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Okay guys... I am 7 days... Post op... I am on full liquids!! Help! Give me some ideas for my Greek yogurt... My doctor is letting me put in sugar free strawberry preserves ... But I have another week to go... Popsicles and protein shakes and soup are getting to me!!! I'm hungry! Is that normal! By the way I feel great!!! Alyce

I am going to do drinkable yogurt tomorrow. I am going to work a half a day tomorrow to see how it goes.I am feeling pretty good. Are you feeling hunger yet? I am still taking the Inhibitron capsules he prescribed for acidity every day. How long did you take the nausea medicine Pemix? I am still taking it but nausea hasn't been a problem for me at all after day 1.

Congrats on your fill and results! I am nervous about my first one coming up, although I dont think I need one yet. My Dr. told me it was a snug fit and I think he was right, I cant eat even 1/2 yogurt without feel to full. I had surgey 10 days ago and have already lost 10 lbs, total of 20 since starting the preop diet. Im missing a few thousand calories! I hope I cont. to be successfull

I'm 13 weeks out and the amount I can eat varies on the density of the food. Some of my regular meals at home are: 1 Morningstar veggie sausage patty with 1 oz cheese on top 1 5.3oz container nonfat plain Greek yogurt 3/4 veggie hamburger patty 1/2 Premier Protein bar 1 oz roasted peanuts 2 oz grilled salmon Last night we went to Outback for dinner. I ordered the 6 oz sirloin with salad and broccoli. I was able to eat about 1.5 oz of my steak, one piece of broccoli and three bites of salad, and I was stuffed. For me, I feel "empty" every few hours, so I end up having several small snack sized meals per day. I don't get low blood sugar episodes that way, which was a problem when I'd try to starve myself pre surgery. I have a goal of 1,000 calories a day which I rarely meet, although I come close. I almost always hit 75+ grams of protein though. I stay away from rice, Pasta, bread and potatoes, they don't sit well in my tummy. Sent from my iPad using VST

I definitely wouldn't handle it by eating cookies. That is going to sabotage your weight loss efforts. Try the SF popcycles or pudding and see if that will help curb your cravings. How about greek yogurt? This is where you are going to have to buckle down and really use your willpower. That's the things about WLS, a chocolate chip cookie still smells and tastes like a chocolate chip cookie. We have to find ways to resist the urge. Good luck

Thanks! I was thinking about it more this afternoon and I might try adding some granola to my afternoon greek yogurt. It's the last thing I eat before I work out after work, so maybe the extra carbs before my workout will help? Since the yogurt itself goes down really easy now, I think I could probably handle a little granola with it without feeling overfull.

I am a vegetarian (most of my adult life) who generally doesn't eat eggs. I eat Greek yogurt and vegetarian cheese (cheese that isn't made with animal rennet--but it of course is not vegan, because it's made with dairy). I also no longer buy leather and try to live as compassionately as possible in all parts of my life. I have been getting my Protein from soy products, whey and soy Protein powder, Beans (kind of high in carbs for the amount of protein you get), cheese, and Greek yogurt. I have very seriously been considering going vegan. However, if I want to keep my protein up and carbs down, I really think that I will need to drink my protein (plant forms) and then eat veggies as my meals. My surgeon wants his patients off of Protein shakes once we move to solid foods, but I don't think that is realistic for a vegetarian, and especially not for a vegan. There are very few natural vegan food sources of protein that don't also require that you consume some carbs--and in general, many aren't super-high in protein, and we can't eat the volume needed to get vegan protein from food alone. One example is soy yogurt--it is much lower in protein and higher in carbs than Greek yogurt. I also don't want to overdo it on soy, because female reproductive cancer runs in my family and I am also hypothyroid. I will be interested to hear what you end up doing and how it works for you. It's good to know someone else is considering a vegan way of eating.

My doc's plan allows for Peanut Butter immediately as a soft Protein (creamy style, of course - avoid the crunchy types for a while.) I didn't use it much after the initial 2-3 weeks when I could get in better protein rich foods as its' caloric content is a bit much to swallow in any quantity during the loss phase, I typically had some on a saltine cracker or two, as those are good at soaking up excess stomach acid and settling stomachs that are still getting used to their new life. It should be good whenever your plan gets you onto soft Proteins - soft cheeses, yogurts, etc., unless your doc's plan specifically says otherwise.

I am vegeterian and get my proteins from Atkins protein shake for breakfast and then make my own protein shake for lunch. Rest of the day I eat beans, oats, lentils, yogurt and don't worry about proteins because I already got my proteins in for the day. Sometimes I do eat eggs but they get stuck!

You really won't feel very hungry for a few months, but by your first month some easy digestible foods are Yogurt, scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, turkey with a broth (moist is the easiest to eat), peanut butter, protein shakes, sugar free pudding, sugar free jello. You basically will work on eating protein and very little 2-3 ounces will fill you, I know it sounds crazy, but I am a year post mop and 4 ounces of chicken fills me up. Also remember natural sugars versus processed sugar foods are very different. I haven't had bananas yet. Remember the majority of weight you lose will be during the first 5-6 months and the. It really starts to slow down, so enjoy the not feeling hungry and just focus on proteins, and keeping hydrated. I live on chickens, Powerade zero and coffee

Jack, thanks for this suggestion "pureed deli meat with a little LF yogurt" for days when I am feeling extra tight or irritated. I have struggled to find a good savory protein. Lanie

I am allergic to aspartame. It gives me headaches, nausea and vomiting... so needless to say. It's off my list. I have found that Yoplait whips is NOT sweetened with aspartame and are pretty good. It seems like all the 'light' yogurt I've found has aspartame in it. Stevia is the best sweetener that I've found. I have been "OFF" soft drinks for 2 years now, so I don't miss the taste... I am having surgery Dec. 30th and am currently on my pre-op diet. My surgeon suggests Opti-Fast for all his pre-op patients, but that contains aspartame & since I can't do THAT, I'm doing broths, applesauce, yogurt, and protein shakes.

GooD AfternooN!!!!! I'm feeling really good today!!!! You can even call me hyper!!! I can't stay still:dance:... I did about 30 minutes of aerobics/excercises... I did 4 or five loads of:washing: .... i gave my two boys a :scared: .... I organized my closet and I even cleaned the boys NIGHTMARE :eek: of a room!! (if you know what moonsand is...you know what I mean....:faint: ) I know I have the "nesting" syndrome. I tell my usband it's because when he coems home from his trip it will be just to take care of me and the kids and not worry about the house...Plus, I've definately let my house go since doing all the PTO things...:rolleyes (at least that's my excuse).... Any way... My diet is going good... Yesterday: Dinner: 1/4 cup rice and 1/2 of a pork spare rib... snack: Bumble Bee sensations (sun dried tomatoes w/ tuna) and my last 12 oz of crystal lite... I got up to pee......3 times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cry Oh well...I sucked it up!!!! :clap2: Today: B: atkins vanilla snack: light yogurt with 1/2 scoop eas whey protein I'm on my 1st crystal lite bottle l: atkins chocolate Doesn't this sound yummy!!!:cry Well, gotta go! Gotta bring my daughter to horseback riding lessons!!! she LOVES it and I love to watch her!!!! Anyway, amybe once I loose the weight we could do it together!!! :clap2: See YA!!!!!!! 6 more days and counting!!

:crazy: GooD AfternooN!!!!! I'm feeling really good today!!!! You can even call me hyper!!! I can't stay still:dance:... I did about 30 minutes of aerobics/excercises... I did 4 or five loads of:washing: .... i gave my two boys a .... I organized my closet and I even cleaned the boys NIGHTMARE :crazy: of a room!! (if you know what moonsand is...you know what I mean....:faint: ) I know I have the "nesting" syndrome. I tell my usband it's because when he coems home from his trip it will be just to take care of me and the kids and not worry about the house...Plus, I've definately let my house go since doing all the PTO things...:rolleyes (at least that's my excuse).... Any way... My diet is going good... Yesterday: Dinner: 1/4 cup rice and 1/2 of a pork spare rib... snack: Bumble Bee sensations (sun dried tomatoes w/ tuna) and my last 12 oz of crystal lite... I got up to pee......3 times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cry Oh well...I sucked it up!!!! :clap2: Today: B: atkins vanilla snack: light yogurt with 1/2 scoop eas whey protein I'm on my 1st crystal lite bottle l: atkins chocolate Doesn't this sound yummy!!!:cry Well, gotta go! Gotta bring my daughter to horseback riding lessons!!! she LOVES it and I love to watch her!!!! Anyway, amybe once I loose the weight we could do it together!!! :clap2: See YA!!!!!!! 6 more days and counting!!

Start with things that are quite smooth, Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, peaches canned in their own juice, etc. Gradually build up on the texture scale. You'll do great!

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!

Just wondering how everyone is doing 8 months post-op. I had a good 6 month follow up with doc who said I am on track. I got a FitBit for my bday and it is pretty awesome at tracking my fitness, sleep patterns, hydration and caloric intake/burn. I highly recommend it just because it really gives a great visual of what you are doing! Doc says to aim for 25 more lbs by 1st anniversary. I was plateauing every 10 lbs, lose the 10 fast then plateau again. It seems the plateaus are longer now, but my clothes are getting too big for me still, so although the scale doesn't show it, I know my body is still changing and maybe it's turning fat into muscle. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Highest was 261, pre surgery 241, current 173. I was walking 3 miles twice a week and last week walked at least 2 miles each day for 7 days! I was on vacation though. Now that it's back to reality and work, I am going to aim for 3-4 times a week, adding hills for the cardio portion.I have found many nodules, pea sized to marble sized on my outer thighs, neck, and calves which I assume are lipomas, but have an appt with regular MD to look into this. Anyone else have these? The are a little painful with pressure. I still can only eat a few bites...of anything. My doc wants me to just eat 3 meals a day, but I think I'd die. I wouldn't get enough nutrients with as little as I eat. I personally think eating 5 times a day is fine, especially because I am eating healthy. I still have trouble with meat of any kind. I used to love Water, it's all I drank, but post surgery it has a funny taste to me and is not as satisfying as it used to be...weird huh? Anyone else? I know tastes and preferences change post surgery, but water?! I feel like my stomach will never be the same again and I have just gotten used to the new feelings/limits. I love fruits, nuts, vegetables, yogurt. I take Vitamin B12 daily and should take multi-vites daily but I often forget that one. I have a really bad case of reflux...worse since surgery and oh my is it painful sometimes. I would like to hear how everyone is doing, if you are having the same issues, or any info you want to share about how you are managing your activity, diet, etc. Have any of you looked into the skin removal step? I am on the fence as to whether I will do that or not. Any thoughts? Hope all of you July sleevers are doing well. -PZ

I was able to have the Lap Banding done on 4/19 and am doing well...sore and stiff, but not as painful as yesterday. I am able to get all the fluids down and protein (drink 2 protein shakes from Costco with 30gm EACH and 11 oz each)...I feel comfortable eating a whole package of cream of wheat, a 6 oz yogurt, etc so don't feel any restriction or swelling restriction yet....I'm trying to limit the quantity so I don't stretch out the pouch....my surgeon keeps on the "slip and slide" yogurt, puddings, all liquids, cream soups, etc only for the first week and then advances to "regular" foods and I'm afraid I'll stretch the pouch out before my first fill on May 18. No nausea at all, and am not really hungry. Let me know how you're doing. Carol:thumbup:

So I got sleeved exactly a week ago. The following was posted by me at OH for those of you who frequent both sites. I'm just trying to get some insight into a really frustrating situation. I was on IV fluids only until Monday, when I started clears. I was on clears until Tuesday afternoon when my info packet said I could move to purees (including mashed potatoes). So since Tuesday, I've been eating the following: -Refried Beans (made me a bit bloated and unhappy) -Yogurt drinkables with splendaa(very pleasant, easy on my stomach) -pudding cups (fill me up fast, but pleasantly satisfying) -Soup with the chunks strained out, though not necessarily clear broth (ie, tortilla soup and hot & sour) -Soft tofu mashed into thin paste -Runny oatmeal with milk and Splenda -Starbucks Iced Latte with no sugar Now bear in mind I just got back. Protein drinks and sugar free options were very slim down in Mexico, so I had to commit minor carbicide a few times, just to get something in me. But is there anything on this list I should definitely NOT be having one week out? Only the beans felt like a bit too much. I'm also trying to better understand the when and when not to drink in relation to meals, even if the meals are mostly liquid. My doctor's diet schedule is incredibly vague "Softs: 3 days to three weeks" and a lot of the other ones overlap. The confusion comes because Angeles Health's own literature is so damned inconsistent. I dug up one version of their post-op plan that outlines Week1: Clears, Week2: Protein shakes, Week3: Puree, etc. But my doctor's nutritionist handed me a paper packet that said to go from clears to puree on Day 4! So I did, and it even listed mashed potatoes as an option! I'm so confused! And now you all have me worried. My own nutritionist isn't seeing me because she thinks there's no point since my diet is so restrictive. I flat-out told my surgeon and his team I was having yogurt drinkables, strained soup (not necessarily clear), and mashed potatoes and they voiced no objection. *sigh* Another issue is that when you're released from the hospital, they cut you loose and want you to stick to the diet plan. We found no easy protein shakes in Tijuana, nor did we find anything low-carb that I could eat in the pureed category. We really were left to our own devices. My stomach feels okay. I was eating mashed potatoes extremely slowly, licking little bits from my spoon and could only eat an ounce or so before feeling full. I'm perfectly happy to scale it back now that I'm back in the States. Should I just go back to my pre-op protein shakes? How do I know if my sleeve is okay and didn't get stretched?? The potatoes were okay at first, but now I just feel a bit bloated. I guess I'm trying to get some peace of mind that I haven't done any permanent damage to my new sleeve. PS - The coffee dried me out, so I think I've learned my lesson on that.

First off I will be 6 weeks out from sugery tomorrow. I have lost 41 lbs so far. My issues have been two nights ago I got back from a 45 minute brisk walk and went to drink some Water, and the water would not go down. It got caught in my esophagus at the point it enters my stomach and I threw it up. I tried to get water to pass for almost a half hour and kept throwing it up. Then it finally passed and I was fine. For two days I have been fine, no problems. Well today, 1 hour after I ate, I drank some water again and had the same thing happen again. I could not get water to go down, and threw it up. I only had to throw up once and then I was able to get water to pass, and have had no issues since. I talked to my surgeon and he said it sounds like my stomach may still be swollen and that I should go back to full liquid diet for 3 days and start taking Prilosec OTC for morning and night. He said after three days reintroduce food slowly. So has anyone else had this happen? Could it be that I am getting a stricture? Getting a stricture is my worst fear. I know I need to trust my doctor and see how things go, doing the 3 day full liquid and the meds. Just wanted to see if anyone has had this happen, and what the outcome was for them? i started soft foods two weeks ago and then regular foods this past week (although I pretty much am only eating soft foods still), and I am really not able to eat much at all. Example, my diet yesterday was a Protein Shake for Breakfast. A greek yogurt for snack. 1 meatball, chewed to mush for lunch, babybel for snack, 3 small bites of tuna for supper. Then lots of liquids all throughout the day. Anyone have any thoughts!! Thanks!!

Hi! I just had surgery on July 14th and am on the pureed phase now. I am no where near the goal on the grams of Protein. Do you all rely on Protein drinks in this phase? And another worry I'm having....I don't feel full when I eat. I could eat the whole 5 ounce yogurt but I make sure I stop 2/3 way through it. Should I be worried about that? Thanks in advance!!!

I am 5.5 weeks post op (every day matters!). I am back to work and can eat a little bit of anything although raw veggies like baby carrots is not good. I am still relying on a protein drink of some sort to get in easy protein but yogurt, eggs, and chicken are my mains. For breakfast I had 1 egg and half a piece of toast. Lunch and snack will be yogurt. I have had no slime incidents, but, came close with the carrots!!

For the first week post, i was eating clear liquids; drinking rather. I was allowed to progress to semisolid foods beginning the 2nd week post op. At that time my eating consisted of refrained beans, low fat string cheese, yogurt, egg whites, sugar free pudding, 1% cottage cheese and various protein fortified desserts. I have been cleared to progress past semisolid foods at my discretion and will try fish today for dinner. Mahi mahi is one of my favorites!

Thanks for the support. I eat healthy. I eat Greek yogurt no fat kind, protein shakes and chicken. I don't have control over portions as the sleeve really limits the amount. Its just that the weight isn't coming off so, I think I am doing something wrong. Then when I do eat it isn't a pleasant experience. I used to enjoy food. No more. Now it is only something I have to do and I don't really now how to feel about that. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Weird, I have had the same thing. I was just banded on March 9, 2006 and it happened after eating yogurt.. anyone out there know why?