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I've been constipated for 2 years! Drink lots of water, and try adding Benefibre (or any other such product) to your protien shakes. Also, believe it or not, bran cereal works wonders. I hate bran, so I sprinkle it on top of frozen yogurt.

I like to blend Muscle Milk chocolate protein powder and some added cocoa powder with Fage Zero greek yogurt, and then I add a little stevia or monkfruit to it if it's too sour. This works on my husband's sweet tooth (I had surgery but he's the one with the sweet tooth). I also ran across Smartcakes for when you are further out and can do all foods; they are 38 calories each, zero consumable carbs (fiber and sugar alcohols). They are low fat and have 4 grams protein. They come in lemon, tangerine, coconut, chocolate, and cinnamon roll. They are spongy and moist like you'd expect cake to be. It's a healthier alternative than going off the wagon (dietitian thought they were cool when I had her look at them today). Good luck; cravings sweets can't be fun.

@serenityjames81 Thank you for your post! I have lost my way and doing TOO much when it comes to what I'm eating and how often I'm eating. I was considering the 5 day reset to reset my mind! May will be 3 years for me and like you after 3 years, i have 50 more pounds to lose! I feel a little ashamed but I'm so happy to hear someone else with a similar story. I'm going to the store tomorrow to get some cream of chicken soup and more yogurt! I gotta do this

Depends on what I'm eating, honestly. 2~4 ounces usually. But if it's greek yogurt, I can eat a solid 5 and be hungry in an hour.

So just like our foot size varies from others, our stomach sizes vary. My husbands stomach is bigger than mine. When they take out 85% of a big stomach, what's left is bigger than 85% of a small stomach, right? Sleeved on the same day as me, he can reliably hold 4 oz of solid Protein at a time, I can reliably hold 2 oz of solid protein at a time. We are only 5 weeks out, but it's very predictable. I suggest for those of who who wonder about their stomach capacity, don't worry about yogurt, Soup, liquid, saltines, bread, etc. Test it by eating dense protein and you will know for sure.

I'm over 5 weeks post op. I was eating some Light & Fit vanilla Greek yogurt, when I had one of those forehead slapper moments. If I can only eat a cup or two of food per day, I am not going to waste it on anything I don't enjoy. Ever again. The yogurt went into the trash. So will most of the Protein powders and shakes taking up room in my kitchen. No more EGG BEATERS, nasty stuff. I want to savor my food and not just get my protein grams. I've spent much of my life eating things because they were supposed to be better for me. No more. So...now what? I'm gonna have to put some thought into this. I go grocery shopping on Saturdays. We shall see.

Sure thing! Well, for starters, you gotta know how to cook quinoa right: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-quinoa-63344 I sometimes use a bit less Water than they suggest, so it stays a bit firmer, but that's just trial and error. Like I said, I usually also use veggie broth (chicken broth would work as well) instead of or mixed with water. As for recipes, this salad was a big hit a bbq I went to recently. It's very simple: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/04/quinoa-chickpea-and-avocado-salad.html Here's one I've been wanting to try: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14642/quinoa-fritters-with-garlic-aioli-gluten-free.html I think you could add other veggies as well, and also more spices. And you could use a yogurt dip too, if the idea of almonds or cashews is too hippy-dippy at this point. There's also this quinoa a pizza crust. It's a good way to add some extra Protein and cut out processed flour if you feel like splurging on pizza! I think for us, one slice is enough, and the rest can go to whomever you're sharing the meal with: http://www.oatmealwithafork.com/2014/03/03/5-ingredient-quinoa-pizza-crust-vegan-primal-gluten-free/ And finally, here's one for a black bean and quinoa chili (you could also add meat to it, I'm sure). I haven't tried this exact recipe, since when I make chili I tend to just wing it, but I know that cooking quinoa in chili or curries is really yummy and the reviews on this one are excellent. With this sort of thing, the quinoa sort of dissolves a bit, so it might be a good first recipe for you: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-and-black-bean-chili/

Seems like every surgeon has his/her own version! Mine was: 1 day clear liquids 4 weeks full liquids (true liquids, not things like yogurt) 4 weeks purees 4 months soft food And those are just the food consistency rules. There were a whole bunch of other rules about what kind of foods to eat, how much to eat, how often to eat, etc. Really, though, everyone else's plan should be completely irrelevant to you. You should only care about your own plan.

I was 242 and am down to 229 and sleeved the same day as you. I am taking in between 50-60 grams of Protein through fairlife milk, nsa carnation instant Breakfast, yogurt, and a little soup. Walking 5 miles per day and can really tell weight loss in my face and waist. I start puréed foods on Tuesday. Dr. won't let me back into the gym for another month. I can't wait to get there!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'd keep taking the prilosec, Don't be like me, lol. There is no harm in taking it for 6 to 9 months and a lot to not taking it. Just because you don't feel GERD issues doesn't mean you aren't producing excess acid. If you can eat food at other meals, eat food at all meals. Give up the protein shakes, and yogurt is just a slider. Eat ral potein as much as possible.

Give up the granola, and probably the yogurt and have dense protein or a protein shake in the morning. Give up the fruit until you have lost your weight. Fruit is still sugar, even if it is natural and comes with some fiber. Granola is a starch if it has oats in it. The granola and fruit is probably slowing your weight loss, give it up for 2 weeks and see what happens.

BREAKFAST I HAVE YOGURT WITH GRONOLA SNACK PROTIEN SHAKE LUNCH GRILLED CHICKEN MOST DAYS SNACK FRUIT LIKE APPLE OR SOME GRAPES DINNER SALMON OR CHICKEN GREEN VEGGIES NO STARCHES WHAT SO EVER NO CARBONATED DRINKS OR CAFFINE JUST WATER PLAIN OR WITH CRYSTAL LIGHT

I have problems with being tight in the mornings. I am not able to eat first thing or have anything cold. I have also found that my band gets tight when it is colder out or the air pressure is high. I thought I was going to have to get some taken out, but I tried a liquid diet for a few days and that seems to have helped some. I also found eating mushy foods when this happens is the best way to eat. I love navy beans now more than ever. I make sure that every thing I eat provides protein so I reach my goal every day. Greek yogurt packs tons of protein in a cup serving and makes wonderful smoothies.

I remember having to consume juice and Greek yogurt to get some extra calories in so that I could have some sustainable energy. However, once I learned to work my sleeve and consume the cals I needed, I completely backed off of the juices. I know it is rough and that everyone tends to say, "It's going to get better." As redundant as that is, it is true. Time and learning how to work your sleeve will make the difference. Best of luck to you!

The pill that is "stuck", may actually be stuck, or it dissolving may have caused some serious irritation. I would try a sip or 2 of warm liquids, see if that helps it. If it stays down, then wait another 30-45 minutes, and try a couple more sips. At that point if things stay down, I'd try some yogurt, or SF pudding...to maybe help coat things a bit. If you bring up the fluids, or are still hurting, it might be time to call the Dr. for advice. Most times when I eat something that I get stuck it is not the food that was offending, it was me and how I ate it. Think big bite, chew chew swallow. NOT a good bandster!!! When I do that a few sips of pineapple juice usually help it break down and pass on through. Getting stuck, is when you have too much food, or too big of a bite, or the food has worked its way into a form that will not pass through the stoma---the part of the stomach where the band is placed...the tightest area. My list of cannot eat foods is short---the only thing I won't try again is a yeast donut....I took one bite, it grew to be the size of a dozen donuts it felt like!!! I PB'd that one! Have no desire to repeat that! I have foods I need to be careful with. Watermelon, I have to take itsy bitsy tiny bites, and can only eat a little bit. I think it is too much like eating and drinking together! If I eat Pasta, I have to eat something with it. I cannot sit down for instance and eat more than 2-3 bites of a bowl of fettucine. But if I add some grilled chicken and veggies, I can eat 3 times that. I think it is because as Tracy said early on, the glutens break down and get gummy, and then swell up...the other foods give it something to work with as it digests. So yes I eat pasta and rice, just carefully. Actually eating these foods keeps me in line and eating properly! I have no problem with meat, when it is freshly cooked, reheated it is usually just not moist enough. Most snack foods are fine, popcorn included. Bread, I can eat, but choose not to eat a lot of it. I have to do it like my pasta, with other things. I cannot (I guess, never really tried it!!!) eat a plain slice of bread, but can eat a sandwich. I can in no way eat a whole sandwich though, so choose to add most of my meat and cheese, and fold over, and still manage about half of it. Now please don't any of you take this the wrong way---it is meant as encouragement for you too. If you scroll back through the last few pages as an example, and scan through the posters, many of them are newly banded. Not all, but many. I had times through the 2 fills I have had, where I was tighter, and had more issues with food. I have found what I believe to be my sweet spot now, and have restriction, but am able to eat most anything in moderation, and do just that. I would imagine, as each of you get further along in the banding experience, you can and cannot eat lists will change a bit. As has been mentioned sometimes it changes from morning to night!! Hang in there, and you will find out what YOUR band likes and doesn't like---today---and will work on tomorrow, tomorrow! Kat

OMG! Nearly everything gets stuck and gives me pain. I can't eat any solids in the morning at all. The worst offenders are as follows any bread, dough, anything made with flour really sux for me chicken breast pork chops steak ( except for an expensive cut like a filet) mashed potatoes(even with gravy) boiled eggs. The whites are the worst. Hamburg (even the tiniest well chewed bite) Pasta usually gets stuck, but sometimes works for me if cooked to mush, but then why bother when it's that mushy eewwwwee! sushi rice sux, I'm in agony until I finally get it up (YUCK)! As you can see, the holidays are pretty much of nothing for me. Things that I can eat the chickens dark meat spare ribs if not dry Soups crackers yogurt lowfat tortilla chips with salsa steamed rice almost all veggies if cooked crunchy things go down good most of the time no sugar added fudge pops 45 calories, and a great treat when i'm craving chocolate. Homemade baked hotwings sausage(although I hardly ever eat it because it is fattening) kielbasa(same as sausage though) cooked cabbage I don't know, I don't have a wide range of solids that I can eat, so I still drink my Protein shakes everyday and take my Calcium chews and Vitamins to make sure I'm getting what I need. It seems that I'm a sucker for punishment though, because every now and again I try to eat the repeat offenders, and am always wishing I hadn't. When will I ever learn? I'm getting a little better though, I wait at least a month before I try it again LOL! Well there you have it folks, the long list of delicious foods I have to plan my meals with (NOT)! lol

I am now 13 days postop and still eating the sugar free jello and pudding, broth, protein and small amount yogurt!

I was banded on Saturday and I'm also very, very hungry at times. I make protein smoothies and I also have diet Jell-O, juice, water, yogurt and soup. Yogurt is the most filling, so if I'm really hungry, I have yogurt. I just had some pureed soup and feel pretty full from that, but I have been hearing my stomach growl a lot.

I knew the band was for me when I heard this one...I love greek style yogurt! The best.

I'm about 6 weeks out. Breakfast: 2 oz oatmeal with skim/lactose free milk, half a scrambled egg. Lunch: 2-3 oz tuna fish with light mayo on 3-4 whole wheat crackers. Dinner: zucchini spaghetti and sauce, or broiled fish with vegetables, or homemade brown rice and lentils - no more than 1/2 cup of whatever. My night binges are hard to beat so I have 2 oz of Greek yogurt with Splenda shortly before going to bed. I'm doing ok, losing somewhere around 2-3 lbs a week.

Breakfast: Dannon Greek yogurt Lunch: meat and cheese roll-up with spinach in the middle and a clementine Snack: Babybel cheese I eat that every single weekday.

I had my surgery on August 10th and my Doctor and Dietician just this past Wednesday added Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to my shakes and clear fluids. It is getting really hard. I want eggs and mashed potatoes at least.

guacamole. applesauce. Refried black beans with fat free sour cream. Egg drop soup. Fish (tilapia) poached in seasoned chicken broth with summer squash. (YUM) whipped sweet potatoes. Baked butternut squash. mashed banana. Cauliflower cooked in broth and mashed. yogurt. creamed spinach. cheese souffle. egg custard. cream of wheat. red beans and rice mashed. smooth peanut butter. These were my favorites during "mushies". May not be your preferences, but they're suggestions.

I haven't started taking one yet - I'm doing the Viactiv for multi-vitamens, but here's my question... I think I am LIVING on cottage cheese, yogurt, tuna, spinach, and eggs. I feel like I'm on a calcium overdose! Anyone able to share why we're supposed to supplement calcium?

Ricotta Bake Ricotta cheese 1 egg Tomato sauce Mix then top with mozzarella cheese Bake for 20 minutes on 425 Crab salad Crab meat 1tsp garlic powder 1tsp onion powder 1T of mayo 3t lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Protein pudding 1 ¼ cup soy milk 1 scoop protein your choice 1 small box sugar free instant pudding Tuna Casserole 6 oz. tuna 1 egg 2T Greek yogurt plain 2T cottage cheese Garlic & Onion powder Cheddar cheese grated Blender it all and put in cupcake tin; Top with cheese and bake 20 min at 350 Quiche 1 egg 3 T Ricotta 1 T grated cheese Mix egg n ricotta top with cheese Bake 20 mins at 350 Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Low fat cottage cheese Sugar free vanilla syrup Cinnamon Blend then eat White Beans w/garlic 1/3 c navy beans 2 t olive oil 1 t minced garlic 2 t balsamic vinegar 2 leaves fresh basil Blend and eat Faux Cheesy Potato ½ cup cauliflower steamed till soft 1 t cream cheese 1 T grated parmesan cheese ½ t minced garlic 1 t butter or butter substitute salt and pepper to taste Combine and puree Pumpkin Pie Custard ¼ can pure pumpkin 15oz. ¼ c skim milk (or soy milk) 1 eggs Pinch of salt ½ t vanilla extract ½ t pumpkin spice ¼ t liquid stevia Blend ingredients then pour into ramekin. Bake 20-30 mins at 350 until knife comes out clean. Set aside and cool, and then chill. Pumpkin Pie Puree 1 c cottage cheese 3 T pumpkin puree 1 t pumpkin pie spice 1 scoop vanilla protein 1 t sugar free caramel syrup Blend until smooth. Apple Pie Puree 1 c cottage cheese 3 T mashed cooked apple 1 t cinnamon 1 scoop vanilla protein 1 t sugar free caramel syrup Blend until smooth. General food ideas pureed canned soup Creamed soup cottage cheese mashed cauliflower hummus fat free refried beans liverwurst pate deviled ham avocado applesauce mashed banana tuna salad scrambled eggs egg salad sugar free Jello sugar free pudding