I was feeling so down yesterday, but today I feel like 200% better. I was banded on 7/26/04, and was wondering how often I should be eating or drinking. Any advise from those of you who have been there-done that. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. I know what and how much, I just need some guidelines on how often.

Every doctor has different guidelines to how we should eat for life. My doctor said to have one Protein shake plus 2 meals every single day without snacking. We are each individual, so not everybody listens to what their doctors say exactly, because some people do better having 4-6 small meals instead of a couple big ones.

My plan works really well for me since I'm too restricted to eat in the mornings, so I have my Protein Shake for Breakfast, then lunch around noon, then dinner between 5-7 p.m. Sometimes I have a snack at night... not because I'm hungry, but because old habits are hard to break!

Think about a healthy plan that works well in your personal life. I read all these posts, gather all the information, then put it back together to make it work for me. So far, so good.

WELCOME!

Being 4 days out from surgery. I would think that you are still on liquids? Right?

Otherwise, while I'm doing liquids, I try to break my day up some, but it feels as if I have something going IN constantly.

I first get a Protein shake (atkins or EAS ready to drink)

later in the morning I'm having either tapioca or sugar free Jello for some sort of substance.

I'm drinking Crystal Light in between - or Water.

Around noon I may have another jello, tapioca or popsicle.

Later in the day around dinnertime I'm having a Campbell's Soup-at-Hand for some more substance.

Towards the evening, I mix a cup of nectar Protein Drink for a bit more protein.

I'll have a yogurt or another popsicle or both.

If I still feel hollow, I'll grab another jello, etc.

All along, drinking water or Crystal Light in between, so it sorta feels like I'm pouring something down consistently.

I've tracked it in www.fitday.com and it still doesn't exceed 800 calories a day.

I've also had some frozen yogurt or ice cream in the evenings also.

I'll trade some of this off this coming week for something more substantial like mashed potatoes or thinned refried Beans w some cheese sprinkled on, maybe some thin oatmeal in the morning.

Hope this helps!

OOPS, I forgot you're fresh out of surgery. Yes, you should probably be on liquids for awhile. Each doctor has different requirements for how long to stay on liquids. Did your doctor give you any guidance? After surgery, I had to stay on clear liquids for a week. The second week I introduced thick liquids, so I put cream soups in the blender and watery mashed potatoes. The third week I started adding mushy foods, cottage cheese, regular cheese, refried beans, steamed veggies, etc.

I am having a very hard time finding a protein supplement that I won't gag on. Does anyone know of pills etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The only protein powder that doesn't gag me is called Milk and Egg Protein. It mixes well with any fruits, frozen yogurts, etc. It doesn't taste like medicine or vitamins. They sell it on line. I found it at Smith's grocery store, but they sell it on line. They also make a brown rice and a vegetarian powder, but I'll stick to my milk and egg one. I make it with frozen pineapple chunks and sweetened coconut and toss in my vitamins. Not bad.

Hi Jenni,

I found powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder to the be the best. they have a website... http://www.unjury.com I have the chocolate and the unflavored. It disolves really well and doesn't have the horrid smell and taste.

Hang in there... the ups and downs are really normal... I would feel great one day and then be a crying mess the next! Everyone here helped me through those times... and I know they will do the same for you!

Take care... sending healing vibes...

Darcy

Am I right, or were you banded 4 years ago and everyone is thinking this year?

I was banded in June 2008. I would really like to know what the right answer is to your question so that I can have realisitic long-term goals for myself.

All the best!!!