Hi Everybody. Hope all newly banded people are doing well and good luck to those being banded today and in the future.

I am having a hard time figuring out portions, calories, protein etc. I am only on the clear liquid stage of my post-op diet, but I read receipes and what I am supposed to eat when I get to solids and I'm not sure what is considered a serving. Would like to try and not just eat till I'm full. Does anyone who has been eating regular food have suggestions/menu?? I still have a few weeks until I get to solids, so I will do more research. I have my doctors plan, but it is not done by calories. I would love it if people could share what they are eating or a plan that I could fill in with what I like. Breakfast.... ????

Lunch.... ????

Dinner....???? I do know that I am only supposed to eat 3 meals and nothing inbetween and that is ok with me. Also, when in your diet did you get cottage cheese (mushies???) and milk?? I have also read about people who kind of use the Weight Watchers plan to figure things out. I am familair with that, but I just need some tips. I'm probably worrying about this for nothing. So far, things have become clearer/easier as I get to them - but a lot of that has been because of the tips/advice I get from eveyone on here. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. I work so I have to take my lunch every day. Lunch box tips? :rolleyes2: Becky

I was allowed mushies on week three post-op.

Other than not eating white starchy carbs, I just cook and eat healthy foods and eat until I am satisfied. Protein first, veggies second. Protein serving is about the size of a deck of cards, veggies about 1/2 cup.

Otherwise I don't put too much thought and worry into it. I don't count calories and fat grams. The band limits my food intake and so I just don't see where counting calories/fat grams is necessary. I limit starchy carbs but I don't count carb grams. I just don't eat bread, potato, corn, rice Pasta etc. and get my carbs from fresh fruits, veggies and milk.

I Cook lean meats, high Fiber veggies and keep a little fresh fruit on hand.

oatmeal cooked in skim milk is a good protein breakfast but it does not keep me full. Eggbeaters is high in protein, low in calories and fat/cholesterol free. Add a little LF Ham and shredded cheddar or mushrooms and swiss to it and it makes a yummy satisying breakfast. The flavored canned tuna or salmon make greatconvenience lunches as does chili. I keep both on hand as well as a few South Beach frozen dinners but usually just eat my leftover Proteins from the night before with some greens.

Lean chicken, beef and fish for dinner with some steamed veggies is great. I have a Protein shake for in-between meal supplements.

I avoid the soft foods like cottage cheese, Soup, etc. They don't seem to stay in the pouch very long and just don't keep me satisfied until my next meal.

Thank you Jodi. These kind of tips are just what I am looking for. I don't want to spend all my time counting every morsel I eat. I'm sure once I start on solids, I will figure out what works best for me, but I can always count on my friends here to help me out. Sometimes I worry about things that I shouldn't.... but..... Again.. thanks for your help!!! Becky

You're welcome Becky. I think most of us have worried when we were at your stage, you are entering the unknown and want to make sure you are a success. Just take it slow and remember the eating rules and you will do great!