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I had that problem for about a month post op. I use to love banana and when I got to mushies I added a banana to my protein shake and it was way to sweet. Oatmeal tasted to sweet. I am just starting to not have issues with taste.

I could consume 800-850 calories in shakes total 80gr protein, plus any broth, crystal light, sf jello, sf popsicles. I drank ready-made Premier, ready-made Isopure, Jay Robb packets - dreamsicle is my fav, Syntax nectar. Hospital - phone/charger, biotene spray, lip balm, slippers, robe, my own tea bags, hair brush, headband, and toiletries, and novel to read. I wore my same clothes home that I came in (leisure bra because it won't rub incisions.). My own pillow and lap quilt - was just to quell my nerves.

I accidently posted a question about what is Grazing in the pre-op section. Opps! So I'll ask here too. What exactly IS grazing? I prefer to eat my Protein rather than drink it. But it takes my about 45 minutes to eat, or about an hour to drink a shake. By the time i'm done, about an hour or so later its time to start again. Esp when trying to get 64oz of liquid in! So it seems like i'm eating/drinking all the time. That sure seems like grazing to me, and isnt that a 'no-no?'. Thanks!!

I lost 50 lbs peo-op but on a low carb/ high protein diet. No pills. Good Luck!

I been stuck at my weight (-1/+1) for the past 2 weeks and I am starting to feel really tired of it. I started a 99 challenge and have exercised the last 15/15 days. I feel better about exercising more and my body feels stronger, but no weight has dropped. I've tried raising / lowering my calories and raising / lowering my Protein to carb ratio. I've been a lot hungrier than normal (I was eating 600-800 calories a day for awhile and now I feel like I need 1000 calories or more to be satisfied). I feel like I have no restriction and am constantly hungry. I moved up my appointment to next Thursday, so hopefully I will get my first fill then. (My surgery was Dec 19, but they said I was losing enough weight not to fill at my first appointment) This month I am only down 4-5lbs so far, when I'm used to 10-20lbs. And even though I've lost 36lbs not on person other than my mom and fiancee have said a word about it. Cheer me up!

Hi! I was just banded on October 30th at Bayshore Community Hospital in NJ. Procedure went well and after a week on liquids, I was cleared at my 1 week checkup to start a pureed diet. I've had a few questions that I'm hoping I can get some input on. 1. I've had no problems drinking. I feel like it should have been harder and that maybe I am doing something wrong. I've been paranoid that I expanded the pouch by drinking too fast. I'm trying to sip slowly but still get through say, a Premier Protein shake in an hour instead of 2 (they're 11 oz). Is this a problem? Am I doing something wrong? I don't know how much slower I can possibly sip. 2. I'm finding the pureed diet to be harder to follow than the liquid diet. I've been really thirsty a lot and since you have to wait 45 mins after eating to drink, I've been favoring drinking over eating the puree. They gave me a sample schedule and it's so regimented that I have trouble following it, at least at home. I go back to work tomorrow and I'm hoping it will be easier. The protein first thing is a problem as it says to eat the first 3-4 tbsp meal first and have the first Protein Shake 2 hours after but I kind of want to reverse that. Is that ok? 3. I'm thirsty all the time, especially at night! I just want to gulp down liquid because the small sips do nothing to assuage my thirst. I have not resorted to that yet but think I've maybe taken too many consecutive fast sips. I've tried freezing crystal light and sugar free ice pops which help a little but the thirst comes right back. Any suggestions? 4. The sample schedule they gave me has me eating 3 3-4 tbsp pureed meals, 3 4 oz Protein shakes, and 5 6 oz clear fluids a day. But it also says to drink 64 oz of clear fluids per day. Their schedule only allows for 30 oz. When am I supposed to get the other 34 oz in? I'm sure I'll think of more questions but for now that's it. Thank you!

I'm still stuck in the protein shake nightmare. Can't WAIT till I can actually chew something then swallow it!!! I can get a 11 oz protein shake down in around 30 min. Lost 20lbs though!

:smile2:The support group post op meeting was good tonite. But I felt out of place because without a doubt everyone at the table of about 15 people were doing 100% better than me. I am so glad for them I really really am! So happy it is helping them!! being FAT I sure know how it feels to be better! wow. I just wanted to get the heck out of there and go have a good cry. Which is what I did went I finally left. And that is NOTHING about the people there, they were great! I again just felt like a complete failure at the darn weight thing. I got lots of great advice about talking to the office mgr. and doctor about what is wrong. They said I need to take someone in with me and be more proactive. Well maybe. I did do that one time and was so angry I couldn't see straight. The only thought I got was that it is all ME now. You know I HATE people who blame others for the things that happen to them. I would be an absolute HYPOCRITE I blame the office, doctor, etc for my lack of weight loss. I am not doing everything perfectly but I think I am doing pretty good. I have tried very, very hard these last two weeks to eat the right amount, upped the exercise, and thought boy--I will lose some for sure. And NOTHING. I weigh the same as I did ten days ago. Right now I don't want to eat anything. Feel like if I do I will not lose. Man oh man. They were right about one thing, I am just about to throw in the towel. I cannot keep this up if I don't see some results soon. Now I don't want to go back into the office because I am afraid of a huge confrontation. Guess I just don't want to blame them if it is me. I hate this. Why can't I just lose a little at a time. By a year out I should be down a lot more than I am. You guys want a plateau, try a 7 month one!:thumbup: Now that is a plateau!! I have upped the protein, exercise, water, writing down pretty good, no drinking, watching portions....come on!! I guess this is just so DEAR to my heart that it is hard to go into that office and not be successful. Oh well. :mad2:

First of all, it's been so long that I've been on this forum, I don't even remember writing a blog so long ago....wow! It's so sad that I kind of fell off the earth after March of 2007. Well I'm back and I'm going to be blogging every day! I don't care if no one reads this or everyone reads this I need all the support I can get!!!! So today was the first day I was really HUNGRY!!! After being completely unfilled two weeks ago, and then filled last Monday with only 1.75 ccs in a 4 cc band, I was thinking to myself "oh I may be in the green zone I'm not hungry between meals" YEAH RIGHT!!! My stomach is growling so loud I could wake up the dead (I work down the hallway from a morgue in a healthcare facility so it could happen lol). Also my boyfriend took me out to dinner for our anniversary (one year) to a sushi restaurant, and I ate a LOT of sushi, so not proud of that, but it was good. I'm not eating lunch until about 2pm or so since I'll eat dinner late. And also with this blog I'm going to write (type?) down everything I put in my mouth. This may get boring since I eat the same thing almost every day, but here goes nothing: Early AM-1 cup skim milk 1 scoop pure protein powder B (9am)-1 container of peach chobani yogurt 1 T Bearnaked protein power granola 1 T yogurt covered raisins L (2pm)- 4 oz of baked shrimp (jumbo size) 1/2 cup green bean casserole (soooo tired of this if anyone has creative vegetable side dishes please comment!!!) D (7pm)- 4 oz of baked shrimp 1/2 cup green bean casserole Post Gym Snack (who knows what time?)-2 tablespoons trail mix 45 minutes on the elliptical at the gym I find it so funny about what I used to ate right after I got banded and how the rules have changed I guess. It seems like now the majority is 3-4 oz of protein, then a half cup of veggies then if you have room carbs, I'm so not interested in carbs anymore....

I was a caffeine drinker as well... but I pretty much got off of that while in the hospital. I had no headaches really maybe 1 or 2 in the hospital... this is a new thing in the last 3 days. I am currently on the full liquid diet, and I am making some (thinned out and no ham) split pea soup... I think I will try to add some extra protein to it and see if that helps. I really cannot wait until I can have soft foods. This drinking everything is for the birds! Thank you all for your input! I am glad I am not the only one this has happened to! I was starting to worry about my blood pressure, but that has been ok. I am learning a whole lot of things from this site, and I hope to get to know everyone

I was wondering if any of you had your revision surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. I am considering going there since my insurance company won't cover my band removal and the gastric sleeve surgery and I cannot afford the self pay option.

Almond milk does not have any additional protein - you might try soy milk. And double check whatever protein powder you use is NOT derived from milk (no lactase, lactose, etc.).

@@toasty Hi there, the first 8 weeks following surgery I had to actually thin them out with lactose free milk. They can be heavy for a brand new pouch but I was told by my nut that they are in fact lactose free. Try using a little fair life milk. I started with 1/3 premier Protein 2/3 milk and then within another week or two I was able to do half and half. By week 8 I was able to drink one slowly over 30 minutes and did not have a problem.

@@Djmohr I have been drinking Premier Protein for over a year now, long before my surgery, because I like the taste and it filled me up as a Meal Replacement before surgery. However, I find now that almost immediately after drinking them I become nauseous and have to lay down for about an hour to get over it. I have been trying to get past it because I really like the 30g of protein, but it is continuing to be a problem. Are you certain it is lactose free? What would be causing such stomach upset if it is lactose free? BTW, I still really like the taste, it is just that it upsets my stomach.

@@gpmed Yes, they are lactose free. The biggest reason why premier Protein is because my nut suggested it. It has one of the highest protein counts (30grams) with only 1 gram of sugar. They taste great, there is no dealing with powders and blenders at all. It was a very easy transition for me,

They have me doing 2 Protein shakes a day that are under 200 cal and have at least 15gm of protein and 1 meal under 300 cal, under 15 carbs and over 15gm of protein for days 1-7 of the pre-op diet. Then on days 8-13, I will do 4 of those shakes a day, no solid food, then Clear liquids only in Day 14- the day before surgery. I'm on Day 6. I 'm glad its getting a little better. Days 3 and 4 were the worst,

Just got back from my medical doctor and I'm cleared for my surgery in the 21st Now I have to get through these 2 weeks of Protein shakes ! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hi, So, I'm 16-days post op. Before yesterday my pain was on the left side where my biggest incision is (yes, that's normal) but now my pain is on my lower stomach right below my belly button. I Googled it to find info and I couldn't find anything about lower stomach pain below the belly button after the gastric sleeve. It's hard for me to lean forward or bend forward. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this before? I am following everything to a T (60 grams of protein a day, staying hydrated, taking multivitamins, calcium, & I walk at least 30 minutes a day). I also take my gallbladder & ulcer preventing medication. My nurse told me they sewed my muscle (& skin) back together to prevent hernias & ulcers. How long is this cut, really? Why would I feel it in my lower belly? Height 5'0" Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs. Surgery date: 2/13/17 Goal: - 71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs). Current weight: 188 lbs My profile picture is not me. It's my "FitSpiration" body.

I think it's normal for a little bit of "rebound" weight, but you're right to try and get it under control now. I find that when I stick to the super low carb and high Protein diet for a day then the next day I'm not as hungry. Carbs and sugar make me feel like I'm ravenous. It's a cycle.

up your protein!!!

Okay, here is my advice.... don't be scared, do something about it. The best way to keep that feeling of "tightness" is to eat in such a way to keep it tight. -Eat until no longer hungry, do not regularly "fill" your stomach -Don't drink with meals, do not pack that stomach -Avoid sliders - you know, the foods like crackers or chips that you can eat literally a whole bag and still feel you have room for more -Eat the dense, filling Protein food first. For me, beef or chicken is most filling, but salmon or other things can be too. Eat your few ounces of that and if you are not full, have a bit of veggies. Skip the potatoes, and any sliders. -Consider reducing your sugars - by that I mean reduce carbs. For some of us, carbs/sugars increase our appetite. I eat very limited fruit, bread, rice, noodles because those foods trigger hunger and don't satiate me. -Watch out for Protein Bars and other "health foods" as many of them are high carbs/sugar and don't fill you up very well. I argue they are somewhat "candy like" and tend to trigger food cravings. Protein drinks that are low carb have worked well for me though. I am 2 years out, I have lost 160# and in maintenance. The sleeve doesn't prevent me from eating anything, but it is a tool that helps me adhere to my healthy eating plan, if that makes sense.

i had the protein shakes the first week, just drank them slowly. go to www.lapband.com and you can get tons of recipes for all the stages, to shake things up with the broths. i know it sucks, banders hell, but you are still very swollen. i did the broth for the 7 days, just mixed it up with the recipes i found for a change. after that first week it does get better. i was so happy to have cream of tomato soup

Well today marks 4 months since I had my sleeve done.I have lost 96 lbs total preop. 76 of that since surgery. I feel that is a lot yes I stoll have a lot to go. I startrd at 365. However my concern is I feel I can eat almost nething.I can eat 4-6oz depending on density of food. I have done salads.meats.no beef unless its real soft.some pastas like a bit or 2.no sodas.a bite of something seeet here and there.anyone else here 4months or more feel that can eat quite a bit and a lot more options.it scarese to know I hav more options now.

My surgery was Wednesday, April 2nd. I'm amazed at how well I am doing. I'm sitting here, on my bed, just chilling cause you know, I just had major abdominal surgery and probably shouldn't be up doing my normal things. Lol! All silliness aside, my heart goes out to those of you who haven't had such an easy time. Please be kind to yourselves and get well soon. Several of you have asked if I would talk about my experience having the VSG surgery. Here it goes: The ninth day before surgery, I started a modified liquid diet (2 shakes & 1 low-calorie frozen entrée) for five days. The two days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet (with a magnesium citrate chaser to 'clean me out'). 4/2 Wednesday - Surgery Day. I couldn't have anything by mouth, not even ice chips. Before surgery a nurse put a Transderm Scōp® patch (Scopolamine) behind my ear to help prevent nausea. During surgery my doctor found a small hiatal hernia which she fixed. When the surgery was completed she did a 'leak' test. Everything went well, and I was transferred to recovery and then to my room where my family was waiting for me. Once I was back in my room, I was told that they would have me up and walking within four hours. I couldn't have anything by mouth until the next day when I would have another leak test. My mouth and throat were so dry; I honestly think that might've been the worst part. About four hours later the nurse and aid came in to get me up for a walk. Though I was uncomfortable, mostly because of the JP drain, I didn't require any assistance getting up and ended up walking to the end of the hall causing my nurse and several others to remark, "wow! What a good job! We never see "these" patients do that." Yeah, "these" patients. Smh Through the night they would poke and prod me with needles. One of the test was a blood sugar. Though I have never had an issue with blood sugar, my numbers were above 120 two times. Interestingly, this is quite normal for patients who just gone through surgery. Their protocol for bariatric patients is, if the blood sugar is over hundred, they are given insulin. So when the second test came in high, I was given insulin. Their reasoning is, you heal better and have less chance of infection when your numbers are below 100. 4/3 Thursday - The next morning I was taken to radiology for another leak test. I had to drink yellow colored contrast so that they could watch where liquid went after I swallowed it. I asked the tech if my doctor was there and how soon she be reading report, because I was so thirsty. The radiologist, behind the partition, called out to me and said everything looked great. About an hour later I was started on clear liquids. My first meal consisted of: chamomile tea, broth, and cherry Jell-O. Along with my meal came a measured medicine cup. And, I was told to drink 15 mL every 15 minutes and track it on the form provided. I could tolerate everything except the Jell-O. I had a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia infusion pump) which was removed once the IV in my hand infiltrated the next day. At that point I started receiving Roxicet which is a liquid Percocet. I continued to get up either on my own or when it was suggested and each time, walked a little further. One of my nurse remarked she was very impressed because again, "'these' patients need continual prodding to get up." I ran a low-grade fever of about 100.4 throughout my stay. It was normal the day was released. 4/4 Friday - that morning I was instructed to drink 30 mL every 15 minutes and track it. My release was dependent on whether or not I could self-hydrate enough. I was able to take a shower on my own and dress in pajamas that I had brought from home. I continued to take walks every few hours. I was released that afternoon. Yay!! The entire time in the hospital, I had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain was easily controlled with medication; I should mention the pain specifically related to the JP drain was pretty startling at times. 4/5 First full day home. I started phase 2 diet which consists of smooth foods, purées and 60-80g of protein in a liquid supplement. My surgeon requires her patients to walk 30 minutes each day, even if it's in increments. So, I went to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and walked the store for 30 minutes. By the end I was pretty wiped out. I've had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain has been easily controlled with the Roxicet. I feel weak, especially when I forget that I've had surgery and overdo it. Several times I've felt shaky and/or dizzy. My muscles feel a bit noodily. I've been able to handle all of my self-care and meals without help, i'm just slower than normal. I was also sent home with a prescription for the Scōp® patch and a sublingual anti-nausea medication; if you have a tendency toward nausea, I suggest you talk to Dr. about these meds. I'm still a bit swollen but not as much as my first day home. Oh! The gas pains. They're pretty sporadic and only last 10 to 60 seconds, but boy oh boy do they smart!! I know this is pretty long; I hope that it's helped somebody out there. If you have any questions, feel free to post them below or send me a private message.

I was SO sorry to read this You will be in my prayers as you pursue your options to lose weight.