I have two questions: What protein should I eat during the soft food stage (which my doctor requires to last 4 weeks)? Other than eggs, fish and meatloaf, what protein is soft or mushy to eat? I do not do well with dairy so cheeses are out. Chicken would be too tough. I have never cooked tofu and do not want to begin just yet. Do bandsters eat Gerbers? What?

When I am finally able to eat some solid food, I know that I am suppose to eat protein first, followed by soft vegetables. I also know that I must eat very slowly until the food is mush in my mouth. How do I know how much to eat? Do I stop the minute I feel full? I am so scared of stomach dumping which I experienced once and never want to through again!

Hey RLittman, I'm not banded yet but i have the same questions as you. It seems like baby food would be an easy way to eat during mushies, has anyone done this? Good luck with the band, you will do great!

I just read some other posts and here is what they suggest - at GNC buy a few bottles of Zero Carb Isopure - liquid protein; go to unjury.com and buy unflavored protein supplement designed for bariatric patients to add protein to jello, V-8 drinks, broth, puddings, etc. It seems that intake of alot of protein is very important the first few weeks after surgery.

I ate a fair few lentils - ate loads of dahl, yummy!

Ariel you can do baby foods. At least that's what my surgeon put on his acceptable soft food list.

However I bought a minichopper and chopped everything to smithereens to make it soft.

Refried Beans is also a good soft food with good Protein.

Myra

Foods on my soft diet list included meatballs, tunafish, chicken salad, soups, fat-free & sugar-free puddings, fish, scrambled eggs, fruit smoothies, frozen yogurt, low fat yogurt, sloppy joe without the roll, etc.

Jack~

Thanks for reminding us often that we're looking for satiety, not fullness. I've been growing more aware of that recently and trying to be sure I stop at that point...easier said than done. Habit is a terrifyingly strong thing! I have a hard time waiting between bites although I am doing well with the chewing. And occasionally I still don't pay enough attention soon enough, but I am improving. I appreciate the reminders of the difference between satisfied and full.

RLittman, I relied a lot on refried Beans for Protein (still love them) and I think sliced deli meats were on my "soft food list" from my doc. I had a hard time with them, but I know a lot of people do fine eating them.

Emily