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I just called Royal Caribbean and got GREAT news!!! They have a "Special Needs" department that has noted all my foods need to be pureed, and I can work through the daily menu with the "special needs chef" once I get on the ship to sort out which foods to puree for me. Also, travelers are not permitted to bring on any foods including Protein powder, SF yogurt, etc. However, due to my situation they are allowing me to bring on those few select foods and Snacks for the week. I just have to make sure that the SF yogurt is cold enough when I board or else it will be discarded. I am thrilled! Bummer I can't enjoy the rock wall and the wave pool!!! (Doc says not strenuous activities for the first 6 weeks).

I am a avid reader and wondered if anyone here had read my favorite series (Author) The Crosstitch /Outlander series .... http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/diana-gabaldon/ Its tha absolute BEST .. I have just finished re reading it before I read the latest book Echo in The Bone..... My next Favorite Author and series is.. Sara Donati`s The Wilderness series .. http://www.saralaughs.com/ I am going to re read the complete series before I read her new book in the collection ...The Endless Forest.... I am off to my sons to have a BBQ (or not to have a BBQ but thats what everyone else will be doing ) I will play with my 2 grand-daughters and eat yogurt..:frown: Have a great weekend all..............:frown:

fruit yogurt with cheese garlic bead dipped in soda (mostly sprite or diet coke) rather yummy!! Otherwise i am really picky with my food - i think fruit in a normal salad is just like totally WRONG!! WHO DOES THAT MY GOD! And pineapple in pizzaa?? GOSH! Pehehehe!!

Yes, I'm still on the liquid diet (for 10 days post surgery, which will be this Sunday). I'm allowed clear liquids, protein shakes, nonfat yogurt and sugar free pudding. My calorie intake has been between 600-800 per day on the liquids... its not TOO bad, but sometimes i feel like i could kill someone for a bite to chew on!

when I was pregnant I used to eat plain yogurt and dip kit-kat bars in the yogurt .... When I was little I used to eat dog biscuts ,sick huh ?

Okay, I've always loved Jif Peanut Butter. After lapband surgery on 09/19/13, when I finally starting introducing soft and reg foods after the 2 week liquid and 1 week mushie, I would come home from work and eat my 4oz for supper and then find myself feeling hungry an hour or so afterwards. I know this is probably more habit then hunger at night, as I would eat a few times after supper. I tried some greek plain yogurt and added 2 T of PB along with 3 or 4 splenda's with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tsp of vanilla and I was hooked! Now, instead of coming home and eating the meals I prepared for the week, I eat this yogurt/pb instead because I did not want to overdo it with both, and the yogurt has 15-20 grams of Protein and the pb has 7.. But then lately I've been getting more than 2 T PB and even go back later for more PB or another round before going to bed. Tonight I stopped by the store and got another jar along with sunflower seeds hoping it would help me feel more satisfied. Damn Comfort Food!! When I do eat this, I find some discomfort with the PB as I feel it is sticking, but I continue to eat it because it is soooo good! Has anyone else had a similar problem? Any suggestions on how to get away from this (nightly snacking) would be more than welcome. I need a swift kick in the butt!!! I've lost 32 lbs as of my last dr visit on 10/31/13 and am due form my 2nd fill Nov 21st. I'm afraid I may start putting weight back on.

I was on liquid for the first 3 days and then I have to do full liquid, including yogurts, puddings, etc, for FOUR weeks! Doesn't that sound too excessive? I saw my nutritionist today and told her that I tried a little bit of mashed potatoes, and she pretty much told me that I shouldn't start puree for another 2 weeks, despite my surgeon telling me that I cannot do any damage to the staples. I was sleeved on May 21st, by the way. I am also having such a problem getting in Protein. I heard a lot of people like the Premier Protein, chocolate flavor? Any suggestions? I have already spent so much money on different Protein shakes. I tried the isopure vanilla, which I hate (yuck), then I tried the isopure drinks, the fruit alpine, they were even worse, then I tried these coffee lattee flavored packets my nutritionist sold that I didn't like, and finally (today) I bought a pack of the pre-made shakes my nutritionist had in her office and they were good but they are expensive ($18 for 6!) and don't have as much protein as the premier, they only have 15g whereas the premier has 30g. Suggestions welcomed!!!

I love love love me some Greek Yogurt! I've never seen a Krogers you all may not have these stores where you live but I find Chobani 0% fat at Hanaford, Shaws and Market Basket here in New England from .99 - $1.20. Fage is good too but I perfer the Chobani. As far as it resembeling sour cream, I agree. It's a bit bitter like sour cream (which I don't mind) but when you get the flavored (blueberry, strawberry, pommegranet, honey) it doesn't taste too bitter.

I had my surgery two weeks ago. I did liquids for the first week then I got hungry! So, I started to eat very mushy stuff like yogurt, pudding, and soupy beans. Now, I can eat fish and tamales. I am worried that I may not have the right size band on b/c this doesn't seem right. I do get full faster than I used to, but still it seems that I should notice a huge difference.

Court12, I'm just now heading to families to be around food, so idk yet, but hoping and praying it won't be too hard! And I'm no Dr, but I'm sure the yogurt won't kill u lol I know the guilt tries to nibble at u. But honestly that was some of the things on our liquid diet for 1st 2 weeks post op. Well only had to do clear liquids in hospital!. Anyway, Congrats and Merry Christmas :-)

Fridge Cherries Watermelon Leftover Ck Soup from last night Squash Broc Cauliflower Lite Grape Cran juice OJ Greek Yogurt eggs FF Cream cheese Lite Laughing Cow Cheese I can't beleie it's butter spray SF Choc puddings Home Made Salsa SF Jam Lite Mayo Wasba Sauce Freezer Cat Fish- Filet Migon- Sal mon Patties - Lean Hamburger - Ham Hock - Pork Tenderloin - chicken Various Frozen Veggie - spinach - carrots - brussell sprouts - corn - Beyers Low Carb vanilla Bean Ice Cream Variouse WW or Lean Cusine meals Pantry SF Puddings Mixes Tomato Sauce - Red Chille Sauce - El Pato (spicy mex tomato sauce) Pure Protein Ready made shakes Hummus chips Rye crips Crackers 100 Cal Snack Pack Popcorns Spray Butter Pam Paul Newman Marinar sauce Whole Wheat Pasta Rice Instant Mashed Potatoes oatmeal (steel cut) Corn meal Ice cream cones Peanut Butter SF Creamer coffee Tea Splenda Tuna Lite Bread

Thanks for this. I'm really working on trying to listen to my body and interpret signals correctly. Everything got so scrambled over the years that it's hard for me to know when/if I'm truly hungry. Newly-banded and hunger has not returned yet so I am just taking baby steps. Guess this is what learning the band is all about -- learning when food is required and responding appropriately. I want to enjoy my food and then stop. The band is allowing me to do that, even if it is just applesauce and yogurt right now.

I can't help but smirk when I read this. I went through the same chit. Lol I know it's hard. Gets a little easier each week. Some faster for others. I am 6wks and guess what I had for dinner? Greek yogurt. That's it. Why? Cause I was feeling like u. Solids are still hard for me.

I slept in a bit, but still made it to the Y today. I did 0.65 miles on the treadmill, and then did 15 minutes of these weight machines for my legs and arms. It's not a lot, but it's a start. I forgot to eat before I left so 40 minutes of working out was enough for me. For the first time post-op, I had this hunger crampy feeling in my tummy. I came home, and ate a protein bar that has 20 grams of protein and only 14 grams of carbs. I feel pretty good about going today. Hurricane Ida is rolling in. It's super windy and rainy here, but I still went. I am going tomorrow for my physical assessment. I'm excited to see what type of program they set up. Plus, I'm really interested in doing the Hip Hop dance class. Unfortunately, the only time they have the Hip Hop class is at 5:30 p.m. That would definitely screw up our evening schedule. It's an hour long class, so dinner wouldn't happen until 7:30 at the earliest. They have Zumba, but I honestly don't think I'm coordinated enough for that one. Tonight for dinner, we're having pasta salad and chicken. I've found a little snack that I absolutely love. Yogurt covered cranberries are absolutely fabulous. I liked them before surgery, but now they are even better. I love feeling this good. I'll be excited to see even more changes in my body as I start working out more. It'll be nice to lose this fat roll on my stomach. I affectionately call it my own personal flotation device, or my little spare tire. Hopefully it'll shrink up over time. Life is great.

My problem for the past few days is that everything is either so bland, or I'm just getting sick of the foods/textures that I can ingest. I just read up on a few things online for changing the flavors of broth and yogurt and decaf coffee.... vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Ginger: add to yogurt, coffee, or chocolate/vanilla Protein shakes to change up the flavor Garlic powder, pepper, salt substitute (for low or no sodium broths), chili powder, cumin, thyme, rosemary, basil, paprika, hot sauce, lemon juice, or soy sauce: add to your broth to make it less bland. Don't worry about putting too much - it normally takes at least a tablespoon of any of those (except the salt) to help 14oz fat free/low sodium broths have taste. Hope it helps - I know I can't wait to try them.

Amazon and costco are my besties!! I am extremely choosy, and I dislike EVERY Protein shake. I replaced Protein shakes with Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt (120 calories, 15g protein), but you'll have to check with your nutritionist if that's okay pre/post-op. I seem to be like the ONLY one who hates protein shakes so much. Costco does have Premier at a great price, but Walmart also usually has 4-packs if you want to sample (the price is not nearly as good). My nutritionist also had samples of items. I have spent a FORTUNE trying to find one I like, and there are just none that I like. As for Vitamins, I get most of mine between Amazon and Costco. Costco has great prices on sublingual B12, Biotin, and Iron (and I also bought chewable vit C to help iron absorption). On Amazon I got a multi called Vita-Mini at an exceptional price, but they don't seem to be available now (I ordered several but will be sad if they don't come back in stock when I need more)...they are super-tiny swallowable tabs as I hate chewables. I also got Calcium citrate in powder form from Amazon, again because I don't like the chalky chewables. My nutritionist also recommended Citrical Petites for people who don't like the chews. I have found that Costco and Amazon are far better priced than even Target and Walmart. Know that products that are specifically marketed for bariatric patients tend to be very heavily marked up, and for the most part you can avoid them unless you really don't want to.

That is quite good to know (the pushing of a yogurt rich diet). Depending upon the brand and such, they can have an extremely varied microbe content. I suppose an interesting test would be to break down post surgical success based upon which yogurt brands (and in turn, which microbes) lead to the most desirable outcome. That experiment would be much further down the line however LOL. Speaking with my mother, she remembers being pushed into an extremely high protein diet post bypass, and told to avoid fruits and vegetables. I had forgotten that fact. Thanks for the insight, Brad We are all encouraged to eat a high protein/low carb diet. Yogurt is a great option immediately post op because of it's soft consistency. Some of us are even allowed it in the "liquid" phases. It remains a good option later on as well, due to its high protein content and low carbs/sugar. Another thing that might be interesting to explore is the prebiotic Fiber content of many high Protein Bars. Many use isomalto-oligosaccharides and a major brand, Quest, just switched to soluble corn fiber. I was an avid Quest Bar eater until the switch and my gut bacteria definitely didn't take the switch well. I became HORRIBLY bloated and flatulent. I couldn't even be in the same room with myself it was so bad. I had to switch to another brand that was still using isomalto-oligosaccharides.

Hi everybody (^;^) my husband is 1 week post op today, and down 15 lbs in 1 week and 30 pre op. He has a giant smile on his face this morning to see he is under the 400 mark, now a 398lbs and dropping!! he is now having a protein shake for breakfast (about 1 hr), yogurt for lunch (30-45 min), homemade broths for dinner (1hr) and water, water, water all day!! Have a great day!!!

I had my surgery 7/10 and am traveling for work. Thankfully I was able to acquire some protein shakes and triple zero yogurt but man was it a pain to track down. Does anyone have any travel tips and tricks to make sure you’re getting enough protein, hydration, and able to take all the post ops meds and vitamins?

I was sleeved on 6/11/12. My Doctor gave me a prescription for Prilosec to fill before I went in for the surgery so that it was at home waiting for me. He has all of his patients take it for 6 months after surgery. I never had reflux in my life, but I don't want to take chances, so I open the capsule everyday and add it to my crushed medications and I eat away with my yogurt or applesauce. By the way, my Doctor also says I have to crush pills for 4 months This makes me gag when I eat it.

5 days post-op and I feel pretty good. Little gassy...but not bad. Last night is the first nite that I actually felt hunger pains so I had a 5 oz greek yogurt. Still woke up feeling hungry during the nite, but just drank more water. Got up about 7am and had a cup of maltomeal. Then about 1100 I was really hungry and I ate a can of spaghettios w/meatballs which is two cups. I don't think I needed the two cups...but part of me was curious what the band would do. I didn't notice anything... but I am not hungry and its now 8pm I did have 16 oz protein drink between 7pm-8pm just to get my protein in though. I think my goal will be to work on getting an eating schedule down now that I am not sleeping as much.:w00t:

I had 3 days I did not lose weight when I changed to phase 2 of diet. I did not worry about it to much. I am now down 18 pound and am feeling great. My husband had his surgery today and is doing well. He says his stomach is growling and he is hungry. I have been getting my 60 grams of protien barely and my 64 oz of fluid. It is hard because I am not hungry and the soup is getting old. I got tired of tasting the protein powder in every thing I eat and drink so I am now having a flavored greek yogurt for breakfast with 11 g of protien an Isopure drink with 40 g of protien maybe a shake or an egg. I eat soup for lunch just for the taste. The longer I stay on the phase 2 the less I want to eat ever. I seem to be sensitive to smells as well. I am excited about the weight loss and pray my husband recovers as quickly as I have.

The last part of your blog helped me. I'm on day two of the liquid diet and I'm starving. I don't like soups or yogurt so it's very hard for me. But your right....... I just better get used to it. And if I loose some weight in the meantime...woohoo.

Holla bandmates! I hope this finds you nice and cool in the perspective areas in which you reside, cause it is HOT in the midwest for sure. They are canceling the fireworks around here and nearby cities, please be careful it is indeed dry, I expect to see tumbleweeds roll across the prairie anytime now. I've had a little excitement today. First I had my first BM today, I know I can hear the applause coming from you through cyber world! Next, had a little "tiff" with someone because he thinks the United States started going downhill when they gave women the right to vote, no wonder I have a headache. I believe the headaches are being brought on by my cold turkey dismissal of Diet Mountain Dew, not to fret as I have found a not only suitable replacement but a Fabulous one: Crystal Light Wild Strawberry (energy) it has some caffeine it in and my headache subsided quickly and it does taste like strawberry, I don't know how Wild it is, but it works for me. Today I had about 25 oz of Chocolate protein drink, I prefer vanilla, but the Chocolate Malt wasn't bad and change is good. I also had a cup of Kroger brand "Carb smart" tropical yogurt. The Carb smart brand is more the consistency of pudding and you don't have to stir it up and of course there are less carbs, and as an added bonus you can get 10 for $4! I also had about 16 oz of water and who knows how much CL lemonade. I also walked 1.3 miles and I took my time. I'm an early riser so that's when I walk, this may change however to when it's dinner time. Although I'm not too tempted with food at this time, I'm sure it's right around the corner. I've decided when I fix dinner, I will either walk, go to Zumba, the gym, bird watch, underwater basket weave, anything not to be around when the table is set. The boys can then put the food away, etc. so it's done and over with upon my return. The thing I'm missing is a glass of wine, I put my CL in a wine glass but I would like to have a glass in the evening, or a bottle of tequila, same thing. I hope whomever's reading understands and "gets" my humor, laughing burns more calories than not laughing, it's a fact! My pain level is at a 1, still a little sore but feels like I just did like maybe 20 crunches after not doing any ever. I have an appointment for my first fill Thursday, however, after posting my concerns and reading the forum regarding your first fill, 9 days after surgery seems very fast and I can't locate another that has had a fill that early in the game. My conclusion is when they called to schedule it they said "fill" when what they probably meant was "Post-Op" visit. Either way I am not afraid, I am excited and welcome each and every step of my yellow brick road. I reference that because like the "Good Witch" says: "You've had the power all along" and what a true statement. We have had the power, we just needed the perfect tools-and by gosh we finally have the tools that we may tap into that power, not only for now, but forever. Thank you bandmates for being candid, honest, and sharing your stuff to inform, enlighten, and sometimes make us laugh or cry with each other. Until tomorrow, Onward and Upward, and as always Lo & Behold! .....Velvet

I have noticed from others that sometimes after being banded for a while, it is easy to forget or stray from the original guidelines or some banders didn't get adequate information from their centre initially. For starters, I would log what you are eating (ideally through myfitnesspal or something like that that will track calories too). You should not exceed (per my doctor) about 1200 calories per day and should have about 60+ grams of protein. Try not to exceed 1 cup of food per meal and have a planned healthy snack in between meals (piece of fruit) or something. If you are not able to get even yogurt down, perhaps your band is a little too tight which may be causing you to eat some unhealthier items (sliders) that will go down easily and that may be part of the problem. It sounds like you could really benefit from a visit (or 2) with a nutritionist to get back on track. You shouldn't feel so defeated and frustrated with your food choices. I am able to eat most anything as long as I eat slowly and eat small bites. I would urge you to see out one (my bariatric clinic has ones on staff) and they have a lot of great ideas and advice. I truly don't feel deprived and only did when I was too tight and struggled getting solid food down. I also have found healthier ways to still enjoy many foods I loved before but now in a healthier way. There is a website called Emily bites (I believe) and there are many recipes that you make in cupcake pans so they are portioned out into appropriate sized meals. They are healthy versions (ie. lasagna) of everyday foods. I really enjoy them. Good luck to you!