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I have also wasted on TON of money on protein products from GNC, Walmart and my doctor's office; the ONLY one I can tolerate is the UNflavored UNjury. . . add it to o.j., yogurt, milk ---> it's great; with about 21 grams of protein in one scoop.

I'm coming up on a year with my Band and I feel terrific, having lost 60+ pounds. I'm at the perfect tightness and I quite think I'm going to maintain around this weight. My problem? I'm having trouble coming up with anything different to eat day-to-day! I have 2 Protein shakes, one for Breakfast and one mid-afternoon to make sure I'm getting my protein numbers. I DO generally have yogurt or a cheese stick mid-morning. Then I have a mini-meal at lunch (1/4 cup leftovers, i.e. baked Beans, spaghetti, sloppy joe) and about 15 wheat thins (or other crackers). My real problem is with dinner: I find I have such trouble with EVERY type of meat except ground meat--cannot do chicken, beef, or pork--and I am even at the point that I can't do refried beans. Of course, no breads, but I can easily do meatloaf, hamburger, sloppy joe, spaghetti, chili. But then I find myself eating potato chips and dip as a side dish! (They go down so easily!) My dear husband, who really really roots for me, even mentioned tonight how many times he's noticed that I'm eating chips and dip for dinner--and that can't be right--it's easy, but I KNOW I've got to get away from it! I have trouble with mashed potatoes and mac & cheese--should I just steam the heck out of vegetables? I'm still losing--but I KNOW I've got to go for nutrition. What do you long-time banders have daily?? :tt2:

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! I'm still having some trouble sleeping, as I expected as I am normally a tummy sleeper. But, otherwise I guess I'm doing ok. Trying to sip Water through the day. I haven't eaten much of anything, maybe 1/3 cup of Soup broth, 4 or 5 bites of yogurt and half a packet of cream of wheat (and we were out of milk so it was just the Cereal lol). It's not that I can't eat, I just really don't feel the need to. This morning I'm having a medifast chai to try to get some nutrients and Protein in me.

Got my second fill yesterday, and I can finally tell that I have some restriction. I did only liquids yesterday and didnt get hungry. Today I can do mushy foods and I was only able to eat half a yogurt this morning. So hang in there it will finally come at some point. Good luck.

I mourned food (especially fast food) and I was miserable. I have learned to be very creative with my pureed food. I try to walk or exercise when it is not time to eat or when others are eating Water Water Water I bought a food diary and a very good calorie/protein/carb counter book. It is amazing how many calories are in the foods I used to eat. No wonder I was fat! I have posted this on other sites, but I will share with you: Oh my! I just made the most awesome Protein shake. pumpkin Spice Protein shake: (sorry, I didn't measure the ingredients) 1 scoop of vanilla Protein powder about 2 TBS of Vanilla yogurt Some canned pumpkin Splash of milk Pack of Splenda Cinnamon Ice Blend to perfection! So creamy and yummy!!

My go to snack is greek yogurt. (think I have an addiction)

You could always add those sugar free syrups that are for coffee and the best ranch on greek plain yogurt with hidden valley ranch packet

I thought that it might be kinda of cool to get some recipes from all you Nymphs (especially those that can cook). I have made a few in the last few weeks that taste great and are getting me through. Since my last fill, I have not been able to eat anything comfortably in the morning this this Protein shake has been a God sent. Cindy's Fruit smoothie 1/2 cup 1% milk 1/2 cup non-fat strawberry yogurt 1/2 cup mandarin oranges 1 scoop of Any whey or powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder 4 frozen strawberries 2 tsp Splenda 4 Ice Cubes Blend until the ice is crushed. This is my new addiction...I love it because it tastes so friggin' awesome. Almost to good! It also nets a huge glass. For you Low Carbers this is great alone or on veggies or with RF Wheat Thins Cheesy Spinach & Bacon Dip 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cut up 1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained 8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled or 1 Jar of real bacon bits COMBINE ingredients in microwaveable bowl. MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min. Cindy

No not really, I haven't noticed any change in my appetite at all in portion or selection. I ate as a banster as I had my fill 2 weeks ago and still am doing so as of today just so to keep me mindful of it but to answer your question, no no difference. I still am going about 4 and half hrs in between meals and a late night snack of string cheese or greek yogurt if I'm up at night.

Hello. I've been banded for almost 4 years and have lost 95 pounds, give or take a few. I had a fill in January and was very restricted for about 2 weeks. Since then, the band has worked like I had hoped. I would eat a little and be full. I had to be careful, small bites, chew, chew, chew. However, for about a month, I drink my usual 12 oz protein shake in the morning and coffee, yogurt for lunch, 48 oz. of water throughout the day and then eat and drink whatever I'm hungry for, for dinner. The problem is that the evening eating is getting more and more. It seems like I can eat a lot some times and then other times things just get stuck. I think getting enough water has a lot to do with it but I'm scheduled to see my doctor in a couple of weeks and I'm not sure if I need a fill or not. I don't weigh myself a lot but I think I've lost about 5 pounds since January. I'd like to lose another 15. Any suggestions???? Thanks

My doc is OK with it in the mushy/pureed stage. Someof it is higher in protein and lower in sugar (depending on the type) than some of the other things in that stage. For instance, all of the Gerber 2nd Foods meat flavors have 7 to 8g of protein, 0g sugar, 2 to 3g carbs, and about 70 to 80 calories per jar. That ratio actually isn't too far off of some of the protein drinks I have seen, and better than some of the light yogurts and soups that some people eat. However, the fruit and cereal flavors have less protein and more sugar and carbs. Baby food may not be the #1 best choice, but you could definitely do worse in that stage. BUT, I don't know anything about taste.

I was given a pre-diet to follow for 2 weeks prio to surgery consisting of: slimfast optima, cottage cheese, yogurt and a small amount of fruit. I am having such a rough time following it and have cheated a few times. Does anyone know if that will hurt anything? My surgery is Friday Sept. 12th. I just don't know anyone to ask. Thanks:smile2:

Applesauce, mashed bananas, cream of wheat, ricotta cheese with spaghetti sauce on top (HEAVENLY), guacamole, flan or cheesy egg custard, SF pudding, mashed butternut squash, oatmeal, yogurt, whipped sweet potatos.

I also have these GoStak Twist & Lock Storage jars I sometimes carry with me. It can be used as a stack or broken down into the individual pieces. I used this when I had to attend a breakfast meeting that only promised continental breakfast. I carried my Vitamins and some unflavored Protein powder. I mixed half the protein powder in my coffee and half in some yogurt.

It is kind of a long story. Shortened version is I was contemplating having my band removed due to complications. I kind of freaked out at the thought of actually losing my band so I recommitted HARD CORE. I have PCOS, so sugar and carbs are a HUGE no no. So I radicaly changed my diet... and started following the band rules best I could with a wonky band. (I just had surgery last week to repair a hiatal hernia and reposition it). I measure measure measure. I stop when my portion is done. I cut out carbs and sugar as best I could. I eat real food, and stay away from processed as much as possible. I went back to a Protein shakes for Breakfast. I started swimming for exercise since a foot injury restricted my options. Typical day: Breakfast: Either Protein Drink, or Chobani yogurt w/Kashi Go Lean Crunch mixed in. Lunch: Left overs usually from dinner. Taco salad is my favorite lunch. (chopped spinach, seasoned ground turkey, mango salsa, cheese) Dinner: 4 oz of protein (Salmon & scallops are favorites) with 1/2 cup green veggies. Asparagus is my favorite. I try and avoid snacking... but if i do get a little hunger I snack on string cheese, or a skinned apple with Peanut Butter, or a few almonds or pistachios. I have been on liquids for almost 2 weeks since I just had surgery last week... so that has helped too. My best advice is really stick to the rules! It is hard. Head hunger is a nasty nasty b***h. I hate her. I fight head hunger A LOT. I just keep living day by day and hoping that if I can string enough good days together I will get there. My journey has been long with a lot of ups and downs. I am looking forward to getting fills and restriction back. I can get my first fill in 3 more weeks. I hope I can keep losing during this restriction free time.

Hi Beverly, Welcome to LBT! Of course the answer to your question is "follow your doctor's instructions"! In my experience, though, if you're already on protein shakes that means you're in the "full liquids" phase. That would include pretty much anything that goes through a straw--soups, smoothies, yogurt, puddings--things like that. To my mind that definitely allows for putting a banana in a blender with liquid. So what do your doctor's instructions say?

I also felt like I could eat way too much after my 1st fill (2cc) in a 10cc band. I am 10 weeks post op and have lost 33 lbs. I must say I feel like a lot of that has been by me controlling what I am eating. If I allowed myself I could eat a lot more. I try to choose low carb, low calorie, high Protein foods. A typical Breakfast for me is a 2.5 oz Protein Bar, 2 cups of coffee, lunch tuna or chicken salad, 3 or 4 crackers, dinner chicken, or beef, maybe up to 6 oz, sometimes with a vegetable. If I snack it is either low carb yogurt, or cheese, sometimes pretzels if I need crunchy, salty stuff. After my second fill of 2 more cc's, I am more satisfied with less food, and need to chew really well. Chicken and beef can be hard to get down. I still could eat way too much though, so am looking forward to next fill in 2 weeks and hopefully more restriction. Drinking Water definately helps and I don't drink for an hour after a meal. Just try to be smart about your choices until the fills kick in. :clap2:

Thanks for your response! What is greek style yogurt?

I am suppose to have 75-80g of Protein a day. Since I am on creamy liquids that's not a problem, Protein shakes w/milk. Protein powder in yogurt, etc. But..... starting Monday I am suppose to add some "real food". With a 1/2c stomach, how am I suppose to eat food and still get all the protein? The following Monday, all restrictions will be off, How do I get it all down, I'm not even hungry as it is??? Never dreamed I would be worried about not eating enough, what a new life, and I'm so excited!! lol PS I am down 14 pounds since I started the pre-op liquid diet to today (3 days post op). I am feeling really good except when my Corgi jumped on one of my incisions. Still having gas pain in my shoulders though, but I know that shouldn't last.

I have been recommended to be on full liquid for 30 days by my surgeon. I have a little less then 2 weeks left. I have been eating yogurt, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, purée soups, protein drinks, crystal light, & lots of water. Couple of recommendations that have been helping me out because the urge to eat something substantial gets intense. Blend cottage cheese in food processor with seasoning salt, pepper and dried dill, better then it sounds. There is a line of canned soups called Annie's and there are several low fat ones. I have been heating them up and blending them with the blender, very satisfying. Good luck!

I would say you are not getting in enough calories. I don't think that even adds up to 800 calories. If you had surgery in March try to eat food instead of drinking Protein shakes. I would rather much eat calories then drink them. If you have issues in the morning eating, make a shake with fruit, yogurt and other things many cant eat Breakfast but if you can eat breakfast I would recommend replacing those shakes with food instead.

I was banded 8/6/12, and it is a month now. I struggled at first with snacking, but healthy snacks, no carbs just greek yogurt, or cottage cheese, etc only protein. I got the carbs from the yogurt and cottage cheese. I was not losing weight for about 10 day, and when I did a follow up with my doctor i realize they meant no snacking between meal but I was so busy trying to get in carbs and protein, that i was eating too many calories. I have nothing in my band until hopefully the 19th of September. I am now eating 1 cup of food each meal, and i am losing weight. I am not eating between meals which allows me to get in my 64oz of fluid, ex: water, tea, etc and i am not hungry. My dr. said to only focus on the protein and fiber, not the carbs and fat but be mindful to make low calories, low fat choices, not pizza or canned processed foods. She explained to me that i will not feel full after my 6-8 ounces of food, but wait the 20 minutes and let your brain process the food and i should not be hungry for at least 4 hours. I could eat more, but i don't, i wait and i find that i am not hungry. I would not beleive if it didn't happen to me. She explained that it is very important to have the 4 hours window of not eating, because what i don't take in with carbs and fat by not eating between meals your body will use your body fat to get the carbs, fat etc and burn the fat and you lose weight. If you do eat between meals, your body does not need to burn the fat because you are feeding it more food between meals. It was so profound when she said that, it all clicked and i tried it and it worked. Remember I have nothing in my band yet, and i can eat more, but i stop at 1 cup and wait the 20 mins. I was talking on the phone today and went 6 hours and still did not feel hungry, and all i had this morning for breakfast was a 6oz greek yogurt with fruit, a cup of coffee before breakfast. Unbelievable. I may not get a fill if I keep up this way. I do want a fill, because my doctor said once i get a fill, it will be hard to eat more than 1/2 cup of food and then i really need to focus on protein and fiber. Try not eating between meals and if that does not work, don't eat the white carbs because it is not a healthy choice, and i may be filling you up but not keeping you full (carbs make you hungry and that may be what is happening to you) and you need to have high protein with each meal. I have been on a ground turkey homemade chili for 1 week and loss 4 pounds. I have only followed this meal plan for 1 week and it works, where I did not lose any weight for 10 days before my dr. set me straight. Hope this helps.

I can find the Fage Total 0% plain greek yogurt at the big grocery store by my house. Make sure you get the nonfat or lowfat version. Also I'd suggest getting the plain (nonflavored) version because the vanilla flavored or the ones that have add-ins like honey or fruits have lots and lots of sugars/carbs. It's better to buy it plain and then mix in your own stuff.

Like everyone has been saying, it has a consistency similar to sour cream. To me, it is less sweet (or fake sweet) than regular yogurts. I tried plain yogurt (not greek) and was convinced it had soured, had to have somebody else taste it and they said it was fine...i thought it was gross, I can eat plain greek yogurt without anything in it tho. Just tastes better to me.

Asking an obese person to diet successfully is like asking an alcoholic to avoid drinking when life is a constant cocktail party. Especially when you are a mom, there is food everywhere, and everyone is always eating. We are bombarded by ads on TV, drive down the street with restaurants and grocery stores all around us, and then as moms have to prepare food for the other family members that we aren't supposed to eat ourselves?? It just doesn't work. I have "successfully" dieted three or four times, losing over 50 lb each time, but ALWAYS gained it back. Sometimes I could keep it off for several years, but nevertheless is always cam back. When you are denying yourself food, it isn't once a day, it isn't twice a day, or even three times a day you are saying no to what you want. It is every minute. We are programmed to take advantage of food availability by genetics and physiology, and it is horribly difficult to overcome. I have been banded 8 months, and have really changed my attitude toward eating. A lot is due to my band conditioning my body and mind that eating is no longer a great pleasure; it is for the first three bites, but after that it is a chore and a duty to provide myself nutrition. Sure, I am occasionally tempted by ice cream and milkshakes, but the temptation is satisfied if I have a small dish of ice cream. My husband commented last night that now with his band, a container of yogurt with a little whipped cream on top satisfies him just as much as a big sundae used to. Eating wisely just isn't the same with a band. You still have to consciously make the choices to eat well and not constantly snack, but the band is a tool that enables you to make that decision correctly.