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Wild - I was given an Easiyo Yogurt maker for Christmas. It's really easy and so far I like the flavors on offer. So far the benefits I've found is 1) They don't contain added sugar. 2) They don't contain Gelitine and emulsifiers. I think there are other makers on the market but that might be the way to go.

I was sleeved 8/6/12. It's my 3 month anniversary and I am down 33 lbs. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I saw the doctor yesterday and he said I should have lost more, but maybe my metabolism is slow. I can eat about 3/4-1 c at a sitting. After I eat I am stuffed, but only for about 30-40 mins. I eat about 4x a day. I am getting Protein, I exercise 3x a week, I should drink more Water, but other than that, I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have had stalls that last 2 and 3 weeks. The majority of my loss was in the first month and a half. A typical day of eating is: Greek yogurt, 1/2 banana,protein bar and about 20 oz water, all before 1:00 pm. 1/2 sandwich and a small dinner, maybe 20 more oz water. I am so happy I had the surgery, but I want to feel excited and I want to see great results for this amount of effort.

Each person is different when it comes to sliders. I eat Special K Fruit and Yogurt every morning for Breakfast and I do fill full after one cup of special K with a half a cup of 1% milk on it. I have found some foods people say are sliders and don't fill them up actually do for me. I can eat popcorn a cup full and I do fill full and frozen yogurt to. Everyone is different. I would think that you do need fill, but that is just me.

Sleeved on 2/4 and feeling really good. I have a hematoma above my large incision causing pain but otherwise good.No nausea or vomiting, sipping well. I am not hungry at all! I've been staying with my parents the last few days and they've been eating hoagies cheesesteaks, donoughts, etc and I'm not even interested. I haven't had a bowl movement but am passing gas. I'm down 16 lbs since I started my 3 day pre-diet on 2/1. I'm 5'9' starting weight was 252. This week is Clear liquids for me , so I've been drinking Propel, Water, tea with honey, Jello, and broth. I'm drinking The Original Protein XL shot 28 grams. It's really good. Next week will be full liquids like pudding, yogurt, Protein shakes, etc. I'm really excited!

@@chycky - I like those to. I think the highest Protein yogurt is Icelandic, it's just tough to find and expensive.

The original recipe I saw specified not to use low fat or fat free, I guess it just needs that extra in it! Where do you get Greek yogurt cream cheese???? I've never ears of that?!?!? HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 204.6

Be glad, my pre-op diet is a complete liquid diet starting on Nov 24-surgery is scheduled Dec 1st. I can only have protein drinks, low-fat cream soups (strained), sugar free jello or pudding, yogurt-no chunks. I am on a clear liquid diet the day before surgery. After surgery-I have to follow the same liquid diet for 2 weeks before adding soft foods. But it will be worth it.

Yeah I'm not there yet and I'm not looking forward to it. My doctors are pretty strict and already gave me the handouts about the pre-op diet. I will be on full liquids only-up to 6 protein shakes per day, and sf yogurt if I need to feel like I am eating something. They said the only sub I could make is sf jello because I hate yogurt bleck!

With my anti-gall stone pill and Nexium pill I eat 2 bites of cottage cheese. Per surgeon I need to take with dairy. Breakfast is Protein shake Morning snack: eggs with canned ham, Rotel (canned diced tomatoes/green chilis), tiny bit of cheese. (I made a batch and portioned out a few days worth) Lunch: Deli ham, 1 slice provolone Afternoon snack: Ground beef with Rotel and taco seasoning Dinner: probably left over Rotisserie chicken and broccoli Earlier in the week DH and I went to Outback. I had the Ahi-Tuna appetizer and mixed veggies (broccoli, snow peas, carrots.) I stole 2 of his croutons and nibbled on them. During a snow day this week I had an Avocado baked with an egg in it. Didn't care for the taste. But it went down fine. Last Friday I made Shrimp Alfredo with Linguine. I use low-carb Pasta. I had a few shrimp, 3 noodles and some broccoli. I like egg salad or chicken salad. I mix the salad using Hellman's light mayo and fat free yogurt to keep the fat grams down. I add a tiny bit of Gulden's mustard to the egg salad. I just cannot stand fat free mayo. I also only like Hellman's. I have had chicken breast but it has to be pretty moist or it is tough to get down. Rotisserie tends to be good for that. It is harder to not get grilled breast to be too "dry". I have had crackers a few times over the last week. At most I will have 2 club crackers at a time with either the deli meat or the egg salad/chicken salad. I had salmon a few weeks ago. I have some tilapia in the freezer that I will eat some of this weekend. I had some fresh fruit this past week- strawberries, blue berries, orange wedge. I avoided the apple as it had peels on and was finely diced so no way to avoid the peels. I have not ventured into trying lettuce or raw veggies yet.

@john925 I am 5+ years PO - GOAL past 4+ years (105 lbs down) during the last 2.5 years i fluctuated here and there as much as 5-7 lbs - but i consider myself at GOAL for ME, restriction gradually slowed down about 2 years+ my "mental" restriction" kicked in i still use a smaller plate with my small amounts trying to eat lessss sweets (that's a killer for me) pre-op my doc said to me "eat until you are full", then stop 2 bites earlier"! kind of like "tom" asks "fred" where is sleeve st???fred says,"watch me" - and get off 2 stops earlier!! I better stop writing now and grab a cookie oooops - meant to say Greek lite and fit blueberry yogurt weight gain would happen if i ate too often, and to much in this situation, size DOES matter you should usually/frequently follow all the rules that you've learned you can be a "little" lax as times passes I used to be 5"3 now i'm 6" tall kathy i will always be proudgrammy

Well, it's two days after my surgery. I feel better today than I did yesterday that's for sure. The gas pain was the worst yesterday I think. Not so bad today. I have one dose of my pain killer (lortab) left and I don't think I will take it anymore after its gone. The heating pad has been an awesome thing to have. Haven't really had much desire to "eat" anything, I have only had two small shakes and a half cup of yogurt since surgery. I almost wanted to gag trying to eat the yogurt, but I am trying to keep up the Protein. I have been doing some light chores around the house, and went to the store and walked around a bit, trying to be up and moving to get rid of this gas pain which I think is the worst part so far. I am able to remove the dressings today for a shower! Pretty excited about that. Haven't really been nauseous thankfully. Just gassy sore and the port incision is pretty tender. I'm sure tomorrow will be even better yet! I am a side sleeper, so sleeping on my back hasn't been real fun, but I'm hoping to be able to get back to normal there in a couple weeks. Husband has been SUPER AWESOME and I am blessed to have him to help. If anybody wants to keep in touch e-mail wise or anything I would be more than happy! Blessings to all!

Had my sleeve one week ago today and feel great. Each day is getting better. I have no problems getting my fluids in, and mixing up my full fluids to keep it interesting with creamed Soups, yogurt, etc. Protein Shakes are getting easier to tolerate each day as well. On day of surgery, I was 283.1, and this morning I was 266.6! Looking forward to continuing the journey

I was sleeved on the 15th and was home on the 17th. So far so good. I've been able to finish my protein get my water in and finish my yogurts and cream soups. I don't feel tired, my only complaint is the feeling of heartburn after everything that I eat or drink. The doctor said it was normal and it would pass. I'm also constantly hungry. I don't know if its real hungar or head hungar. Still trying to figure that out. Either way I satisfy that with water or a sugar free popsicle. My incisions are almost healed. No pain with bending or lifting. Cant wait to go back to work soon!

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago. It's been rough. Not able to eat anything but jello, popsicles and the occasional bit of yogurt. Protein is tough too but I am trying. I've lost 47 pounds (surgery weight was 264) which seems fast. I'm taking all of my vitamins and actually went back to work on Monday. I worked at my desk, took it slow, no big flights of stairs on both Monday and Tuesday. I even left a bit early. Tuesday night I began having excruciating pain in my upper right side. I couldn't sleep and getting up was near impossible. The pain moved into my legs for a few hours as well which was very scary. Weird thing is that I could have sworn on Tuesday at my desk I felt a popping in that same area, almost like a snap or an electric shock. I stayed home today but the pain is even worse. No fever. No vomiting. I don't want to be a wuss but it seems odd that 3 weeks out I would develop the worst pain yet. Am I overreacting? Any recommendations?

Unflavored Isopure protein powder sprinkled on everything, especially stirred in my yogurt. No flavor and no grot, stir it in well and you won't even know it's there. Big help in increasing protein intake. ????

I do agree to check with your NUT, but since it's a holiday - I had the sleeve, but I believe liquids have the same requirements for both. All clear liquids, soups (strain out chunks), protein shakes, low-carb high-protein yogurt, skim milk Hope this helps and good luck!

Wow! 9 pounds already, that is awesome!!! What kinds of things are you putting in your house for when you get home the first few days? I keep thinking I'm forgetting something but I have sugar free ice pops, broth, egg whites, skim milk, yogurt....what else can we eat on the liquids/full liquids.

Boiled eggs are a waste of calories and sleeve space. Not enough protein .Research before you put anything in your mouth. I live on greek yogurt 14-15 gr of protein. Tilapia, chicken, red meat. Cottage cheese is high in protein. Special K PROTEIN PLUS cereal 1/2 cup with 1/2 cup Carbmaster milk. I don't have space for veggies or bananas in my sleeve. No protein? I won't eat it. Water? Yes, but not as much cause I forget to drink it. I take my Bariatric advantage vitamins and 1 iron pill every day. I am not doing ANY excersise but to walk from my cubicle to the mail room a few times per day. I've lost 35 lbs in 8 weeks. Ps: I take Wellbutrin. What is depression again? You gotta take something. See a doctor. Get serotonin levels up baby. Check your thyroid levels. You'll feel great.

Wow...a couple of things here... First, it's totally normal to be more hungry when you workout, even without the band. Your body metabolizes food faster when you're moving around, thus making it work through your system faster. Be careful NOT to drink until at least an hour after a meal. That should slow it down a little. Also, have something small to eat if you are hungry after working out, but be sure it's something higher in Protein. Protein will stay with you longer and make you feel satiated. My doctor told me not to agonize over losing only 2-3 pounds in a month as we're still "looking for my sweet spot". He explained that until I'm where I need to be, I'm really just dieting without help. Sure, we all know that the band is/should be helping along the way, but it's not worth stressing over. Be sure your foods are solids....don't make the mistake I did of eating yogurt and cottage cheese because they're high in protein. They don't stay with you and are considered to be liquid. Eat solids slowly and let them sit in your stomach. I liked the funnel anaolgy. If you put food into the funnel (your modified stomach) and let it work it's way through, it's going to serve you far better than if you run the Water and push it through.... I haven't lost much weight, but I've been exercising. I thought you guys might find it amusing to know---NO LIE---my nutritionist told me to CUT BACK ON THE WORKING OUT!!!! Not something I ever expected. I was doing about 45 minutes of circuit training plus 45 minutes of jogging/walking a day, at least 5 to 6 days a week. Oh, and would it make you feel better to know that I lost 4 pounds that month?! Yes..only 4. LOL. Then, after cutting back, as directed, I only lost 3--just as I anticipated! I was an athlete in college and my body is accustomed to working out 2-3 hours a day. Granted, that was nearly 14 years ago, but once programmed....it's hard to get out of that. Obviously I don't have the time or energy to do that at this age. This is why my nutritionist told me to find some physical activity that would be something sustainable. Meaning, in 3-4 years time, I'll still want/be able to keep it up. Don't make life changes you aren't willing to maintain. They'll just set you up for failure and disappointment. Good luck to all of us! I hope that knowing we're not alone in our frustration makes you all feel as good as it does me. I appreciate your sharing. :smile2:

Have seen this list before, but it's worth posting again it's so useful if you are getting ready for surgery! :thumbup: NON-food ITEMS: Heating pad (12inx24in) - for shoulder pain if you have any Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) - for shoulder pain if you have any A few books or movies Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) Make sure you have a good blender Pedometer(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) & check with your doc before using Chewable or liquid gas-x, or strips Wet Wipes Pill crusher Chewable Vitamins Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) Cough Drops Stool Softener - check with your doc first Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes Protein Water (K2O) Plenty of water broth or stuff to make broth sugar free popsicles Sugar free Jello Sugar free breath mints (chewable) Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors Bouillon Cream of Wheat Creamy Soups Applesauce FAT FREE yogurt Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) Sugar free hot cocoa Decaf tea CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable Button down shirts Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires LADIES – tip for surgery day, wear a button down shirt, and no bra..it’s much more comfortable!!:smile:

Hi BioTeacher! Have you ever been testing for Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or Metabolic Syndrome? Based on what you have experienced I would say that you might be experiencing a difficulty that I have also experienced. I had a hell of a time in the beginning because the band books I was following said to go low fat and low this and that...it wasn't working and I didn't have any restriction for the first 6 months (6 fills). It wasn't until I got a new fill doctor and my 7th and 8th fill that I really started experiencing success. I knew I had PCOS but I didn't realize that if you have any kind of metabolic syndrome that the low fat approaches will not work. This new doc told me that I had to get in enough protein and fiber to kick start and fuel a metabolism that was completely headed in the wrong direction. He said one gram of protein for each half pound of body weight. So basically you can figure out how many grams of protein you need every day by divinding your weight in two. Mine was 230/2 =115 grams per day. Try it and see if it works for you. It did for me. I highly recommend the following items that will help you kick start your metabolism: 1.) Week 1 and 2 - reduce your carb intake to less than 50 grams per day eat only vegetables, meats, cheeses, and low carb shakes or bars with no sugar- gradually work your way up in protein intake by 20-30 grams per day until you are at the amount you should be taking in based on your weight calculation. Put your fork or spoon down in between bites and chew 12-15 times per bite. Don't bother bringing a drink to the table when you're eating...this prevents you filling up on liquid. Steer clear of all sugar in fruits, no yogurt, no processed foods with any sugar, honey, etc. Only splenda or stevia. Also, watch our for cured meats and items with nitrates. These will interfere with your kick start. Get some Atkins shakes, breakfast bars...these really help a lot! Russell Stover makes great low carb candy that will carry you through this so you don't freak out about not having your sweet fix. Have nuts and seeds on hand to give you fiber and energy. 2.) Go see your doctor about another fill. I had to be at 8.1 in a 10cc band before I had any restriction whatsoever. You might be having the same issue. My doc told me that if you are overweight and overeating for most of your life that you can often have stretched the top portion of your stomach as well so it takes more tightening before you get to the sweet spot. IF your current doc is unwilling, consider fillcentersusa.com - I have had great success with the doctor they recommended. He listens and only does fills...so he knows what he is talking about. They have centers all over the country and more added every month. www.fillcentersusa.com 3.) Week 3 and 4 - continue to limit yourself to less than 50 grams of carbs per day...try to go closer to 20 grams if you can...this will really kick start your metabolism and you will start losing weight if you haven't already. Do not eat anything with sugar in it. IF you mess up, get back on the horse and get on with it. You are still eating less than you were before...also if you want a freakin diet coke then have one...depriving yourself will mentally throw off your whole effort. Just don't make it a habit. 4.) After 4 weeks...see where you are. Are you losing? Do you have restriction? IF not, go visit the doc again for another fill. You can ask for one every month until you get where you need to be. Fill Centers has a policy that if they overfill you - then you can come back within 72 hours for an unfill with no charge. Some even have an underfill policy within 72 hours so you don't have to pay again if you aren't happy. After you start losing, you can experiment with adding a few more carbs to see where you stop losing weight. When it stops then back off the carbs a little and you'll find your spot where you can eat some carbs you like without ambushing your loss. This is how I'm doing it. Very little bread and fruit, lots of meat, cheese, vegetables (not so much on the carrots, corn, etc) but green veggies and salads, lots of nuts and seeds and protein shakes.) Also, there are some very high protein shakes out there called NewWhey. www.newwhey.com or at health stores. They are about 4 oz each (three swallows) and they have 40 grams of protein. I put them in the freezer for about 15 minutes and then drink it...you are more than half way done with protein for the day with these. Also, Atkins shakes and bars are very high in protein. Almonds are always good to have around. Let me know how this works for you. I'm very hopeful that you'll be able to enjoy success with your band!

Tell me about it...LOL i have a greek yogurt, Apple sauce no sugar, 4 ounces mash a small scoop of low fat cheese...and generous amount of pro-shakes...quite sad but this to shall pass..

My lunch bag is almost always a frozen meal, a Greek yogurt and some kind of fruit like an apple and beef Jerky or a Protein bar if I'm going to the gym. Seriously, it's the same thing every day. It's sad. But going out to lunch is an expensive waste. $10 on something from the corner bakery or potbelly that will just be thrown out because the portion is ginormous. Also, have a square of chocolate. Or get chocolate yogurt.

Eating pre-surgery was a lot easier than post surgery. I did not like the liquid broths, I preferred the cubes that dissolve in Water. I could not tolerate the cream soups after surgery, but they were fine before. I also did a lot better with the ready to drink Protein shakes. They are quite portable and taste better. My shopping list: greek yogurt (lots) sf pudding ff cream soups diet v8 splash sf popsicles sf Jello (although I didn't eat much of these) I notice little things about my body, and I'm 4 months out. My tummy looks different although it doesn't look smaller to me. I've lost 50 pounds or so and I'm firmly in a new size. None of my pre clothes fit anymore. People started noticing way before I did. I have taken a picture every month and the first time I saw a difference between my before and after picture was at 3 months.

I often used sugar free torani syrups or a little sugar free water enhancer powder (like crystal light or true lemon) into plain fat free greek yogurt. It was amazing to create so many fun flavors and fine tune them to my tastes.