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I bought a few mini blenders and returned them all. My pureed food stage only lasted a few weeks and I decided that I could live on refried Beans, very soft scrambled eggs, warmed Peanut Butter, hummus, guacamole, cream Soups, yogurt, cream cheese, boxed mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. along with my Protein drinks. After my pureed stage, I knew I would never want mushy food again.

Grilled shrimp, chicken, steak and veggies. I try to stay away from processed foods in general. Greek yogurt, popcorn, and Popsicles for snacks. Occasional brown rice.

Blue Bunny makes a great low cal/low sugar/low carb yogurt.. it is only 50 calories and I LOVE it.... I can only find it at Wal Mart though. :frown:

IndioGirl55 Thanks for your reply. I did call my doctor and he said it is from the hiatal hernia repair. It is causing a vaso-vagal response because of the swelling. He said to give it 4 or 5 more days without the jello or yogurt and try it again.

I'm 9 weeks out today and my meal sizes are still pretty small. I have zero hunger, like I mean I am never hungry and pretty much force myself to eat. The only way I know my body is hungry is that I find myself yawning or I just start not feeling great. I have gotten really good at reading the signs my body is showing me, because I do not get any brain signal of hunger anymore. I would prefer to just have 3 meals per day but in order to get my Protein quantities in I have to eat more like 4-5 times/day. I drink a 1-1/2 scoop protein shake for Breakfast (with a bunch of things added i.e. green powder etc), mid morning I have a small snack (i.e. 1/2 cup of greek yogurt), lunch would be maybe 1/2 cup chili, dinner maybe 2-3oz of meat and maybe 1-2 pieces of veggie (i.e. steamed broccoli). If I can I will try and eat a small piece of turkey pepperoni or turkey Jerky in the afternoons. That's it, I'm lucky if I hit 800 calories in a day, it's typically more like 600-700. I rarely have room for veggies or fruit which I miss ALOT but protein is obviously the priority. I add an organic greens powder to my morning shake to try and compensate for the deficiency.

I am not really a French speaker but I studied French in high school and college and am a bit of a Francophile, especially when it comes to movies. I did a quick Google search and found a couple of things that MAY help. Look for the brand Jockey cottage cheese in the yogurt section of a supermarket. Also, "le cottage" may be on a label (http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/12/le-cottage-cheese/). I also seem to recall from something I read years ago that there is a completely different name for what we call cottage cheese and that it is more rustic/country in France. I will see if I can find out more.

I need help am only day 6 into my pre op diet, i have 4 weeks in total i was goin to do the slim fast meal replacement and a balanced meal in the evening, but i just cant drink the slim fast it makes me heave and i cant drink it as am gonna be sick the smell and the taste i cant stand ive tried choc, straw and lemon merangie. I can do the milk and yogurt diet which is 1pint of skimmed milk and 8-10 yogurts low fat ones but i just think im gonna be beyond starving and im gonna find it hard making the kids tea this is gonna be harder than i thought. If you have any words of advice id appreciate it please..... i no this aint gonna be a quick fix to my brain or anythin and if you aint got anythin worth me readin thats gonna help dont write thanks

I was banded on Oct 8 and I can eat more volume than I expected, esp as you move into thicker foods... the super mushy things didn't have as much of an effect. Week 3 has been rough as I feel like I am hungry all the time... trying to figure out what's the right amount to eat and how often to eat. My docs want me to try to get it to 3 meals per day, but I'm hungry 2-3 hours after eating. My meals tend to be less than a cup of food though and I feel quite full at the time but since they are still on the mushier side it doesn't take them too long to go through the band. For example, I have been nibbling at a cup of a cottage cheese mix (cottage cheese, greek yogurt, vanilla and Stevia pulsed in the blender/processor..) for about 45 minutes. I am feeling full... but I don't know how long that will last. What I am trying to do is eat at normal times with the "right" foods.. when I feel hungry in between try to wait it out and if I can't, grab something high in Protein and low in fat and carbs and just HANG IN THERE. I am so looking forward to the fill Nov 18!

It seems like alot of people don't do rice. Why is that? Also, I'm 3 weeks and 2 days out and I'm supposed to be in the purreed stage for another 10 days but I cannot stomach one more yogurt or cottage cheese! I had sushi for lunch...2 of them, so far so good.

It's my one month anniversary! I am so excited that I am finally doing something about my health that is working! I have lost 16 pounds since the surgery but don't judge that lightly. I have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and PCOS ( poly cystic ovaries). Both diagnoses made it impossible for me to lose weight in the past because my diet had to be extremely restricted to lose even small amounts of weight. I resigned myself to be happy with losing 5 pounds a month with this surgery (and maybe that will still happen) but #16 in the first month!! I did minimal exercise so that will be phase 2 for me. I have good energy and have resumed my 12 hour a day schedule which is very physical. Right now I still drink a Protein shake daily (over many hours) which has all my Vitamins in it (called Alive from Whole Foods). I eat a hard boiled egg in the morning which fills me way up for a few hours. For dinner I can eat 2-3 oz of fish or chicken (cut up and chewed very well). Then an hour or so later I have some steamed squash or even a small russet potatoe. I eat a cup of yogurt or 1/2 cup of keifer in the afternoon too. I stay pretty full and haven't had any trouble with hunger (unless I go more than 3-4 hours with nothing.) When I'm hungry, just a few spoonfuls is enough. So I'm currently feeling VERY restricted. I have learned one thing. If I drink within a half hour of eating, I can get hungry again. So, I actually look at the clock to determine when I can drink again. I wait a whole hour. The one thing I did that I'm tremendously happy about is that I took a few months before the surgery and genuinely dieted. I lost 19 pounds, so when I hit a two week plateau, which usually makes me give up the diet, it was time for surgery. I think I gave myself a big head start both physically and mentally. So, sitting here one month later I'm down half a shoe size, two dress sizes and of course two cup sizes and I still can't believe I did it!

oops battery died...as i was saying. I started researching ferosciouly. I couldn't find a whole lot on Dr. Puccini-Sales all i had was the evidence of my friends and their overwhelming success. BTW the original friend that had plication/lipo, had a baby a year after her plication and she had a healthy beautiful baby and bounced right back to her thin weight after giving birth, they actually had to photo shop her baby bump it was so small. i digress, other friends went after her and they too look like bombshells but going to colombia to baranquilla didn't appeal to me and i did not like that i could not find posts on Puccini Sales, not on the bariatric times, or public state posting, nothing. The proof was in the pudding, but i wasn't convinced and the price although similar to what i ended up paying at the OCC + or Minus was about the same. I researched Dr. Ortiz and OCC, i was pretty convinced even though i not one to fall for many marketing tools which they use many, nonetheless the decision was made. I was going to go in March for the sake of combining it with another trip, but after things kinda of fell apart from the perspective of company going with me, my friend who had gastric bypass over 10 years ago went with me. i booked the week before valentines day and was scheduled for the 15th. Tijuana was hard to roll off the tongue, i don't recommend you tell too many people but your closest confidants because you will get an ear full about Tijuana, everyone has an opinion, yet no one has gone or can provide evidence outside their perception. so i flew on Vday, started my liquid diet Friday before going. Which to be frank i didn't mind, i was zoo busy i hardly had time to pay attention. flying from the east coast is a bit of a pain, there are no direct flights, but VIRGIN AMERICA was amazing, every time we made it to the gate it was already boarding, seamless. when we arrived finally in san diego, the van to from the OCC was already there. on time and ready. I speak spanish and it was nice conversation. Everything the OCC does is perfectly choreographed. From the moment you meet the driver at SAN to the moment you end you journey and drive home. I don't want to ruin the experience for you but trust me its funny. The marriott was great, really clean and safe. Lots of security in the lobby and you cannot enter the floor of your guest room without a key. The room was very clean and comfortable. The duvets are white which i prefer at hotels. there is not dates coverall. The bellman gave me instructions for ordering room service bc everything in my OCC diet is included. Broth, popsicles. They know what you need and are ready. My friend who ate regular food as well found the prices to be VERY affordable. No meal from room service was more than $12 with tip. The bellman even scheduled the wake up call. The shower was very clean and the bath products are Bath and Body Works. It does not feel like a hotel outside of the states. Marriott brand standards are very well kept. In the morning i was the first one in. Everything started at 7am, bloodwork, nutritionist, cardiologist, the works...and from the reception to the nursing staff, everyone is EXTREMELY attentive, loving, caring and nurturing. The walk you step by step through every single little thing they do to you and for you. I was taken back though, i don't know what i was thinking but i did not expect to stay overnight. I though i would leave the night of surgery back to the marriott, but you actually stay there. The room is everything they post online. EXTREMELY clean, nice duvets, a calming little water thing on the side of your bed and free calls to the US. Without as much as question. Wifi is there in the center throughout. I went into my room and they had to give me a sedative, i was pretty hysterical. But once that kicked in my friend and i met with the surgeons, from the General Medical Dr. to Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz. They have UNREAL bedside manners, they talk so much with you and address every concern. To the point that my friend and i were in shock because it was at least 30min in the room just talking and talking. I went into surgery very very calm, i lay on that black surgical bed, i was so calm. The anesthesiologist was wonderful and Dr. Ortiz said CIAO! I woke up in my bed with my friend next to me. No pain. Just very thirsty. I spoke to my family and everything was ok. visiting hours ends at 4pm. my friend was taken back to the marriott and she felt very safe. Also, getting into the OCC is no small feat. They don't open the door even for food delivery. My friend ordered food while i was in surgery, there was a delivery selection book. Overnight, i walked a lot. It just felt better. As soon as i got up there was the nurse. I cannot account accurately how ofter or how many times but there were two overnight nurses and one overnight general doctor. They took my temperature, kept my IV always refreshed and constantly monitored my meds. There was never a moment when i questioned where they were or if they had remembered me...i mean unreal the service. Constantly at my call. Although thank goodness i didn't need them. Walking is vital. It helps so much with the gases which is the main source of pain or rather angst. I was up very often but not because of pain simply discomfort. I DO NOT recommend you drink anything or ask for ice. as soon as i sipped on ice and threw it back up and it was not pretty. you don't need it my IV was running and changed so ofter i knew i was hydrated. The morning came, they finished monitoring my med, asked questions, the surgeons came in and checked on me again, spent quite some time again at least 45min this time talking and talking. I was released probably around noon, but not before i was checked with an X-ray machine for leaks and digestion track. I went back to the hotel and just showered, rested and tried to take down anything i could. I walked a lot, i would force myself to do at least 5-6 rounds sometimes ten around the entire floor with my friend. We went down by the hotel pool and took in some fresh air, walked around again and just relaxed. I did not like the broth at the marriott, i was thankful that i packed some ramon noodle packs, i would add hot water from a tea order on the flight or even at the hotel. You can barely take down half a cup. I recommend you pack Gatorade, electrolyte water and packs of ramon noodles even though you will only have the broth. i like mine hot so the room temp broths were not my thing. The meds i bough at the OCC were great. I did not need pain meds even though i bough the sublinguals. The anti-acid is great and the naseau has gone unopened - i had ZERO naseau the entire time. Friday i went back to the OCC for one last check up, even though it was not included they welcomed me and gave me one more look on the Xray, since i live clear across the US it is not easy to get back here nor do i feel comfortable going to a bariatric surgeon in Miami that has neither performed the surgery or knows what they are looking for. I did tell the dr. that the pangs or discomfort from eating and drinking which feels like fireworks are going off in your tummy whenever you eat something was driving me crazy he gave me a small pill that i took a box home. It helps with the stomach muscle spasms which i think is what they were. I will be back in 6mos for my endoscopy and to enjoy everything i missed out on in Tijuana and San Diego. The trip back i booked FIRST CLASS, if your flight is more than 1-2hrs, i highly recommend this. Although you will have a very small amount of discomfort really from the external larascopic sutures, you want need and deserve the care and comfort of not waiting-every dime i spent on first class back on the red eye was worth it. I am back home, i have slept for hours and hours, I've taken very little down, i can't even count. Powerade, electrolyte water, grandma's life saving broth (she claims it can bring the dead back to life lol) and i went to whole foods. I bought some organic popsicles, stocked up on my keffir yogurt for the week and i also purchased a green food supplement that has probiotics and lots of Vibrant Health and Green Vibrance. It has 25 million probiotics from 12 strains. I have been adding a little bit at a time to my broth. Nothing worries me more than nutrition right now. I think it will be key to my success but also in not becoming a small version of a heavy girl. I want to be healthy, vibrant, frisky and fun. Knowing that i have this secret tool that is going to get me to where i want to be forever. So i have been taking my meds religiously, i have only taken 2 small pills that help with the spasms. the only think i wish is i could gulp down a big fat cold glass of water but thats not the case you can only sip and you WILL feel is hit you stomach. EVERY DROP. I am thrilled with my decision, the choice i have made because it is the key to my long term health. I plan on resting tonight and tomorrow a lot, need to get back to work on Monday, and thank goodness it is a holiday and things will be slow. I do work in my own office so i know i can close the door if anything happens but i know everything will be fine. The nutritionist recommends a min of 3days on clear liquids, i am going the full 7 days so that i heal well. yogurt and hearty soups from whole foods will hopefully start on Wed. I bought some veg based protein powder since it might be softer on my tummy in the beginning with almond milk and berries. Lets see just one step and one day at a time but planning ahead. Also, my dreams are soo fun and vivid, all i dream about is shopping for new clothes and funny things i have wanted to do for a while. Its as if psychologically and subconsciously i am preparing for the changes that lie ahead. I can't go back to my trainer for another 3weeks but i plan on doing some slow long distance walking on Monday night - trust me it helps A LOT with the gas. Ok this is all for now, i hope this post helps because when i was soul searching online i could not find a whole lot. not sure how ofter i will dedicate to updates but i will do my best. If you are in search of a decision i promise you i made the right one with occ so far everything was better than expected. My friend that went to see the colombian doctor also changed her mind and is going with a Dr. Kelly in mexico next week. I will have her post as well so that she can offer a contrast and options. I know OCC is not the only once in mexico and i a sure that there are other qualified dr"s that offer the same great care. I don't mean to boast in anyway in my post and i apologize if i offended anyone in any fashion, i am just happy and on a high with the decision i made. I have not weighed my self but i assume i must be at 170 by now...36 healthy pounds to GO! Cheers to loving yourself beyond that which you thought possible. With all of my love and encouragement....134andHAPPY!

I had a hard time because of hunger and tiredness the first two days. Wednesday and Thursday weren't as hard but I was still hungry. Today I had a harder time because there was a Superbowl Party right behind my desk, but I have fantastic friends that brought veggies and low fat dip and a strawberry salad. I had raw veggies with a little dip and a salad with some raspberry vinaigrette. Not too much sugar and I didn't veer far off the path too far. I had a shake an hour ago because I stay hungry! Do the best you can. It's a struggle but you can do it! it's hard isn't it,I'm on a liquid only diet so I'm allowed 8 yogurts a day with 1 pint of milk that's all :-( the yogurts are making me feel sick though so only managed to eat half of one today and yesterday! But I've lost 8 pounds so that's good I guess! Thank you for your support :-) we can get through this ???? 10 days left until surgery!!

Me too! though I'm here until Sunday. The mentioned I shoild try drinking water today (I had my leak test) and that they'd try me on some thin yogurt drink thing tonight, but no drink. Given that I've been zipping water and it still kind of hurts I'm glad though. I'm home now! They started me on this 15g protein shake - it was fruity and actually good. Plus broth, jello and Popsicles. I had to focus on the shakes yesterday and got two in. Just drank one on the 1.5 drive from San Francisco to Sacramento. Taking a break and will just sip water. This afternoon ill try to drink a premier protein shake. It has 30g of protein in it so if I can't get anymore after that im OK. Hope they get you your yogurt drink soon. Does it hurt when water goes down or your whole stomach? I drink, it goes down, and then a second later it hurts, I have to wait for it. I was given something warm to drink this morning that didn't hurt so much (was it tea? was it chocolate? no idea, it was brown and milky and didn't really taste like anything) I was able to finish the mug in about 20 mins or so, and bad my first bm after, so things seem to be ok.

Webchickadee 2nd thoughts, doubts???? this happened to me this morning when i was trying to decide on a scrambled egg or yogurt inquiring minds want to know......i had the egg seriously now folks SR910 these emotions, being scared, nervous et al - happened to me and many many others - very common you are excited on having the WLS - you know your life will start to change for the better I see how smart you are - please don't continue to 2nd guess the wise decision you made months ago you went through a long, involved, hard process went through allll the hoops to get to where you are in being able to get WLS march 5 its ok to be nervous, scared, but try not to let it get the better of you this board is here for you and all other pre-sleevers alike once you get the sleeve - you won't believe how much healthier and happier you will continue to be having few nerves are worth it in the long run - considering what your new life will be like happy sleeve day good luck speedy recovery

I feel compelled to add that I struggle with getting all my protein in still & am unable & unwilling to give up my coffee!! Most days.I.drink one shake & eat one protein bar but today I just haven't been hungry at all so I've forced everything I can in....I'm a puker unfortunately so I can't push too much or I am sick & miserable! I do drink water all day. I cannot stomach eggs & peanut butter sticks in my throat & I throw up which really sucks!!! I eat a ton of fish & seafood. Little to no chicken, beef, etc because I can't seem to get it down. I looooove seared ahi & eat it almost every other day, if not more often. It's my favorite! Smokes salmon, cream cheese & capers on whole wheat flat bread is my go-to lunch. Yum! I also eat Greek yogurt w/ berries a lot. Ok, done!!

Can anyone tell me what they are/were eating at this point in a full day? I am on Full liquids which includes the Clear Liquids plus I am allowed the whey Protein shakes, strained LF creamed Soups, thinned oatmeal or cream of wheat, SF or non fat greek yogurt, thinned ricotta cheese, diluted juices etc. In my notes and notebook I cannot find out how often I am supposed to eat or the quantities (other than stop when you feel full), just what I am allowed to have. I know about the Fluid requirement which is always the same...64 ounces. I can't say I am ever feeling hungry (other than a little head hunger) or full and even when I sip liquids I have a little bit of discomfort, not really pain just like an internal churning feeling...and my tummy growls a lot all of the time. So I don't even know what full feels like either...I am just eating a teaspoon or two and then stopping. Thanks as always for your help!

The change in your taste buds can really make things difficult. I couldn’t eat some of my favourite vegetables & proteins for quite a few months so I hear you. Don’t worry, they will start to taste yummy to you again as you progress. I found nothing really tasted good on the purée stage until a friend told me she could successfully eat puréed poached chicken with lots of gravy & chicken stock. It was probably the salt from the gravy & stock that made it tastier lol. I ate a lot of soups - strained & puréed - as they seemed to go down more easily. As did yogurts. Take it slowly to introduce purées especially if they are causing you discomfort. Start with one purée meal a day. You may be someone who needs to go through the stages more slowly - it’s not uncommon. Good luck.

I start tomorrow. I am using shakeology shakes, unjury unflavored powder, cream of chicken soup, decaf coffee, and broth and yogurt during my liquid fast. I can also have sugar free popcicles and sugar fee pudding and jello. I hope I'm ready. I did a 21 day Daniel fast prior to this so I have been cleansed out in a sense. Prayer will definitely be required to get me through, especially with 6 kids ( includes two sets of twins) at home.

Not to hijack the thread, but what is the difference between mushies and soft food? I see the nutritionist Thursday so I am sure I will find out then...just curious. I am 3 weeks post op and am still full liquids as I was 2 days post op. I also can have yogurt, thin oatmeal or cream of wheat, and blended cottage cheese.

Hi Serna- I spent two weeks on full liquids, then one week on soft proteins(eggs, hamburger, fish, greek yogurt, etc.) and now I can have soft foods (no bread, Pasta, rice, under cooked veggies, etc.) until the 3 month point. I can then start slowly adding foods back in as tolerated. I have had no food issues on this plan thus far. My NUT is ridiculously nice and even gave her email in case I had questions, I'm so sorry you got a she-devil! I am looking for a good brand of Protein powder as well, I haven't found anything I love yet. Good Luck! Amanda

in the morning I mix a scoop of Upcal D powder into my yogurt (it'll supposedly mix into anything, but the filler is kind of sweet - so it works best in sweeter things like yogurt). During the day, I drop two Calcium citrate tablets into my 16 oz two-scoop (fruit-flavored) Protein shake. I mix fruit flavored Protein Powder with Crystal Light lemonade, so the acid in it makes the calcium tablets dissolve (takes awhile, though - but then I sip on the shake all day long, so it doesn't matter). after dinner, I take a Calcet Creamy Bite or a Bariatric Advantage chew. Both taste like dessert. They're also both kind of expensive, but then, I only take them once a day.

Well, weighing myself this morning, 7 days out, and I am just over 15 pounds down. I know this won't continue, but I am wondering if this is a bad thing. I had expected 1-2 pounds a week, after I started to get fills and returned to the gym. I am just not feeling hungry right now, but I am eating and drinking as I was told I should. Saw the Doc yesterday and he though all was fine. He said I was feeling like I would at proper restriction. I am chalking this up to swelling. But, it does show what is possible for me. I am still on liquids, I had started pushing into thin Soups and yogurts three days out without issue. I was feeling cocky and tried a small sliver of roast beef, chewed the crap out of it in small nibbles, that seemed fine. I tried it again a few hours later with my Soup for dinner and shortly afterward I felt tightness in my abdomen like trapped gas and you all know what happened next. I had my first experience with PB or slime-ing (I don't know what the difference is, but that wasn't vomiting). Damn, that came up quick! Like a huge ball of snot at high velocity. Luckily, I was prepared with a wastebasket nearby. I don't think I could have handled that discretely in public. Definitely a disincentive! I feel great and have returned to work. I still think this is awesome. Cheers, Erick

@@angelinnc32, ​Did you go thru a program to get the surgery? They should have provided you with all the information. Biggest thing is to stay hydrated and get your Protein in. I suppose right now you can do soft foods. Greek yogurt is good...Cottage cheese...anything high protein, low fat , low carb. Just listen to your stomach. It will let you know when it's full and if something isn't agreeing with you. Check into the other forums that talk about diet. They'll have some great ideas.

I eat the Walmart brand, great value, light Greek yogurt. The banana cream is really good and has 90 calories, 0 fat, 9 carbs, 7 sugar, and 12 protein. I eat one just about every day.

I hate to be negative, but I am almost 4 weeks out of surgery and I am having a very difficult time adjusting because everything smells and tastes so differently! It is difficult to have energy and nutrients if you are having a hard time getting these things into your body. My nose feels ultra-sensitive to smell and things that I enjoyed the taste of before make me nautious! I am sticking to mostly water and ice tea, liquids that have artificial sweetners are soo sweet they make me pucker! I am having a hard time with protein mixes as well. Pre mixed whey products literally made me sick even if I mixed with sf powerade or something. Mixes that I used pre-surgery I can no longer get down without gagging. I have been able to sip either chocolate muscle milk or GNC's version and then follow immediately with a sip of water to dilute a little. I even had to switch vitamins because I couldn't get the flavored chewables down. I am finding that most cooked vegetables are tolerable as is eggs and cottage cheese and some varities of yogurt. I hope that things start to return a little more to normal the more foods that I can continue to introduce back into my diet. And this is kind of gross but I am finding that if I try and eat something or get in a protein drink in the morning before I brush my teeth it helps, maybe its because your mouth isn't all clean yet and more susceptible to smells or tastes, gross I know but if it works at this point I am willing to try anything! Good luck. I can say that I was more sensitive just a week ago compared to now, so hang in there it gets a little easier!