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I eat fish and organic free-range dairy but no other animal products. I've been doing so for over two years. I am also interested in recipes and sharing ideas. Right now I am loving Quorn Chik'n Patties. I don't generally use or like meat substitutes because I don't want to feel like I'm eating animal products but for some reason Quorn products are ok. Maybe we can convince the powers that be to create a subforum for us?

When you say that taking a breath makes you have pain - it makes me think it might be gas. I'm sure others will comment soon. If it is gas, keep moving and walking around.

I've been under 800 calories consistently for five weeks and am losing. I do notice that the scale moves more when I cut my carbs. For example, instead of having my Quaker Weight Control oatmeal for Breakfast, I have eggs. Maybe if you cut your carbs a bit, you might see some movement? Also, I'm drinking about 80 ounces of Water a day - gotta flush that fat out somehow! Maybe check your Fluid intake? Good for you for sticking to your guidelines despite not seeing the rewards at the moment! That's the hardest thing, I think - to be doing everything right and to not have the scale reflect it. You are doing the right things. Your hard work will pay off. I know there is another poster on this board, BetsyB, who has to eat between a certain calorie level to lose weight. I think she said between 800-900. She is also low carb (if I remember correctly). Maybe you need a certain level of calories. If you are journaling, try some stuff out - increase calories/decrease carbs.. see if you can hit your nutritional "sweet spot". Best wishes!

I started my protein shakes the day after I was banded. Ask your surgeon - each is different.

Hi there, I'm a fish-eating vegetarian or a pescatarian (I am not really a fan of that word). I've been so since October of 2008. I was banded last month. I, too, intend to go vegan at some point. I think it would be pretty easy to do it with the band. The majority of your protein would probably come from soy protein shakes. I found one organic whey protein but I think I might be lactose intolerant so I couldn't use that one. I ate a lot of vegetarian fat free refried beans, lentils and tuna on my mushy stage. For my liquid stage, I used mushroom stock and vegetable broth. If I were you, I might retain a solid protein - like fish - until you really have the hang of getting all your protein in without it. The band is pretty limiting at first and, for me, I had two years under my belt without meat so it wasn't too difficult to figure out how to use what I normally ate with the band. Best of luck to you! You might also want to post this on the post-op thread because I think you may get more responses. I've run across a few people here who are vegetarian.

Fat free Refried beans were my favorite!

Well, I've lost 28.8 pounds since December 9.

I've tried Ecodrink. They are packets you mix in water. They don't upset my stomach like the chewable but it still has that vitamin taste.

I use Lose It too. Use it on my iPhone, iPad and computer.

Ok, so it is your personal observation - not rooted in any scientific study - that the band doesn't work for most people. That's all I needed to know. I'll trust the experts.

Did your surgeon give you a post op diet? Is bread on it? You might just have to wait it out if it is stuck. I hear many people have trouble with bread. I am five weeks post op and too scared to try it. My surgeon says not to put anything else it my mouth if I am stuck until the stuck feeling goes away.

I'm surprised you weren't given liquid meds. Maybe call your doc or pharmacist and see if they can switch you. I had liquid lortab.

Who are you referring to when you say "most of us"?

I was banded December 9. My next appointment is February 2. At that appointment, depending on what my surgeon thinks, I might have my first fill.

Someone also posted a recipe which uses cauliflower as a substitute for rice. I thought that was ingenious! You just grind it to rice size in a processor and then steam it.

Awesome!!! Good for you. I hope I'm saying the same thing in a year or so!

Hi there, I was told to not drink anything 30 minutes before and after eating. I find the timing to sometimes be challenging meaning I sometimes have to decide if I need Water or food and then must wait to have the other. The first few times I went out for a meal, I totally forgot and ordered a drink. I didn't remember I couldn't have it until AFTER the waiter brought it to the table. I asked for a to go cup so I didn't waste it!

Wow! I really feel for you guys having had this bad experience. I'm really thankful my surgery and post-op pain was relatively easy. I think it is so hard to predict how much pain will be felt by each individual after surgery. I always thought I had a low threshold for pain (I put band-aids on paper cuts). I only needed the pain meds for one day after surgery. I DO know it get better every day. I hope you guys speed through your post-op and that your pain decreases fast. Best wishes,

I love Rosaritas No Fat Zesty Salsa Refried Beans. Yummy!

Light Agave syrup is awesome!

Yahoooooooo!

Keep it short if you are worried. I didn't have glue but it took me a couple of days to allow the water to run directly on my incision sites. They were covered with steri-strips.

Me too! Armizolana, If you know the name of your doctor, you can do a forum search to see if anyone else has used that doctor. That might be the easiest way to get the information you are looking for.

Seems to me that ten days post op is a long time to be having gas pain. I would encourage you to go get checked out.

It differs for everyone. I rarely break 700 calories a day and I am losing weight. Would I lose more if I was eating more calories? I wonder! I do know I was a week late in starting my period - which never happens to me - so I wonder if my body isn't working as well as it should be. I have my next doc appointment on Feb 2. I'm going to speak to the nutritionist then.