Hi Everyone...First of all thanks so much for this forum! I could not have made it through the past four weeks without the support and advice from everyone!

I was banded on April 16th, 2012 and can start to begin with my solid regular foods. I am wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to "start" to reintroduce foods. I have been on Protein shakes and mushy foods for so long I think I need some guidance on how to make the right choices. I am a teacher and bring my lunch to work each day so I need something that is quick and healthy. Before surgery I used to bring a Lean Cuisine fruit and a yogurt. Does anyone have any ideas or advice on how to start our with new foods?

Also, I am happy because I am down 18 pounds! I have my first fill set for May 30th!

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! As long as you are feeling okay your previous lunch sounds okay - you probably aren't going to notice too much restriction until you start getting fills .. that's why several people call it bandster hell

Stick to the basics that you know - fill your plate with Protein and veggies and only a little carbs - eat the protein first, veggies second and carbs last -

I get to go back on solids this week and plan on fish, chicken, broccoli, maybe a baked sweet potato - as much of it grilled as possible!

I almost forgot .... check out this website - the idea of cooking your meals in a cupcake tin is brilliant!! it definitely helps with portion control!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/2490-the-clothing-exchange/

the recipe forum on here also has a lot of great info!

I am also starting to introduce solid foods. I had my lap band surgery on April 9th. I started with baked fish. I am still nervous about trying other foods. I have my first fill on June 6th.

This web site is very helpful.

http://www.bandfriendlyrecipes.com/

This evening will be my first of solid foods since my surgery on 5/23. I am going to start with baked chicken and broccoli and write out a plan for the rest of the week. I can't wait for my first fill on 7/10! I too am nervous but am so looking forward to chicken.

I eat a lot of rotisserie chicken (bought from the store) mixed with either black beans (I use Bush's seasoned recipe) or refried beans. I think the lean cuisine would be fine, though, actually. Just eat the protein first. Also, greek yogurt is much better than regular- way more protein. I think a lot of people eat deli meat and cheese (no bread). You'll find things you like!

I almost forgot .... check out this website - the idea of cooking your meals in a cupcake tin is brilliant!! it definitely helps with portion control!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/2490-the-clothing-exchange/

the recipe forum on here also has a lot of great info!

That link doesn't bring me to the cooking in a cupcake ton I'm interested to learn more

Thanks

Moving onto solids is nothing to worry about as long as you stick to the rules. Small bites at a time and chew really well, and eat ur meal slowly. I had my band in nov last yr, my first solid was soft white fish but moved to chicken and lean lamb straight after that with no problems.