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Great thank you. I'm taking off three weeks. I just feel So weak I thought I should start doing something f to get energy/ strength back. Maybe I'll feel better once I can add more food. Still in liquid stage with cottage cheese and yogurt Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@LynnAlex My best friend had a band installed 5 years ago. He lost some weight, it was up and down, fills were common and he had a lot of problems finding foods he could eat. He lost about 40 pounds and sort of stayed there. Two years ago he deployed (as a civilian) to Afghanistan and having nothing to do, decided to get back into the military workout routine. He lost 50 pounds. Came home and had a fill. As it turns out they overfilled him. He figured he would just keep losing weight and grow into the fill. He gained weight back, 10-20 pounds up and down and has been in that range for the last two years. He had the fill reduced 2 weeks ago, and lost six pounds in his first week. The problem was the fill was so tight all he could eat were soft carbs, so in spite of walking 25K steps EVERY SINGLE DAY and being one of the most active people I know he was not losing any weight. Now that the fill set correctly, he can eat hard Protein again and had lost about 15 pounds. However, he still eats what he wants. If he wants a snickers bar, he eats one. So in spite of the band, he'll remain around his current weight just because he pushes his caloric intake everyday. Oh he is also a nighttime alcoholic, what was the odd beer or two at night is now, 8-10 oz of Jack seven days a week. I love him like a brother and would take a bullet for him (we enlisted together), but I cannot solve his drinking problem. He has to realize it's a problem, and given his past history he won't until it is too late and his wife leaves him. The point of all this was soft carbs versus hard protein, in 3 weeks I go to an unrestricted diet, and intend on eating solid foods as much as humanly possible, because with the exception of my beloved yogurt, I am a bit tired of soft food. This just gave me an idea for a chicken stir fry I could probably eat......

I am vegeterian and get my proteins from Atkins protein shake for breakfast and then make my own protein shake for lunch. Rest of the day I eat beans, oats, lentils, yogurt and don't worry about proteins because I already got my proteins in for the day. Sometimes I do eat eggs but they get stuck!

Most patients are on full liquid diets on day 10 postop. Your surgeon allows yogurt this soon? Are you eating fat free plain Greek yogurt? Or name brand, carb-loaded regular yogurt? Stats: 5'1", age 67, female. Highest weight: 245. BMI 41. Surgery Date: May 28, 2020. Weight at surgery: 211. VSG.

Hi KC Bandsters! Here's an update on my progress: I was banded September 16, 2010 by Dr. Malley. The New Hope staff really took great care of me and Dr. Malley is a very skilled surgeon with a very witty humor; quiet, but very funny. I have not done so well with the band. I've had a lot of problems with any amount of fill and have experienced bandster hell many times until I got an unfill. I lost 10 pounds pre-op and had only lost 17 pounds post-op as of March, 2011. I found myself sick most of the time and in a great deal of discomfort. However, New Hope was great at checking me out to ensure no slips happened and that the band looked good under floroscopy. As soon as I'd start to recover and go in for another fill, the same thing would happen - I'd get sick and be unable to keep anything down, even liquid. However, I managed to continue working out several times a week but developed very unhealthy patterns of eating because of all the problems with keeping food down. I couldn't do protein at all except in protein shakes and yogurt. I was starving all the time, but could not eat. During the times I was able to keep liquids down, I drank all of my calories and naturally, I would get so sick of protein shakes that I would go for the stuff that packs on pounds just to get a change from the protein shakes, which I did not seem to lose with. Hell...truly. I let my tummy rest after the last unfill and it seemed I was able to at least keep some food down and was actually able to maintain my weight rather than lose and gain the same 10 pounds between fills and unfills. So.....after 5 months passed I returned to my PCP, who shared her experience with HCG. I was so tired of being sick and so discouraged that I decided to give it a go in March. I lost 24 pounds in 30 days and have finally been able to eat the protein my body needed so badly. I'm scheduled for another round of HCG and am 50 pounds from goal. It's the first time in my life that my physical hunger has been controlled. I expected the band to at least help with a portion of my physical hunger like it did for so many of my friends. But, it didn't really do much for my hunger, even when I was so tight that I couldn't keep anything but water down. Since it had been over two months since my last fill, I decided to go in for a tiny fill. That's why I had the band, right? Well, the same thing happened. I went and had a little unfill and still I have been puking all weekend. I really regret the decision I made to get banded. For me, unlike several of my friends, it did nothing at all to curb my hunger. I never got to the point of not feeling like I have a ball in my stomach and always feel irritated. I know I'm not the norm and that others have had great results. I believe my body does not react well to the band and will be discussing what my options are to at least have a complete unfill or possible removal. I can't live like this anymore. The support groups are great and I really recommend them. To those of you considering if New Hope is a good choice, I would tell you not to hesitate about the quality and skill of Dr. Malley and his nursing staff. You are in great hands!

I still occasionally have a whey Protein shake. I use Jay Robb chocolate(tastes so good), with 8 oz. milk 200 calories, 0 carbs, & 32 grams of protein. sometimes I add some plain greek yogurt and fruit(raspberries). even more protein and tastes so good, it is the consistency of a heavy milk shake. I cut the amt. of milk. this is a great Breakfast on the days I am trying to cut fat and/or carbs. I never snack in between meals.

1/4 cup is perfect for me with things like refried beans, chili, and egg salad. I can almost get 1/2 of cottage cheese and yogurt in. It's still hard for me to tell if and when I'm full so I have to measure so I don't get that over full feeling.

I will be four weeks out on Tuesday. I'm on a ppi and still get the feeling that I have to burp when I eat. The puréed foods are not my favorite. I found that smaller bites and waiting a full minute between each bite help with the awkward feeling. I'm eating Greek yogurt and puréed soup for most meals right now. I cannot wait for soft foods stage.

hi gals! things are ok - i am still in my slump but my appt is next wed and i may get another fill, i'll talk to dr. jones then. i think i finally figured out that i eat too fast, esp at lunchtime. i only have a 1/2 hour and no time to snack or eat smaller meals throughout the day. i am going back to protein shakes, yogurt and soup for lunch so we'll see. a get together in jan sounds good, time seems to be flying! too bad we live so far or i would be dancing with you! dez

I wanted to follow up on how this went in case anyone having the same issues I am finds this thread. I purchased NOW Sports Dairy Digest Complete V-Caps. They are: BioCore Dairy UltraT 108 mg* Protease 630 BLGU* / 25,000 HUT* (from Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae) Lactase (from Aspergillus oryzae) 1,000 ALU* Lipase (from Candida rugosa) 600 FIP* I decided to take them for a full week before even attempting dairy. I'm still on soy shakes, but I'm so happy to have lower lactose things like my Dannon Light'n'Fit 2X Protein Greek Yogurt back! Today I went "crazy" and had .75 oz of light cheddar. I haven't tried to push it too far, though. One serving of low-lactose dairy a day. That's a major improvement when you consider that I experienced cramps and diarrhea from a vegan cream cheese with a scant 1 mg of non-dairy lactose!

Are you guys outta your stall yet? I'm at week 3 and haven't lost a pound since Monday. I am totally prepared for the 3 week stall everyone goes through but I'm on full liquids and am having a lot of issues getting anything think down. I'm able to get blended creamed Soup, blended greek yogurt, and nectar Protein Water... but that's seriously it! I'm not even close to getting 64oz of fluids in, and maybe get 60g of protein in a day.... I'm so sad! I was so excited to drink my yummy chocolate Protein shakes, but NOPE, they dont go down! So, I was just wondering if ya'll were able to break your stall and at which week did it break? For me, it's not like I can up my calorie intake, or increase protein, etc. I have come to accept the fact that it's gonna take me a while longer to move through the stages. But any advice would be appreciated!!

I have an I pad too. I think most people understand autocorrect. I bought lentil Soup in cans. I puréed it in a Magic Bullet blender with 2tbsps powdered milk for extra Protein. Also added unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon to my yogurt shakes. Since the applesauce was homemade, it was chunky before pureeing. Today I ate soft food for first time. Ate cooked green Beans 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup mashed potatoes. Didn't worry too much about the potatoes, but I chewed the beans well.

I am 5 weeks out and average around 600 calories per day. I just recently added an evening snack of protein. I am getting 70-75 G of protein every day and eating very few carbs- no bread or crackers of any kind at this point. I eat cheese, refried beans, ground chicken, cheese, yogurt, low fat sliced turkey/ham, tuna, baked fish, eggs- all protein/all the time:)

If ur on anything u can drink thru a straw, why r u limited to broth? I was on full liquids for 4 weeks. I had 1/2 cup of Progresso Tomato Basil soup (yummy, btw) or Andersons Split Pea about every 3-4 hrs. Warm stuff fills me up more than pudding or Jello. If I never see another cup of split pea soup, it'll be too soon! I was also allowed soupy cream of wheat/malt o meal and yogurt. Good luck to u!

TG this isn't another "I feel like a failure 10 days post op". I think there is a presumption that if you don't lose all this weight quickly you wasted money and you are a loser. You are not!! If you are a failure than I need to just to jump off a bridge for only losing 30 pounds a in a year. Yes, sometimes I feel disappointed but I know I would never ever have lost it without the band. I am slightly annoyed at doctors who vary so much on lap band advice - by reading the boards some doctors yell at their patients for only losing a pound a week while my doctor is over the moon when I lose a pound a week. You will have to keep getting fills until you hit the sweet spot. It took me 6 fills in 7 months to get really get there. I wonder why doctors don't seem to explain what this is as so many people on this board seem to think 1 or 2 fills will magically work which usually wont make a difference on most people. For instance, I am satisfied with yogurt and string cheese. Fills 1 thru 5 - I would have rolled my eyes at that - it would have taken 6 oz steak and mash potatoes to fill me up. Hang in there and don't compare yourself to others.

What if you tried getting in your protein other ways? Like drinking milk or eating greek yogurt? Also, are you making your protein shakes with milk or water? Because I find making them with water is SO GROSS. milk makes it better. and you could try soy or almond milk and see if that helps with the flavor

I am four weeks out and I am averaging 700-900 calories per day. Yesterday I had 849 calories, 64 carbs, 33 fat and 75 Protein. I'm not even trying hard to be low calorie right now.. If I wanted to work at it.. I could get 70-80 grams of protein with just 600 calories but I want to see what my body can do in the 700-900 calorie range. If you want to consume fewer calories you definitely can do that and still hit your protein goals.. Here's an example of my breakfast 1/2 cup cottage cheese 80 calories 13 grams of protein -vs- your honey yogurt 190 calories 12 grams of protein. Or take my dinner 1/4 cup chicken and 1/4 cup green beans- 67 calories and 12 grams of protein. -vs- two spring rolls with 173 calories and 8 grams of protein.

After surgery I would set a timer after I ate and was really strict about the 30 min before and 1 hour after. But now I've loosed up some. It is really hard, especially when you feel like your dying of thirst. My doc told me to listen to my body. A little Water won't hurt. Just be careful. Talk to your doc and ask him what he thinks. One thing I try to do to satisfy that "no drinking during a meal thing" is to eat something very wet....watermelon, yogurt, etc. I think in the long run, once you have wiped out old bad habbits and start to replace them with healthier, lapband friendly habits...things can be eased up on some.

I am always surprised to hear about other pre op diets. Mine is restrictive but not liquid at all. I can have 800 calories and 80 or more of Protien. They gave me a menu sample and lots of yogurts lean meats etc .i know I will miss caffeine the most and my glass of wine with dinner! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@dreamingsmall - I'm on week 6 and my daily food consist of the following: probiotic shot (Good Belly Shot) early morning - before my workout. Then I drink Water during the workout and for 1 hour after. Breakfast: drinkable yogurt, with protein fruit flavored drink and 8 oz of water Lunch: Meat based soup (like French Onion, or Chicken and Vegetable) or Chicken Taco meat, cheese, sour cream, salsa all about 1/2 cup. Eat Slowly take a min between bites Dinner: Meatloaf with potatoes and steamed veg's or soft grilled pork with veg. I drink about 32 oz of water in between eating. I drink water before bed. Most of the water is flavored with protein powders. So I get 60-80 mg I found by eating slower and stopping when full, I eat less, and I drink more! Today I'm in a pair of pants I haven't worn in 2 years! I know it's working by the clothes not the scale. Hope that helps.

Stay away from carbs. Ie yogurt, veggies burgers , and eat cheese at a minimum Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

Oh wow, this 9cc fill is really tough! I have been eating things like soup, yogurt, and stew, and even the stew beef, all chewed up, is tough! This is really good restriction. Everyone who has tried, knows that eating chips is EASY, but I had about 4 corn chip (fritos) a little bit ago, and it feels like im gonna bring it back up! Is this too tight? I am able to eat beef stew...I haven't had the guts to try chicken yet, but that was my main source of protein prior tothis fill. I am also able to eat a protein bar, as long as the bites are tiny and i chew them up really well.

I used the little cups they gave me, until I reached stage 4 -reg diet. The protein is the most important. But for food I liked mushy things like can salad. Turkey salads, puréed in the cups and that was great. Cheese!!!! Fish baked, tuna out of the can with celery salt, Greek yogurts, all have High protein, low low sugars and low carbs.

My daily menu is nothing exciting. I usually have a protein shake and a half, and then something of the soup variety for dinner. I've been digging light creamy soups, because they have a lot of flavor. I don't think I've been doing 64 g and 64 ounces, but I've been doing about 50. That's what my doctor suggested. I have my 10 day postop tomorrow, and I'm probably going to be cleared for soft foods. I can't wait! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App When you have soup how much do you usually have? Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App I can drink 8oz of broth now. Been primarily living on Premier Protein shakes, broth with protein added, G2 drink, crystal light. I've had yogurt once, still not something I actually like, and I've had cottage cheese and refried Beans with plain greek yogurt mixed in. On christmas I did have two spoons of mashed potatoes drenched in turkey juice and a shred of turkey that I chewed to death. I also have chewed some string cheese into mush too. I know these things aren't on my current list, but I'm careful to not swallow anything until it's mush. My doctor said I could have a scrambled egg with cheese on day 10! whoohoo.. and if that goes well I could also try some fish. She seems to be less strict on the stages than I see in other programs. My doctor seems to be a little less strict too, and I'm pretty excited about it. Supposed to get the OK tomorrow to move onto soft foods. I'm glad you didn't have any problems with those foods, makes me excited for tomorrow! Enjoy your scrambled egg! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Usually low fat ham. I don't like eggs. Sometimes I eat turkey little smokies, or another type of meat such as turkey or roast chicken. So, at goal, my breakfast is generally a couple slices of low fat ham, a slice of whole wheat bread or oats (1/4 cup cooked with 3/4 c. Water), And later either yogurt with berries or a soy latte. Sometimes I eat cold Cereal with soy milk instead of the other grains and dairy, but not very often. Lynda