I'm just new to learning about all of the diet restrictions and such. Everything I read says to use sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles, sugar free this or that. Why? Will it cause erosion of the band? Or is it because of the added calories?

I have a stockpile of jello, but it is not sugar free. We typically try to have a year's supply of food on our shelves. I would prefer to use what I have than go out and purchase new stuff. I'm just wondering if the no sugar is a calorie thing or if it can cause damage to the band. If it is because of the calories, I can cut in another area to compensate. I'm already going to purchase $50 worth of Protein shakes every month, and extra veggies that I wouldn't have normally eaten. Add to that the expense of going to and from doctor visits, therapies, etc. and I am putting somewhat of a burden on our family finances. We don't have a lot of extra money in our budget, and I have to make it work with what we have.

My favorite indulgence is a drink of chocolate milk before going to bed. Honestly I don't want to give that up. I will if I am not losing, but I'm thinking that if I use skim milk and drink a smaller amount than my normal, it should be okay. I think in every diet, you have to still get some of the things you like or you will give up and quit. Is it unreasonable to want to hold on to the chocolate milk at night? Or the sugar in my jello?

Please educate me.

I would lose my mind if I had to have a shake every day. I have a hard time drinking anything even remotely thick. I almost always get in 70g of protein a day and I'm newly banded and still learning. Once you start eating solids you might track your protein and show your doctor you are getting enough and get relief from the daily shake.

Cynthia, about the shakes? I thought I'd be drinking a lot of shakes too. So I went to some health food/vitamin store and bought this huge tub of chocolate shake stuff. I drank about 15 shakes and couldn't take it any longer. They're not gross, but I was able to get my protein from regular food with no problem so I stopped drinking them. I still have a lot of it left over and use it when I get fills or want to go on liquids for a few days to jump a plateau. I wouldn't rush right out and buy the first barrel of shakes you see. Some of them are quite disgusting. Do a search on this site and you'll find some good advice from some folks who drink that stuff a lot.

I would lose my mind if I had to have a shake every day. I have a hard time drinking anything even remotely thick. I almost always get in 70g of protein a day and I'm newly banded and still learning. Once you start eating solids you might track your protein and show your doctor you are getting enough and get relief from the daily shake.

That is great to hear. If I can get enough protein in, I will gladly forgo the shake. I already have very thinning hair on top, due to some other health issues through the years. I'm told that I can avoid losing more hair by getting enough protein. So that is a priority. Time will tell. I'm glad to hear that you get enough protein without the shakes.

There is no need to continue shakes after you start eating regular food and that is only liquid calories that you could be eating. I get 90 grams of protein in every single day with food. I dont know of any doctor that wants you to rely on protein shakes for the rest of your life. What is the point of getting the band if you have to drink protein shakes forever you might as well do slim fast and forget the surgery.

I only drink a protein shake pre workout because I have about 7 hours between lunch and dinner not because my protein levels are low. You should be able to get protein from foods like chicken breast; which has 8.8 g per oz.

Just remember the band isn't going to do all the work for you. The reason we got the band is because we made poor choices to begin with. It's not about what your giving up.

We all have had something we had a hard time giving up, but it isn't forever. Once I am down to my goal weight, I will learn a little more moderation. I ate crap and a bunch of it, that's why I gained weight. So I now have to do without until I am mentally ready to incorporate some of things that I miss in a healthy way. Don't think of it as being deprived, if anyone is more worried about what they will miss, then maybe they are not ready for this. I waited a long time to have the surgery because I depended on the food for my comfort. Its a very emotional process when it comes to food addiction. Be sure you are mentally prepared for it.

My opinion only...not trying to start trouble...lol.

There is no need to continue shakes after you start eating regular food and that is only liquid calories that you could be eating. I get 90 grams of Protein in every single day with food. I dont know of any doctor that wants you to rely on Protein Shakes for the rest of your life. What is the point of getting the band if you have to drink protein shakes forever you might as well do slim fast and forget the surgery.

Thanks for your opinion. My doctor does not want me to drink my calories, other than the exception of one Protein shake per day for the rest of my life. I will follow his suggestions as he knows what is best for me. This is the wording in his guidelines:

1- Your Goal is to get 60-80 grams of protein every day.

2- Eat the protein part of the meal first. This ensures you don't fill up on foods that are poor sources of protein. Also, protein (mostly in the form of meat) seems to keep food in the upper stomach pouch longer.

3- Because your upper stomach pouch size is small after banding, it can be difficult to get enough protein thru food alone.You will be expected to have a protein supplemental shake every day for the rest of your life to guarantee adequate protein intake.

It should contain at least 20-30 grams of Protein per serving. The grams of total carbohydrates per serving should be less than half the amount of protein per serving. Do not look at the amount of sugar in the supplement--it is already included in the total carbohydrates. Only mix skim milk, soymilk, or Water with powdered protein. Do not add yogurt, fruit, fruit juices, or any other calorie containing foods (adds too many carbs).

So There you have it, straight from my doctor's instructions. Maybe I will be able to get enough protein without using a supplement, but I will follow his instructions until I know.

So many varying opinions...

Don't think of it as being deprived, if anyone is more worried about what they will miss, then maybe they are not ready for this. I waited a long time to have the surgery because I depended on the food for my comfort. Its a very emotional process when it comes to food addiction. Be sure you are mentally prepared for it.

Good advice there. I'm okay with not having the chocolate milk at night. I have researched this whole procedure for 2 years, and I have a good feel for the changes that are about to happen. I am ready, so I hope I didn't make anyone feel like I am not. 2013 is my year. I will own this, and I WILL do everything in my ability in order to be successful. I WILL DO THIS!