erintherd

You could try the Crystal Lite Sunrise (Orange). That's a pretty good alternative to OJ. e

At Mc Donalds they have those Breakfast burritos...I like to eat the guts out of them. They have peppers and some spices in them which gives a little more flavor! e

If you are in pain when you eat you need to get in to see your surgeon. Especially if you are throwing up a lot. That increases the chances of your band slipping. If you were my patient I'd have to go on clears for 48 hours and then try some mushies and see how you feel. You should be able to eat solids foods without discomfort. e

Drinking before your meal will effect your fullness. This is far more important when you are eating 1/2-3/4cup per meal. You need to be getting in those meals to stay well nourished. e

Hang in there sister! When I was first banded I just didn't have anything at the table when I ate...if it's not there you won't be tempted. Also I tell my patients if you are eating more than a cup of food at a time you need a fill. Also try and stay away from "squishy" foods. They slide right through your stoma and those types of foods tend to be high calories as well so they all up your calories and don't keep you satisfied very long. Good luck!...Don't beat yourself up!! e

I think that they are nice to have around. We all need a treat here and there. I know if I buy a box of cheez-its or something I'll eat too much so I like the pre-portioned packages. The key is only sticking to one bag. e

It definitely was the peel, the peel is full of Fiber. Fiber is very difficult for your body to digest. We really don't even absorb fiber, it's the processing of it that's so good for us. Like the others said just peel it and make sure it's cut up into a small slices. In my experience apples are the most difficult fruit to consume. e

I love SHRIMP...and shrimp still loves me....(THANK GOD!!) I can honestly eat any meat except chicken breast...I tell my pt's that chicken and I have divorced and moved on with our lives...hehe e

With the weather being kinda cold, you could always make a big pot of chili. Kinda mushy and full of protein! e

In our practice we do the same diet stages advancements. e

sugar-free hard candies could be a help...just be careful of the side effects...ie, gas, bloating and diarrhea. e

I rec. that my pt's stay around 60 carbs per day. The Protein is figured out based on your goal weight. If you send me that I can figure it out and let you know. You also want to keep your fat intake less than 25 grams per day and make sure that you are drinking about 6-8 cups of fluids per day. e

Most veggies are easy to eat especially if they are steamed or canned. Some of my patients cannot eat lettuce salads unless it is chopped up into very small pieces. As far as salads go I usually put something with Protein on it and try to focus on that first but then pick at the lettuce here and there. Some problem veggies that I've found common with patients are (and please keep in mind everyone is very different!)....corn, broccoli, peas, and lettuce. I rec. to stay away from raw veggies for about 5 weeks and when you introduce them just take it easy. For a last ditch effort you could always have a V8 for a veggie serving, just be careful if you are sodium sensitive b/c it does have a high sodium content...that is unless you get the reduced sodium content. This also counts as a Fluid serving so you can multi-task! e

In theory yes...but with mushies we are also looking at the Fiber content of the foods. High fiber foods are more difficult for your body to process and can create swelling and can cause some discomfort if eaten to early in the game. e

In our practice Dr. C and I rec to wait one week before Puree foods and 2 weeks before initiating soft solids. Erin L. Hurst, RD, LD

Hello there! This is completely normal! Most surgeons don't put anything in the band at the time of surgery due to the swelling that's created from the actual surgery. Because of this you will more than likely have absolutely no restriction and have quite an appetite...I lovingly call this BANDSTER HELL! When you start eating more solid foods you should be more satisfied, but don't be alarmed if you can still eat quite a bit. Also I tell my pt's that any weight you lose before you start getting adjusted is just a bonus. I know (from experience) the beginnings of the band is very frustrating....weight loss is slow...no restriction...but keep plugging along! I'm 2 years out 100# down and have not gained a pound back (which believe me hasn't been true since coming out of the womb!) Please feel free to ask any questions! Erin L. Hurst, RD, LD

Hello there...just giving my two cents as a Banded Dietitian. I find it very helpful to drink something hot in the mornings....hot coffee or tea and it does help to loosen up the band so you can eat good quality foods for Breakfast. You will more than likely always be tight in the morning...aahh...the life of a bandster!:clap2: Erin

Candy I would like for you to continue with your current eating guidelines for now, just so I can get a more accurate idea of your eating habits. Erin

A lot of pt's like the mashed cauliflower...kinda like mased potatoes but not as many carbs...Here's a recipe for it Mock Mashed Potatoes 2 cups cauliflower, finely chopped 1 tablespoon sour cream, or more to taste 1 tablespoon butter salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: <LI style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000">Steam or microwave cauliflower until very soft. <LI style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000">Put cauliflower in blender or food processor with butter and sour cream, blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. I also really like steamed carrots and green Beans until they were really mushy and put some of that spray on I Can't Believe it's not butter (seriously there's nothing in it...no calories, carbs, sodium, ...NOTHING) That gives it some buttery flavor without the guilt Hope that helped! Erin

ok, it's all up to you Candy whether you want this on the main board. I have my pt's that are losing slowly do a few things. I want you to keep track of what your eating for the next 4-5 days...if it goes in your mouth write it down...I'm talking beverages, condiments everything. Don't forget about the amounts either. I also want an exercise log too for those days your recording. If you are only doing the Curves 3x per week (which is really good) I would try to increase that....whether it be another work-out, walking, swimming, etc... Do you have a certain Protein level you are trying to acheive? All of my pt's get an exact range they should be getting in that's based on their goal weight. If you don't have one let me know and I'll figure out the level. My pt's are also told to stick with 45-60 gm/carb per day and 4-5 gm of fat per meal. You might try to alter you diet if any of those are out of range. I look forward to helping you! Talk to you soon! erin (the dietitian)

I'm Dr. C's dietitian. I've emailed you. Please contact me when you get a chance. Erin (the dietitian)