So, I was able to graduate to the mushies stage today and I will say it is nice to not have to drink all of my food! So far today I have 44g of protein, so I am well on my way to my goal of 50g per day. I'm wondering how many of you are able to get your protein in with no shakes or protein powder. I really despise them both and so far it seems like I can do it without them, but I was wondering all of your feelings on this. Also, I'm thinking about when I start working out with my trainer again...do you all feel you need to eat something before you work out? Or are you able to do so without needing a snack? Last thing, do you just do the three meals a day? Or do you have a snack at some point as well? Thanks in advance!

If I am hungry I will do a low calorie, low sugar snack. I seem to have a hard time getting water in, since you are not supposed to drink after eating. I have been drinking the Special K protein waters to get in the extra protein. I have been very creative with my protein shakes. I love my pumpkin spice one, and the blueberry one. I work 12 hour nights and will work out every day that I am off. The pounds seem to be melting off for now, at a rate of about a pound a day. I was a lower BMIer and am suprised at how fast I have lost. It could be because I am no longer drinking Cokes.

My surgeon's office said that I could eat shaved meats, like Turkey. That is very satisfying.

I guess that one of my big worries is that I'll start grazing, which is what I used to do. So, I'd rather eat a little more at a meal than need more snacks. One more thing...can you do a SF popsicle with a meal? It basically turns to water...will it wash things down? Or is that OK?

i posted yesterday in a similar thread the following:

mushie food:

hummus

greek yogurt

egg drop soup

FF refried beans/lf sour cream/salsa

ricotta bake

egg/tuna/chicken salad

scrambled eggs

cottage cheese

these were great alternatives for me - with protein, as i really had issues w/protein drinks early out.

I did't drink any of my Protein. As soon as I was on mussies, I ate alot of mashed potatos. I know they are carbs, but I lost weight and they kept me full the longest when I had no restriction. I ate eggs all kinds of ways too (scrambled, salad). Green Beans were one of my staples. Mac and cheese worked good too as long as it was supper soft. Canned ravioli worked good to, I found the mini ones were the best. I got alot of sides from KFC. But I have always been a super picky eater, with texture issues.

But I have been on solids for 3 full weeks now. I eat 1 scrambled egg in the morning w/sasuge and for lunch I have a salad that has meat and egg on it w/ low fat dressing and for dinner I have a couple ounzes of protein and a couple of ounzes of veggies.

I find that sometimes I am starving right when I get home from work, so I will have a SF fudgesickle (which really works for my chocolate cravings) or a SF popsickle. I even tried a special K Cereal bar the other day and it worked too.

I used to be a grazer too and would eat just to be putting food in my mouth, but since the surgery I find myself really paying attention to my body and what it wants vs. what it needs. I mean I have slipped once or twice and I actually ate a cookie, but I ate it in tiny bits and only had one and it didn't kill me. I think part of the surgery (at least for me) is just being more aware of whats going on with our food intake.

I haven't been purfect by any means, but I have lost 28 lbs and 2 pant sizes so far. I am thrilled with it. So, I just keep trucking along. If I could start excercising like I am supposed to be I would be better off. But, of course I keep putting that in the back of my head because this is working now. I just know that soon I am going to have to get my butt in gear and I will be even more happy with my progress. But I have always had the mental block issues.

I hope this helps someone... Good luck to everyone with there progress...

Edited October 24, 200817 yr by a2bachik

What is greek yogurt? How do you eat the hummus? I am being banded Nov 14th and I am trying to make sure I am fully aware of each stagge of food intake and tomake sure I have it available. You know when you are so hungry you can not think:)

i would add hummus to tuna salad, cottage cheese or eat alone...now i eat it w/veggies

greek yogurt has more protein than the regular kind, no fat as well - you can find it at most stores & walmart now carries.

Thanks for the suggestions! Do you all count your calories? Or is it more about the protein intake? I feel like I am full for about 3 hours after eating my proteins. I too love the Greek yogurt! If I want just the plain kind I add some vanilla and splenda to give it some flavor! I love hummus and was thinking it would be a good source or protein, but didn't know what to eat it on because I used to have it with Pita or veggies and can't have those yet.