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This is unusal, my doc recently told me the band doesn't loosen after you have lost the fat that was under the band. Maybe you have replaced that with muscle as you work to tighten up. If you are able to get lunch and dinner in I don't think I would worry. Maybe the coffee can be replaced with tea, no creamers and it's more "water like". Also, maybe yogurt in the AM for the protein. If you can"t eat lunch, at least call the doc. Good luck.

So far acid has not been a problem for me but I know from my lapband days how much that discomfort can contribute to bad choices. I would have an afternoon ice cream or frozen yogurt to soothe myself..... there are better ways to address it so really glad to hear your surgeon is investigating that. In the meantime, are you on a PPI?

Per doc , I was on clear 1 week, full on 2nd week.... reality= I was on full after a couple of days so I could get in my protein. I also eat a very little bit of greek low sugar yogurt to get my icky crushed meds down.

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'.

My 1 year Bandanniversary was in December. Life has been crazy, sad and I'm stalled. I'm working to get back into the groove of recording everything I eat and making better choices in foods. My son was killed in Afganistan in October of 09, My brother in law passed away from cancer in October 09, I've gained around 20 lbs since then and have added candy bars and cheetos to my diet... Yes I know bad bad bad. I went through a period of being too tight...or maybe it was grief and my pouch was topsy turvy and I couldn't get good things in and resorted to liquids for my lunch and dinner. (Soups mostly) There were times I couldn't even get yogurt down. I wanted to come back and see how everyone was doing and be a bit whinny cause I know everyone will understand.

Hi all, As I'm trying to limit my intake (pre-fill and post-vacation-with-overeating), I was curious what the typical August bander is eating these days. Most of us are in regular foods now, I think. Would you share a typical day of eating? Me today: Breakfast - Yogurt 4oz., cheese stick, Mott's pomegranate sauce (little container) lunch - Vegetarian chili, 1 cup; sugar-free Jello pudding cup Snack - SF Jello pudding cup, 5 cashews dinner - Tuna casserole, 1 cup Total calories today: 950 or so I know I'm still eating too much at a sitting (like at lunch). Some of this is definitely not hunger eating!

I had my 2nd fill to bring me up to 5cc and I really don't feel more restriction than when I had my 2nd fill. I am trying to eat less but am still finding myself thinking more about food then I should be. Breakfast - 1 ww toast, pb and small amt of jam, 1 ff yogurt, snack - 1 protein bar, lunch - 1/2 turkey sand, 1 ff choc pudding snack - ff yogurt (maybe 2) with a handful of nuts, supper - try to keep total to 1 cup - a bit of potato, meat, and sometimes some cooked veggies. If I am reall y hungry, I tend to wolf my food down and then oh oh - can only eat a few mouthfuls and then have to stop. Huh - maybe this would be my solution to eating too much !! :thumbup:

My Typical Day - breakfast: chocolate whey shake 100cal. snack: yogurt 60cal. lunch: salad w/ tuna & chicken/ no dressing snack: Spec K protein bar 110cal. dinner: 10-12 oz protein/ veggie/ sm potato snack: frozen tofutti chocolate bar 60 cal.

1. What are your typical days meals and how much of it can you eat? (PICTURES WOULD BE FABULOUS IF POSSIBLE) I am not a huge fan of breakfast foods so I typically eat a yogurt with some dry Cereal, or have leftovers from a previous meal. For lunch, I eat out a lot, so it really it whatever I want just in small quantities. The other day, I ate 4 of the nachos from Chili's 2 with fajita chicken, 2 with just Beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and 3-5 jalapeno slices. For dinner, I'll have whatever I prepare for my family. I typically eat 3-4oz of meat, veggies, and a few bites of whatever starch I prepare. I can eat 1 slice of bread with 2 slices of deli meat and 1 piece of cheese without the crust. I can eat 1 soft taco from taco bell, or 2 wedges from a steak quesadilla from taco bell. Here's some pictures I've posted on what I've eaten, I eat about the same amounts maybe plus 1-2oz on mushies food. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/2934-food-for-thought/page__p__27160__fromsearch__1#entry27160 http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3049-another-food-for-thought-moment/page__p__28094__fromsearch__1#entry28094 3 tortilla chips, beans, rice with sauteed onions and queso blanco. 3 pieces of fajita skirt steak. About 1Tbsp of sour cream and guacamole mixed in with everything. 2. Do you every wish you could eat more than what you are eatting and get depressed over it? Nope, I don't wish I could eat more. I rarely eat to the point of being "full" anymore. I eat what I know will satisfy me, and in quantities that will allow me to hit my caloric and Protein goals and never miss the huge portions I ate pre-op. And, believe me, I could eat most men under the table. I had a huge appetite pre-op, I was definitely a volume eater, and would eat to get that "thanksgiving day" fullness every night at dinner. I had one case of "buyer's remorse" at 5.5 months out Thanksgiving 2009. I was still not able to eat a lot, and I sat there and watched my in-laws gorge themselves. I was furious at myself, but it was a fleeting moment, when I realized everyone was in their food coma, and I was ready to go do something. I felt alive, in control, and had so much energy while everyone else was napping. Least to say, I have absolutely ZERO regrets, and live an amazing life post-op. 3. Do you regret the surgery or are you happy you did it? Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about my life post-VSG. I would do it over again and again to feel this amazing. 4. How many months/years post sleeve are you?Just a few days shy of 18 months post-sleeve

I'm post op!! My Surgery was on the 25th! Everything went great. I'm so lucky I have no vomiting, no nausea, no reflux, nothing!! I've not been able to tolerate protein shakes at all since surgery. My NUT is ok with me not having them, as long as I'm able to get my protein in thru eggs, Greek Yogurt & ground chicken.

I'm not doing a good job at keeping up with my journal, i'm falling behind. Well, lets see, where do I start. Oh yes, two weeks ago I started the BFL challenge. Well, it was miss & go for the first two weeks, but I think I'm finally with it! I exercised 5 times the first and 2nd week, and this week, my goal it to do it 6 times as the BFL program indicates. I've actually started over, this week, (yesterday) so today is day 2 of the 84 day challenge. My menu Bfast - lf yogurt with a handfull of granola 1 small bag of rice cakes - yum (90 calories) snack 1 small back of rice cakes (90 calories) Lunch Fish taco on a whole wheat tortilla, cilantro and pace picanta sauce, 2 strawberries snack 1/2 apple with peanut butter dinner fish taco on a whole wheat tortilla (yes, I love these things) Monday exercise - UBWO - worked everything on the upper body - HARD. 30 min of elliptical Tuesday - 60 min of elliptical

*GASP* That could soooo be it! I was lactose intolerant pre op but because I've yet to find an Organic Lactaid I just dealt with the bathroom runs..... But it makes sense & I never thought to think the lactose affects my body different now....! I will try my children's Almond Milk. They are lactose intolerant as well & since they've been drinking the stuff since I stopped nursing them they actually really like it. I'll see how it goes, thanks! Right now I'm having some white fish I sauteed and mixed with .5oz of yogurt for lunch. So far so good and surprisingly tasty after seasoning it well.

Breakfast: Greek yogurt or Protein shake Snack: Protein Bar Lunch: cheese, turkey..or something similar. Snack: peel - less apple or protein bar dinner - seafood with a side of steamed veggies. Next week I am going to try some fresh veggies and more fruit. After the 22nd - will add in exercise. Now just a ton of walking. Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App

1. I don't cook much. Neither do I. I get a lot of pre-cooked meats from Trader Joe's and frozen veggies. I also used things like cans/pouches of tuna and salmon, canned sardines and mackerel, bags of peeled and hardboiled eggs, cartons of yogurt, string cheese, etc. There is no rule that says you have to become a gourmet cook! I can't be bothered. 2. I work at night and the options for ordering in are limited. I realize it will be better to bring my food most of the time anyway, but as I said - I don't cook much, so this will be new. Get some tupperware type containers. Add in a few ounces of meat (pre-grilled chicken breast, packet of flavored tuna, etc.), an ounce or two of thawed frozen veggies, and a tablespoon of salad dressing. shake. Or bring in yogurt or a hardboiled egg (you can buy bags of hardboiled eggs at Trader Joe's and other places). If you don't want to turn your life into slaving over a stove, don't! 3. I've never been one for chewing my food thoroughly. I tend to swallow my food in large quantities and one reason that accompanies that, though certainly not an excuse, is that my teeth aren't great. If there is any way you can, start working on getting your teeth fixed. Just as a general rule, this will be great for your overall health. If you can't do that, then at least practice taking in smaller quantities. Your teeth should not be too much of an impediment there. One additional reason you may want to look into getting your teeth taken care of -- many surgeons and anesthesiologists will not do any elective surgery on someone with a tooth infection or a loose tooth. So if those are issues for you, you may *need* to get them taken care of before your surgery, and preferably as much before the surgery as possible. 4. I have an over 2 liter a day of Diet Coke habit. I actually think I can kick this one This isn't a "think I can kick this one" item -- this is a "I will kick this one." It isn't optional . . . start practicing good mental habits now as well as good physical habits. Don't debate with yourself whether you can make the changes necessary. Tell yourself it isn't up for discussion and come up with a plan as to how it will happen. 5. I love food!!!! - I feel like I'm giving up my best friend, but it does feel similar to other addictions and I do want to be healthy. I can see myself in a new lifestyle regarding food - though, for me, it will mean changing everything. I think that's true for everyone here! We can all relate. We all love food and had to change how we expressed and indulged in that love. So make the best use possible of your medical team as well as resources like this forum and hopefully we can all learn and change together. Good luck!

I was sleeved on the 21st started full liquids on day three. Protein shakes, SF Jello, SF pudding, Soup broth and light yogurt... Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

For the PICC line, watch the nurse change the dressing, I walked my husband through it after I watched the nurses and it just needed to be changed weekly. I had a feeding tube for little over two months - but mine was inserted through the abdonminal wall to the intestine not down my nose. I could easily hide it under my clothes although I was" feeding" 16-22 hours a day, consuming 2100-2600 calories a day - thus no weight loss. My doctor is very cautious and had already removed the drains and tubes thinking there was no leak and tried to talk me into reinserting the feed tube to make sure my nutrition stayed on track - but I refused. Having it in had an emotional impact that I couldn't explain, having it out gave me mental strength. I have eaten steak, refried beans, tilapia, tuna, soups, yogurt, etc. I can't eat a lot - 3 oz at a time but I believe the natural protien is superior to the medical feedings for making me feel better and exercising. The hole will heal (doc promises) and it gets better daily. Your boyfriend's will too. I hope that he tolerates the stents. It is a very weird feeling but I had one in stomach and another anchored in esophgus (sp?) which is why it effected me so. I researched stents and they will help him eat and drink while leak heals. Again, good luck!!! Best wishes to you both.

Are you allowed a full liquid diet or just clear? I was on full liquids the first week. I enjoyed low fat/low sugar Greek yogurt (no fruit in it). Light and fit Greek yogurt is good. They have a toasted coconut vanilla that is really good. I was also allowed cottage cheese and ricotta cheese. I mixed both with garlic salt and heated it up in the microwave. Also tomato basil soup mixed with unflavored protein powder. I was sick of the broth before I even left the hospital, so I had to get creative!

Thanks a lot today I am 2 days post op feeling really good mild too moderate pain a little tired no real issues with the band yet currently working on trying to eat at least 3 to four times a day only been really tasting things like broth yogurt and apple sauce not that I cant eat just haven't been hungry at all working on drinking water not thirsty at all already lost about three to four pounds surgery went really well almost no bleeding I was up and walking and eating right after I got up to the recovery room had my first fart today lol haven't been gassy or anything I hope my good streak continues!

I wish I was on the Atkins induction phase! Oh, to be able to chew something!!! Liquids for 2 weeks is already driving me crazy. Basically everything is sweet except for chicken broth. It's all yogurt, frozen yogurt, Jello, pudding, popsicles, etc. Broth is the only real soup unless I want to strain it. I don't care for tomato, tried it today but couldn't even get half a bowl down. Guess if I get hungry enough it may start to look better. I am determined to stick to the diet though and not cheat. Anyone else doing actual liquids? What about cheese soup? Campbells makes a cheddar cheese soup. I'm wondering if I can mix some of that with the tomato or broth to add some flavor.

I don't think either one keeps you from losing weight - I eat cheese every day and I continue to lose weight - and it doesn't bind me up as many say it does to them - when I was early out, string cheese was a lifesaver for me. I haven't been able to tolerate yogurt since surgery - it's a consistency thing for me - but Bearded eats a lot of yogurt and he's losing weight too.

You will feel normal again! I remember that was the question I asked myself most in those early days. I'm pretty sure I even posted it on here a few times. "Will I ever feel normal again!??!?!" But I eventually did and you will too! It's hard to believe right now, I know, but you really really will. As for the pureed stage, I never once ate any actual pureed food. I had my Protein shakes, yogurt, and recipes from this page: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html The Baked Ricotta saved me!

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.

Lol. Yes I though the about that later like what was I thinking, but luckily it was ok. It was actually so refreshing to have something fresh like that, so used to yogurt, Beans, cottage cheese, tuna, eggs. It was a nice change. Sent from my KFSAWI using the BariatricPal App

I was lactose intolerant for the first 6 months after surgery. The Syntrax nectars were and still are my shake of choice. I also bought the lactase tablets so later on I could tolerate cheese and yogurt. Some people are lactose intolerant for a short period of time after surgery and some never get over it, but even if you are now, there is no reason to think it's forever.

For the pureed, I've done garden peas, mashed potatoes, refried bean, mashed up baked beans, I'm still doing yogurt and pudding. Pureed part is hard BC its not very appetizing at all. More ideas on others foods would be great for me too!