Here are the lists that my nutritionist gave to me for the different stages of eating after having surgery. The moderator may want to make this thread a sticky for those who don't get defined lists, as I've noticed a lot of questions about this topic in the past.

*STAGE 1 - liquids

START: When you return home from your surgery

DURATION: For 2 weeks post surgery, or until your next dietitian appointment.

DIET: Clear and full liquids

GOAL: Aim for at least 64 ounces of Fluid for the day by continuous sipping.

LIQUIDS RECOMMENDED:

Water

100% fruit juice (No sugar added)

Bouillon

Strained Soups or broths

Skim or 1% milk

Soy milk

Milk shakes - thinned

Gatorade or equivalent sports drink

Yogurt smoothie drinks - not including homemade

Crystal Light

sugar free beverages

Herbal or decaffeinated tea or coffee

Popsicles (Pedialyte)

LIQUIDS TO AVOID:

Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple)

Acidic liquids (tomato juice, tomato Soup, buttermilk)

Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea)

Carbonated beverages (any soda pop, seltzer, or tonic water)

Homemade fruit or yogurt smoothies

Anything that seems liquid but is not (Jello, yogurt, pudding, ice cream) *Do pour test*

*STAGE 2 - MUSHIES

START: 2 weeks post surgery

DURATION: Up to 2 weeks post liquid stage

DIET: Soft food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOODS RECOMMENDED:

Milk (skim or 1% only)

Cottage cheese

eggs (poached, scrambled or soft boiled)

Blended cream soups

Yogurt

Low Fat Cheese - unmelted

Peanut Butter

Tofu (silken only)

Pudding

Applesauce or other fruit sauces

Canned fruits

Mashed potatoes

Cream of Wheat or oatmeal (diluted with milk)

*STAGE 3 - SEMI SOLIDS

START: 4 weeks post surgery

DURATION: 2 weeks post mushies stage

DIET: Semi-solid food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOOD RECOMMENDED:

Deli cuts of meat

Canned flake meats such as tuna or chicken

Ground meats like ground beef or ground turkey

Beans

Tofu

Baked fish or crab meat

Pasta, rice, and corn

Fresh fruit - eliminate skins

Cooked vegetables - avoid celery, asparagus or broccoli stalks

Low Fat melted cheese

FOODS TO AVOID FOR MUSHIES & SEMI SOLID STAGES:

Caloric beverages - sweetened tea, soda, lemonade, juices

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, & smoothies

Regular Jello

Dry solids like breads, cereals, crackers, high Fiber foods

*STAGE 4 - SOLIDS

RECOMMENDED FOODS & SERVING SIZES:

Protein GROUP:

1 ounce lean meat, poultry or fish

1/4 cup yogurt

1/4 cup pudding

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 egg, 2 egg whites

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 ounce tofu

1 ounce cheese

1/4 cup canned flake meat

1 slice deli meat

2 tbsp. grated cheese

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup beans

1/4 cup hommus

GRAIN GROUP:

1/2 slice toast

1/4 bagel or english muffin

1/2 cup Cereal (cooked or dry)

1/2 cup broth-type soup

1 oblong graham cracker

1/4 cup rice, pasta, or potato

1/2 small baked potato

1/4 cup corn

4 crackers

FRUIT GROUP:

1/4 cup canned fruit (in its own juices)

1/4 cup grapes

1/2 piece fresh fruit

1 tsp. jelly or jam

1/4 cup dry fruit

VEGETABLE GROUP:

1/2 cup cooked vegetables

1 cup raw vegetables

1/2 cup tomato juice

1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

OTHERS GROUP:

1 tsp. oil, butter, or margarine

1 tsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. Miracle Whip

1 tbsp. sour cream or cream cheese

1 tbsp. salad dressing

2 tbsp. guacamole

4-6 almonds, cashews, or pecans

1 ounce cheese

2 tsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. tahini

1/4 cup Cool-Whip

1 tsp. sugar, honey, or syrup

COMBINATION FOODS:

1 or 1 1/2 cup per meal

1/2 cup per snack

CORE PLAN:

BREAKFAST:

1-2 Proteins

1 fruit

2 grains

1 other

LUNCH:

2-3 proteins

1 vegetable

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 fruit

1 protein

DINNER:

2-3 proteins

1-2 vegetables

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 vegetable

1 grain

I hope that this helps those who are researching getting the band, with knowing what your eating habbits will be like after surgery. I also hope that this will help those who are never given a clear eating plan after surgery too.

Please know that this is just the plan that was given to me, and I do not expect all bandsters to follow this plan. It is simply a guidline for those who need one/are not given one.

Please remember to follow exactly what your surgeon/nutritionist says, even if it is different than this list.

AzAir;

The only thing I have in the morning is coffee, too, but I get 1/2 my day's protein out of it! I make a huge (decaf) latte with 2 cups of sugar-free choclate soy milk (Soy Slender, WestSoy makes it), 14 grams protein 140 cals 2 grams carbs 2.5 fat and then I add 2 scoops of my soy protein powder (I can't tolerate whey, or any milk products) that adds another 120 cals 1 carb 1.5 fat and 25 g protein

So

360 calories

4 g fat

3 g carbs

39g protein

On my program (Kaiser) we are not allowed to have protein shakes, so I don't call this one - I log it as a latte + supplamental protein powder . . . we ARE allowed to add protein to our food . . . .

Hope that helps!

Riley

Today I just went into my 9th week being banded. I have stayed under 1200 calories each day but I can't seem to get past the -20 lb mark. Some days I don't even eat 1200 calories but it doesn't seem like my weight is going down anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions. Please Help!

Hi,

I am in my 3rd week after surgery and haven't gotten as far as you...I have lost about 15 lbs. I don't even eat 1000 calories. Have you checked with your nutritionist? For you, what are you suppose to be doing? Just some things that I might suggest:

Excercise-I walk and ride a stationery bike

Drink water-alot (I don't get nearly enough water down)

Eat 60-70 gm protein in a day

Try not to eat more than 3-4 meals (only when hungry)

If you are too hungry...you probably need a band adj

Are you eating slow, small bites, sipping liquids, etc.?

If you are doing all this...you should probably check with your doctor or nutritionist. That's what they are there for.

Hang in there, but do check in with someone. OK?

Sometimes I think I'm not doing things right...there is so much to remember and how to eat different. It is a whole new life and education for me. Don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm in the Columbus (Ohio) area. I see you are from Ohio.

Today I just went into my 9th week being banded. I have stayed under 1200 calories each day but I can't seem to get past the -20 lb mark. Some days I don't even eat 1200 calories but it doesn't seem like my weight is going down anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions. Please Help!

My best suggestion would be to INCREASE YOUR EXERCISE...

It's not fun, but it will make the scale move again...

Good luck!!!

Hi, Not sure if you got my message on Feb 9...check the board. I'm having trouble navigating on here. :thumbdown:

Today I just went into my 9th week being banded. I have stayed under 1200 calories each day but I can't seem to get past the -20 lb mark. Some days I don't even eat 1200 calories but it doesn't seem like my weight is going down anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions. Please Help!

wow, congratulations

My nutritionist told me to focus on protein. Begin with protein, then add veggies, and leave carbs and starches last (when you are already full). Protein sends the message that you are satisfied. There are no 'bad foods'. Just save 'em for last. Also, since you are cutting back on quantity, makes sense to buy organic and higher quality foods.

I'm so glad that there is a forum for this topic. My Dr said that he wanted me on protein shakes for 4 weeks post op. I have been on protein shakes and so far so good with the weight loss. I think that I will try the sugar free jello next because they gave that to me in the hospital.

bullet blender. I got mine from Medifast (Soy Protine) theirs is only $34.00 I couldn't find a bullet that cheap here. Medifast works just as good as the bullet and comes with all the attachments. FYI...Betz

I had the lap band procedure last Thursday, 5/7 and on the full liquid diet (I was also on full liquids 2 weeks previous to surgery). Any full liquid suggestions? I'm really getting tired of yogurt, low-fat cream soups (including Trader Joe's) and popsicles. Help!!

I am wondering how many people cook when they are going through the process of adjusting to having a band. I am putting together a little booklet of suggestion for each part of the journey. ie liquids, adding a little more mush, early solids and food for the future. but this requires some cooking and preparation to make sure you get the right nutrients. would this be of any help.

I am wondering how many people cook when they are going through the process of adjusting to having a band. I am putting together a little booklet of suggestion for each part of the journey. ie liquids, adding a little more mush, early solids and food for the future. but this requires some cooking and preparation to make sure you get the right nutrients. would this be of any help.

I think that would be great, Miranda!

I'm in stage 2 right now and would love some suggestions also! I am doing the full liquids, soups, oatmeal, etc.

I'm in stage 2 right now and would love some suggestions also! I am doing the full liquids, soups, oatmeal, etc.

Week two to three:

· Remember to chew all food well in fact from now on it is chew, chew, chew.

· If there are any problems i.e. a feeling of sever tightness in the throat, pain or productive burping (small salivary vomit)

· Stop eating when you feel comfortably full

· Only eat what you feel you can tolerate and do not struggle to eat if you are not hungry

Transition to solids and thickened liquids

It Is suggested that these food can include sloppy porridge, eggs (poached, scrambled and omelettes), mashed baked beans, fruit smoothes, low fat yogurts, well cooked mashed vegetables, bananas, tinned fruit, blended soups.

During this time it is, in my mind , important to begin to make each mouthful count, concentrating on flavour and the integrity of the food you are eating i.e. the freshest and the best. It is hard to cook for the family at the same time during this time but if you prepare some of the things suggested in the recipes then one can free one or two ½ cup portions for future.

Add

· ¼ cup browned mince to any pureed vegetable soup. Brown 250gms altogether and use for the next stage

· finely diced neck meat saved from the stock making stage

· cooked grated or finely chopped carrot

· finely chopped skinned and seeded tomato and finely chopped chives

· 1 tbsp yoghurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp powdered cumin

Lamb

Brown 250gms of lamb mince but gently so that it remains soft and does not form little bullets will be hard to chew

Add

· 1 onion finely diced and I grated carrot and divide in ¼ cup amounts in small plastic pottles

· soft mashed potatoes and a tbsp squashed thawed frozen peas

· 1 cup of tinned tomatoes, 1tsp Tuscan seasoning which can be used as a topping for pasta a little later

Lamb with Swedish dill sauce

Fish and crustations

Add to fish stock

· 50gms finely chopped fine white fish and 1 tbsp pea puree

· Small balls of finely chopped prawns, spring onion and chopped coriander

· Fish pie

50gms of Smoked salmon is soft and a delicious lunch option served with 1 tsp dill mayonnaise and a squeeze of lime

Mushrooms with ham dumplings

Sweetcorn soup with poached egg and ham

Frittata

Pea and avocado sauce

Ham and salami chips

Poor mans cavier

Mushroom soup thickened with toasted almond sauce

Is there anyone out there who is also gluten-free and dairy-free. I was banded on 06/08/2009 and have to be on liquids for 21 days....it took me several trials before we found a protein powder that was totally gluten-free. Anyone else in same boat?