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https://www.buzzfeed.com/carolynkylstra/mason-jar-salads?utm_term=.iu9MzP7pQO#.fjMqE6XOap Bariatric patients look at these and think....would be nice, but WAY too much bulk there to eat.. And it's true...it's a lot of food for a bariatric patient. But if you're eating six small meals a day, it can be nice to have leftovers handy for the next little meal:) Also...you can make these geared a little more to the bariatric diet. Consider the following layers: Hummus Turkey bacon Tuna salad Tofu Shrimp Chicken breast Black beans Chick peas Lowfat hard cheeses Cottage cheese Fetta cheese Olives Banana peppers Avacado chunks Sweet potato chunks Hard boiled eggs Yogurt Pickles Reduced fat reduced sodium salami (great in greek salad!) Protein Pasta (made of chick peas, lentils, and whole wheat) Think of all of your favorites. Include some fruits. A few raspberries, peach slices, fresh apple chunks, pineapple, blueberries Some nice finely diced veggies like peppers, cukes, tomatoes, mushrooms, brocolli bits, onion, fresh herbs Make homemade dressings with low sugar and fat Oh! and if the idea of carrying glass jars around scares you....consider stopping at Gordon's food service and picking up tall plastic deli containers. You can get 50 containers and lids for under ten bucks. The more variety you're including in your diet....the more diverse your gut microbiota will be. Diverse gut bugs are correlated with better weight loss during diet attempts. Switch it up. Get lots of fiber in addition to meeting your protein goals. Get you some wonderful phytonutrients:) And enjoy flavor!

I'm 4 weeks out now and things are getting better. I can drink fresh, cold water now instead of lukewarm flavored water. I don't have to sip, I can gulpgulpgulp (but only 3x, if I go for a 4th gulp it will be uncomfortable for a few minutes). I'm having a LOT of trouble getting all of my water and protein in. I think the best I've done so far is to get 30G of protein and maybe 40oz of water. I really really need to work on that. But I can eat pretty much anything! My surgeon and NUT ok'ed me to move onto regular foods as long as I chew chew chew and they don't bother me. So I've gotten to eat all sorts of foods and am feeling less and less deprived each day. Over the weekend I had a "Protein Taco" which was basically 1/4th of a low carb wrap with refried beans, ground beef, cheddar cheese, greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and a tiny dribble of mild salsa. I'm pretty sure it was the most incredible thing I have ever eaten. Granted it took me nearly an hour to eat most of it and I ended up giving the last bit to my daughter it was still so incredible. All of the flavors and textures totally thrilled me- and I'm guessing there was at least 15-20g of protein.

Quick question about this Marriott in Tijuana: if I can start to eat yogurt while I'm at the hotel, is that included like the broth is? Are you limited to the amount of broth you can have? Does anyone have recommendations for a 12 year old that is traveling with us to Florence and the Marriott? What can she eat there?

I was able to swallow pills right away (a day or two after surgery). I do have one large pill that I haven't gotten back to taking yet. I wonder the same thing...maybe crush it (it's just really a horse pill). I'll be watching to see how folks make it palatable. I did sprinkle my Biotin in my yogurt this morning, just to see how it would be. No taste change, but really gritty!

I am 9 weeks out and have one fill of 3 ccs. I have dealt with acid reflux for years. It flares up from time to time. Prior to the band, I would eat things like red meat or chicken and I could feel it work its way through my digestive system until it eventually cleared. Severe indigestion. Now instead of passing, the indigestion is quite painful and I have to regurgitate. What I have found that I need to do, is take something soft or smooth, like yogurt, cottage cheese, skim milk, a protein drink to "soothe" the tract so that I cans wallow food. If I dont, I have a miseable eating day. A scrambled egg is impossible to get down, I sucked the juice out of a slice of grapefruit and thought I would die. Even swallowing when I brush upsets my stomach. Do the soothing technique and things are fine. Anyone else experience this or reflux? The staff at the doctor's office says that I am eating too fast and taking too big of bites. I think it is more serious than that. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hey. I actually understand where you're coming from. Actually, my sister is the picky eater of the family and she doesn't love all vegetables as much as everyone else in the family. However, she does eat vegetables and fruits every day on her own initiative, and that's because she still does enjoy them much more than the average North American. She just sticks to many of the usual vegetables and fruits, and is less varied in her produce. Just like how I grew up in a family as the only person who was overweight since childhood (with a naturally ravenous appetite and sedentary book-worm personality), there is definitely normal variation between individuals that occurs naturally. Genetics and neurology can account for SOME of a person's taste in food and tendencies. That being said, if my sister was raised in the typical North American household, she'd be the picky eater who only ate french fries and chicken nuggets and was physically revolted by lettuce. First, I think you should examine your household overall for others who display a negative attitude toward vegetables. If they are children, you may have an environmental factor going on. If they are adults, you should encourage them to pretend, in her presence, that they enjoy vegetables or at least fruit (they can stick to their favourite ones in front of her). Next, I agree with your physician. It would actually have the opposite of the desired effect if you try to force her either physically or emotionally to eat her fruits and veggies. She will make the association that veggies = upset, discomfort, humiliation, your disappointment and she will always regard them as a dietary obligation, rather than an enjoyable food to consume. One general strategy to getting them to like vegetables and fruits is: always have it around them, even if they don't eat them. Always have different forms (salad, cooked). Put out fruit salad on the table or a bowl of easy-to-enjoy fruit (grapes, apples, bananas, watermelon, peaches). Don't start out with brussel sprouts, start with carrots, peas etc. For picky eaters, really concentrate on fruit. Pick veggies and fruits without strong tastes or smells. My mother always offered new veggies and fruits, and since they were new to us, we sometimes resisted. But, we always saw it on the table, she always ate it with a real appearance of enjoyment (she'd act like it was chocolate cake and to her it usually was like that), and she always offered it (IN REPEATED INSTANCES), but with a smile and with the attitude that it is so tasty and healthy. And, "really, you're going to pass up an offer to eat this fruit? Oh my gosh, i don't know how you can!" This is what I did when I tried to introduce my teenage younger brother to steamed beets. He saw me eat them all the time and I always told him: "Dean, you have to try this! It's sooo good for you, and even if you don't like it now, believe me you'll love it later! Try it with salt, try it with yogurt. Alright, your loss! You'll like it someday. Trust me, I didn't like it at first either" Eventually, he was curious. I repeatedly offered, but in a positive tone, and now he loves it. Remember, even if you don't believe it yourself, YOU HAVE TO FAKE IT TO MAKE IT! Be convincing. And don't let them see you express more interest in bad foods than good ones. Try to be balanced about it. All foods are good in moderation, even the occasional treat. But, even if you only go to McDonald's once a year, if at that time you act like you are in heaven, but you eat salads every day and you act like it's a dietary obligation, they will notice.

I like the Yoplait light flavors...my favorites are lemon, apple turnover, & strawberry white chocolate. They don't taste like yogurt and the texture isn't like typical yogurt.

My wife and I both got sleeved on 5/29 with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. We have both lost around 30lbs. We are able to eat almost anything except dense meats (pork chops/steak/dry chicken). But we mostly eat greek yogurt/grilled chix breast/protein shakes. Neither of us can eat more than a cup of food at a time, usually half a cup or less. We are going to start our gym membership next week.

i am still pre op but i have received my diet paperwork before surgery and my NUT specifically says protein is a must!! are you getting protein from oatmeal>??? i highly doubt as much as you would an egg or a piece of low fat cheese or even a greek low fat yogurt. i would try to revisit with your NUT to steer you back in the right direction. your diet just seems to lack protein and frozen meals the sodium in those can be really bad for you. when you get a 1/4 of what everyone else is happening. ask yourself if your eating protein,veggies then starches and carbs last IF there is any room left. hey congrats on the weight loss so far!! i would LOVE to be 30 pounds down from where i am right now!! good luck to youuuu

I am seriously thinking about steak. I want some steak. I also want to eat some rice. What did you do? Did you give in? Will it hurt my band? I am getting so tired of the same ole food choices. I am a picky eater for a fat person and some of this stuff I get tired of really fast. I mean MOnday I will be 4 weeks post op. My nutritionist has me going to solids on week 6. I am beginning to think that it is not for the band but to optimize the weight loss or jumpstart it. I am so sick of yogurt and sf jello and I don't like mashed potatos I want some mac n cheese. I really got this band so that it would help me with portion control I don't want to have to diet with it. Certain foods are restricted everything has to be low fat and sugar free. This is the pits!

I really eat differently than you - at my surgeon's request. I had two weeks on the liquid diet and really felt that I was suffering the last few days. But now I am able to have fat free yogurt and cottage cheese, low fat cheese, chicken and fish. I eat 6 small meals a day - about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours totalling 60 grams of protien and no more than 1000 calories a day. I have to say that I am satisfied and feeling good.

Hi everyone! I'm three weeks out and have been really enjoying watermelon! Since I'm still on mushies, I make a protein shake each morning with protein powder, nf plain Greek yogurt, frozen fruit (berries, bananas, peaches, whatever) and fresh spinach or kale and sometimes carrots. It's delicious! I can never finish the whole serving so I save the rest for my afternoon 'boost'.

You asked about yogurt and pudding....those are okay when the doc says full liquids. With my doc that was a week. He also said to wait a couple of days on gulls to try them. Don't want to make you sad but many folks mention fairy intolerance for some period of time after surgery. Other have no issues at all. Also, just a thought but maybe try half a scoop of the unjury. A half scoop in grape Gatorade didn't suck too bad for me. I won't say best drink ever either though.....

Hi Flirtylass You'll be fine. It was a bit scarry when the realisation of it dawned that I was actually getting it done at last - but you'll be in good hands as I believe this Dr has done loads of these ops successfully. I had bit of a feast as well before my pre-op diet and boy did I enjoy it! All I was allowed for 10 days before op was milk/yogurt. This was to shrink the liver and I was starving!!! In fact I miscounted and was on it 11 days instead of 10 (could of had anothers days grazing!) I must say I dont feel any different at the moment - I could still eat the same amounts as before op, but I suppose until the first fill its maybe normal. I am avoiding rubbish though. Again, I wish you all the best it 'll be over before you know it and you can start your new 'journey' - new life. I'll be thinking of you. My only regret is that I didnt do it 20 years ago - but dont think it was available then! Warmest Wishes Wriggle

Well it is full liquid for 3weeks so yogurt soup v8 tea coffee so on but icant wait for mushys...lol

They had u on liquid for 3 weeks that's crazy I was only on strict liquid for 7 days now its like yogurt and soups.

Ok, my diet is First 2 day: clear liquids including sf jello and popsicles and tea Day 2-9 protein drinks, yogurts, cream soups, sf pudding Day 10-16 pureed foods, applesauce consistency Day 17-30 soft mushy foods like ground meat, tuna, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs

I've been doing a fairly good job of staying away from stuff I'm not supposed to eat. I was able to keep carrots and celery and stuff like that that I could use as fillers in my meals. I used small amounts of fruits and berries mixed with plain or sugar free vanilla yogurt. Yogurt made s nice dessert at meals or added to salad as dressing. But it's end of the month and I don't have those right now. I find myself positively longing for some kind of sweet treat. How do I get passed it. Haven't broken yet but Dairy Queen's not that far away. (Also know that something as sweet as a blizzard will probably not even taste that good. My daughter decided I wanted a taste of hers and poked it in my mouth. Too sweet, just the one bite)

I know these people exist, but for me I can't see having any issues hitting those kind of numbers at 6 months out. My doc wanted us on 3 meals a day and that was it - no snacks. There was no way I could do that. I had to aim for 3-4 meals plus a protein shake to hit my 60g for a day. I probably average 1600 calories a day being a year out. Truth be told I could easily be over 2000 if I wanted to. It's all about what you eat and how often. Yes, my portions have to be smaller, but if I wanted to graze all day long I could and easily rack up the calories. Even with healthy options like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt those are easy to get down. Really it isn't anything you should be overly concerned about IMO.

I had my pre-op diet a couple days ago and I'm allowed 2 protein shakes and 2 meals (60% lean protein, 40% non-starchy veg). What's your pre-op diet? This is my list for post-op weeks 1-2: Eggs FF refried beans Apple sauce (with unflavored protein powder) Chili (I'm going to mash the beans up so that it's more of a pureed consistency) Greek yogurt Ricotta Bake Pudding (with protein powder) Weeks 3-4 Sliced turkey Tilapia Soup Buffalo chicken dip That's what I have so far!

I would definitely say no, not at this point however I want to point out that week 3 is not always pureed foods. Every surgeon is different. I started soft foods on day 3-14 which includes things like yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, eggs and even ground turkey as long as it's chewed very well. I am on day 10 post op and doing very well with all of these items. Day 14 I get to move into regular textured foods in 2-3 ounce portions and I'm so happy to have more options. Again, everyone is on a different plan, but I think the biggest thing is don't push yourself into anything that could cause you harm or discomfort. It's not worth it. Patience will pay off in the end.

Just mix it in a bite of food like yogurt or something.

<p><img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p> <p>Hi all; I need any and all remedies for getting off a darn plateau. First I would like to ask if any of track calories and/or protein for the day. I guess I need a little more structure meal planning wise. I am lactose intolerant so I can't do the cottage cheese/yogurt thing. When I have a protein drink I mix it with non-fat lactose free milk and it is quite good. I have writing down what I eat daily and can now see my trouble time is between 6pm and 8pm..I walk daily for 30 minutes, my nurse said to vary with free weights cause your body gets used to the same exercise routine and you stop losing..looking forward to your hints!</p> <p>Sheila<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/hungry.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Hungry" smilieid="262" class="inlineimg" /></p>

I change up my Snacks super frequently because I get bored pretty quickly. I've found that the 100 calorie packs are a little too expensive for my liking. So I'll buy a few different things each week. When I get home, I open the bag (or box) and portion them out into individual ziploc bags. That way everything is portion-set per bag and I don't have to think about anything in the morning when I'm still half asleep getting ready for work. I just grab stuff from the fridge and pantry and get on my way. I also keep a few things at work because that's where I get into trouble (if I don't come to work prepared, I eat HORRIBLY). Like everyone else, fruits and veggies are good. You can go back to kindergarden and rock some ants on a log (celery with pb and rasins), chips are my weak point so I don't indulge in them often but there's one called pirates booty (think cheese puffs but healthier) and those are great. Nuts. Granola. My favorite part about my grocery store is the bulk candy/snack aisle because I can make my own "trail mix" with sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruits, et al. I usually throw a few m&m's in there to keep my sweet tooth happy as well. Snak paks are good but like anything else, get old after a while. Cheeses. Yogurts. Veggie chips. If you have a sweet tooth... try getting low fat cinnamon graham crackers and fat free cool whip. Split a graham cracker in half, make a sandwich using the cool whip in between. Put a bunch of these in a tupperware container and freeze them. The graham cracker gets a little softer and the cool whip freezes so it makes a make-shift ice cream sandwhich. No lie, they're REALLY good. Don't know the calories or fat but it's not high and I seem to remember it being very low. Definitely nice to mix it up at night when you need something sweet after dinner.

Breakfast: 1 cup 2% milk, lowfat yogurt, zone perfect Protein bar Lunch: Cup of mixed salad topped with fat free shredded mozarella and Lloyds pulled barbeque pork. Snacks: Grapes and stawberries Dinner: Lowfat cottage cheese 1.5 cups topped with strawberries and a handful of trail mix