post op you can make them more tasty. Add a tbsp of LF peanut butter to chocolate or frozen fruit and blend.

Haha ok thought maybe there was some other way of getting protein lol!! And how many grams per day were you all told??

My dr recommended 60 oz Protein and 64 oz Water daily. The liquid in the shakes counted towards my water.

You should focus on healing right now. Follow your drs orders and you'll be fine. Calories are not of a concern right now bc your focus is healing, not weight loss.

J

Banded 9/22

My doctor's website has lists of things you should be eating at the different stages of the band recovery. Here's a link.

www.massweightloss.com

Best wishes to you.

Sue

my nutrionist (not affiliated with my surgeon) gave me sample ideas of what I can eat when and I tried to stick to that...

try to find a protein you like....i drink "The ideal Chocolate Milk" protein powder and like it. Some people like Unjury (it's not too bad), some don't. You have to find what works for you. Even 5 months out, at least 5 days a week I have a protein drink for breakfast...when I don't, I sometimes fall short of meeting my protein.

you can start logging your meals at a site like myfitnesspal.com....i started that pre-op and have been pretty consistent with logging my meals. Also helps that I can see my friends' diaries to see how they get their protein in.

I checked out the site, very helpful! Thanks!

For whey Isolate Protein shakes I made them with non fat milk, non fat/sugar pudding powder, fruit (if you doctor allows it), sugar free coffee syrups (various flavors can be found in the coffee isle). For ready to drink shakes I like Premier Brand chocolate sold at the costco (160 cal, 30 g of protein).

During mushies I had canned chicken mixed with low fat laughing cow cheese (which can be heated in the microwave).

Also egg whites, with low fat laughing cow cheese or low/non fat cottage cheese added at the very end are heavenly after the liquids stage. Non fat cottage cheese and ricotta, mixed with spagetti sauce is also very good

Nice! I love laughing cow cheese! I didn't realize it was ok for me to eat! Thanks I'm gonna go get a slice right now!!!

When I make tuna or chicken salad, I use the laughing cow in place of mayo...keeps fat and calories low but tastes AWESOME!!

I also use it when making egg mugs. (egg substitute, turkey sausage, half a slice of bread, and a wedge of LC light).

My nutritionist said you can buy powder protien that you can mix in with your Soup or pudding, that way if you're like me and don't think you can tolerate the shakes you can try it that way. She said they carry it at Fred Meyers, I am going to look around, but I think for me that's gonna be the way to go. She said it is the same amount of protien per serving as a shake is. Maybe you could do some of it that way?

Tabby.