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I'm still trying to figure this whole thing out. I was banded 3 weeks ago and was on Protein Shakes. I assumed it was because I was very limited in what I could eat so they provided the best mix of everything in an easy to handle package.

I'm now moving into solids. I was under the impression that with the band you eat more "normal" foods, just in much smaller portions. But now while browsing the site, I've noticed everyone still talking about the Protein, getting enough, how much they had for the day, etc, etc.

So post-band and beyond the post-op mushy phase - just how important is protein still? I'm feeling a little neglected by my doctor and feel very uninformed. I'm kinda "winging" it and really don't know what I'm supposed to be eating now.

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My doctor says it is important for life. Once on solids I was allowed all the other foods too but I have to have Protein with each meal.

The reasons given: Protein is necessary for healing and for maintaining muscle tissue during weight loss. hair loss after surgery is common and one of the three typical causes is protein deficiency. We are taking in much less food and while other nutreints can be easily supplemented, protein is best absorbed in its natural form. Protein also keeps us full longer and when eaten with carbohydrates helps to keep blood sugar levels regulated.

I am supposed to eat solid Proteins in my meals-no shakes. shakes are only to be used in between meals as supplements if I am not getting 60G of protein from my food alone.

Now that I am through the pre-op and post-op diets there is no food that I am not allowed to have. Of course I have to be sensible about my choices if I want to lose weight. All meals must contain a protein, I am supposed to eat my protein first, my veggies next then if needed my carbohydrates. I choose not to eat starchy carbs and sugar because I know that is what is best for me. My carbs come in the form of high Fiber veggies, fruits, oatmeal and dairy (natural forms).

All doctors are different but that is what I was told.

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Proteins are very important and is a good part of someones diet, from my own personal experience drinking Protein Shakes or Meal Replacements can only but help you. You can also try meal replacements. Like this....

https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog?cat=High-Protein%20Meal%20Replacement&so=

My doctor says that once on solids using Protein shakes as a Meal Replacement defeats the purpose of having the band. The liquid does not stay in the pouch nor does keep us satiated like a solid lean Protein will. The whole idea is to be able to eat a small amount of normal food and stay satisfied for longer periods. But if you are unable to get 60 grams of protein in three meals then shakes and other supplements are a good idea.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
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