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Almost 8 weeks out, down 26 pounds from 271 to 245 So I got my first fill last week, and I am REALLY tight. So much so that I've lost 5 pounds in 6 days! I am finding it extremely difficult to eat anything in the morning. I even feel stuck just trying to drink some water or juice in the morning; warm coffee seems to go down much more easily. I had a particularly bad day this last Saturday: so let me first say that of course I recognize that no one who is trying to lose weight has any business eating anything at McDonald's. However, every so often I allow myself to indulge, and Saturday morning was that occurrence. I was soooo excited about eating some of that sausage biscuit, let me tell you. I was going to be taking a quick road trip of about an hour on Saturday morning, and I figured with this great restriction it would practically take me an hour to eat about a quarter of that delicious biscuit. Well, I think I managed to eat a total of one normal sized bite, taken in teeny tiny little pieces which just REFUSED to go down. UGH! Never has a human being been so disappointed. I cursed the band, let me tell you! I wanted to eat that damn biscuit in the worst way! And, to showcase my food addiction even more - instead of throwing the blasted biscuit away when I reached my destination, like any sane person would.....I wrapped it up and saved it, thinking to myself, maybe I'll loosen up later today and I can still eat some of this later!! I tried, not once, but twice more throughout Saturday to eat some of that biscuit, and EVERY time I tried it was worse. Waaaahhhhhh!! I also had my first PB (productive burping) episode on Saturday. I now know that it was precipitated by the biscuit incident in the morning, but I wasn't smart enough to be worried about that when I sat down to lunch with my husband and some friends......I unrolled my chicken salad wrap and picked out a tiny forkful of tender shredded chicken. I chewed and chewed and chewed until it was liquid, and when I swallowed, at first I thought it was OK, but after a few seconds I got that awful pressure feeling in my chest. So I sat there and talked and waited for it to subside and eventually decided to take a bite of my fruit cup - one tiny cube of mushy peach, which I chewed up to nothing and then swallowed. I immediately got the stuck feeling, and my mouth started filling up with saliva. This has happened to me before many times, but somehow I realized, luckily, that this time was different. My husband's colleague was in the middle of asking me a question, and I literally jumped up from the table, completely cut him off mid-sentence, and was barely able to choke out 'please excuse me' before I was running to the ladies room. As soon as I got in there, up popped the peach, and lots and lots and lots of saliva. BLECH! I thought I would feel immediately better, but I didn't. I stayed in there a while trying to regain some composure. In previous episodes where I would get that stuck feeling, and would "slime" for a while, at a certain point I'd feel things settle down and go through, and I'd be fine and would actually want to resume eating. This time, however, there was no way I was going to try to eat anything else for a while. I had to be really careful even drinking water for the rest of the day. I finally had a very few morsels of dinner (a couple bites of mashed potatoes and a tiny piece of husband's soft and gooey chicken quesadilla) many hours later, around 8:30pm. They went down OK, but I was scared bc we were in public at a bar, and I did NOT want to have to race off to the bathroom again, so I didn't push it. Sunday morning there was very little change, I still felt extremely tight and had to be careful even swallowing my yogurt. But, by lunchtime I had loosened up and was able to eat half of a turkey sandwich with no problems. So, on Saturday I was feeling a little panicked, and thinking - maybe I'm too tight?? Maybe I should get a slight unfill? But, now, a couple of days later, I've realized that there's something to be said for being this tight - it absolutely forces me to take tiny bites, chew properly, not drink after eating......it basically forces me to be accountable at all times to the band. I think as long as I'm careful and don't PB all the time, maybe I'll just deal with it?? Because you know, of course I'm loving, loving, loving watching the scale drop each day! The only thing I'm worried about right now is how to explain my sudden bird-like portions to friends. This weekend when someone made a comment, I just said, "Oh, you know me! I'm just trying to lose some weight....AGAIN, ha ha ha..." I just wonder if someone is eventually going to catch on to my secret! I really, really, really hope not.

Yes, good thinking! Cottage cheese has much more Protein than yogurt does, so it helps you stay full for longer. It seems a bit thicker too, so that helps keep you full also. Good luck on your journey! :laugh:

Each of those items listed is considered one serving, and it's saying you can have 3 servings or less per day... So essentially, you can have 1c of skim milk and 2 8oz yogurts today. Tomorrow you could have 2c of skim milk and 1/2c of cottage cheese. Does that make sense?

I take 4 pills every night NOW. However, I have been restricted so tight that I was unable to swallow water, much less pills, so I had to ask the pharmacist for a liquid alternative. The taste was utterly horrid. Otherwise, if you can't swallow them, you can crush them and hide them in yogurt or pudding etc. However, if you have capsules, you need to make sure they are not time released and it's okay to open them. Otherwise, your pharmacist may be able to suggest an alternative.

My surgery date is August 26. I'm having gastric bypass. I lost 26 lbs by changing my diet in the last 3 months. Today I started the liquid diet. My stomach was very upset this morning. I had a Premier Protein shake for Breakfast and felt horrible. Maybe it's mental because I consumed those for breakfast sometimes before today. For lunch today I had a chicken Soup unjury shake with 1% milk, which tasted like chicken broth. I'm also drinking Water, as much as I want. I figure that may make me feel fuller during the day. I'm on a full liquid diet for two weeks, which includes pudding and yogurt, but most items are sweet, not savory so I'm feeling a bit urpy and hungry. I think a lot of the hunger can be attributed to the reason why I'm overweight, which is that I just like to eat......anything. I'm totally addicted to food. I'm a Midwestern gal and love my food! The doctor told me that my taste buds may change after surgery and I will probably not crave the things I crave now. I sure hope he's right, but just in case, I have scheduled an appointment with a psychologist to help me with my addiction and relationship with food. I sure hope I can stick to this liquid diet!

Well, I started out good with a very yummy less-than 300 cal, hi-pro, low-fat, veg breakfast. I came up with it on the fly so I thought I would share: 1/2 c Egg Beaters 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers 1/4 c sliced raw mushrooms 1/2 chopped green onion 1/2 cup leftover spinach/pine nut/garlic mix (I got this at the Market Street Deli. But you can just add fresh spinach, a little garlic, and a little red pepper to taste. If you have pine nuts, add 'em. If not, it's no big deal) Mix all in a microwave take-and-go container with a lid. Lightly place the lid on top but don't latch it. Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Then, take out and mix. Cover and let sit. The egg mix will continue cooking in the steam while you pop 2 morningstar farms veggie breakfast patties (tastes like mild sausage patties) in the micro for two minutes. I was tempted to add cheese but I decided to try it first. It was awesome even without cheese! You can also add tomatoes and a spoonful of plain greek yogurt (which tastes like sour cream) Cal: 231 Carbs: 14 Fat: 10 Protein: 33! Now, I am going to get cleaned up and try to find something to do with myself and the family today that involves exercise. Maybe I will break my "no more plus-size clothing" rule and buy a new bra at the mall. Since I hurt my shoulder, I can't fasten them in the back anymore. I am tired of hunting down my husband to fasten them for me or going bra-less half the time. It's time for a front-loader, I think.

Seems like every Dr has their own protocol. I was banded on 11/16/10 and I am currently on mushies. I have been eating low fat small curd cottage cheese, fat free yogurt, instant mash potatoes, Soup, eggs….plus Protein shakes and I have been feeling great and losing weight! Maybe check with the nutritionist and ask for specific examples of products >5 carbs. My nutritionist never mentioned that restriction. I was just told to keep I low fat/low cal, make sure sugar is listed as one of the first 3 ingredients on the nutrition label and the other standard list of “no-no’s” Good luck with your surgery!!

I had Clear liquids for a few days, then yogurt, creamed Soups, then full liquids - full liquids is anything that is a liquid at room temp - so applesauce, yogurt, Italian ice. I got tired of sweet things. Mushy foods were hard for me bc I love a crunch. Now I'm at week 7 and my nut says I can have almost anything (no steak, drier meats for four months). I chew a ton. You will know quickly what your stomach doesn't like!

There have been some good suggestions about talking to your doctor to see if your band has been placed and is working correctly. You didn't say what kind of sick you got but I assume it was band related - thus the 2cc unfill. If your band is okay and you can't for whatever reason get a fill at this time, and you seem like you can eat most foods - then I recommend that you just count calories. Stay under 1500. At your weight you should be able to lose at that calorie level. And eat healthy foods that fill you up. High Fiber, salads with lots of veggies. Wraps with lite deli chicken or ham. Baked potatoes with I can't believe it's not butter spray. High fiber cereals. And lite oatmeal. Lite Soups (progresso makes good ones). Whole grain crackers. Protein bars (special K makes a great choc. Peanut Butter Meal Replacement bar). Don't drink any calories. Just crystal lite. And Water. Use skim milk. Get lite whole wheat bread for toast. For fruit, use no sugar added cups of fruit (they come in 1/2 cup sizes). For Snacks try sugar free pudding, Jello, or the fruit. I mix the jello and sugar free peaches. Use a little fat free whipped topping. I hate cheese and yogurt but you could try that, too. Try this for about 3 weeks and see how it goes. Exercise daily, too. Do something you like. Take a walk. Join a gym. Lift weights. Take a dancing class. Whatever you like. Good luck

Syntrax nectar has a fuzzy navel flavor and a lot of other fruit flavors and coffee flavors. I'm not a coffee drinker, but the fruity ones were relatively decent tasting and not heavy like a shake. I mixed them with plain yogurt for a while rather than making a drink...not terrible. They are 25+ grams of protein no other calories, pretty much no vitamins. I also found packets of isopure unflavored at costco- again only calories are protein, pretty much vitamin free. Isopure mixes really well. I have used it in food and no one else notices, I do smell the protein powder smell though. Overall I have stopped using shakes for now as I am nauseated by the taste. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs,chicken are some of my go tos.

Agreed. In fact I bought single serving packs of Protein powders & drinks pre-op and sampled them to decide which ones I liked and could tolerate. I then only bought enough to last 2 weeks post-op as I was concerned because I had heard your taste buds can sometimes change. In addition to buying from GNC/Vitamin Shoppe you can also try CVS, Rite Aid, Whole Foods. There are a few places online that sell samples as well. On an economical side, CVS whey Protein powder is only $20 for a 2lb container. Before you buy antacids or stool softeners find out if your surgeon will prescribe them. My insurance covered the omeprazole and colace my doctor recommended. I stocked my house with enough food to get through the 2 week full liquid phase that my program requires. Veg broth, herbal tea, almond milk, greek yogurt The only other thing I did was clean my house and make sure I could feed and care for my cat.

I too really like the Greek Yogurt..I use the Chobani brand... I really like the Peach one the best... I buy it at my grocery store, but I have never seen it at my Walmart.... you say you don't like yogurt, try the Greek Yogurt, it is thicker then the regular yogurt, so you might find that you like it.

What softener did you find that works best, so I can add that to my pre-op shopping list? For immediate relief, suppository or enema (fleet, can be found from walmart, cvs, walgreens, grocery stores...basically anywhere execpt toys-r-us). I've used benefiber but it wasn't immediate for me but it did help so after using it everyday. You want to add the activa yogurt to you diet for long term. Hope u get some relief soon.

I am having a hard time finding balance. I've been able to stick with the liquid diet. Limiting myself too water, cream soups, vitamin drinks, and protien shakes. I've also determined that I may now be or maybe I was before and did not pay attention, Lactose Intolerant. I attempted to move onto yogurt and pudding and I became very ill. Severe gas and an upset stomach. Ever since that day and the elimination of dairy I've done much better. I've also realized that I need to make out a food schedule. This way I can have some understanding of what I need to intake. The protein is a must. Most sites and doctors that I've spoken too recommend 50-70 grams of protein. That would equate to 2 shakes a day. Which I have to say I have not been doing. The vitamins that I take are mixed with 16oz of water. This not only allows me to get my vitamin intake but insures that I get enough water. My friend suggested crystal light, I will be going to get some. I wish I could find a diet book that gives more detail. Get eating tidbits on a week by week premise for the first month. I wake up in the mornings starving. If it were not the hunger pangs I would even care about food, but unfortunately they are stronger than I am. Now I am dealing with the emotional part and fact that I relied to much on food to assist in my happiness. Or I'm just so hungry I'm having mood swings. Either was I look forward to a happier me. So My goals for next week are to stick to a food plan, be happier, and to stay motivated.

I am just about 3 weeks post op gastric bypass and looking for more ideas of pureed foods. I am so tired of eggs, refried beans and yogurt. I'm going to try the ricotta bake and smoothies tomorrow, but still need a few ideas to keep it interesting. Can't tolerate tofu or fat free gravy and not allowed to have meat yet. Thanks in advance Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my first post-op appt today - I am 10 days post-op - I am having same pain as you and he said it is gas pain and I need to take Gas X or Milk of Magnesia - I did not know it was from gas but now I do - It is not killing me but is very uncomfortable - maybe what I am eating is wrong but I am basically living on soups, cream of wheat, oatmeal, yogurt and protein drinks. Should go away eventually he said. I also have a lower back pain which is also related to gas.

fresh homemade pesto chicken breast over pasta!! yum, maybe some yogurt with berries and granola

Is Reser’s seafood salad acceptable during the purée stage? I’m 2.5 weeks post op and my doc has me on purée. I’ve done homemade refried beans and can tolerate it some, scrambled eggs, broths, yogurts. I’m burnt on protein shakes and I’m trying to work on getting protein from food as much as I can even though it’s quite difficult at this stage. I’m wondering if the seafood salad would help me at all or if I should avoid it at all cost

@ Lisamergs thanks for your response... So do you think its the surgery itself that leaves you with the desire not to eat or its more so a mental change for you? Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App Well...I'm not sure lol. Likely a combination of both. Definitely do NOT feel hunger on any regular basis. Early on, if I was "late" for a meal, and got too far out, and then went to eat, I'd be in pain. Odd thing isn't it? And again, I do not think that was a normal reaction. I learned that if I found myself in a situation where I was going to miss a meal, and knew I'd end up in pain then as soon as I COULD eat, having a Protein shake was a better choice than, say, meat and veggies. I also found that if I was experiencing actual PAIN from not having eaten, a simple forbidden pretzel or cracker chewed well was able to quell it. Those were the few only times I ate carbs... And I'm not prone to being a binge-eater, so I could literally eat just the one or two. As soon as my pouch settled down, I'd have my yogurt or cottage cheese. Most meats, on most days, still do not set right with me. I'm more likely to have a triple zero Oikos (15g protein) with a scoop of Protein powder added to it (20g protein) for most meals... Boring, but I hit my protein goals, and today I hit my goal weight. 132 lbs lost since my surgery date. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

depends on your pickiness. If you have a bullit you can puree almost anything you liked prior to your sleeve. Veggies cooked very well and thinned with some chicken or beef stock is yummy. I particularly liked zucchini that way. Deviled eggs with a little of the unjury powdered chicken broth is really yummy. I didn't not particularly like it made into a broth however but it did make for a really good seasoning for things like deviled eggs and pureed veggies. I added the powder dry to the eggs with a bit of Water to make a paste. It is also good to have some tomato basil Soup, pureed cottage cheese and a little canned fruit pureed into it, Yogurt, go thru some bariatric websites for some great ideas.

I am 5 days post-op sleeve. I was originally approved 1 year ago and cancelled surgery about 3xs for various reasons (fear, wanting lose weight on my own, timing at work, etc). Hwevr, I attended many free support group meetings facilitated by the program RD offered by my hospital so that I could get first hand knowledge and learn tips and strategies. This helped sooo much! The 1st couple of days in the hospital post-op was a little rough, but nothing unbearable. I also had a haitial hernia that I was unaware of that my surgeon repaired during the surgery, which Ive learned is very common for wls patients. Since coming home, I have had a lot of diarrhea, but Ive learned that many sugar-free things, including a couple of the bariatric vitamins have sugar alcohols (sorbital, sucralose, etc) that does not agree with my system. Im in the full-liquid stage til next week and today was the first day w/out diarrhea bec my RD said to start full-liquids and include hot cereals and yogurt (cream of wheat, grits, etc), which stopped it completely. I know im a post-op newbie but I have no regrets at all so far. Physically, my knees no longer hurt and I already have a diff kind of energy than before surgery that is a great feeling. I have no desire for sweets or fried foods or anything unhealthy. It may be bec im still sore and jst trying to get all of my basic proteins and fluids in, but I feel much better knowing that im finally on the other side of my wl journey [emoji4]

Yeah, my go-to on weekdays is a 30-gram ready make shake (either Ensure or Premier Protein). The increased protein (Carnation is 13g) would help keep you full. I drink mine around 7:30 and don't start to feel any hunger until 11. If you need something else, like a small snack to get you through to lunch, I would get Breakstones cottage cheese (comes in an individual package like yogurt does) or individual servings of plain Greek yogurt (you could add some of the Carnation powder to it to increase protein and make it tastier).

When I moved on from the liquid phase I started with Oikos Triple Zero yogurt, farina cereal with almond milk, sweetener & cinnamon. During the soft food stage, I added scrambled eggs. When I moved on to the modified regular diet, I had eggs with other cooking methods, high protein/ low carb bagels with light cream cheese, oatmeal with mashed banana or sweeter & cinnamon. I have also had protein waffles & pancakes with sugar-free syrup. I recently purchased the keto bread from Aldi and had that toasted with egg & cheese for the first time today. I often still start the day with a protein shake, just to make sure I get that protein in. I think I want to start making smoothies with some fruits, veggies, & added protein now that I am getting close to 3 months out. I hope you get some good ideas! It is helpful to hear what others eat!

Protein shakes almost never give me discomfort, it's just a tough call when choosing it over a real meal. Breakfast on an empty stomach is the when my I'm the most sensitive. A little yogurt, cut fruit with a tiny bit of honey sets me up for the day. Oddly enough I went to a "raw foods" restaurant. Where the food isn't cooked above 40c? I went in with zero expectations but I ate plenty with no gas, or discomfort. Generally the healthier the foods, the less trouble they give me. But this is all after ten years post op and I still have to be very mindful. Get to love boiled eggs as snacks, low fat foods and simple food combinations. A burrito, or any stacked sandwich with (fats) cheese, beans (carbs), meat (protein), dairy dressing and spice... I might as well stick a shotgun on my mouth! But I am no longer carrying around two suitcases (100lbs) with every step, which is a good thing. But that's all the physical, the mental attachment to taste stimulation is a different ballgame. Don't replace it with booze. Good luck.

My surgeon requires me to me a 2 week liquid diet (His offices uses Optifast, which I actually really like - some of the bars are super tasty). I'm on my second day of full Optifast - 4 shakes and 1 bar a day, plus broth and jello if I want. I was also told I needed to lose about 10% of my body weight before surgery, so while I was doing all my pre-surgical testing, I was doing Optifast 'lite' (2 shakes a day, 1 bar, a meal consisting of 4-6oz of protein and 3 servings of veggies. (But no peas, yams or potatoes) I was also allowed 1 serving of fruit OR yogurt, and all the jello and broth I wanted. So far I lost 14lbs, and I expect to lose another 10 by my surgery date, which is almost the 10% (I started this all at 264lbs) I think that starting the diet before the 2 week liquid was a big help. I've cut back on most of my cravings, and I think its a good way to prepare for learning to eat well after surgery. The two weeks of liquid should shrink the liver and such to make the surgery easier and safer. Lol, I was doing so well on the Opti-lite, but as soon as they said to start on full liquid, I have a massive craving for a chimichanga! But its passing.