Hello All,

I need some help/clarification on a few things. First of all is orange juice a good thing or bad thing for the band? Is it only in the first few weeks not good? I have heard conflicting answers. Also, what about crackers, I hear some of you are eating them at your mushy stage but that's not a mushy food, right? Or is it that your mushy stage is not as long as mine which is for 2 weeks. What about bananas, I hear some of you say ok for a mushy and some are saying no?

And last but not least, how many calories should I be looking at? I am around the 1200 right now, is that good or bad? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

As for me I never had a problem with crackers, I actually prefer crackers instead of bread products. I don't have a problem with orange juice either, especially if it's really cold and a little vodka in it, hehehehe. I think it's a personal thing, although, oj does have a lot more calories. Have you tried apple juice?

For most women, 1200 calories is a good goal to shoot for. If you are training for a marathon or working really hard phyically, you might need more. If you are a couch potato, you might need less.

Pat,

Yes, I drink apple juice but was specifcally wondering about the orange juice cause I hear it can bother the stomach because it is acidic. I just wanted to try your strawberry smoothies recipe, it sounded really good but I noticed it has OJ in it.

Vines, I must admit I am a borderline couch potato at times and that has got to and will change. So on my days when that couch has me tied to it how many calories should I shoot for?

gunn4ya I can tell you that the low fat crackers are actually on my mushy food stage list that my dr. gave me. Also some have said that they can't eat cream of wheat cause it wasn't on their liquid stage but it is on my list also.

I haven't had any problems with bananas but I would definatly make sure you mash them really good so as not to get choked.

Also my dr instructions just said that acidic foods should be avoided for the first 6 to 8 weeks to ensure that the band and stomach were healed but it did not say that I wasn't allowed Orange juice at all. just for several weeks. Of course check with your dr first he may say differently!!

Personally, I was never told to avoid certain foods. It was suggested that certain foods can aggravate the normal function of the stomach and may cause problems. The OJ I drink is Organic and I juice it myself so it does not have as high an acidic content as some of the processed juices. Adding the amount to the smoothie shouldn't hurt you. Try it if you find your stomach is burning more then try Apple Juice or pineapple Juice.

I always encourage everyone to juice the ORGANIC fruits and veggies yourself. You get the most bang for your buck and the fruits and veggies are safer as well. Free of pesticides that can leach into them. And by cracky they just taste better. Sweeter if you will. Not nearly as tart as the processed juices.

Crackers are a starchy food and to me that is something I would just avoid as much as possible. But if you love them and can eat them then go for it just in moderation. Like maybe two or three but no more. I can't do breads anymore and that is just fine with me. LOL!!

I was told to have about 1200-1400 calories per day. Our Dietitian gives us a copy of the ADA diet so it is based on the number of grams of fats, carbs, and Proteins, and dairy you have per meal.

I agree with you Pat. I have an easier time with crackers too!!! And I love crunchy so it's hard for me to control the portion; but my band lets me know! I've tried a half sandwich with turkey and whole wheat bread and still cannot make it through 2 bites.

Good luck!