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Smoothie Recipe from my nutritionist: Cup of Greek yogurt (lots of protein) Milk (I use unsweetened almond milk) your choice of fruit (I use blueberries - great nutritional value) A hand full of spinach for added nutritional value. you won't taste it. I throw in a little chopped ginger root. Its good for the tummy and gives your smoothie a kick. I also sprinkle in a little organic cinnamon. gives additional flavor and cinnamon is good for a variety of ailments High blood pressure, inflammation.......etc..... Happy Trails......

Okay, I've always loved Jif Peanut Butter. After lapband surgery on 09/19/13, when I finally starting introducing soft and reg foods after the 2 week liquid and 1 week mushie, I would come home from work and eat my 4oz for supper and then find myself feeling hungry an hour or so afterwards. I know this is probably more habit then hunger at night, as I would eat a few times after supper. I tried some greek plain yogurt and added 2 T of PB along with 3 or 4 splenda's with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tsp of vanilla and I was hooked! Now, instead of coming home and eating the meals I prepared for the week, I eat this yogurt/pb instead because I did not want to overdo it with both, and the yogurt has 15-20 grams of Protein and the pb has 7.. But then lately I've been getting more than 2 T PB and even go back later for more PB or another round before going to bed. Tonight I stopped by the store and got another jar along with sunflower seeds hoping it would help me feel more satisfied. Damn Comfort Food!! When I do eat this, I find some discomfort with the PB as I feel it is sticking, but I continue to eat it because it is soooo good! Has anyone else had a similar problem? Any suggestions on how to get away from this (nightly snacking) would be more than welcome. I need a swift kick in the butt!!! I've lost 32 lbs as of my last dr visit on 10/31/13 and am due form my 2nd fill Nov 21st. I'm afraid I may start putting weight back on.

Plain Water - have no idea why, but it's like swallowing liquid sandpaper. Greek yogurt - I wasn't a huge fan prior to surgery, but I can't stand the texture. I can have a dollop, like on top of my Mexican bake instead of sour cream, but to eat a sweet Greek Yogurt out of the container, I can't do it. Other than that, I have been able to tolerate anything I've thrown at my sleeve.

Chicken salad was a mushie on my post-op diet. I am almost 18 months out and I still crave chicken salad. I had it today for lunch I was also allowed to have pureed chili, very watery mashed potatos, thinned yogurt, and thin pudding. Hope things improve quickly for you. The pre-op and post-op diet are hard. But the band is worth it. ~Mandy

Are you on "clear liquids" or "full liquids"? If you are on clear, you can't have any of those. My doctor let me have yogurt starting day 6 post-op. But the others (cottage cheese, applesauce) weren't allowed until "mushies". Hang in there and STAY STRONG!! You don't want to risk it!

My favorite are Supreme Protein bars (the Peanut Butter and the caramel nut are my favorites). They are about 200 calories I think and have a small amount of sugar (some sugar alcohols). My nutritionist approved them. I have them for breakfast when I'm loose enough, along with a yogurt mixed with a little fruit - other mornings I need to do a smoothie. These have a great taste - not the taste a lot of Protein Bars have. The peanut butter is my top choice, easier to chew than the caramel nut some days. I live in the Midwest and get these from my local grocery store, Hy-Vee. HTH!

I’m a week out from surgery and yes I’m hungry. I had the lapband for 10 years and never once felt hungry. I am still weak feeling. I’m now eating protein shakes, broths, jello, Greek yogurt and I added a scrambled egg. The egg did help. I did read that when you don’t get enough protein you will be hungry. I can’t eat more than I am.

I'm going back to work tomorrow. Im a hairdresser, & im gonna try to work 4hrs for 4 days this week. I'm so nervous about it, I'm sticking to shakes while there, & try my newer 'mushy foods' list @ home, in case it doesn't agree. I've tried instant mashed potatoes w/ garlic, salt, & pepper, & I Cant Believe It's Nor Butter. Far free refried beans w/a dollop of avacado & fat free sour cream. Sweet potato, laughing cow cheese & crackers. Yogurt & almond butter. Sugar free applesauce. Protein powder in sugar. Pureeing thicker soups. Hummus. Good luck!

Yogurt The ricotta cheese bake (recipe is in multiple posts here) reheats well in microwave Baked Beans Egg salad Mashed potatoes Protein shakes My husband found me little 2 oz containers. I put about 2 tablespoons of three ofthe above for variety... That got me through the whole day. Sent from my iPhone using VST

VSG patients can have symptoms that are similar to dumping, but are not really dumping. I had some issues with peanut butter earlier on (it was less than a teaspoon for heaven's sake!) and when I had my first greek yogurt with fruit. My body had not had sugar in a couple of months and went into a frenzy and I made many runs to the toilet after those episodes. Alcohol can do the same thing, especially early on. Now, at three months out, I have an occasional (very rare though) glass of wine and have no problems, but if I were to drink more, I am sure I would have issues.

I am 5 months post-op and am struggling to get over 800 calories a day.. nutrirtionist told me I should be consuming 1100-1200 calories a day.. I can eat a 5oz yogurt in one sitting too but it takes me 25 min or so to eat it.. once I’m too full I get hiccups. I would just try to eat slower if I were you. There are times I feel like my stomach can hold more too but I definitely don’t over indulge like I used to!

I am eating roughly 1100 calories a day. Is this normal I feel as if I have stretched my stomach already. I Followed the diet, and started eating soft solids, but I feel that I can eat too much comfortably. I have not experienced any issues like most others. I don’t have to eat slowly as I am able to eat fast with no problems. i can eat a 5 oz yogurt in one setting in probably 5 minutes. I have lost 12 lbs in 3 weeks. I believe that i will be the exception. I’m terrified right now I think I am eating too much. anyone have this problem or am I the only 1?

Hi There, I'm on day 4 and I'm having some sensations that I'm trying to figure out. I believe a lot of it is hunger pangs. I didn't think I would feel hungry right after surgery but I do. I would like to be able to have four instead of three meals so I don't have the hunger pangs as bad. I plan to ask my doctor about it. Last night I experienced the sensation of being a little too full after drinking a bit too much broth. It was a tightness in the middle of my chest along with a little heartburn. I'm taking care to limit my full liquid meals (yogurt, Soup, pudding) to 2 oz. I sometimes feel a tightness in my stomach which is relieved by expelling gas. I'm not having a lot of gas at this point though. These are some of the sensations I've experienced. I guess it's all normal, but it does take some getting used to. Good luck to you!

<p>Post-Surgery Diet, Nutrition, and ExerciseAfter surgery, you will need a new nutrition plan. Discuss this in detail with your surgeon and/or dietitian as they can help you learn about and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make.It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions starting right after the operation to allow the new stomach structure to heal completely and in the right position. This may take a month or more. It is also important, especially in the early weeks, not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the band. Vomiting can stretch it, so it is important not to vomit. Vomiting can increase the chance of stomach tissue slipping through the band. The First Few Days Post-Surgery Right after the operation you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. You shouldn’t drink more than this. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. liquid Diet (1-2 weeks post-op)The goal during this early post-operative period is to protect the small stomach pouch. Only thin liquids can be tolerated at this time. It is also important to keep hydrated with lots of water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include:</p> clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy) skim milk & fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-op)During this phase you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Because Protein is so important to help you maintain muscle while you are losing weight, eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later as these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your timing and progression into each dietary phase may vary. In general, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian about nutrition. Soft Foods (5 weeks post-op) Your meals can now include tender cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. If you don’t follow these precautions, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction. If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting,go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask for advice from your doctor or dietitian that is specific to your situation. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band. Your New Nutrition Plan When you can eat solid foods without problems you will need to pay close attention to your diet. Liquids will pass through the reduced stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. The LAP-BAND® System was designed to restrict solids, not liquids. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety needed to help you eat less. Staying hydrated throughout the day is important. Drink at least 6-8 cups of water per day and make sure you consume them between meals.Many patients have a difficult time with solid foods during the morning hours. If this is the case for you, you can open up your LAP-BAND® System by starting with a couple of glasses of liquids before your first meal. Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. You can avoid this problem by chewing food welland eating small bits at a time. It is important to remember that your new stoma opening is approximately the size of a dime. Chew your food adequately so that it can easily fit through the opening. Eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about1/4 cup of food or 2 oz. at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. You may find that the small stomach pouch makes digestion of high-Fiber, high-fat and dry foods more difficult. Tolerance will vary from person to person. Ask your surgeon and/or dietitian about your food choices. The general guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but little sugar and fat. Good Food Choices 1. Fruits and vegetables 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily 2. Breads and cereals 1 small portion of low-sugar cold or hot Cereal 1/2 to 1slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day Note: some patients have difficulty eating bread 3. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, 1 oz. to 2 oz. of meat, fish, or poultry or one egg each day. (Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this.) Note: some patients have difficulty eating meat 4. Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have Calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 oz. of cheese a day.</p> <p> </p> <p> 5. Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation 6. drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals).Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener water non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Foods to AvoidSome foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value and should be avoided as much as possible. They include foods such as syrups cakes biscuits jam honey pies chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation, for example a glass of wine per day. Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the opening of the stoma and may cause blockage. These include foods such as: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread Pasta rice Peanut Butter dried fruit fibrous vegetables like corn,asparagus and celery nuts coconut popcorn greasy or fried food seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if they are tolerated. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon’s or dietitian’s advice Exercise GuidelinesIncorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is as important as your nutrition plan. Often patients have been sedentary due to decreased activity tolerance, psychological constraints, and in some cases, physical disabilities. After LAP-BAND® System surgery, aerobic activities—particularly walking and swimming—are generally best tolerated. Consult your surgeon and weight management team to find out which activity is right for you I got this info from obesityhelp.com I hope it is helpful to you I will be following this plan SC not yet banded

My NUT was pretty useless except for vitamin and supplement advice. I low-carbed to goal and my carbs were rarely above 50, usually 20-30. I'd get to 50more than one serving of milk, yogurt, or cheese. Now that I'm at goal I don't count carbs anymore and eat what I want in moderation, protein first.

Michi my pre op starts tomorrow, Friday. Its basically all liquid diet. No sugar or caffiene. Lots of yogurt, Protein Shakes, creamy Soups, sugar free pudding, sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles. AND LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER! Im not really looking forward to it... especially since I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family the day before my surgery. Seems kinda cruel huh? LOL GOOD LUCK AND KEEP ME POSTED ON YOUR SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am wondering what other people were eating at this point? I seem to only stomach beef broth and water sometimes a little yogurt. I just started getting my protein in by adding bananas to the mix so I can drink it.

I too got sick of eggs so now I only have them once or twice a week. I also have protein bars, cottage cheese, Fat Free greek yogurt with sugar free jam in it, Tuna salad, Chicken Salad, I have even had lean cuisine meals for breakfast. Anything to break up the monotony.

Some of my favorite groceries from Trader Joe's: --Steamed lentils (already cooked, just heat and eat, in refrigerated section) - I use these all the time, they have high Protein, great in salads or as a side. --Teeny tiny potatoes - perfect size for us sleevers! In produce section. --Thai Spicy Peanut salad dressing - a little goes a long way, divine w/ lentils! --chicken Tika Masala, and pretty much ALL of their Indian foods are scrumptious --Frozen garlic Naan --Frozen Turkey meatballs - I eat these all the time! Heat up 2 meatballs in a covered dish w a little chicken broth to keep em moist. --mini party-size meatballs - a bit higher in fat/calories than the turkey --Fresh buffalo mozzarella sticks --California Estate Olive Oil- cheap, good quality --Nonfat Greek yogurt in Mango, blueberry, and pumpkin (when in season!) --Unsweetened vanilla almond milk --Thai noodle salad (many other fabulous salads in refrigerated section) ...seriously, I could go on and on and on! Love Trader Joe's!

Few other things I'm going to add the list in the morning but Dr Sosa requires us to do liquid for a month or so then puree for another and then on 3 month we can have crackers but yeah every doctors diff about strict diet , I cant wait till I can chew ..... We can have 48 hours prior to surgery chicken,veg and beef broth , sugar free jello, g2. 80 g of proteinx, and specific multivitamin specifically made for gb patients,Water, diet cranberry ,diet cran grape ,white grape juice all must be all natural and nor from concentrate and fruit popsicles but AFTER SURGERY CONT ON THAT ^ UNTIL we see nutritionist a week after who says now we can have fat free pudding, plain low fat yogurt,Greek yogurt, sugar free fudge popsicles,baby food solid ,g2, diet cranberry juice, diet cran grape,white grape juice all Must be Not from concentrate, well strained cream of chicken,cream of broccoli and mushroom fat free from can Campbell's and protein must still be 80 g of proteinx yes proteinx is the name of the protein we must uSE FOR NOW well that's all I know of , of yeah apple juice same all natural not from concentrate and we must not have any chucks of fruit or meat in yogurt,food ,popsicles or cream soup

I am not sure what to do. My last fill was a little less than a year ago. My weight has remained stable for about 8 months but i am still about 40 pounds from my goal. This is my problem - i am having trouble eating healthy food since my last fill. I can't eat salads, most chicken (except most, processed chicken),yogurt, eggs, hardly anything for breakfast. I am thinking that i might be better off having a little un-fill which will enable me to eat the salads, veggies, healthy meats. I do worry that maybe I won't eat so healthy if the band is loosened but i don't think that is a big concern. Sometimes I go almost all day without any protein. This has been going on for awhile but i am starting to feel sluggish. Anyone have a situation similar to mine? What do you suggest? Thanks in advance.

Well, I sometimes hate to admit it, but for me it was... pardon the expression.. a piece of cake! I had no pre-op diet except doc wanted me to lose a few pounds to shrink the liver. I opted for a low carb/ high protein diet for a week before surgery. Then liquids the day before and it's been clear liquids and yogurt ever since. I have one more week on clear liquids.. then all liquids.. then mushie food and then regular food. I had no pain to speak of afterwards. Just a little pulling in the incision area... and NONE of the gas pain everyone talks about. Don't know why I was spared, but I'm very thankful. For me it was just a very easy surgery and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Port Huron is a wonderful hospital with great staff and my doctor is one of the finest in the state for Lap band surgery. He has done over 700 of them so far. The liquid diet is not really that bad. With broth, sf jello, yogurt, sf popsicles and juice there is enough variety for the day. I take a chewable vitamin... Viactiv chocolate cherry and it's my little chewing treat each morning. Hope all goes well for you!!! Judy

I've just decided that I'm not going to increase the intensity of my workouts until I can eat a little more. I added some granola to my afternoon greek yogurt (I work out after work), so hopefully that will be enough to let me keep up my current intensity level. I'd like to be able to add some carbs to dinner as well, maybe some veggies? But I don't have the room yet. I'm not willing to cut our any of my Protein to make room for carbs. So, until I can physically eat more food, I will just stick to 25 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of strength training about 5 days a week.

First off I feel GREAT! I have lost 27lbs in 3 weeks....I am transitioning to the "slush and mush" phase and loving it. I now have 4oz yogurt at lunch and I feel FULL! I won't lie and say there haven't been some hard times ( watching my kids eat pizza! ) but this has been so worth it. I fly to Florida on Sunday to look for our new home....I am excited and nervous wondering if the seat belt will fit on this trip....when I went down in February I can tell ya it was an act of god getting that buckled as I refused to ask for an extender. Cross your fingers!! I will let you know how I did. :0)

I received my pre-op diet pages yesterday. Phase 1 is until they inform me of my date; Phase 2 is 2 weeks before the surgery. Phase 1: Meal portions in half; no starches or sugars; only lean meats or fish, fresh fruit or vegetable with every meal; 2-3 servings of dairy (lowfat milk or lowfat yogurt) daily. Can have lowfat cheese as Protein, but if it constipates you, do not eat it anymore, 2 Multivitamins per day. Exercise at least 5 days per week. Phase 2: Protein drinks, Fiber supplements, 1 cup raw vegetables per day ,100 oz of Fluid, and the barrage of Vitamins. I don't know what CQ10 is or what it is for, but I purchased it today. Since I've already lost 17 pounds, he said he'd like me to lose 5-8 pounds more before surgery.