I was very interested to read on the other thread what people were having to eat each day.

What struck me as really interesting was that fact that many people are having protein drinks.

The information that I got through my surgeon/dietitian in the "8 golden rules" is that ALL LIQUIDS MUST BE ZERO CALORIE.

So that would totally rule out protein drinks.

I'm to have three small meals per day.

Eat only good solid food.

I'm finding it really interesting how different the information that we are given is.

I have never been told that I must eat protein first....

that was interesting also.

I think each doctor is different and for the most part, a lot of what we get told has to do with how liberal or conservative your doctor is...and how much weight you have to lose.

For me, the biggest emphasis is on eating 60 grams of Protein a day and also on incooperating exercise. Personally, I know exercising is what will make the difference for me...so I am focusing a lot of that.

My doctor has mentioned he wants us to be on no calorie liquids, but at the same time, if you are working out four times a week, one glass of O.J per week won't kill you. It's all in moderation, I think.

Rhonda, its totally different here in Australia, there's an entirely different approach to it and Protein isnt emphasised nearly as much.

We're just told to eat solid food, no liquid calories and a basic balanced diet according pretty much to the food pyramid.

I wouldnt worry, it works just as well. Australian bandsters have good rates of weight loss and its not as if all our hair falls out from lack of protein (and its highly debatable that that's the cause of weight related hair loss anyway).

Just do what your doc told you and you'll be fine.

I was told to avoid protein shakes once I got to the regular food stage. My doctor even doesnt like it when I eat mushy food such as cottage cheese or oatmeal. He stress solid food so that I can feel the restriction and curb my eating. He explained that protein drinks and soft foods such as those I listed slip right through the band, thus defeating the purpose of the band.

Rhonda, I can't live without my protein drink! I eat so little during the day that the 30 grams really helps me with my intake. Other than that, I always eat solid protein during the day. Cheese, chicken, fish, etc.

Hey Julie,

I will be very interested to see how I am going health wise when I go to the doctor for my next set of blood tests.

I don't measure protein or anything... I just have approx 1 cup of food per meal.

Your loss is awesome.

I agree that each doctor is different. My doctor also wants his patients to get their protein through normal food intake. I still have a container of protein powder that I use for fill time, but I get all my protein through my normal meals.