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I am 9 weeks out and have one fill of 3 ccs. I have dealt with acid reflux for years. It flares up from time to time. Prior to the band, I would eat things like red meat or chicken and I could feel it work its way through my digestive system until it eventually cleared. Severe indigestion. Now instead of passing, the indigestion is quite painful and I have to regurgitate. What I have found that I need to do, is take something soft or smooth, like yogurt, cottage cheese, skim milk, a protein drink to "soothe" the tract so that I cans wallow food. If I dont, I have a miseable eating day. A scrambled egg is impossible to get down, I sucked the juice out of a slice of grapefruit and thought I would die. Even swallowing when I brush upsets my stomach. Do the soothing technique and things are fine. Anyone else experience this or reflux? The staff at the doctor's office says that I am eating too fast and taking too big of bites. I think it is more serious than that. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Does anyone else feel really limited by the "Protein, protein, protein" rule? I'm in this mind set that the only thing I can eat is protein filled meat and vegetables, which is sort of true. What do you guys do to mix it up? What other kinds of things besides meat do you eat to cover your protein? Also, I'm not a big fan of greek yogurt. Also, really random question. Does anyone plan on taking their band out after they've reached their weight goal? Or do you plan on keeping it forever?

Hi BioTeacher! Have you ever been testing for Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or Metabolic Syndrome? Based on what you have experienced I would say that you might be experiencing a difficulty that I have also experienced. I had a hell of a time in the beginning because the band books I was following said to go low fat and low this and that...it wasn't working and I didn't have any restriction for the first 6 months (6 fills). It wasn't until I got a new fill doctor and my 7th and 8th fill that I really started experiencing success. I knew I had PCOS but I didn't realize that if you have any kind of metabolic syndrome that the low fat approaches will not work. This new doc told me that I had to get in enough protein and fiber to kick start and fuel a metabolism that was completely headed in the wrong direction. He said one gram of protein for each half pound of body weight. So basically you can figure out how many grams of protein you need every day by divinding your weight in two. Mine was 230/2 =115 grams per day. Try it and see if it works for you. It did for me. I highly recommend the following items that will help you kick start your metabolism: 1.) Week 1 and 2 - reduce your carb intake to less than 50 grams per day eat only vegetables, meats, cheeses, and low carb shakes or bars with no sugar- gradually work your way up in protein intake by 20-30 grams per day until you are at the amount you should be taking in based on your weight calculation. Put your fork or spoon down in between bites and chew 12-15 times per bite. Don't bother bringing a drink to the table when you're eating...this prevents you filling up on liquid. Steer clear of all sugar in fruits, no yogurt, no processed foods with any sugar, honey, etc. Only splenda or stevia. Also, watch our for cured meats and items with nitrates. These will interfere with your kick start. Get some Atkins shakes, breakfast bars...these really help a lot! Russell Stover makes great low carb candy that will carry you through this so you don't freak out about not having your sweet fix. Have nuts and seeds on hand to give you fiber and energy. 2.) Go see your doctor about another fill. I had to be at 8.1 in a 10cc band before I had any restriction whatsoever. You might be having the same issue. My doc told me that if you are overweight and overeating for most of your life that you can often have stretched the top portion of your stomach as well so it takes more tightening before you get to the sweet spot. IF your current doc is unwilling, consider fillcentersusa.com - I have had great success with the doctor they recommended. He listens and only does fills...so he knows what he is talking about. They have centers all over the country and more added every month. www.fillcentersusa.com 3.) Week 3 and 4 - continue to limit yourself to less than 50 grams of carbs per day...try to go closer to 20 grams if you can...this will really kick start your metabolism and you will start losing weight if you haven't already. Do not eat anything with sugar in it. IF you mess up, get back on the horse and get on with it. You are still eating less than you were before...also if you want a freakin diet coke then have one...depriving yourself will mentally throw off your whole effort. Just don't make it a habit. 4.) After 4 weeks...see where you are. Are you losing? Do you have restriction? IF not, go visit the doc again for another fill. You can ask for one every month until you get where you need to be. Fill Centers has a policy that if they overfill you - then you can come back within 72 hours for an unfill with no charge. Some even have an underfill policy within 72 hours so you don't have to pay again if you aren't happy. After you start losing, you can experiment with adding a few more carbs to see where you stop losing weight. When it stops then back off the carbs a little and you'll find your spot where you can eat some carbs you like without ambushing your loss. This is how I'm doing it. Very little bread and fruit, lots of meat, cheese, vegetables (not so much on the carrots, corn, etc) but green veggies and salads, lots of nuts and seeds and protein shakes.) Also, there are some very high protein shakes out there called NewWhey. www.newwhey.com or at health stores. They are about 4 oz each (three swallows) and they have 40 grams of protein. I put them in the freezer for about 15 minutes and then drink it...you are more than half way done with protein for the day with these. Also, Atkins shakes and bars are very high in protein. Almonds are always good to have around. Let me know how this works for you. I'm very hopeful that you'll be able to enjoy success with your band!

@rxs778 Why tempt fate? I'm almost 7 months post-op and I'd rather find alternative recipes to have my favorite foods. Many things can be made bariatric friendly. Then you don't have to worry about if you'll get sick or feel guilty. Here's a really simple, high Protein and great tasting pumpkin pie recipe. If you want crackers, steer clear of the traditional boxed white flour garbage and make your own fresh crispy cheese crackers. They taste so delicious. Here are both of the recipes along with nutrition facts and pics: Crustless Protein Pumpkin Pie 15 oz. can 100% pumpkin (not pie filling) ½ cup Egg whites (Egg beaters) 1 ½ cup Premier Protein vanilla shake ¾ cup Splenda ½ tsp. Salt 2 Tbsp. Pumpkin pie spice Preheat oven 400°. Spray pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Pour into prepared pie pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, then turn down to 375° and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. It is best served cold and can even be frozen. Serving size is 1/6 slice of pie. I used a Tbsp. of fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt as a topping (pic) but you could use Reddi-Wip fat-free whipped cream for an additional 5 calories & only 1 carb per 2 Tbsp. serving. Nutrition Facts Servings: 6 Calories 77 Fat 1g Carbs 10g Fiber 4g Sugars 6g Protein 9g Cheese Crisp Squares 2 slices - Sargento Ultra thin Colby Jack cheese sprinkle of seasoning to taste (I like cayenne pepper) Break each slice into 4 equal squares, place on parchment paper and lightly sprinkle with your choice of seasoning (no need for salt). Must be parchment paper - NO exceptions! Place in 350° preheated oven on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for approximately 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Slide parchment paper off to cool on counter. Place cheese crisps on paper a towel to soak up any oil. They are super thin and delightfully crispy. They'll satisfy both your chip and cracker needs. Nutrition Facts Serving size 8 crackers Calories 80 Fat 7g Carbs 1g Fiber 0g Sugar 0g Protein 5g

I like the vanilla or chocolate whey protein from Walmart. 2 scoops. I mix it with 2 table spoons of plain Greek yogurt high in protein and very little sugar. I also mix in a cup of frozen fruit. Strawberries , mangos, peaches, pine apple or mixed berries. Sometimes a little ice and one pack of Splenda. I mix it all together in my blender. When its Really thick. I eat with a spoon and thin I drink in a cup. It Hold me for a good 3 hours.

Sorry you are still having a difficult time getting everything in and still experiencing pain. I have been able to get all of my requitrements in (2 protein shakes and 48 oz of other clear liquid) since day 3. As soon as I stopped taking the pain meds it seemed to get easier. I had my post op visit yesterday and they advanced me to cream soups, yogurt and farina. It's been like heaven. Other than my navel being a little tender, I have no pain at all.

Before surgery I bought a ton of the GNC lean 25 protein shake and I still have so much that I just use that brand. I bought 6 boxes cause it was buy and get second at 50% off. And then I also bought ready made ones that I can take with me to work. So I am still using them. I bought every flavor except banana. Vanilla, cookies and cream, chocolate, strawberry and mixed berry is excellent. I also got orange which is ok but not my favorite. Today I used the orange with fat free Greek vanilla yogurt to make a shake and it was good. Try out the GNC Lean 25 and you can try them in small packets or ready made ones in their fridge to see if you like them and then buy bigger ones. Let me know how it goes.

Mine was 2 weeks liquid diet . 4 protein shakes a day , 64 oz of water a day , sugar free jello, sugar free pudding , 1 hard boiled egg , fat free yogurt. Im already done w my 2 weeks im down 9lbs my surgery is in 48 hrs . Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

:laugh Oh Thanks for the info on the milk. I am NOT MOVING ON TO MUSHIES. I am going to keep trying the shakes. i will find one i can handle. Might do an egg with cheese in the am or a yogurt with Unjury protein powder in it. But darni I said I am doing this and I am going to do as I was told!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we will see what tomorrow brings!!!!

Good morning, Thank you u for the replies... I was told a soft foods diets but all it say is scramble eggs, yogurt, and string cheese.... Unfortunately my surgeon is gone to a Convention for the weeknd:frown: so I cant get any advice from him.... I guess I better just eat eggs and yogurt to be on the safe side...

My surgery was 7/31, so I am almost 5 weeks post-op. I am at the soft food stage. Some things, like Greek yogurt, I can eat almost 4 oz. Meats, "real food" I can eat a few bites, up to 2 oz on lucky days. My NUT wants only 3 meals per day with no snacking, am to fill up with water or protein drinks. I consume maybe 500 cal on good days. Am hoping it gets better. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

I got a fill on Mon. taking me to 6cc and I think I have found it finally. I don't feel tight, but three or four forks of chicken and I am done. Also, I have started the last two days with a protein drink just to test the waters, greek yogurt for lunch and them light dinner. NO HUNGER all day. I have to eat slower (mistake I've made in the past), but it is just great for now.

I eat 3 small meals a day, but I do have 2 snacks in between because I get hungry in between, but the snacks are yogurt or fruit. I do the excersize each day, but I only do 30 -45 minutes. I'm trying to get to an hour. Almost there. On weekends when I'm not working is the hardest. I'm home and my family sometimes goes out and wants me to join them and when I do, I have trouble saying no to a slider, mostly drinks, like wine or pina colada. I probably should not go out. That may be my problem. I avoid white flour and all processed foods. I use Stevia for a sweetener instead of sugar. I don't eat much veges, mostly all the berries, blueberries, strawberries, black berries, raspberries and of course watermelon. I love fruit. The veges make me too gassy. Do you see anything else I could change?

I agree that most of those meals are carb heavy and full of sodium and preservatives. For me it is fairly easy to pick a Protein and then add a vegetable it fruit. (For instance, turkey breast and green Beans or roasted Brussels sprouts or similar; cottage cheese with fresh tomato; Greek yogurt with fresh berries; chicken patty and a green vegetable; etc.) It tastes so much better than frozen meals anyway and is really easy..

You girls are lucky.....At preop all I was allowed to have was optifast shake every 2.5 hours, and water...That was it. No yogurt, no lettuce, no fruit or veggies. I did drop 11 lbs before the surgery though. Good luck ladies....The 2 weeks after surgery were the hardest for me on the liquid diet. I am 4 days shy of being 4 weeks post op. I start solids on Friday and I cannot wait

I know everyone is different, but I think the first couple of days were the hardest. I had a headache and I felt dizzy and I was starving! haha I am now 8 days complete and it doesn't seem near as bad. I dont know what your pre op diet consists of. Mine is basically 2 high protein meal replacement shakes, a piece of fruit and a yogurt during the day and then for dinner I get to splurge with 4 oz of lean meat and 2 slices of low cal bread plus 1 cup of veggies. I think my pre op diet is a little more liberal then some but I find it very doable! I find sipping on hot tea helps curb my hunger too. Keep strong! It will be worth it!

Wow...a couple of things here... First, it's totally normal to be more hungry when you workout, even without the band. Your body metabolizes food faster when you're moving around, thus making it work through your system faster. Be careful NOT to drink until at least an hour after a meal. That should slow it down a little. Also, have something small to eat if you are hungry after working out, but be sure it's something higher in Protein. Protein will stay with you longer and make you feel satiated. My doctor told me not to agonize over losing only 2-3 pounds in a month as we're still "looking for my sweet spot". He explained that until I'm where I need to be, I'm really just dieting without help. Sure, we all know that the band is/should be helping along the way, but it's not worth stressing over. Be sure your foods are solids....don't make the mistake I did of eating yogurt and cottage cheese because they're high in protein. They don't stay with you and are considered to be liquid. Eat solids slowly and let them sit in your stomach. I liked the funnel anaolgy. If you put food into the funnel (your modified stomach) and let it work it's way through, it's going to serve you far better than if you run the Water and push it through.... I haven't lost much weight, but I've been exercising. I thought you guys might find it amusing to know---NO LIE---my nutritionist told me to CUT BACK ON THE WORKING OUT!!!! Not something I ever expected. I was doing about 45 minutes of circuit training plus 45 minutes of jogging/walking a day, at least 5 to 6 days a week. Oh, and would it make you feel better to know that I lost 4 pounds that month?! Yes..only 4. LOL. Then, after cutting back, as directed, I only lost 3--just as I anticipated! I was an athlete in college and my body is accustomed to working out 2-3 hours a day. Granted, that was nearly 14 years ago, but once programmed....it's hard to get out of that. Obviously I don't have the time or energy to do that at this age. This is why my nutritionist told me to find some physical activity that would be something sustainable. Meaning, in 3-4 years time, I'll still want/be able to keep it up. Don't make life changes you aren't willing to maintain. They'll just set you up for failure and disappointment. Good luck to all of us! I hope that knowing we're not alone in our frustration makes you all feel as good as it does me. I appreciate your sharing. :smile2:

Tuna, refried Beans, cheese, greek yogurt, all have protein in them... kind of why I chose them to eat... and I drink a Protein Drink in the am...sometimes in the PM as well. Am I missing something... ?

Jamie...I've given up on breakfast and I usually eat a pretty soft lunch. Usually by dinner I'm fine. Protein shakes...protein powder, yogurt, fresh fruit...are a great breakfast. You get used to it. By the way....isn't it March? Shouldn't we have a new thread? LOL!

Hi there, it sounds like you are doing well with your new banded life. I am enjoying a Protein and fruit shake most days around 11:00 or so. I'm not hungry in the morning. Today I skipped the Protein Shake because I knew I would be having lunch with my parents at a retirement center. Sometimes when I'm there I have a thick soup but today it was tomato and I don't like that plus it's thin, so I had a small bowl of cottage cheese and broccoli. I came home and ate a protein bar (200 calories 20 grams of protein -- the 20 that I missed out on by not having my shake). Dinners are whatever I am cooking for the family but just a little of it. If I'm hungry beforehand (usually, as I haven't quite got my timing down right), I might have some applesauce with a dollop of plain yogurt or something like that. I've been making chilis and stews and those seem very band-friendly. I like chicken thighs and will probably be making those next. I do them in stock so they are really falling apart. Last night I had the hungries after dinner and I had a Popsicle. That seemed to appease me.

Here is the Liver Shrink Diet my Surgeon and Nutritionist gave me to follow pre-op: Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) Dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on.

Sure, it sounds like you are too tight. I can get food down better standing than sitting when I am too tight. Strangely enough, we often don't lose weight when we are too tight, because it is too easy to eat the wrong things and give up on the band. That said, you need to re-evaluate your commitment to eating better. Why do you have mayo, gravy and potatoes in the house? You need to stop buying them! No one needs them and if they are what you use to eat badly, you need to get them out of the house. I have no sugar, flour, potatoes, Pasta, rice, or bread in my house at any time unless I am having long term guests. I know if those foods walk through the door, my resolution to not eat them walks out. This morning I was thinking pancakes sound good for Breakfast. I rationalized that swedish pancakes didn't have much flour and were mostly egg; then I realized I didn't have ANY flour around. Problem solved and temptation averted. Just because you are too tight is not a reason to eat high calorie foods. You can still do low sugar Protein shakes, lowfat low sugar yogurt, Soups, and other healthy mushie foods until your unfill. Consider yourself kicked in the ass. Get to work and make this work for you!

One week in and feeling pretty good. The only downside to having family so involved is the fact that they are around all the time and I've never noticed how much people talk about food. And my sister is in town and we are having people over...so there is a lot of amazing food being cooked. Haha. Here I am on this 3 week liquid diet sipping broth while they eat lasagna..salad...and french bread. Haha. I'm getting used to smelling things and pretending I'm tasting them. How is your post-op diet going? My doctor has all his patients on 3 weeks of Liquids(no jello/pudding/yogurt/creamy things at all) and then the 4th week is when I can start the soft foods. So we skip the mushies entirely. I'm feeling great though moving around. No trouble at all with that. The one thing I'm not liking is the gaaaas. Ugh. So annoying. And I have pretty much been doing less on the Protein and more water/broth. Well for the first week I did. But I am knuckling up on the protein. I just don't like any of the flavors very much. It's going to be a bit tough for the next two weeks. Just have to choke 'em down. Haha. Wow. I really just rambled off didn't I? Sorry about that. How are you doing? You must be in your 3rd week?

i am feeling so much better! had my first fill (which i posted yesterday as i found some discomfort but today is so much better, and worst case to get the fill out friday as it was feeling restrictive yesterday) but got Yogurt which is easy morning on the go! My Doctor has me on liquids for 2 days after the fill, then to soft foods again for a few more days then to start the transitioning to normal food diet next week which i am so so so excited for!!! I haven't tried pasta again but i did purchase some pulse pasta so i hope that will be better in the next few weeks but craving some proper protein (blending it or having just fish was not the same) It is hard because i don't know anyone who has had this recently (a friend of mine had it and cheated the band and moved to the sleeve, and i met someone in hospital who had the sleeve) so when it comes to these new things it is so hard to turn to places to ask!

Funny you should ask because today I was realy hungry for the first time in a while. I only had yogurt for breakfast and around 3pm I could hear my stomache growling-I was really hungry. I remember thinking that is was weird because I usually don't get hungry. In the beginning stages (prior to a good fill) you may feel hungry more often and that is completely normal. Yes, you can eat around the band because ice cream, candy, etc. seem to go down real easy-but if you eat proetins first it will curb the urges. I saw a teacher I work with and I always thought she had surgery-she had lost a lot of weight-but I noticed that she is putting in back on. That's where having the option of getting a fill is awesome. People who get gastic bypass don't have that option at later stages, That's why I love the band-there is an adjustment option that other surgeries simply don' have.