I had surgery in April 2011... my doctor did not tell me what to eat or how. I have been in the blue for so long. Ive lost about 40lbs on my own but want to lose much more! Can anyone help me understand shakes and etc? Do we drink them as a meal and what kind? How do i know whats good? Ive done lots of research and figured out how to eat. Basically high protein and low fats. Any other suggestions? I really need to know is it best to drink shakes and when? Thanks!

I really think you need to see a nutritionist. You're not supposed to be living on shakes after being banded and you can't do both high Protein and low fat. Just doing high protein alone will increase your fat intake because of the absence of carbs.

Make an appointment with your nutritionist. It's crucial to be successful with the band.

Best wishes.

Thanks! As of the past year I haven't drank any shakes. I was confused as to what to drink. I cannot afford a nutritionist. My insurance doesnt pay. Just looking for some guidance/ help.

Thanks! As of the past year I haven't drank any shakes. I was confused as to what to drink. I cannot afford a nutritionist. My insurance doesnt pay. Just looking for some guidance/ help.

Water- lots of Water. I was recommended to drink at the least 80 oz, but do better if I do 100 oz.

I eat 3 meals a day, no more that 1 cup full ( mostly Protein need at least 60g a day). I normally eat about 1 snack that is in the afternoon and is no more than a cup and normally nuts or something like that.

Most bandsters are told do not drink for 30 min after eating. I find this very help. Carbonation is bad for the band. Caffine is tollerated by some, not by others. I was told it would increase my appetiate and it does, so I avoid it.

If you can afford a nutritionist, the best advice I can offer you is: Drink lots of water, count calories (general recommendation is 1200 calories a day - myfitnesspal is a great help with this activity), excercise (do whatever you can do to move more), eat at leat 60g of protein a day. Get in pleanty of Fiber.

Good Luck!

I really think you need to see a nutritionist. You're not supposed to be living on shakes after being banded and you can't do both high Protein and low fat. Just doing high protein alone will increase your fat intake because of the absence of carbs.

Make an appointment with your nutritionist. It's crucial to be successful with the band.

Best wishes.

Missy, why don't you provide her with that Dr Simpson link?

Here's some helpful video's for Whitney and a link to a bariatrics manual. But you really should see a nutritionist? Why did you not go back to your doctor? I've never heard of a doc who just did surgery and let you loose with no guidance? Can't you go back to him and ask for help?

Try this: http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/docs/Gastric-Band-Patient-Manual.pdf

And these videos:

Part 1

part 2

Part 3

Part 4