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I so totally agree with what you've been explaining. I am a band to sleeve, post op 2weeks. I was vegan before the sleeve but had some trouble w/the raw veggies after surgery, so I've added organic greek yogurt, whey Protein...it's a good quilty..but still, not my favorite. till I can tollate raw veggies again. But I agree if you are going to work out and strenght train you're body needs the good carbs to give you energy. Low carb high protein diets are not healthy. Eat whole foods organic when you can. Have you ever the book "The China Study"? Great read.

One of mine & DH's favorite restaurants is this little hidden Lebanese place downtown Dallas. Falafel is prepared as Harley Girl mentions w/a funky yogurt sauce. OMG, it's SO good. I can literally eat that and a bucket of hummus w/warm pita bread (pre-band of course:tongue:). I bought a box of powdered falafel - and never could get it the way it's been prepared at our little slice of heaven, I bet they deep fry it. Crunchy on the outside - yums inside... Never thought to try & bake - might be worth a shot..like cookie dough:smile:

I can have Protein shakes and sugar free Jello and pudding to add some flavor, fat free Soups with no chunks, fat free yogurt... Sent from my LG-LS995 using the BariatricPal App

Hey, I am so happy for you that you had the surgery and I wish you luck on your way. I think the following items may be good for you to try out: - yogurt (watch out for sugar) - homemade fruit smoothie (you make it with frozen fruit, OJ, scoop of vanilla Protein powder and some either s/f ice cream or yogurt) - hard boiled egg - soups - popsicles (s/f of course ) - steamed veggies - fruit, fruit and more fruit. (I would try watermelon and oranges - they seem to go down easily for me and my mom - both sleeved) Also, when/if you have veggies or later on meats, it is really helpful to have a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or ketchup, etc, to help everything go down in the right direction. hope this helps

I have some ready to go for when I'm cleared, but haven't used them yet. Hopefully someone here has ideas. I think they are nutty tasting so you can sprinkle them on things (yogurt, casseroles).

Ok, great thread! I'll play! Lateral choices are what shore me up all the dang. time! I'm at the point where truly my life is about 90-95% Best and 3-8% Better and about 2% Good. I haven't gone "hog wild" eat the whole candy bar thing since before surgery. Hallelujah. The angels sang. Bad - A whole order or BWW Wings with Fried Cheese Curds and Fried Mushrooms Good - Having 2 wing flats, and 2 curds and 1 mushrrom with celery and blue cheese Better - Air Frying the wings at home and tossing with a zero calorie sauce to keep it lower fat. Air frying broccoli and cauliflower and making Grk Yogurt Ranch Dip. Best - Air Frying chicken breasts with a mustard garlic coating. Making a great salad with a few pumpkin seeds and reduced fat feta with some zero calorie dressing and a little avocado. __________________________________ Bad - Wasting an entire day on YouTube vids and FB and BP (sorry to say wasting, not really wasting...but losing myself in it) Good - I have yet to establish metrics for this parameter Better - Ditto Best - *sniff* Purgatory. Pure. And. Simple.

Can you have yogurt on full liquids? I found SF popsicles to really hit the spot because CHEWING is involved! :laugh: Also, sf Jello and for the same reason. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I am struggling to find anyone else for support who is in a similar situation - whether it is because I am a rarity or that those of us with this issue don't frequent the support forum... I am not sure. I am getting frustrated over time and tired of working hard not to lose weight. I would never have expected this to be a problem! I had my surgery in May 2012 at 255 lbs and have been at goal for a bit over a year. I am currently struggling with a recurrence of depression, so the energy that I have typically been putting into getting all of my calories and exercise is flagging - I am getting treatment for the depression but it takes some time. I have worked very hard not to lose weight during this time and to keep my calories up. Typically I am very, very active. I expect that within a few weeks I will be feeling enough better to be back to exercising more. I usually exercise about 15 hours per week, taking one or two days off. Usually at least one day per week I get four to six hours of exercise, even as much as eight hours. I am an avid cyclist, hiker, skier, etc. My problem seems to be that I have a very high BMR of 2,000. So, I need at least that many calories on days with no exercise. Then, add exercise and I have days where I need 5,000 and even up to 7,000 calories in order to maintain my weight. Obviously those super high calorie days are rare, but I regularly have 3,000+ calorie days. Typically I am using lots of whole milk (at least 750 calories of whole milk per day) and on days when my weight has dropped below my comfort zone I start adding heavy cream or half and half. I also eat avocados, nuts, olive oil, butter, premier Protein shakes, etc. I also make green shakes - blended Protein powder, Greek yogurt, fruits, veggies. I use chocolate on days when I am desperate for more calories but don't have more room for real food - it's a total slider. I probably get minimum 1,000-1,300 calories from liquids and the rest from solid food. I have to choose the highest calorie foods out there - looking at a menu I will intentionally choose whatever has the most possible calories. My goal is to maintain at 130 when not working out and up to 135 if I am working out a lot. I was at lower weights initially (down to 123 at 5'6") and looked way too thin. At the lower weight I had too little muscle, was a size 0, and was told that I looked like a victim of weight loss. It wasn't a kind thing for someone to say but was accurate - at just a slightly higher weight I look far healthier and more proportionate. I am on the mobile app and have not updated my ticker from my lowest weight probably - but that is where I am at today and what I have decided is healthiest for me. It took a lot of effort to add muscle weight. When I was obese I didn't exercise and I am sure my metabolism wasn't this high. But now that I have lost the weight I worry that I will be thinner, fit, and set myself up for the same health problems by eating unhealthy foods in order to maintain my weight. I hear that weight gain is common at the 3 year mark. I also worry that the way I have to eat now in order to maintain my weight could set me up for problems later on. I currently weight myself regularly to make sure I am not losing weight rather than to make sure not to gain, though. I think if the depression would improve I would have more energy to pursue healthier high calorie food options. Looking for suggestions and other people in the same boat...

Well.. I am about 2 months short of the year mark but I am going to answer anyway. Things rarely get stuck for me. When they do, it has been my own fault. I have eaten too fast or taken too big of a bite. I usually know it the moment it happens. Thankfully in 10 months I think its happened total of about 10 times - so that's not so bad. There is a lot of thought about what to eat and I struggled with that. I planned every meal for months and then I said "I cant live like this" and I tried not planning. And you know what - it was worse. I know like to think I am somewhere in the middle. I plan, and surround myself with good choices but if something come up - it does. Eating the same things: I go in phases - so weeks I am on a taco kick some weeks its yogurt. But I dont think that would be any different with or without the band. I will say that I eat things now that I wouldn't have touch pre-band. I dont know why but I do. I was worried about my love of good food. But honestly, our love as grown deeper as I have slowed down to actually taste what I am eating. Does it get easier? After 30+ years of dieting and failure this feels like a piece of cake ..... dark choc with fudge ....and ice cream (kidding) The biggest changes are the mental- by far. But with time - greatness. At this rate, I should reach greatness about a week after I die!

Reading over this thread has nearly brought tears to my eyes. I guess I could be viewed as an "abusive or neglectful" mother by some of the posters here. Let me just tell you that I am VERY concerned about my daughter. I have taken her to the Dr. numerous times. In fact, we go in tomorrow to have her weight checked. My baby girl, Anna is 9 months old and 26 lbs. Her weight AND height percentiles are off the charts. I am much more concerned at this point then her Dr. is. She is pretty sure that Anna will start to trend down with her weight now that she is becoming more active. The Dr. ordered blood work to be done at my request to check her thyroid, blood sugar, etc. I took her to the lab to have the blood drawn 3 times and they poked her 7 times all unsuccessfully. It was horrible! Her diet consists of formula (dr. says I can not stop giving her this yet) no more then 20 ounces per day, vegetables, fruits, yogurt and meat. No cereal at all. No juice at all. It breaks my heart and worries me like you could not even imagine. The LAST thing in this world that I want is for my child to start out in this life overweight. I would never want her to go through the struggles that I have with my weight. She will never be taught to eat junk, fast food or too large of portions. Not in this house. Anyways, I think I am just ranting now because the thought of anyone stepping in and threatening to take my children from me is just.... well it's just unthinkable. They are my life! They are the whole reason I even had lapband surgery to start with. I feel that maybe some education is needed in the homes of obese children. Threatening to take someones children is just wrong in this case, at least in my opinion..... :thumbup:

I had to be treated for Hpylori. Had no symptoms either. I had 3 meds one a PPI. Made me horribly nauseated. Had to use an anti nausea patch. Could only eat carbs, starches and some yogurt, cheese. Then after 4 wks had the breath test to make sure bacteria gone. I was praying I wouldn't have to have another round of antibiotics.

I eat B: Protein shake L: tuna salad, or stuffed shells w/o shell, chicken salad or egg salad, or cottage chees...etc S: LF cheese stick (string cheese) D: Sloppy Joe (lean ground beef with lots of bbq) or salmon, tuna, chopped chicken, string Beans, or cream corn, cauliflower mashed, or brocoli heads (no more than 3/4 to a cup of food) etc Dessert: Skinny cow fudge bar or lf smoothie with fresh fruit and lf yogurt Keep in mind- I dont eat ALL of that, just examples of things to fill in each meal! Just an example. I always start my day with a Protein Shake to ensure that I get that protein in for the day, and if I get hungry I eat a small snack. I found I actually have energy when I eat at least 3/4 a cup of food for dinner. I am tighter in the morning, eat a light lunch, then a slightly bigger dinner. I can eat more at night, so I know I will be one to ease my band open once I get a fill. I have one more week of mushies, but frankly mushies aren't that bad and I don't mind being on them. if you have any more questions, let me know!

:thumbup: I am on day 2 and it has sucked. I want FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOd Lol I know I'm being a whiner but it is really hard. But I'm gonna get skinny! YAY! I really hope the next 12 days fly by!!!!!!!! I'm on a 2week liquid only diet. Protein shakes!! My favorite are Ids Multi Pro Whey Protein Isolate Blend Vanilla Cinnamon or the same brand but cappuccino flavored--taste awesome!! Second fav is Syntrax Nectar Caribbean cooler which you can mix easy with water and it tastes like Pinacolada! But even so smelling subway is excruciating and it's in the building where I work!! I also love SF banana popsicles from krogers!! I also cheat just a little and eat carbmaster yogurt from krogers because I'm sure it could be part of this diet but of course you would then get people eating any yogurt they wanted if they said yogurt was okay. But this kind has only 5grams of carbs and 15 grams protein and zero fat= 80cals. So I say 1 a day is okay I will maybe quit that a few days before surgery.:blushing:

I'm only 17 days post-op and I don't eat more than 3oz's... My full feeling kinda just sits under my breasts... I'm eating yogurt, cottage cheese, broth, Jello, pudding, cream of wheat/farina, or mashed potatoes so I have a variety and switch it up a bit but 3 oz's is enough or just under that works also... I have also had sugar free icepops... Still having trouble getting in the protein/ Water but everyday I try to get down a little bit more! Thank you all for giving your time and advice! It is always nice to know were not alone and there are people out there to listen and help! Happy journeys everyone!

The yogurt didn't cause the leak. That's ridiculous. There had to be a problem with her staple line. Yogurt can go through a strainer so that blows that theory.

What a difference a week makes! I have similar statistics - started pre approval on Halloween at 250 lb. 225 lb at surgery, with 219 this morning. I am on pureed foods - yogurt and custard are great, but I cannot gag down pureed chicken. liquids are OK, and I have started drinking broth for the small amount of Protein they bring (2 gm/cup) Also a nurse - aren't we a stubborn lot!

I noticed that, too. How do you eat the greek yogurt? I put it into smoothies (the plain or the honey flavored) and I used it in baking a cake for family (instead of sour cream). I don't like to eat it straight - like I do the activia brand vanilla - I just haven't gotten used to the stronger flavor.

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a tough start, but whoa 31lbs in a month is great!! I know right now you're miserable but I assure you this too shall pass! You will get everything evened out, it just takes some longer than others because we're all so different. Whatever you do, don't give up. Is there anyway you can add in an extra Protein shake maybe add in some fruit? Or maybe mix some Protein powder into your yogurt or your broth so that you're bumping up those calories and protein?? 350-400 calories simply just isn't enough to keep your body going which is the reason for the weakness and truth be told probably most of the reason for your nauseau! At first it was hard for me to get alot of things in too, but day by day little by little you are able to get more and more in. Definitely stay in contact with your doctor. You're doing the best you can with what you can and that's all you can do. Just hang in there! Hope things smooth out for you soon!

I'm only 10 weeks out but here's a typical day for me: Breakfast- 1/4 cup of egg whites and a slice of cheddar cheese (not the american cheese slices) Snack- 4oz Breakstone Cottage cheese Lunch- Spinach stuffed shell (stuffed with ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, diced spinach, and spices) Dinner- 1/2 - 3/4 homemade hamburger patty with ketchup, french style green Beans, tiny bite of baked beans Evening snack- String cheese/Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit/Frozen yogurt/More egg whites

I really like the Pure Protein bars too. I get them at Sams. But, I don't generally have a Protein Bar or Protein shake for Breakfast anymore. For breakfast I generally have an Oikos triple 0 greek yogurt (15 gms protein) and about an hour or so after that (I am STILL hungry!!) I have a P3 (meat cubes, cheese cubes and some unsalted nuts-prepackaged) 13 gms Protein. I am soooo hungry in the mornings!

First off congratulations on your future banding. I was banded August 27th and am still on the liquids...here are my thoughts. Being on the liquids can be hard because I swear if I have anything that tastes like vanilla, strawberry or tomato, I am gonna hurl! I had to get creative so I could tolerate the thought of one more Protein shake. UGH! So my friends and I went to the store and got some of the following: cream of anything Soup that I could put in the blender and make more liquid, Jello, maple yogurt (by brown cow), chocolate Protein powder (to add with Peanut Butter and milk), propel, diet snapple, pudding, lentil soup (put in the blender), the usual vanilla yougurt, popsicles, crystal light, tomato soup (I cannot stand it anymore...), squash soup, lentil curry soup...I so can't wait til the puree stage next week so I can add some meat and variety to my diet. I have mixed chocolate protein powder in a light mocha frappacino and I have also used vanilla protein powder in a fruit smoothie. I honestly don't know if you are supposed to do that, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Good luck, Chris:cool2:

There are plenty of threads listing menus, food ideas, etc, but I think you need to make a list of what you're eating and talk to your doctor. He might recommend a nutritionist to help you get on track. My doctor doesn't want us to chew our food to death or stick to soft foods, because at that point, you're interfering with the effectiveness of the band. If you can't eat the food your doctor advises, and it sounds like you can't, then he should be able to determine how much saline to remove. Sometimes, just a small amount is all it takes. Also, if you can have a fill under fluoroscopy, he can see how quickly - or not - the barium is going through. In my support group meetings, a couple of people said they had to mix the barium with cottage cheese (maybe yogurt) to get an accurate reading of their band flow. Sounds yucky, and it probably is, but if I were having trouble eating, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

It seems like everything is coming up so fast. I attended the seminar 3rd week of October this year, the ff week I had my consultation , 2 days after I had my endoscopy, and that same week, I met with my nutritionist. I also had my psych evaluation a week after that. I waited two weeks for the approval. I remember calling the doctor's office regarding pre-cert results almost every day. Then 2 days ago I got my surgery date which is on 11/13. I have a week of liquid diet before the surgery. Now I feel the excitement, apprehension and so much more. I have 5 kids & they are 7 yrs old & younger. I hope the surgery would work for me with no complications. I don't know if Im scared or excited , now that it's going to be less than a week to my surgery . I would just like to know if there's anybody there who went through the same experience. How did you cope up with this many kids after the surgery? I used to eat kids food like chiken nuggets, pizza, mac & cheese, fruit cups etc. we also love to go to buffet or all you can eat restaurants. Is it going to affect my kids nutrition as well? How did you take care of your little kiddos during this time? I also love to drink coffee. Did you drink coffee and eat yogurt during pre-surgery liquid diet? Please I need your advise. Thanks much. :-)

I did the fill-ins with yogurt until I was able to move on. If you are feeling the way you are, I would call your doctor before you do anything. Don't move onto full mushies until you have the clearance to do so. If you have unflavored Protein powder you can put that in your SF pudding also, you can also put it in SF Jello. That will give you more protein. Also unjury has a chicken soup flavored protein which is really good. Are you taking 3 Protein drinks a day?

I had my RYN on Nov 1st, recovered well, and just washed my hair and noticed bunch of hair came out, and i was in disbelief, brushed my hair and a string of hair came out! I cannot believe that i am in hair loss? At 18 days? I am supposed to be on the puree stage, but i like only light and fit greek yogurts by Dannon and chicken broth with carrots. But i do struggle to get in the 80g of protein and water because of the chest pain when drinking/eating as jt passes down. I have to go very slow. Is this "normal" to have hair loss before 3 weeks? Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app