Can you guys let me know what types/brands of soup you're eating during the full liquid stage? I got some organic soup in a re-sealable box from whole foods. I tried the creamy tomato yesterday...it was delicious. Then I remembered that I was advised to stay below 7g sugar per serving, where this soup is 17g...whoops. So, I am looking for alternatives.

Ellen in Philly

Ellen,

I traveled a lot for my job at that time and for a handy soup for lunch I used those Campbell's Coup at Hand (the one's that come in the microwave cups). They're pureed and the only one that has anything remotely solid is the chicken noodle that has little round noodle-o's. I can't comment on the sugar content as I was not given such advice and didn't pay attention. They are rather high in salt, but if I was only eating 1 a day I figured it would be O.K.

At home, I'd make the greatest creamy potato soup, sometimes with cheese. I also ate a lot of tomato soup and cream of broccoli. I'd think split pea soup, watered down slightly and pureed would qualify as well. Basically any creamed soup with no solid bits.

Remember, full liquid is a liquid you cannot necessarily see through. No solids. Recommendation is that to have the correct consistency you should be able to sip it through a straw (milkshake). Even ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and thinner pudding is considered a full liquid. In fact, my dietitian recommended custard at this stage for Protein purposes.

Good Luck,

I wasn't told the sugar limitation either, so you'll want to check the nutrition label, but if you have a Trader Joe's, their roasted red pepper soup is DIVINE. If memory serves, it's only 90 cals/serving. The butternut squash was pretty good too, though the red pepper was superior. I put a scoop of whipped cottage cheese in it, and the added Protein really helped with the hunger. That's how I made it through that phase!

Good luck.

Ellen, Hi - you emailed me and I didn't know how to respond via this site until I saw your 'Contraband' name here. How are you doing? I feel good. The first week was very sore/painful. Can eat almost anything - staying away from meat. Finally am getting 'regular' with the help of Benefiber per doctor's instructions. First fill in 9/11/07. Excited to lose weight. Take care and wish you well.

Starting weight: 232 lbs. 7/13/07

Lapband Surgery: 7/24/07

Current weight: 215 lbs. 8/07/07

Goal: 140 lbs.

Ellen, Hi - you emailed me and I didn't know how to respond via this site until I saw your 'Contraband' name here. How are you doing? I feel good. The first week was very sore/painful. Can eat almost anything - staying away from meat. Finally am getting 'regular' with the help of Benefiber per doctor's instructions. First fill in 9/11/07. Excited to lose weight. Take care and wish you well.

Starting weight: 232 lbs. 7/13/07

Lapband Surgery: 7/24/07

Current weight: 215 lbs. 8/07/07

Goal: 140 lbs.

why are you staying away from meat?

Ellen

Ellen, Hi - you emailed me and I didn't know how to respond via this site until I saw your 'Contraband' name here. How are you doing? I feel good. The first week was very sore/painful. Can eat almost anything - staying away from meat. Finally am getting 'regular' with the help of Benefiber per doctor's instructions. First fill in 9/11/07. Excited to lose weight. Take care and wish you well.

Starting weight: 232 lbs. 7/13/07

Lapband Surgery: 7/24/07

Current weight: 215 lbs. 8/07/07

Goal: 140 lbs.

I'm doing alright. I'm following instructions, still in a little pain. I was a little discouraged today when I put on a pair of pants and they felt like they were tighter than before the surgery. I also know it's crazy to think I have already lost weight and that I'm also probably swollen. I want to get out and start exercising but I feel weak.

So anyway, I'm excited for the weight to start coming off. I joined a gym and will start exercising when I'm feeling stronger (I was told to wait 4 weeks before doing strenuous exercise or swimming). I guess I'm being impatient. Thanks for listening.

Ellen

Went for my pre-op appointment yesterday and the nurse said to keep the sugar grams in the single digit range. Also, the Protein and carbs should be around the same. Like Protein Bars and etc.... I haven't had my surgery yet. I go to a class tomorrow about nutrition. So i will let you know what esle i learn.

Mary:)

I used the cup at hand chicken noodle, and just heated it up, and used the hole on the far side (not the normal spout), and drank the liquid out of it.

I did this with many campbell soup flavors.. strained the 'stuff' out of the soups and just drank the liquid. I tried broths originally, but they were not as satisfying as the flavors in campbell soups. That was my clear liquids, when I could have normal liquids I had tomato soup and more strained campbells soups, sometimes mixed with skim milk (I like creamy stuff).

I like the campbell's soup at hand and the regular campbell's chicken noodle. I also like the Progresso (minestrone, that's my new favorite until I get tired of it). I have even broken down and made my own homemade soup even though it's summer and I will probably make me another pot tomorrow since you have me thinking about it.