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If you are low on Protein, I think the Isopure Fruit drinks are the easiest to get down quickly..I don't like the taste of them (though many people do) but I found them easy to drink. My absolute favorite (and that I still drink 4 months later) are carnation instant breakfast SUGAR FREE! they have some pre made or packets you mix with skim milk..they are not the highest in protein but they are delish and get the job done. and they only have 150 cals. I think Ensure high protein are the best tasting but they are higher in cals.. best of luck!

If you are low on Protein, I think the Isopure Fruit Drinks are the easiest to get down quickly..I don't like the taste of them (though many people do) but I found them easy to drink. My absolute favorite (and that I still drink 4 months later) are carnation instant Breakfast SUGAR FREE! they have some pre made or packets you mix with skim milk..they are not the highest in protein but they are delish and get the job done. and they only have 150 cals. I think Ensure high protein are the best tasting but they are higher in cals.. best of luck!

Best of luck..you will do great and be so happy you did it!! it is the best decision I have ever made!

I would do whatever you feel most comfortable with/how you normally like things..They are all doctors/nurses who have seen it all. I remember speaking to my mom (who is a nurse) and said I didn't like the idea of just having my naked body on the table..she said that anytime they are not operating on a sensitive area, they cover you with a cloth..and then, she reminded me that the last thing they are looking at/thinking about is your fat, hair, etc.. as to how I felt after, i woke in recovery, very groggy, a bit sore and with a lot of shoulder pain...but, luckily after a few days it gets bettter.. best of luck!

Everyone's plan/Doctor is a bit different. I was on 10 days of liquids then 10 days of mushies post surgery. In terms of getting back to "normal" foods, everyone is different in terms of what they can/can't eat. I found though that before any fills, I was able to eat anything..i just tried to make very smart choices and start the good habits..it helps so that when you get more restriction, you are used to things (i wished i had worked harder on eating SLOW!!). I would say though that as I first started normal food, I tried to avoid things (steak, dry chicken, etc) that tend not to go down well...good luck with everything!

Not a fun feeling I know...hopefully though things will settle down and you will be able to drink/eat soon!!!

As most people have already noted, everyone is different, but there is no way I would have been able to go..I was very sore and was not up to walking around...I would probably err on the cautious side but again, you never know how you will feel after...Good luck and Congrats!

It is normal, in my opinion. I was banded on April 22nd and I definitely remember feeling sad/doubts..I think overall it is an emotional process (the decision to do it, anticipation, actual operation, realization you have done this, fears, etc.) and you have to allow yourself a bit of time..four months out and I definitely have some blue days in addition to my good days..it is definitely a journey..the good thing though is that while I did have some initial tinges of regret and sadness post op, i am so glad I did this and have no regrets (except that I wish I had done it sooner). Good luck!

after gaining the first week, two weeks ago i was down 8..this week was not great as I ate out a ton, but luckily didn't gain..the week has not started great but hoping to get back on track! good luck to everyone!!

I was banded on April 22nd...I have lost 39 pounds since the start of the pre-op diet. I have had one fill, almost 2 weeks ago...I was famished all the time until my first fill...I would say I have definitely noticed a difference in my hunger post my fill, but I can still eat most foods..the only time I have trouble is if I accidently drink right after taking a bite of food (i think it is so hard not to drink while eating)...I am going in for another fill in 2 weeks...I think the fill has helped but think that I could still use a bit more... Congrats to everyone..amazing stats..I have some good days/weeks, some not so much. It is a long road ahead, so I am trying to think about this as a life change versus just a scale (ridding myself of emotional eating)...For those struggling a bit, you can do it!!!! Keep positive..even if the light at the end of the tunnel is dim, it is a light!

Re: the liquids, I think you have to really go at your own pace. I was able to drink very quickly (by accident chugging water)..but, i tried to be very cognizant and take small sips..but, i was basically drinking the whole time..in between protein shakes, I would be drinking water..I think the key is to keep yourself hydrated..Best of luck!! (forgot to mention i was banded on 4/22/10..just had my first fill almost 2 weeks ago)...

let the fill work...it has made such a difference for me. I got my first fill last wed and I lost 8 pounds this week! ii find the fill more effective when you are back on solid foods post liquids...you can do it! give it a bit of time to work!

Congratulations!!!! You have done amazing!! It seems like a lot of people are doing well, so congrats to you as well!! for those that are in a bit of a standstill, this too shall pass..I had surgery on April 22..for the first week and a half, I did great and was losing. then for about three weeks before my first fill, I was ravenous all the time and could eat anything. I only lost about 2 pounds during those three weeks. I just got my fill on Wed and I can definitely tell it is helping...In fact, as I eat certain foods, I almost lose the taste for them..it is making me want to be healthier..and I am a totally emotional eater...Anyways, long winded way of saying that there are bright spots ahead and I know how frustrating the tough days can be...I have well over 100 pounds to lose also, so a long road!! Keep up the spirits though!

Sorry, this might be dumb, but how do I get the april bandsters logo and also how do I do a ticker with my weight loss? thanks - newbie blogger!

I was banded on April 22nd..since the beginning of the pre-op diet i have lost 27 lbs, but only 7 of that is post surgery over the last two weeks..I have found myself so hungry/stomach growling and I am able to eat everything (though haven't really tested/pushed things i know could be dangerous)...I am trying to be good with all the eating rules though eating at work while doing things has been difficult but I am trying to do my best and correct my mistakes..Have been eating fairly healthy but still have to fight some mindless eating. I have a fill next week and I cannot wait because I really don't feel any restriction..I also have no time swallowing..Happy to hear everyone is doing great though!!! I want to try to get on here more...I have a blog (bandedtolose.blogspot.com) but haven't been good about posting over the last week and half but am back to it because I do find it helps in case anyone else wants to try it...:smile2:

Am I too late to join the challenge? i have been having a tough time and feeling no restriction, so a challenge could help. I would like to lose 15 pounds by July 4th...do I just put my name and information on the spreadsheet? thanks!

I do know of someone who liquified cottage cheese in the blender...not sure how it turned out or if it was truly liquified, but perhaps something you might want to try.

It is not exciting, but I was fairly routine during the liquid phase. I would have a yogurt smoothie for breakfast (Fusion) and then an Ensure High Protein Chocolate Shake for lunch (this is the best of all the protein shakes I have had, but also the highest in calories, so I had only once a day pre op, but post op, when it is hard to get in as many calories, I really enjoyed it..it is filing and tastes delicious!). I usually had one sugar free carnation instant breakfast a day. I also had soup a lot, between chicken broth, vegetable soup broth, and tomato basil soup (DELISH but very high in cals)...when i didn't feel full, i had isopure pre made juice drinks that have no carbs but a ton of protein. they are easy to get down and you can get them at GNC. I would recommend the yogurt smoothies and ensure, and hopefully maybe if you switch up the types of soup it might help. Also, sugar free popsicles were a huge lifesaver!! Good luck! I had 10 days of liquids and start the mushies tomorrow. You can do it!

I am new to this, very nervous and insecure, but here goes nothing...I am being banded on Thursday, April 22nd. I am excited but am more overwhelmed by nerves and anxiety...trying to calm those as best I can...Best of luck and congratulations to everyone.. Re: some of the protein shakes..I have been on a 2 week mandatory liquid diet (with two cups of veggies allowed per day). the most satisfactory drinks I have found are Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free (both pre made and packets to mix with milk). Now, they do not have the most protein (10-12 grams), but they taste good. Ensure though is 230 calories, so I only would have that once a day as a "treat." it is probably great for post band when you are not eating a ton and can afford to have the higher calories. Carnation is delicious and they have strawberry in the powder form. I live alone and work a lot, and I have found these two as the easiest and most tolerable. I cannot drink muscle milk..makes me feel sick. Also, another great one is Isopure (buy at GNC) that is like a liquid juice that has a ton of protien, no carbs and minimal if any calories..not delicious but very easy to drink.. Best of luck to everyone...Hopefully as time goes on I will get more comfortable, less nervous and more secure.

I am new to this, very nervous and insecure, but here goes nothing...I am being banded on Thursday, April 22nd. I am excited but am more overwhelmed by nerves and anxiety...trying to calm those as best I can...Best of luck and congratulations to everyone.. Re: some of the protein shakes..I have been on a 2 week mandatory liquid diet (with two cups of veggies allowed per day). the most satisfactory drinks I have found are Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free (both pre made and packets to mix with milk). Now, they do not have the most protein (10-12 grams), but they taste good. Ensure though is 230 calories, so I only would have that once a day as a "treat." it is probably great for post band when you are not eating a ton and can afford to have the higher calories. Carnation is delicious and they have strawberry in the powder form. I live alone and work a lot, and I have found these two as the easiest and most tolerable. I cannot drink muscle milk..makes me feel sick. Also, another great one is Isopure (buy at GNC) that is like a liquid juice that has a ton of protien, no carbs and minimal if any calories..not delicious but very easy to drink.. Best of luck to everyone...Hopefully as time goes on I will get more comfortable, less nervous and more secure.