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First... make sure you're eating your meals regularly throughout the day. That's the most important thing to avoid being hungry late in the evening. Second, set a time to stop eating that is 4 hours before you go to sleep. I generally go to sleep at 11:30 pm so I don't eat anything after 7:30 pm Lastly, allow yourself something small to tide you over if you really can't stand it. Choose a calorie dense, healthy food. I like a spoonful of nut butter or greek yogurt. Something that might help... BariWise makes some awesome hot cocoa mixed that are under 100 calories and give you 15 grams of Protein. I like to sip these in the evening if I'm hungry You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/BariWise-15g-High-Protein-Chocolate/dp/B00NTBC276/

This is what works for me and were all different so I'm by no means telling you to do this just sharing my journey. I really don't think i do anything special and there's some areas such as exercise that I still need to get into a better routine of but here is what a typical day looks like for me: 80 oz of fluid- Water, tea, crystal light 60-80g of Protein Approx. 1200 cal. per day Each meal consists of 3-4oz of lean protein, 1/2 c veggies, and 1 starch serving I ALWAYS eat my meals in the following order, protein first, then veggies, and lastly the starch (if I have room) I never drink anything while eating or for one hour after. NO CARBINATION NO ALCOHOL I NEVER DRINK MY CALORIES Below is where I may be different in some areas than others: Limitation of Carbs- Not Elimination but Limitation:-) I told myself when I had this surgery that bread was a no no (the doughy kind), so, the only bread I've had has been whole wheat toast for a sandwich. I've had Pasta twice and while I did fine with it, I chose not to eat it because it really didn't fill me up and I decided I would rather spend my calories on food that keeps me fuller longer with better nutrition (with less calories and all the other stuff). Same with rice. So basically I limit the type of carbs I allow in my diet. They either come from Veggies, or when I cook sometimes I will roll my chicken breast in bread crumbs or if I have a sweet tooth craving I buy the skinny cow chocolates or ice creams which of course are heavier on the carbs (15g or so), or I will have a 1/2 of a flour tortilla for a wrap or 2 corn taco shells, but typically I limit my actual Starch servings to once a day. I've also never been a real big fruit person, so I rarely eat it. My surgeon told me about the sugar and carbs found in fruit and while they encouraged eating them in moderation they did warn me not to overdue it so if I have a fruit with a meal or as a snack I will not have a starch etc. There are some things I knew I wanted to eliminate all together because there's no nutritional value and it's a trigger for me so I made a mental list of all of those foods and I'm not going to try it not because I think the band will have issues with it but that my head will have issues with it. For instance pizza, I haven't had a slice of pizza in over a year and I don't miss it a bit, If/when I do get an urge for it I know theres a healtier version; I have a recipie that uses cauliflouer crust when that urge arises I will op to make the healthier version. Don't get me wrong I don't deprive myself, I made this a lifestyle change so I made it to include the things I CAN AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT. Like if I want a cookie, once in a while I will eat a cookie, I just take it off of my calorie intake for the day, you just can't make this an every day occurance so if you know this food is a trigger for you to binge then learn to live without it or make a healthier version. If I want chips I get the individual bags of Special K Sour Cream and Onion. 1 package has 110 cal and I get by with just 1/2 now:-) so for 55 cal, 1 g sugar and 11 carbs I feel like I've had a cheat:-) There's a tradeoff for everything and for me it's all about balance. If I can find a healthy alternative for something I love and it's good then I'm all for it, if there's not then eat the real thing in moderation (as long as it's not harmful to your band), count it off your daily calories and move on:-) Some examples of food are: Breakfast Dannon light greek yogurt with 3tlb hy vee trail mix- 212 cal 16g protein 2 eggs with 1 piece of farmland low sodium bacon crumbled with some onions and mushrooms sprinkled with 2% shredded cheese and salsa. Approx 250 cal 16g protein. lunch 4oz deli turkey 100 cal 18g protein 2slices slim cut kraft cheese colby jack slices. 70 cal. 6 protein 1 tlb okios greek yogurt dip 13 cal, 1p 2 Romaine lettuce leafs 8 cal Total approx 226 cal 25 g p Detour low sugar protein caramel nut bar. 340 cal, 5 net carbs 2g sugar and 30 p (Only eat maybe once a week in a pinch) dinner Parmasean crusted tilapia (can send you recipie if interested) with green giant just for1 cauiflouer with cheese sauce. Approx 300 cal 35 p Smothered chicken with cheese oniins & mushrooms with salad with homeafe ranch dressing. Apprix 369 cal 30 p I have a couple of Snacks throyghout the day, some options: Okios yogurt dip with veggies or 1-2 oz of colby jack or pepperjack cheese with 5 townhouse reduced fat crakers 70 cal 180 cal - 280 cal 7- 14 g p ( if I eat this 2 oz I will do one if the lower cal snacks later) SF fudge ice cream bar 35 cal 60 cal sf pudding Skinny cow choc. 3pcs 130 cal Skinnk cow drumstick 160 cal I always make sure that I have quick and easy things laying in the fridge for those days when I don't feel like cooking or am in a hurry so for me that means deli turkey meat, and kraft sliced cheese (love the slim slices 35c each) so I weigh out the meat throw it in a baggie and eat it on the go. I love it;) As far as motivation goes these are the things thst keep me going: I have a strong faith in God, my family, I have a great support system, I love being able to do things I haven't done in years, LOVE walking into a store and seeing something i love and not worrying about if it comes in my size. Oh yeah and all those peple who thought i was crazy, doubted me or waited for me to fail, being able to prove them wrong:) Any time someone thinks I can't do something or discourages me you better watch out because I fight like hell to prove them wrong!!! So I guessI should thank them;) I hope this helps and if anyone has any recommendations please share I'm always open to better options. Thanks!

I've heard a few people mention adding Protein powder to their food, yougurt, etc..... Does anyone do this,like during the mushies stage or even at any time? If you add Protein Powder to yogurt, does it make it taste better? I'm not a big fan of yogurt, but if adding the protein powder to it will make the yogurt taste better AND give me the protein I need then I can try it?? I know there will come a time that I won't be allowed or encouraged to drink Protein shakes, so I'm trying to find out now what people have done to use the protein powder.... Thanks! kristi

I don't know what nectar is, but I can say from my own experience that I think you need MORE Protein and Vitamns. When I don't get my protein and vitamins.I am exhausted... but when I do, I feel great. Are you getting the 60G daily....???? It is hard to do, try making your own Protein Shake and add some Yogurt drink to it to pump it up. I like the unjury Protein Powder. Good luck, Cinderella

Hi Cinderella, I think you are right that I wasn't getting enough Protein. I had my husband pick up a container of pho (vietnamese soup) broth for me yesterday and drank it all, and today when I woke up I was feeling better. Tomorrow I go on full liquids which includes Protein Drinks made with milk/soy milk and I think that will help too -- I have unjury chocolate splendor and vanilla to try out. Also trying yogurt starting tomorrow, so my protein grams are going to go way up compared to what they have been.

Anyone else have issues with richer foods? It seems like some cheeses(goat. blue,etc), and lately the greek yogurt and sour cream don't sit well. Am I crazy?

Thanks LeighaMason - tried the Greek yogurt today - love it! It kept me full all morning. I will definitely be recommending it to others as well!

Thanks for the responses, all. And thanks, Jack, for that vision of "old putrified and fermenting products" - that is something that is going to stick with me for a while! (Or hopefully not, as the case may be!) Jachut, fortunately coffee isn't one of my vices, so I'll take your word that's it's the strong stuff that may be setting you off. Interestingly, I saw my doc yesterday for the one-week followup, he's moved me to soft foods, and I've had a couple of yogurts and some cottage cheese since then. No gas today, but yesterday was really bad - keep me up at night, bad. Who the frell knows what it means, but I'm guessing it's another point toward Jack's putrifying remains. Hee, sorry Jack, couldn't resist. :biggrin: PS Jachut - you look awesome and are an inspiration. My excuse is that I'm six years older and I'll never wear a bikini like that! :smile:

I like Greek Yogurt and actually have been making my own for years. You can add some fruit to it if allowed at this time. It is not the sugar laden yogurt most are used to so people are often thrown by it at first. I just can't see peanut butter being a good option for a meal. There are much better options. But to each their own.

Mine was also smooth sailing i'm very lucky just you basic gas pains. I've had no vomiting or nausea, feeling great walking, I was doing so good I got to start the soft food 10 days out. I have been very carful though to. see my doctor tomorrow so hopefully i can add more soft foods, so fa I'm doing scrambled egg, can in water tuna and had salmon tonight and a mashed well avocado. Still doing yogurt and some soup , not loving the protein shakes anymore but have had some. Just seeing what the future will hold with my weight loss journey . Soi far so good!

That's kind of the weird thing (hunger). I've learned after all these years that apparently there is a difference between head hunger and actual need for food. My head keeps saying "you should be eating something" and "a cheeseburger sounds amazing" and today "go to taco Tuesday" lol. But my stomach, it's just not wanting any of it. I have not truly felt physical hunger at all since before I had the sleeve surgery 17 days ago. Weird! Because I kind of don't trust my hunger-meter accuracy at the moment, I'm trying to stick with a routine to make sure I don't get dehydrated or malnourished. Every morning I have a protein water with a vitamin greens powder mix, gets most of my key nutrients in right away. Then mid day I'll have a protein shake with a banana and some nonfat milk and a little peanut butter in it. Mid afternoon I'll have a snack maybe yogurt or jello. Evening I'll make myself eat something like puréed soup. Then in the evening I take my chewable multi vitamin. So far that's been working ok. If I get ambitious enough I may try blending tuna and mayo like tuna salad, but have not tried yet.

I am being banded on tuesday and I am on clear liquids on day one. Days 2-14 full liquids- strained soups, yogurt,cream of wheat, softly scrambles egg beaters, applesauce, refried beans. My dietition said to puree the beans and add some broth to make them runny, looks gross but very filling. Days 15-28 mushies.... At this point there are many options. I bought a stick blender and look forward to using it. Anyway I just listed some of what's on my list, hope it helps and good luck.

Got my surgery date yesterday, so happy its moved so quick considering am in the UK. Guess i have to start my pre op diet like now, worst part is im goin camping mon and they supply the food lets hope its gonna be healthy. Ill just throw myself into the diet for real the following week with slim fast and the milk and yogurt diet :tt2: Im not scared at all just ready for this great chance to make a new me :smile:

Cottage cheese, greek yogurt, ground turkey or chicken, lean ground beef.....there are many good protein choices out there. Try things, play with recipes, change things up from time to time so you don't get bored. You're doing great!

What wonderful responses you've had on this thread! I'm 21 months post-op, have lost all my excess weight (100 pounds) and now maintaining easily at 135 pounds. Currently (and I emphasize "currently" because things could change, which would mean I'd have to change what I'm doing) ... * I love food! Love the taste of it, the varieties of it, the nutrition of it, the discoveries, the freedom, and the fact that I am no longer afraid of food. Food has become a resource to me, as well as a pleasure. * Since I'm now on maintenance (eating about 1800 cals/day) about 75% of my calories come from nutritious food. The other 25% of my calories come from from good-tasting, but un-nutritious things like alcohol (one drink a day), sugar treats (e.g., 1 biscotti, 2 squares of dark chocolate), or a starchy item (e.g., small biscuit). * I eat a lot of animal and plant Protein, aim for 5 veggies and fruits a day, whole grains, and mostly healthy fats and oils (although I do have a little butter). * I eat full-fat cheese, skim milk, low-fat yogurt -- weird combo, I know, but I like it. * I minimize fast food -- have it rarely. * Only rarely do I eat white bread, white rice, white potatoes, white flour Pasta. Instead, I eat whole grain breads, brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat, protein-enhanced pasta. * I make most of my eating decisions when I make grocery lists and shop for food. If trigger and unnutritious foods are not in the house, I can't eat them. That's a very good piece of advice for you. * I cook a lot more than I used to -- which reflects how rarely I eat "fast food" these days. * I plan my meals and I track all my food and drink intake in My Fitness Pal. I love it. Frankly, for me, it's the second best tool I use to maintain my weight; the first best tool, of course, is my sleeve. * I still (most days) drink a Protein Drink for Breakfast. I just like the taste, and it gives me a great start to the day of 25 grams of protein for only 170 calories. * I take my very few meds (thyroid and H2 blocker antacid) and my Vitamins and other dietary supplements daily and on time. * So far, no food is permanently off limits -- although a lot of foods are on the "only once a week" list or "once in a blue moon" list or "only at X restaurant" list. * I'm still learning a lot about nutrition, metabolism, and eating mindfully. I expect I'll never stop learning. I hope not.

I eat 3-4oz of lean protien, 1/2 cup of veggies and 1 serving of starch if I still have room which typically I don't. If I do it's typically like a 1/2 slice of toasted wheat bread or 1/4 c brown rice etc. If I'm hungry in between meals which some times I am I eat a healthy snack like a greek yogurt or 1-2 oz of cheese or something around 100 calories. Hope this helps! You're doing a great job! Congrats on your success!

I have lost and gained the same 3 lbs since my 1st fill in the end of September. Of course I'm due for TOM in 4 days so I can already feel the bloating. Is it ridiculous that I'm worried I'll "get in trouble" for not losing when I go in tomorrow? The thought of being scolded my the dr. makes me cringe. I've quit doctors for that kind of thing, and I really like this group! I haven't been 100%. I've been eating more than I should. Not necessarily "bad" foods, just too much. We do have pizza once or twice a month, and I make sure to order it with half veggies so I can have 1 slice that's loaded with veggies. But 3 meals a day at 1 cup each isn't holding me, and even a lowfat cheesestick or fat free greek yogurt between meals doesn't make me get through. I am worried that my split sleep schedule is making the recommended meal times unrealistic for me. I'm up at 4am and at work by 5am. Have Breakfast when I get to work at 5am. So by 8 or 9 am I am really hungry. I have a cheese stick. Then an hour or 2 later I'm really hungry- loudly gurgling and feeling sick to my stomach from the hunger again. If I drink a big glass of Water when I'm feeling like that it actually makes the feeling worse, after 5 minutes I'm twice as hungry as I was before. So lunch at about 10am. Home at 1pm, snack of another cheese stick or 1/2 cup of chili or something like that. Nap until 5pm. dinner with the family around 6 or 630. Then by 9 I'm super hungry again. I'm about cheese sticked out. I'm up until midnight so I've got to have a little something or I toss and turn and don't get sleep because of the gurgling stomach/nausea from hunger. I'm getting 1000 - 1200 cal/day. Drinking my water. Just hungry. And if I let myself get too hungry it's so easy to eat too fast or not chew enough and then ouch. so I've been going down and up and down and up by the same 3 stinking pounds. I've got to re-vamp the way I'm doing something, just not sure how to exactly. Anyone else have a ridiculous schedule that can share advice with me?

I understand exactly what you are saying about the stomach ..I start my day early too..SOmething that I don't see you doing is a Protein shake. Maybe you didn't say. My nutrionist told me...always a protein shake..and get creative with adding things--such as a lil peanut butter-- using milk. The other thing that she told me that has just made me a very happy person is fruit. I was not a huge fruit eatter before my band but now -- I have a new found love for apples. She explained that the more Fiber I put into my diet the less I will need fills..and it will help with losing weight. I am about 12 weeks post -op and have cut back on my protein shake to once a day...add a banana, ff milk and tsp of Peanut Butter...it really makes me feel fuller then a yogurt. If I am having a second one because I am famished..which has only happened just a few times...I leave out the banana and milk...to cut calories...that is the only thing with them they are important but can be very caloric - GOOD LUCK

Living the rest of your life as an obese person because you don't want to give up pizza is pretty sad. Yes, I know you have other reasons for wanting the band removed, but they don't sound like very good ones to me. For example, if you had a slight unfill, you COULD eat solid foods like steak and fruit. But you first need to step away from the mac and cheese, chips and crackers, soup, and ranch dressing. Even IF you can't eat solids very well, you could be making MUCH better choices in your soft food. Cottage cheese, yogurt, soft fish, refried Beans...they're all soft foods and go down easily but they're high in Protein and low in carbs. Saying that you can't afford the groceries is an excuse, too...because, again, you *could* buy better soft foods. If it's your port that has busted stitches, that's often done as an office procedure. It's not a major surgery to stitch the port back down and as long as you can get the fills, you don't have to do it at all. I understand that not having insurance to cover fills can be a financial problem. But it makes me wonder why you got the band in the first place then? The fills are a lifelong commitment...at some point, you knew you'd be on your own. But look at it this way. You DO have the band. You already have a tool in place to help you lose weight. If you have it removed, you're most likely NOT going to lose weight on your own. Sorry, but only about 3-5% of people take the weight off and KEEP it off. So what kind of expense are you looking at down the road? Being obese can be very expensive in it's own way. I think it simply sounds like you're not ready to do what is necessary to let the band help you lose weight. If that's the case, get a complete unfill. For most people, an empty band feels like the band isn't even there. So you can try to lose weight on your own, not worry about fills, etc. If, at some point, you decide to use the band, then you can start getting fills again.

My program hasn't given me any grief with being a vegetarian. They have also worked with me around my other food allergies. I am ana to ALL seafood, get hives & swelling from stevia, food dyes, and most artificial sugars.) I am ovo-lacto that that makes things easier. Things I eat: greek yogurt eggs Beans hummus ricotta cheese kefir TVP tempeh vegetable both raw & cooked fresh fruit almond milk vegetable broth Beyond meat notchicken Beyond meat beefy crumbles tofu In the all liquid phase I pureed beans and mixed it with veg broth and a bit of Protein powder. I use CVS whey, and Orgain organics vanilla powders. I also mixed ricotta, tofu, spinach in the food processor added a bit of tomato sauce, topped with cheddar or daiya and baked in the oven. I cooked fruit with ½tsp of brown sugar then had that with either cottage cheese or greek yogurt If I don't feel like cooking Progresso minestrone is hearty and filling. I may add a bit of tvp for more protein. I work out in the mornings and was used to making a Breakfast smoothie each day so I still do that. Greek yogurt+Protein Powder will give you anywhere from 30 - 38 gms of protein. I also add in various mixins like a peeled orange, cacao powder, a splash of vanilla extract, a tbsp of almond butter or whatever else I have on hand.

Well I will admit I hit the wall of discouragement this week. I was having trouble going to the bathroom and then when I checked the scale I gained 2 lbs! That is NOT a good feeling after going through all that we have gone through to get to this surgery and then since. I called my Dr and was only getting through to the nurse, which is just so aggravating at times. Now don't get me wrong, I understand and appreciate nurses and they are the backbone of any Dr.....however....I REALLY WANTED TO TALK TO MY DR!!! (i'm done yelling) I know that persistance is what works with Dr's offices though so I called back yesterday telling them how I was feeling hungry all the time, able to eat a lot at one sitting. They moved my fill up a few weeks, thank goodness! I'm having my wedding reception on November 11 and was so hoping to lose more before then. I have my dress fitting tomorrow and was not excited at the thought of no fill for nearly another month! Today I have felt a little bit more full after eating but still not like I was right after surgery. My daily food intake is pretty good I think. I have either one egg with fat free cheese for breakfast or I juice a few pieces of fruit. I have a snack around 10a, either jello or yogurt or cheese stick. Today for lunch I had a cup of soup from the work cafe. Usually for dinner I make a salmon filet. I try to get my fish in everyday, such good stuff in those little guys! I've not eaten breads and hope to stay off of them. I should rephrase that, I had noodle one night. I became SOOO tired immediately afterwards that I was convinced, breads are just off limit. No need for them People are really noticing that I have lost and that is an amazing feeling. It is also an odd one because I get the comments "Oh, don't lose too much, you don't want to lose your curves" I will NOT lose any curves, I am way too curvy to begin with They just might 'tame' down a little bit, which will be great for fitting into jeans Have any of you gone through a mini makeover yet? I have already had my hair cut shorter and highlighted blonder. I lost about 20lbs and felt like I need to do something with my hair!? I guess that is normal for the body changing...other things feel like they need a change too. I even did my first 'workout' this week! I have a dance video workout that teaches latin dancing, what fun it was! Now maybe I can learn to dance and get thin! I only got about 30 min of it done, was too tired after that, but it was a great feeling. I can't wait to do it again!

A few of the rules I remember which made me successful at losing 50 lbs. were: >use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate >3 bites of protein, 3 bites of veggie, 1 bite of carb, repeat until satisfied >eat every 3 hours >fill up on protein for snacks, (hard boiled egg with a piece of cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken breast etc.) >never drink your calories, except for a protein shake >No carbonated drinks > do not frink for 30 min. before and for 30 min after a meal >eat slowly, chew much, small bites >Limit fruit, due to the sugar it converts to Can anyone help me think of anymore? especially designated for lapbanders? I realize all doctors do not give the same instructions.

Princess- I hated the plain yogurt too, but I can have the Greek flavored ones as long as there are no lumps. The Dannon lite & fit toasted coconut vanilla and key lime are really good.

I had to same problem. I do my workout 5 in the morning. Its too early for me to eat so I just drink my protein shake. But I will have kind of fruit (usually a banana),milk and either yogurt or peanut butter for more protein. Once I started this, I was fine. My NUT told me it was my sugar levels. I needed eat something.

Really?? I had a few spoons of cream of wheat and two spoons of yogurt and I am in pain now on my right side spasming to my stomach not sure what caused it ... Could be gas I took gasx but no changes ... The pain comes and does... God I hope it has nothing to do with the constipation ... Lord help me!!!