Wondering about perking up some of the protein requirements with a juicer. I was thinking of the Vanilla Protein drinks and adding juices such as strawberries, or apples, blueberries... really the choices would be endless.... has anyone tried mixing these?

I am not banded yet and I haven't tried adding juice to the protein drinks--but I love juicing! I usually add some veggies in too though. I really like apples, strawberries, pineapple, grapefruit, carrots, zucchini, lettuce, celery, and cucumber in different combinations. I will probably juice a little after banding too, but not too much or with too much fruit because of the sugar. Some of those I mentioned might be good juiced if I find I can't handle the fiber from eating the raw fruit/veggie. I will have to try juice added to a protein shake and see how it turns out.

I am not banded yet and I haven't tried adding juice to the protein drinks--but I love juicing! I usually add some veggies in too though. I really like apples, strawberries, pineapple, grapefruit, carrots, zucchini, lettuce, celery, and cucumber in different combinations. I will probably juice a little after banding too, but not too much or with too much fruit because of the sugar. Some of those I mentioned might be good juiced if I find I can't handle the fiber from eating the raw fruit/veggie. I will have to try juice added to a protein shake and see how it turns out.

Thanks for the reply. I am also waiting to be banded and trying to find ways to "eat" (protein requirements) after banding. I have tried a few of the different protein drinks, and I am not impressed... so I have been attempting to figure out how to spice them up and still be doing what I am supposed to be doing. Good luck on your band, and let me know if you try the juice and protein. I may buy the juicer anyway as it will just be another healthy lifestyle change... )

There's a virtual endless variety limited only by personal taste and boundless imagination.

Thanks for the reply. I see you were banded in 04. Have you been able to keep the weight off?? The most encouraging thing for me is to see long term success. I have always been able to lose weight easily, but always put it right back on just as easily. The thought of losing the weight and keeping it off is something I cannot even imagine. I am waiting for insurance approval now.

I was banded January 18, 2007. I still can't handle orange juice!!! It just comes out.... can anyone give me suggestion? I love orange juice but my new lifestyle won't let me have it!

I have been into juicing for years. If you add just 1/2 apple or a carrot or small piece of fruit to a green drink it sweetens it just enough. I love all the vitamins you can get out of a juiced drink. Also, it really fills me up. Has anyone figured out how to count up the calories?

There's a virtual endless variety limited only by personal taste and boundless imagination.

Do you have any idea of how to count the "juiced" calories? I've been adding them up like.........2 carrots, 2 celery, 1 apple, etc. However, a lot of the pulp doesn't make it to the drink. I guess over estimating is better than not. I haven't spoken to anyone on band or a doctor to find out if this is acceptable? Seems a freshly juiced glass of fruits and vegetables with a scoop of protein powder would make the perfect meal!

I am so glad to have found others who LOVE juicing too! I am super insulin resistant (I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and I've had a lot of trouble with losing weight even with eating "healthy" foods. The juicer lets me get sooooo many nutrients in my body without having a lot of carbs and sugar! I've been juicing for about a week and I can already tell a huge difference. I just don't understand why my bariatric place NEVER mentioned it! I've really been forced to go to juicing because my band is super tight and I have a lot of trouble lately keeping a lot of different foods down. I supplement some form of protein (whether a protein shake or lean meat) with a glass of veggie juice (with some apple in it to sweeten it). I feel so great!

I count the calories by using my realize band website where I can just look at the fruits and veggies and add them as "raw, chopped". Or you could use calorie king or any other website that lets you track your calories. Seriously though, if it's just veggies, I don't think calories matter too much if they aren't the starchy type. The main thing I count is the higher sugar fruits/veggies.