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leepizz, I have found nirvana at stores like Whole FOods and my liquid diet has actually become enjoyable. A favourite moment after the 5 days of clear liquids was having my first "full liquid" aka creamy or strained soups. Soups like Roasted Butternut Squash with garlic and sauteed crab meat found at a local high end grocer are so tasty. Strain if you need to. If I was eating canned soups I'd be very unhappy at the moment, even though I usually don't mind them. But when soup is all you can eat, get the gourmet homemade kinds and you will find the liquid diet quite bearable. So far: Carrot ginger, cream of asparagus, lobster bisque (the brand I had was gross though), cream of curried corn and coconut. I have bought soups for the pureed phase coming up next week and can't wait to get to them (like Chicken Tortilla, Curried Turkey Noodle, Cream of Tomato Basil... oh yeah). Also, very high quality yogurt is my salvation. A bit of smoked cheeses melted into plainer soup is good for protein and flavour as well. Let the real chefs help you through this time.

Im post op 3 days and my doctor already has me on pureed foods already. Is that okay because many of you guys have been on liquid diet for about 2 weeks two a mknth and I've only been on it for 3 days also some soups and some yogurt especially the sugar free pudding and the cheese have carbs in it but I've been looking for foods that have low carbs. Is it okay to have that little amount of carbs?

Barbara, Congratulations on having your surgery date and I'll keep you in my prayers this week. I am 10 days post op and these are the things I can tell you from my experience. First of all, know that everyone's experiences seem to be a bit different as you can see from the posts. So it could be different for you. I did have on hand and made up prior to surgery a Jell O buffet (lots of different kinds) and lots of different caffeine free teas - loved the Almond vanilla and it made me feel better to think I could have more of a choice - after all how much choice is there with clear liquids. I also thought no problem eating this way for a couple of weeks, but it is taking its toll no matter how different kinds of Jello and tea I have - it's boring. I can hardly wait for some texture. I heard about the gas pains after surgery, but had no idea what to expect. Found it is not a good idea to be in a public place because of the screams they would cause me. They don't give a lot of warning either. My pains were mainly in my left shoulder area. Took a box of Gas X (not at one time) and it didn't seem to give me that much relief, but would recommend having one on hand. Walk around and getting your fluids is a great tip! I did go back to work the Monday after my surgery on Thursday. Take it easy - don't think you are Super Woman you will pay for it - one way or another. It's funny how your body will "scream" at you when you don't take care of it. I learned this by Tuesday evening I was on the couch by 4 pm in tears, exhausted, and wiped out. I rested a while and felt so much better, so rest when you can so your body can heal. I felt really pretty much back to normal by the 7th day. The port incision is still tender however. I also tried to get by without the pain meds when I got home, there is a reason they give you the pain meds so feel free to use them and not try to be a hero for the first couple of days. I hated the fact that they would make me fall asleep - but in hind sight, that's not a bad thing -helps in that healing process. I also found that using a straw helps me take a sip and drinking hot tea is another way to change any "gulping" habits. The other thing I wanted to share with you is that you may feel a tightness in your chest - right between your breasts - I couldn't tell if that was I was hungry, full, surgery, etc. But I guess it is normal from the posts I have found now, so check those out. It is crazy because there are times it seems I can't get full and other times I eat a half of a yogurt and feel full. So just start looking for the "full" feeling, you'll know it and I am practicing now not to push the bar for when the fill comes, I am not wanting to practice the PBing. I find it hard to also get in enough Protein and eat all that the nutritionist wants me to - so I would encourage you to get some high Protein shake or I got some Protein powder that I can add to my Instant Breakfast or pudding or yogurt - it's flavorless and not bad and gets me lots of protein, with no fat or sugar. Bottom line always follow your doctor's orders and you'll be on your way to a new way of life. The posts here are also very helpful and looking forward to using this resource to its full potential. Best wishes, Lisa Banded 12/9/04 13 pounds down

Hi guys! I am on my puree stage and I got all the staples I have been reading about. Like sour cream, greek yogurt, cream cheese, baby bell cheese, etc. I puree'd chili yesterday. I had the bacon potato Soup puree'd, not a big fan! What about meat? If i made tuna salad, do i have to puree it? What else can I eat that will help my puree stage go better? I dont eat sushi or tofu or any of that! Any avise would be 100% appreciated! I am getting so frustrate! Thanks guys!!!

I feel for you. I had it once and was hospitalized for five days. As someone said, that IS some nasty sh%!. I get nervous everytime I get an upset stomach and panic when I have to take an antibiotic, so probiotics and yogurt everyday is a ritual for me.

You can make healthy choices with the food that is available stick to the fruit, and veggie tray for meats go for the chicken or lean turkey. You are the one that wants to make the changes! Ok there is nothing good about McDonalds, no matter what you choose! It is very difficult to get into a routine but you have to do it, buy some yogurt or boil some eggs for Breakfast, lunch deli meat like chicken and turkey with some green veggies and then dinner rotissery chicken again with some green veggies. Will you be crabby yes because you are detoxifying your body! So your fiancee will have to deal with it. Next you seem to be committed to do right so you will have to make some sacrifice, will you slide back and have something you shouldn't yes of course your human, just dust yourself off and get back on! You have to do this, you want to do this so you must do this. Come in here ask questions and vent that is what we are here for! We have also been where you are so we understand looking at that fountain chocolate and cake and crab cakes and well I better stop :biggrin:. Anyway just concentrate on the end result! Good luck! Sandee

I love cereal!!! If I ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner I would be happy!! My favorite right now is Frosted Chex and the Cheerios with strawberry yogurt flavor. It goes down pretty well and to me it is very satisfying. :hungry:

Your appetite is less post op so it's not that bad. I had to do 2 wks full liquids. (still doing them), i puree chunky soups, eat low fat yogurt, jello, protein shakes....

I started some shopping for pre and post Op yesterday and came home with bags full. I don’t have a pre-op diet, but I’ve decided to do a self-imposed one. I’m drinking protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and then a healthy high protein dinner. According to my NUT and surgeon I’m not supposed to drink protein shakes, EVER, as they are a slider food and go against the bandster rules of eating solid protein. I’m totally on board with that and actually love that their lifetime diet is exactly what I was looking for, healthy food, just a lot less of it…like I keep saying when I see bandsters still drinking several of these shakes daily years out, if I wanted to be on a protein drink diet, then I would have done that, not the band (one of my sisters did this, so did Oprah…they both gained it back). I don’t expect to use protein shakes very often at all, maybe after fills, but I thought it can’t hurt to do this pre-op and I can gather a list of the ones I like. I looked online but soon realized to compare apples to apples was going to take some work on my part. So, I did what I always do, I made a list. The confusing part is if you’re concerned with carbs. With the powdered shakes you need to figure out the grams (they only list percentages) of what is added add to it…like skim milk. Skim milk isn’t low carb, so these powdered ones can quickly become a high carb as well as high protein drink once you add the milk (ie. Unjury). Yeah, you could add water, but bleeech! I bought an assortment to try locally. Some I’ve found hard to find in the stores (ie. low carb Slim Fast). I quickly decided I don’t like the pre-made ones in cans…they have a metallic taste to me (ie. Target Brand). The low carb ones in cardboard cartons haven’t been too bad (ie. Atkins, EAS). You can even buy some powders in huge concrete bags amounts (better be sure you like it first)... I’m back to the stores today (once the snow stops, yes I said snow, several inches...is it April?!) for some low sugar/SF (ie. preserves for yogurt) and low fat/FF items (ie. Refried Beans) to have on hand as well as the GasX and other items suggested post-op. If you have any favorite items, let me know…and if anyone knows where I can get the big containers of plain 0% or 2% Fage Greek Yogurt north of Pittsburgh, I’m offering a reward (my eternal thanks). Product Placement/Marketing?! (that Special Dark Hershey bar is calling my name)...

So this is my first journal entree. I think its a good day to make one. My surgery is on Thursday at noon. Today is Tuesday at 11:40 so its about 48 hours away. Everything happened pretty fast for me. I only went for my consultation last Friday and they had a cancellation so in I went. I have been on my horrible pre-op diet for 4 days now. I now hate yogurt. But I eat it cause i'm hungry and I always hated cottage cheese but i eat only about a tablespoon with every meal because I think I probably need the protein. I am actually excited to start the liquid diet because it means I will get a mix of juice and consume soup so I get the sweet and the savory instead of just berry flavored everything. Honestly right now my skim milk is the closest thing I have to something salty or not tasting of berries. I have lost 12 pounds in 5 days so I guess this diet is working. Everyone makes jokes like screw the band stick to yogurt. But I WILL DIE if i do that. My only saving grace is that tomorrow is the last yogurt day.

I too fell into the trap of eating poorly due to two kids with mental health issues. Know you are not alone. There are more of you out there then you know. Don’t feel guilty about anything. As moms we try our best. I agree that having simple healthy no thinking foods around might help you. My go to as a busy mom is greek yogurt. Grab and go and eat on the run. Hugs!!!!

My preop diet starts on the 3rd of November for 3 weeks. I have given it lots of thought while I waited. I am allowed veg, milk and yogurt. My go to, will be Thai soups and salads. I have bought in lots of water noodles as they are only 4 cals a packet. I like them better than courgetti. They do fill you up. When I get fed up of those I will have soups - carrot and coriander, mushroom and onion are favourite's . Then there is vegetable curries with cauliflower rice. I have had a lot of time on these pages and will use all the knowledge I have picked up. Onwards and downwards

Surgery 10/18 and started puree this Thursday and eating is freaking me out. I've tried yogurt, cottage cheese, lentil soup and Saturday I tried premade pouch tuna salad. I assumed the nausea I was experiencing was from my cancer meds but maybe it's from the surgery too. Today was the first time I didn't lose over night. Trying not to freak out. I finally found a way to get all the Protein in..... flavorless GENEPRO in sugar free pudding (1tblsp = 30g) Still in muscular pain from the surgery and exercise is still difficult but I'm building up every day. I do see the loss in clothes. Mostly shirts as my abdomen is still kind is swollen. I did make the ricotta bake but found myself eating too much. Anyone else having trouble determining full.... at first with liquids I figured it out right away. Now I can't really tell which scares me. Sent from my SGH-T999 using the BariatricPal App

Swelling depends on the individual. Mine went away pretty quickly, but some people take weeks. I was able to start adding "real" food after one week of mushies and within two weeks was eating normally. How about yogurt, SF pudding, cottage cheese, runny mashed potatoes, SF popsicles? Spice up your foods? Well, huevos rancheros (eggs with salsa and cheese), go easy on the salsa and use the runny stuff rather than the chunky. Put a little cinnamon in your applesauce. Add some of that runny salsa to your refried beans. If you like spinach, cook a box of frozen spinach, puree it in the blender and add salt, pepper and a little lemon juice and top your fish with it. Hope that helps.

Glad you had some broth So sorry your day wasn't good. I hope tomorrow is better for you. You are healing, it takes work and time but it will pass. It's temporary so do the best you can to help your body heal. It gets better!!! Have you tried yogurt or applesauce?

I have Greek yogurt for Breakfast they come in 6oz but I never finish it so I save the rest for a snack. for lunch I have a soft boiled egg or fat free chili or fat free refried Beans with a little salsa And for dinner I have tuna with no mayo. and for Snacks I have yogurt or apple sauce. I still get head hunger but I drink my fluids to get over that. I've also been Walking two miles a day Starting weight: 264.5 Current weight 252.6 Goal weight 160

Congrats. Hope your doing well besides the liquids. Your band maybe too tight in hear that's one thing. I also tried sport drinks sugar free. We should be on pure liquids now but my menu is so short. Only says far free puding yogurt cream Soups very nasty in cans cream of wheat farina. Skim milk that's about it for the next 10 days. I hope I can survive.

im the same person just on another username... My pre op diet is a protien drink for Breakfast, a protien drink for lunch wiht a small piece of fruit, 2 oz cheese or half cup yogurt for a sack, then a small piece of meat and a cup of vegetables and a piece of fat free whole wheat bread. then half an apple or 10 baby carrots for snack later

Congratulations on your journey as it seems you are already off to a good start. Don't worry about making your journey public as many of us here have chosen to keep our decision personal. Like you I don't eat cottage cheese or seafood but I find yogurt and different types of bean soups work for me. Don't stack up on to many food because your taste and craving will change after the surgery. Many also depend on protein shakes and powder as a good source of protein post-op. Wishing you the best on your journey!

Activia makes light Greek yogurt. Has anyone tried that for a probiotic?

I downloaded my fitness pal and make sure I get between 60 to 90 grams of protein a day by eating a lot of high protein foods like salmon deli meats Greek yogurt... Cheese.. P3.. Egg whites.. Pure protein bars.. I rarely eat too many carbs and try to stick to good carbs...veggies a small amount.. Some fruit like watermelon or cantaloupe. I have not had any Gerd or reflux. I measure everything!! 3/4 cup or 6oz is all I can fit! I am shedding a lot as well I hear at around 6 months it starts to come back but not sure.. I feel ok when I get up.. But I have a routine in the morning and I don't feel any different than before surgery.. Haha never have been a morning person!! I was sleeved 4/23 SW 270 OW 250 CW 203 Stalled now for a week... Tasting ONEderland!! Hahaha Get your protein in!!! It's important!!

My favorite is Precision Engineered whey Protein Isolate. The chocolate is very good and the vanilla even smells heavenly. I originally got the suggestion from someone on this board nearly a year ago now and it is still the only one I buy. Oh also I sometimes mix 1/2 scoop of vanilla with Greek Yogurt (Dannon Light & Fit Strawberrry Cheesecake and then the Key Lime are my favorites). I also will mix 1/2 scoop of the chocolate with sugar free Chocolate pudding snack. I just ordered the powder in Fruit Punch for a change. Will report back to let you know how that one is.

I found a lot to be chalky as well. I ran across this brand called Core Power and it is amazing more like a smoothie or yogurt. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Well I want to say congrats you are on your way. Just remember to follow ALL the instructions the docs give you to a tee. I bought lots and lots of Jello, sugar free Crystal light (although I didn't like that at all); Any Fat free broths I could find. then when you trasnition to full, I used Protein shakes and yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, blended and pureed I stuck what ever I made for my family minus the carb foods in a blender with ff gravys, tuna, chicken w/ff mayo. shrimp with ff mayo.stuff like that. just try to drink as much H2O as possible and take your Vitamins religiously! Stay focused. the first week you may worry alot about what you did but when you heal you will feel better about your decision and start to look great too. It is all good!!! If you want to chat PM me and I will be of assistance as much as possible Take Care and good luck with the surgery and recovery!!! Angcal26 Banded August 27 lost 56 lbs so far!! one fill 2.5 ccs next fill Dec. 17.

Hi kerbarrett, I am also 7 weeks out today and pack my lunch just about every day. Some days I am bringing some boiled shrimp, a few pistacchios and cottage cheese. I have also been bringing good ham with a piece of cheese rolled up in it and some spicy brown mustard to dip it in. I also am doing lots of eggs, tuna, cheese and greek yogurt and cottage cheese just like everyone else!! I did get on the world accoding to eggface (my most favorite blog) this last weekend and make 2 batches of her protein bites, one was ham and cheese and the other was bacon and swiss. They are the perfect size to eat 3 at lunch and are yummy!