Search the Community

I agree with Sara. I had a short (2 hour) flight from San Diego and then a 5 hour drive home. I made it about an hour into the drive before deciding I was too tired and ended up staying at a hotel. So glad I did, because I felt so much better the next day and even got in some grocery shopping (for cream Soups, broths and drinkable yogurt. ) before heading home.

I've got six weeks of full liquids to look forward to so am pretty familiar with it and will be following this thread for new ideas to avoid it getting too monotonous. My basic full liquid diet prescribed by my surgeon includes: Water, Decaf tea and sugar-free non-carbonated beverages like Crystal Light and Diet Snapple. No sugar added apple, white grape and cranberry juice diluted by 1/2 with water. Sugar-free Jello. Sugar-free popsicles. Sodium-free and fat-free chicken, turkey, beef and vegetable broth. Sodium-free and fat-free cream of tomato and cream of broccoli soups - store bought only. Blended fat-free yogurt. Skim milk. Apple sauce. My nutritionist added: Greek yogurt. Whey Protein powder. Other cream soups including homemade as long as the chunks are either removed or blended completely.

Hi Kat, Something that helps me get in enough Protein is to include a Protein shake snack during the day (either mid-morning or mid-afternoon). Since I'm lazy, I just buy Myoplex Lite chocolate shakes. I get them at Walmart or BJ's (both at very good prices). They have 20 gm of protein in 11 oz. I also try to target 60+ gms of protein per day.....I like fish, so eat a fair amount of that. Three oz of salmon has 17 gm of protein. I also like Greek yogurt--a 6 oz container of nonfat Fage (the brand) has 15 gm of protein. Since I don't much like cottage cheese, the Greek yogurt does more for me....I add fresh strawberries and some Splenda in the morning. I also make a tartar sauce out of it to go with the fish. Good luck!!

Chew your food thoroughly Digestion begins in the mouth. Your saliva contains important enzymes that begin to break down food in your mouth, so it will be less work on your stomach. Ideally, you want to chew your food until it reaches applesauce-like consistency. Chewing more thoroughly also helps you to slow down. For many of us, it is a habit to take a bite, chew a couple of times and then swallow it down with a chug of water. But after bariatric surgery, you can no longer do that so it is even more important to chew your food. Use a baby spoon While it is important to chew your food thoroughly it also helps to take small bites of your food. Using a baby spoon or chopsticks may slow you down and regulate your bite sizes. If you are having a difficult time tolerating chicken, try smaller bites before giving up. When you eat smaller bites, less food will reach your stomach all at once and it may prevent nausea. Eat every 2-3 hours Since you can no longer tolerate large portions at a time, it is important to eat small amounts of food every two to three hours. This will give you more opportunities to eat enough protein. You can have protein drinks or eat a high protein snack like string cheese. Eat protein at every meal By building your meals around protein you will be more likely to hit your daily protein goals. Every meal or snack is an opportunity to help meet your daily protein goals. Pack high protein snacks Having high protein snacks on hand is key to meeting your daily protein goals. Examples include cottage cheese, string cheese, tuna, hard boiled egg, and sliced deli meat. These are portable snack items that you can store in the fridge at work or in a thermal lunch container. For more ideas on what foods to eat after bariatric surgery, please be sure to check out my Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Experiment with different types of protein Everyone has different tolerances after bariatric surgery. I have met some people who never had any issues with food, while others need to avoid certain foods for a period of time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of protein. After surgery your taste preferences may change, so be willing to try foods that you previously didn’t like. If you cannot tolerate chicken then try yogurt. If you don’t like yogurt then try white fish. For other ideas on different protein sources to try download my free guide, Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Eat protein first The cardinal rule after surgery is to eat your protein first. This may seem counterintuitive because you may have been programmed to eat your vegetables first. But after surgery, your pouch size is so small that you need to make sure to fill it with protein first because you may fill up quickly. Yes, vegetables are important too. but you will be able to eat more of them as your pouch size expands. In the meantime, please make sure to take your multivitamins. Add PB2 to protein drinks PB2 is a peanut butter powder, but it is lower in fat and calories than your traditional peanut butter. Although peanut butter can be a healthy source of fat, it’s usually not recommended right after bariatric surgery due to its high calorie and fat content. PB2 can be a flavorful addition to your protein drinks, smoothie or yogurt and be a sneaky way to get more protein. Use protein drinks Including protein drinks in your diet is essential to meeting your protein needs in the first few months after surgery. Even if you ate protein at each meal you would likely not be able to meet your protein goals because of your new pouch size. Most surgery centers recommend using a protein drink during the first 6 months after surgery. As your pouch size expands you will be able to get most of your protein from food and reduce your protein drink intake. Experiment with different protein drinks to identify which one you tolerate best. Although whey isolate is usually recommended if you cannot tolerate it then try a different one such as egg white protein. Use Quinoa as your grain If you have started to include grains in your diet then quinoa can be a good choice after surgery. It is higher in protein than other grains and high in fiber. You can have a small amount with a stir-fry or add to soups. Please join my Facebook group if you would like to receive Dietitian-Approved Bariatric Recipes on your weight loss surgery journey.

I'm not on regular food yet, but if I try to sip too soon after eating something soft like yogurt, I'll get nauseous. There're also the issues of sending food through your stomach more quickly and potentially stretching out your stomach if you eat and drink at the same time.

Dense proteins are going to leave you feeling satisfied/full the longest. Although the shakes are good for helping us meet protein and fluid goals, they will not really help with hunger. Any liquid just runs right through our sleeves, leaving an empty stomach behind. Newbies on their liquid postop diets are always freaked out that they still feel hungry. This changes as soon as they start eating solids. When you get hungry you should turn first to things like meat, beans, eggs, protein bars, nuts, cheese, soy nuts, and other solid, dense protein foods. Remember the basics....protein first, don't drink with meals and at least 64oz water everyday. I believe in a complete, balanced diet including veggies, fruit and whole grains, but protein is always a priority. And personally I never limited my fat intake. I use 2% milk to make my shakes. I eat full fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt and a lot of nuts, cheese and avocados. Never seemed to affect my weight loss. Processed carbs are really the only thing I try to avoid, but certainly haven't banned completely.

Before I say what I ate today I will say first that what I can eat at 16 months post op is nothing like what I was able to eat when I was at your present stage of recovery/progress. I am on vacation on the outer banks of NC. I have 20 oz water while I move about in the am waking up. I make coffee and have 16-20 oz depending on the cup I've got with me. I generally do a little light exercise like stretching or walking and then have 2 scrambled eggs, whole eggs with cheese and half and half with 1 slice of toast. I then don't eat for 3-4 hours when I have a greek yogurt and a protein or granola bar. 2-3 hours later I have a lunch meat sandwich that I might or might not finish. I then don't eat till dinner which is usually fish, chicken or steak in some fashion with non starchy veggies. Sometimes for desert I have fruit but if I've been a good exerciser I might have 2-3 fig newtons with milk. Now I know there are some people on this site that will assail what I eat but my nutritionist and doc love my numbers and my weight loss. I have plateaued higher than I want to however I've also added 10 lbs of muscle in the last 8 months and feel fantastic. I weigh every 2-3 days and never allow more than a 2 lb gain and am still losing about a pound every month or so. At your stage I was eating very , very little and it was ok. I couldn't eat much then or it hurt. I now only hurt if I'm not paying attention. Cake and cookies I never seem to overeat, but veggies? they just taste great and it's taken the last 3 months to figure out that I still need to portion out an amount of them and go very slowly while eating so I don't feel full. All in all it's a good thing. I never used to eat this much protein or veggies but I do now. Hope it helps.

9 months out. Been below goal for 2 months. I have a 32oz 30-40g protein/10g Fiber smoothie everyday, usually late morning or mid afternoon. Pretty normal meals....eggs, pancakes, sausage, high Protein Cereal, yogurt, etc for breakfast. I'm on the road all day so I snack on nuts, jerky, and Protein Bars during the day rather than eat an actual lunch. In the evening I usually have 2 dinners, one high in protein and one may be all veggies. And I eat pretty much whatever I'm in the mood for. Then maybe a snack (usually fruit) or just some Sleepytime tea at bedtime. Today was a little different because I was at a fund raising event. coffee, then a protein bar for breakfast. Drank my protein smoothie throughout the day. Had a chili dog loaded with cheese and onions (no bun), corn bread, and Mac and cheese for a late lunch (a couple bites of each thing). Also managed to drink a Mikes Hard Lemonade after letting it sit on ice and defizz. Had more of the chili dog and Mac and cheese when I got home (and I still have enough leftover for lunch tomorrow). Drank 16oz of Water after dinner, Just snacked on some mixed nuts and craisins and I will have some tea before going to bed. This was definitely a carb heavy day, but I've been trying to stop losing for a couple weeks and I'm experimenting at this point. So I'd say I basically just eat like a normal thin person.

Unjury unflavored does not have Aspartame. You can mix the unflavored into anything to boost up the Protein. chocolate milk, soy milk, fruit smoothies, ff yogurt, any Soup or sauce (just make sure it is not over 130degrees). Possibilities are unlimited. Best part it that you control the recipe. I even put it into home made Protein Bars.

Hi, Did see a nutrionist yet? You could always give them a call or email? I struggle with this too and have read/heard so many different things. First I thought only 3 meals per day - no Snacks. Now I was told 3 small meals a day with 2 snacks! Yikes! I usually eat 3 Meals and maybe a snack: Breakfast: 1oz lowfat cheese or 1 Egg and 1oz Ham/Turkey Sausague If I need more, I'll have a yogurt or 3/4 cup Cereal Lunch: Cup of salad, 4oz chicken or Turkey. Better to have the harder chicken. I thought it was BS when they said the knife and fork Protein keep you fuller but, it true...lol! I add some dressing and if I need a crunch 6 croutons or 3 small breadsticks. Sometimes I'll get a Turkey Burger with no bun. Dinner: 4oz protein, 2oz white or sweet potato and 2oz of some type of veggies. Snack: Fat free pudding or Frozen Yogurt Hope this helps. I'm sure the other ladies will add their thoughts. This is a great group! :smile2: Debbie

Try blending the skim milk, some ice cubes and a carnation instant breakfast,and some decaf instant coffee mix makes a good smoothie. The cream soups can be really filling too. Try freezing the yogurt then put it in a blender, just like soft serve. I lived on propel it's a sugar free gatorade, it really helped keep my mind off food. I was only allowed sugar free liquids, and 1 6 oz of sugar free yogurt, and 2 protein shakes a day. I was not allowed the cream soups, or the carnation breakfast. I was not allowed any dairy other than the yogurt. Also make the soup with the skim milk, it makes it richer and makes it more filling. I am in Romeoville, if you want to talk on the phone let me know and I will PM you my number. ~Mandy

My doctor said to get at least 60 grams of protein a day. You could add unflavored protein powder to foods and another thing that I do is add fat free dried milk to yogurts and Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast. This will help you reach the goal of 60 grams a day.

Hi Zolableu-- Sorry it has taken me so long to reply to you--just haven't been on the computer much in the last month or so. Hopefully by now you have the answers to your question but I wanted to make sure you didn't think I was ignoring you. As far as what I eat, I can honestly eat anything I ate before, just smaller quantities and now that I have pretty good restriction with the band, I have to eat much slower and concentrating on chewing my food up really well, especially with the first few bites of my meal. I don't do JUST fruit for breakfast, although my band seems to be tighter in the morning, so I generally have a container of yogurt with a couple of spoons of granola mixed in. Occasionally I will have some banana. I really like the Kroger Carb Master yogurt--it has 12 grams of protein in a 6 oz. container and only 80 calories and the fruit flavors are very yummy. The regular lite yogurt only has 7 grams of protein I think. For lunch, especially Monday thru Friday when I'm at work, I usually have a lean cuisine meal, and I try to concentrate on the ones that have between 250 and 350 calories with 15-20+ grams of protein. I also like the healthy choice but they seem to have more sodium and not as much protein. For dinner, I usually have whatever the rest of the family is eating but I have smaller portions and try to focus on the protein first and then the veggies. My calories usually fall around 1200. I try to watch the carbs to make sure I don't have huge amounts although, I don't avoid carbs, I just try to be aware of how many I'm taking in. My best advice is to READ THE LABELS on food--I've become much more aware of what's in the food I'm eating. My husband calls me the Food Nazi!! :party:) I try to make sure my protein is at least 50-60 grams per day. I don't hit that every single day but it averages out that way over the week. I'm not a big fan of protein shakes although I do drink one once in a while. If I'm on the run on the weekend or find myself getting hungry in the late afternoon, I will grab a protein bar. Usually a South Beach or a Zone Perfect--they have anywhere between 140 and 210 calories with between 10 and 21 grams of protein. They taste pretty good especially if you need a chocolate fix!! For the most part, I don't snack--just my 3 meals a day with LOTS of water, crystal light, iced tea, and coffee--no soda!! I find that it tastes TERRIBLE now but I had pretty well given it up even before my surgery. I try to go to the gym 3-4 days a week also for about an hour and a half. I've been slacking on that since I've been on vacation but I intend to get back to it this next week. Typically I do about 40 minutes on the treadmill (3.8-4 on the speed with an incline of 4) and 30 minutes on the elliptical or the bike with 20 minutes or so on the weight machines. Ok I think that's about it--I'm really sorry for the long-winded post, but I wanted to get it all out there. I'm not telling you this is what you need to do but this is what has worked for me since I had the surgery in November. Everyone's body is different and you should follow the instructions of your doctor and do what works for you personally!! I dearly love my doctor (Vincent Lusco). This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Dr. Lusco asked me this week if I have any regrets and my answer was ABSOLUTELY NOT. I told him that I could be his poster child for this surgery!! I firmly believe in this program, as long as you look at your band as being a TOOL and not expecting the pounds to just drop off by themselves. You have to be willing to work at it, and I have worked very hard, but I don't believe I could have accomplished what I have without my band. It's there to remind me if I have a lapse in judgement and try to eat too much. The bottom line is that you still have to make good food choices and exercise. This is all about making a lifestyle change and making yourself healthier. Again--everyone is different but this is what has worked for me!! Good luck to you and to all of the Kentucky bandsters!! Keep me posted on your progress!! Sorry this is so long!!

Let me second or third or whatever protein water. There are several different brands available; you can find them online if not at a local grocery store. I'm currently drinking Protein2O; 15 grams of protein per 16.9 oz. bottle. Another suggestion would simply be to try different flavors and brands of protein shakes to see if you can find something that works. And you just need to make it through the first month or so before things get a lot easier and you have more choices. Yogurt and cottage cheese and actual food are in the future.

I just ate a whole cup if Greek yogurt..and looked on the side and realized that's 5.3 oz! Can you guys eat a whole one?

I was sleeved on 12/30 and I was able to eat at least 3/4ths of the yogurt cup. The thing is since it's so soft it goes right through. Imagine cutting yourself off at a cup of water. I guess everyone's different and it might even change

I definitely know full..it squeezes and hurts and comes with hiccups and belching sometimes...lol...but the yogurt today..maybe I just ate too fast

WARNING - MAY BE OFFENSIVE!!! DO NOT scroll down if you are easily offended. I didn't write it, but I laughed purdy derned hard at it! DIVORCE LETTER Dear Connie, I know the counselor said we shouldn't contact each other during our "cooling off" period, but I couldn't wait anymore. The day you left, I swore I'd never talk to you again. But that was just the wounded little boy in me talking. Still, I never wanted to be the first one to make contact. In my fantasies, it was always you who would come crawling back to me. I guess my pride needed that. But now I see that my pride's cost me a lot of things. I'm tired of pretending I don't miss you. I don't care about looking bad anymore. I don't care who makes the first move as long as one of us does. Maybe it's time we let our hearts speak as loudly as our hurt. And this is what my heart says: "There's no one like you, Connie." I look for you in the eyes and breasts of every woman I see, but they're not you. They're not even close. Two weeks ago, I met this girl at Flamingos and brought her home with me. I don't say this to hurt you, but just to illustrate the depth of my desperation. She was young, maybe 19; with one of those perfect bodies that only youth and maybe a childhood spent ice skating can give you. I mean, just a perfect body. Tits like you wouldn't believe and an ass that just wouldn't quit. Every man's dream, right? But as I sat on the couch being blown by this stunner, I thought, look at the stuff we've made important in our lives. It's all so superficial. What does a perfect body mean? Does it make her better in bed? Well, in this case, yes, but you see what I'm getting at. Does it make her a better person? Does she have a better heart than my moderately attractive Connie? I doubt it. And I'd never really thought of that before. I don't know, maybe I'm just growing up a little. Later, after I'd tossed her about a half a pint of throat yogurt, I found myself thinking, "Why do I feel so drained and empty?" It wasn't just her flawless technique or her slutty, shameless hunger, but something else. Some nagging feeling of loss. Why did it feel so incomplete? And then it hit me. It didn't feel the same because you weren't there to watch. Do you know what I mean? Nothing feels the same without you. Jesus, Connie, I'm just going crazy without you. And everything I do just reminds me of you. Do you remember Carol, that single mom we met at the Holiday Inn lounge last year? Well, she dropped by last week with a pan of lasagna. She said she figured I wasn't eating right without a woman around. I didn't know what she meant till later, but that's not the real story. Anyway, we had a few glasses of wine and the next thing you know, we're banging away in our old bedroom. And this tart's a total monster in the sack. She's giving me eerything, you know, like a real woman does when she's not hung up about her weight or her career and whether the kids can hear us. And all of a sudden, she spots that tilting mirror on your grandmother's old vanity. So she puts it on the floor and we straddle it, right, so we can watch ourselves. And it's totally hot, but it makes me sad, too. Cause I can't help thinking, "Why didn't Connie ever put the mirror on the floor? We've had this old vanity for what, 14 years, and we never used it as a sex toy." Saturday, your sister drops by with my copy of the restraining order. I mean, Vicky's just a kid and all, but she's got a pretty good head on her shoulders and she's been a real friend to me during this painful time. She's given me lots of good advice about you and about women in general. She's pulling for us to get back together, Connie, she really is. So we're doing Jell-O shots in a hot bubble bath and talking about happier times. Here's this teenage girl with the same DNA as you and all I can do is think of how much she looked like you when you were 18. And that just about makes me cry. And then it turns out Vicky's really into the whole anal thing, that gets me to thinking about how many times I pressured you about trying it and how that probably fueled some of the bitterness between us. But do you see how even then, when I'm thrusting inside your baby sister's cinnamon ring, all I can do is think of you? It's true, Connie. In your heart you must know it. Don't you think we could start over? Just wipe out all the grievances away and start fresh? I think we can. If you feel the same please, please, please let me know. Otherwise, can you let me know where the fucking remote is. Love,

I just wanted to see if there are any other friends out there that are/had a hard time eatting after lap-band?? I am just 48 hrs out of surgery but cannot seem to want to eat! Ive tried sipping on chicken broth and just ate alittle yogurt. Is this normal?? Im up walking around just fine, its just a bad gassy feeling like I cant eat and hold it down.. Thanks for your help..

Portion your chips or crackers and only eat them after Protein. If you eat your protein first, there will be less room. If you start with the slider, such as chips and crackers, you will fit a lot more in before you get full. Your breakfast should have more protein. One egg is 7 grams. Mix in some lowfat protein and have a glass of fatfree milk or soy milk during the morning. For easy to eat meals, here are some of my favs: For veggies, which I have with lunch and dinner: Can of V8 if I'm too busy to eat veggies Handful of raw veggies such as snap peas, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes. I also buy romaine and clean it by cutting it at the base, rinsing and drying. I put the leaves in a baggie and then use them as needed for salads, sandwiches, and lettuce wraps. I also like zuchinni, brussel sprouts, brocolli heads, frozen green Beans, and frozen mixed vegtables. It's easy to just cook at little of them and to buy a small amount. For fruit, which I have with breakfast and as a snack: I cut up a small watermelon or cantelope Wash grapes I buy a little of pretty much whatever is in season - I love fruit. but I couldn't eat anything except melons till I was about 6 months out. At first, fruit was too acidic. For protein: Fat free plain greek yogurt made into a shake with a couple of strawbberries, some splenda, a splash of OJ and some Water. Pair with whole wheat toast or oatmeal (couldn't eat oatmeal till about 6 months out) Lowfat string cheese with lowfat lunchmeat wrapped around it. Special K Crackers. Sandwich: 1 slice whole wheat bread with lowfat mayo and honey mustard, Rotissiere chicken: I use it salads, in stir fries, and mixed into canned Soup to up the protein. Sometimes I buy the premade salad bowls and then add chicken. Ground beef: I portion up a pound putting each portion in a baggie. Then I squish the baggie flat and freeze. It thaws in 30 minutes. Pork chops: I portion them into one chop per baggie and freeze. I fry stuff in a little fry pan, tossing in some veggies at the end, or I grill it on a little countertop grill and grill veggies with the meat. I love good food and I was used to cooking small amounts for myself because my husband's tastes have always been different than mine. Lynda

At 4 months post op, I had zero appetite, zero interest in food. I ate greek yogurt, cottage cheese with pineapple, Protein drinks or bars. I also had chicken on a small salad, or a tuna salad or something like that. I could eat chicken breast or beef or whatever, but i just had a very low food drive at that time. My focus was just to be sure I got enough water/fluids and protein and just didn't worry about the rest. Like you, crackers were easy and I sometimes had them, but generally just kept them out of the house since they really don't add a lot of nutrition. Now 8 months out, I eat pretty normal healthy type food, in small quantities, still protein first, and no longer feel like food is too much of a bother type thing.

It is amazing how much the different plans vary. I was on a "high Protein low/no sugar liquid diet" for 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2+ weeks after. I was allowed to have no sugar added Greek yogurt as a "liquid" though. At almost 2.5 weeks on my post op followup, the doc just gave me the ok to start the pureed foods and scrambled egg is included in that. I ate it for the first time on Friday night and apparently overate and got sick too. I thought it was going down well, but when I got the full signal, it was actually an overfull signal. I'm learning. Like others have stated, the egg is probably too much at this stage. Also, I couldn't get hardly anything down for that first week. I think the stomach was quite swollen inside. I threw up from one bit of pudding. At one week post op, it seemed like it magically changed and I was suddenly able to get all my protein and liquid in that day. So give it a little more time and take care of that newly altered stomach of yours. Also in the hospital, the one nurse made me sit the bed up a bit and then wrote in big letters on my board that the bed had to be no lower than a 30 degree incline. She stressed it. (No one else mentioned it.) But at home, I propped pillows up, like you mentioned and it definitely helped. 2.5 weeks post op, I'm flat again. But don't lay down right after eating OR drinking. Like someone else mentioned, my doctor requires all meds be crushed or split (into nerd candy size pieces) for several months. I chop them up and put them in a bite of pudding and they go down well. You might want to try that. I bet your stomach is fighting to try to dissolve them. Good luck, dear. Hang in there. It gets easier. I'm not too many days ahead of you, but it does get easier. It all is a learning process though. BTW, today I ate another egg and stopped in time and didn't get sick. Yay! LOL.

Maybe it's how you structure your food intake throughout the day. I had to experiment and play around with mine until I found what works for me to keep me from being hungry. I was at first, but now, am rarely hungry unless it's close to meal time. I start off the morning with a high-protein shake on my way to work. At work, I eat 1/2 a protein bar. (This came throught experimentation too - because along with protein comes calories!) Around 10:30 a.m. I start drinking a can (11.5 oz) of V8 vegetable juice. This is a great way to get your veggies in and curbs hunger til lunch. Then at 3 I have a snack, usually something with protein, like yogurt or the other 1/2 of the bar I had for breakfast. Then supper is around 6. For my beverages throughout the day, I drink Crystal Light - they have a strawberry-banana flavor that suppresses hunger. The also have other flavors that boost energy, increase metabolism, etc. The key is to make one change at a time so you can tell if that one change makes a difference - and give it time too - it usually doesn't make a difference right away, but after 2-3 days, you'll notice. Hope these tips help, everybody's different!

Toughest time was the first week post-op - port site pain and very "gassy" from use of Oxycodone - chose to give up using Oxycodone and just "tough it out". I was back to work within 2 weeks - but did not do alot of lifting for another 2 more weeks (I am an RN on a busy med-surg floor). Another tough time was my first time I was "stuck" - scary. You will figure out what foods to avoid and which foods are best. It helps to make the protein fruit smoothies - I use unflavored whey protein powder with frozen fruit and yogurt in my smoothie maker - sometimes I don't get enough protein in my diet - recently had an "unfill", because I was too tight and was not losing any weight.

In a health magazine I stumbles across this recipe that I have been using this last month and went from loosing 6lb a month to 10lb a month 8 oz pineapple juice 1tbls yogurt 1banana 3 strawberries 1 scoop of Protein powder. A couple tricks. I freeze the banana and strawberries helps give more of a shake consistency. And I buy the pineapple in pre measured 6oz. Cans. I also use a little less than 1 scoop because it sometimes get too griddy. I Also put the powder in very last so it doesn't get stuck to the side of my magic bullet. Hope you enjoy.