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OK I had a bigger food day today then I thought after adding my points! Coffee & Skim Milk 1 point 30g shake 4 points Greek yogurt 3 points Spin class 60 min 6 activity points Went to soup plantation for lunch, had a bowl of mushroom soup for 8 points and some chicken breast for 2 points another 30g shake 4 points Dinner was 4 oz beef and 1/4 baked potato with 1/4 cup cottage cheese 6 points total so I am at 28 points and think I will have my fat free sugar free pudding for desert later for 6 points 34 total for the day minus my activity so 28 total.......isnt that how I do the activity points? Just minus it from my total?

I'm home now and doing great! Still doing fine with my liquids. Sometimes I get a mild discomfort probably because I forget to sip instead of gulping it down like a horse. I'm on phase 1 of postop restrictions...two weeks doing 1- 2 ounce liquids every fifteen minutes with the goal of getting to 64 oz of liquid in the day. I'm allowed my protein shakes, broths, diluted apple and grape juice, crystal light, decaf coffee and tea and some other drinks. My surgeon also allows for watery yogurt and apple sauce. I'm also on 4 medications. One (muscle spams) I'm suppose to take for 2 weeks, second one (stomach acid blocker) is suppose to go for 4 weeks. The other two is an as needed basis since they help with pain and nausea. Fortunately, I didn't need the pain or nausea medications yet. Crossing my fingers it continues this way. I am not hungry, but do feel mental desires. However, while going through the pharmacy nothing made my mouth water or ache to have it. When I got home and saw the food I normally eat, I did have a moment of " I wish I could eat that" but I overcame it very quickly. I don't have a choice, but to keep going forward and there's no turning back which I'm quite happy with. Besides in time, we'll be able to eat again just smaller portions. I'm moving about, but I have to remind myself that a few days ago I had surgery. My body has so far handled it well.

I was sleeved on 3/1 and had no problem with the liquid diet, but my 1st day on soft foods (3/15) was horrible. I tried a little chicken salad and wasn't able to keep it down. Any chicken is still a definite NO for me. I'll be able to eat regular foods next week, but I'm scared to have anything but tuna, boiled eggs, and Greek yogurt since I know I can keep those down and they are high in protein.

Finally ordered some isopure unflavored protein powder, it’ll be here tomorrow. Hope it truly has no taste because I just can’t with the protein shakes I’ve had thus far. Basically living off of those oikos triple zero Greek yogurts for my protein lol. I also got an order of the vitamin patches in the mail today, hopefully they work/I like them. My chewable vitamin is DISGUSTING lol

Hello All! 10 days post op, and feeling better and better each day. Nausea and pain are minimal, and fatigue is improving. I could still go for a nap this afternoon though! When I go up the stairs, my legs feel so heavy, and I'm easily worn out. Guess I'm still somewhat weak from the surgery and lack of calories. Sent my husband to the supermarket to get some Triple Zero greek yogurt, as I need a little something new to break up the monotony of thick liquids! Looking forward to trying it! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Been a little quiet in here, and I'm guessing many recent post-ops are still having some pain/nausea and are too fatigued to post. Hang in there, as it will get better soon!!!

I just saw this thread! I was banded on 10/26/12. I am so looking forward to tomorrow to start my protien shakes and yogurts. I have not cheated but yesterday and today I am really wanting something other than broth, Popsicles, Jello, low cal gatorade, and water! Reading all these posts is really encouraging. I am glad I found this thread. I have no real pain and I have had no pain med since day after surgery. My port is u der my arm and was sore for a few day, but feels much better now.

Kathy, Mornings are really tight for me, and from your post, it sounds like the same may be true for you. Don't push it. Here is what I eat in a day to keep things from backing up. I have had to do this since my last fill, before that, I thought I was tight enough because I would PB after lunch about 2 times a week. Morning: I start with bottle of water. Then I either drink a slimfast, eat a yougurt, or some oatmeal. Then, after an hour, more water. Lunch: Soup, then cottage cheese with fruit. If I have a lot of time to eat, I might do some chicken salad with crackers, but I have to be able to eat very slowly. More water. Afternoon: yogurt or more cottage cheese Dinner: basically, anything I want following bandster rules with the protien first. Last night I had Kalbasha and chili. All evening I drink water. I have replaced my diet pepsi successfully with bottled water. Because mornings are so tight for me I have to stick to the rules, otherwise, I'm miserable. But, I make sure all my choices have protien and because I'm tight, even the liquids fill me up. FOr the oatmeal, I have bought the kind with extra protien, I can't remember the name, or I add Flax seed to what I have which gives it extra protien. I am also thinking of ordering some stuff from bariaticeating.com in order to make sure I'm getting enough protien because I know some days I am not and since I exercise everyday, I really need the protein. Audree and Susan, a warning about watching TV during this time, it seems like EVERY other commerical is about food. That can really add to the head hunger, I know it did for me. YOu are both doing great. Keep it up! I'm home sick today with a terrible cold. First time all year I have really been sick. I am so greatful that the cold companies have come out with so many different cold medicines that aren't in pill form, as I would be worried that the pills might get stuck. So, I am drinking Theraflu for colds and taking little strips for my cough.

Rosi -- I haven't been banded yet but I've been experimenting with the allowed foods so I'll be ready after surgery. This morning I made a yummy "protein shake" with the following: Blue Bunny strawberry yogurt smoothies (it's sugar free) 1.5 tbsp of vanilla whey protein 1/4 c cottage cheese 8 ice cubes blend all together well till ice is chopped fine -- YUMMY Hope that helps.

This is an email from the lady I told you that lost 130 pounds in a year. I asked her to email how she did it!!!!! It is awesome!!!!! Anyways,you CAN be at goal in 6 months,believe me and you have exactly what it takes..............................determination and discipline. That is going to get you where you want to be.I know you noticed right away how all these women have lost only 40 to 50 pounds in a year or even longer.I was right where you are a few months ago and I said to myself,that is NOT going to be me! I spent alot of money for this band and I am determined to make it work for me,no matter what!I was banded on Feb 20th and by October I had lost 115 pounds and than no longer had fat to lose but had alot of hanging skin,that's when I had my tummy tuck done. Like I told you at the meeting.I ate (eat) only once a day,sometimes twice depending if my family invites us to go out to dinner but I count all calories and try to pick things that are really low in calories. Most of the times I am way under what "they " require but hey,like I said to myself, I'll do what ever it takes.Like you,yes I was tired when I didn't eat enough,so I started to make sure when I did eat it was meat .In the very begining I would usually have a weight smart frozen pot roast with veges meal for lunch and I still wouldn't get full so I would have a large salad on the side or some days I would have a large chicken breast on a salad. My favorite and most eaten meal was a carne asada taco salad from a real mexican restaurant,I just don't eat the shell! I would eat this "lunch" as late as I could hold off,usually around 3pm because I never ate breakfast.Then usually after eating that much food,( I really stuff myself with this meal) my hunger would stay away until really late at night,that's when I would have a yogurt or one of those 100 calorie snacks.When I am hungry before lunch or even after I keep drinking coffee,it keeps my hunger away bug time.I was never a coffee drinker until recently.Most importantly,I walk everyday about 2-3 hours after I eat my lunch and walk 2 miles,then when the weight started to come off,I found walking to become easier and I started to run a little between walking. The weight did stall sometimes and I would have to eat more for a few days,then I would notice the weight loss again. You are so lucky,you did this with your BMI being so low,you have so much less to lose than the rest of us.You're going to be beautiful by summer time!

Hey guys!!! I am back home and doing really good. I did vomit right after surgery because of sensitivity to anesthesia. They checked me under fluero and thank God all was great. I just feel sore and bloated. I have a lot of pressure in my abdomen I assume is gas. I did check on the computers, but couldn't remember my password!:faint: I am surprised how well I feel. I don't feel hungry. I am having broth, sugar free ice pops, jello, water, kellogg protein water. I can have yogurt on day 4. Thanks for being there for me!!! How are you all doing??? Audree

I get the Jif one too, as I can grab it on the shelf when I run out, instead of ordering it. My favorite is adding it to my Protein 'pudding' -- I mix 3 or 4 ounces of nonfat or 2% Fage Greek yogurt with a scoop of chocolate Protein Powder and a serving of peanut powder -- I add stevia and a teeny bit of cocoa to make it stronger, and it's to die for! (best if you can let it sit in the frig to meld for an hour or so - or overnight as needed.

I use both PB2 and another brand peanut powder. Love it in shakes, with cottage cheese, or yogurt.

Hey how are you feeling? I know we both got sleeved on October 6th. I am on to full liquids but still not reaching my Protein or Fluid intake goals. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be. I can eat about 4oz of yogurt in one sitting then I'm full. I'm trying to do that about six times a day small amounts more frequently. Im getting about 32oz of Water daily. Just wondering how you are doing being as though we were sleeved the same day? Hope all is well. Sent from my LGLS770 using the BariatricPal App

Jen, I am so happy that it went good for you, and your feeling good ) My diet after surgery is a little different from yours it sounds like. I am on a stage three diet when I come home, which means protien shakes, yogurt, whipped cottage cheese, apple sauce, pudding...things like that. Funny to say but I am actually looking forward to stage four when I can eat scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes!! LOL the things ya crave when ya on a liquid diet LOL Keep us posted and I am glad your doing good )

I was also banded by Dr. Ortiz and had a great experience. I go for my first fill on Wednesday. Some things I added were V8, drinkable yogurt, creamy split pea soup, tortilla soup ( bought a bad at the market and added water, purreed), and purreed chili with a can of V8. The 3 weeks go by fast!

Well, I hope I am back for good! My computer is up and running again. What a fiasco with Tech Support! Sugarbear: I had surgery the same day as you. You could have written my lapband story! As Pam said I ended up with hernia repair also. I had the same "gas" pains as you and in the same location. I kept denying they could be gas pains way up there! I talked to Pam and as she explained, they are not what we know as "normal" gas pains. It is much better now. I still don't have much of an appetite and I have to keep better track of what I am eating. I think I am missing the Protein intake by a bit. I am going to do better starting today. Dr. Pam says that protein is very important for me to heal. And...not to skimp on my pain meds. (Thanks Doc!) I have lost about 13 pounds since starting on the liquid before surgery. Sue in Russia, I have some protein stuff from Wal-Mart. It tastes cruddy with just Water. Yesterday I mixed it with skim supreme milk and a little crushed ice. I added about 1/2 tsp of Crystal Lite (strawberry kiwi this time), thru it in the blender, it was excellent. At least it will not go to waste and it has alot of Proteins per serving. I have been eating the Campbell's microwaveable Soups, yogurt, cream of rice, knox Jello bars, sugar free fudsicles. The soups I only eat about 1/2 serving and then refrigerate the rest for another meal. They are very soothing. Best wishes to all you already banded Marchers and for those of you coming up, we are watching for you and sending good wishes your way! Gail

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 align=center bgColor=#ffffff><TBODY><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; COLOR: #000000; LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; FONT-FAMILY: Palatino Linotype, Georgia, Times New Roman" vAlign=top>Frozen chocolate Cheesecake Bites! (2 Bites: 40 calories, 0g fat, 100mg sodium, 6.5g carbs, 0g Fiber, 1g sugars, 2g Protein = 1 Point!) Meet our new favorite use for ice cube trays. Ingredients: 3/4 cup Cool Whip Free 5 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese; softened 1 tbsp. SPLENDA, Granular 10 tsp. HERSHEY'S sugar free Syrup Directions: Using a fork, vigorously mix Cool Whip, cream cheese and Splenda until smooth and well blended. Evenly distribute mixture into 10 sections of an ice cube tray. Tap tray firmly on the counter a few times to get mixture to settle flat. Next, top each with a teaspoon of chocolate syrup. Tap tray again to settle. Place tray in freezer until Bites are solid -- at least 2 hours. Once frozen, Cheesecake Bites should pop out easily (if not, run the bottom of the tray under the faucet for a few seconds to loosen them). Makes 10 Bites! </TD><TD width=20></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD colSpan=5 height=10></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5 height=20></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> 2. Prepackaged crab cakes (love crab cakes. They give me my protein, they are easy to eat even on tight days and there are endless recipes or pre-packaged ones available. Also salmon in any form. Can find them at Trader Joes or Henry's) 3. Tilapia fish with homemade tartar sausce out of yogurt and relish 4. Chili Beans from Wendy's 5. The bean and cheese burrito from Taco Bell with out the tortilla Tex-Mex Cheesy chicken Chowder Ingredients: 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup thinly sliced celery 2 cloves minced garlic 1 tbsp oil 2 cups milk 1, 16 ounce jar chunky salsa 1, 8 ounce package Velveeta 1, 4.5 ounce can diced chiles <DIR><DIR><DIR><DIR>1 ½ skinless, boneless chicken (bite-sized) 2, 14 ounce cans chicken broth 1, 32 ounce package frozen Ore-Ida diced potatoes 1, 2.64 ounce package country gravy mix </DIR></DIR>corn chips (optional) </DIR></DIR>In 6 qt Dutch oven, cook and stir onion, celery, and garlic in hot oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add chicken, then cook until chicken is no longer raw. Then, add broth and diced potatoes. Bring to boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for approximately 12-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender (stirring occasionally) In separate pan, dissolve gravy mix in milk (until it’s gravy lol), and then add this gravy/milk mixture into the above pan of ingredients. Then, stir in cheese, salsa, and chiles, and then reduce heat to low. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. This can be served over cornchips, but without it’s great too! Nutritional Info: (Based on a 1 cup serving, and this recipe above will make about 16) 303 calories 15 g fat 35 mg cholesterol 857 mg sodium 26 g carbs 2 g fiber 16 g protein *** find a low-sodium chicken broth, skim milk, lower fat ingredients, etc..) Obviously you can choose the kick of the salsa and chiles. Also, I like to use the canned chicken (usually a white/dark meat combination), because for me it goes down easier. :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: Almost Veggie Chili <HR><TABLE height=233 width="73%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="66%">Ingredients</TD><TD width="9%">Calories</TD><TD width="6%">Fat(g)</TD><TD width="9%">Carbs (g)</TD><TD width="10%">Protein (g)</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">3/4 pound ground turkey</TD><TD width="9%">582</TD><TD width="6%">32</TD><TD width="9%">0</TD><TD width="10%">66</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c diced onions</TD><TD width="9%">53</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">17</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 can of diced green chilis</TD><TD width="9%">10</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">2</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">4-6 cloves of minced garlic (I buy the processed kind because it's easy) </TD><TD width="9%">18</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">4</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">2 cans of drained pinto, kidney, black or garbanzo beans (your choice -- mix it up!)*</TD><TD width="9%">414</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">76</TD><TD width="10%">26</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 can of diced, stewed tomatoes (buy the Mexican style, if available) </TD><TD width="9%">71</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">17</TD><TD width="10%">2</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 small can of tomato paste</TD><TD width="9%">139</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">33</TD><TD width="10%">6</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c diced carrots</TD><TD width="9%">53</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">13</TD><TD width="10%">2.6</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c various veggies -- zuchinni, corn, bell peper-- whatever </TD><TD width="9%">28</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">8</TD><TD width="10%">1.5</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">chili powder, cayene pepper, cumin, black pepper to taste 1/2-1 teaspoon ea</TD><TD width="9%">x</TD><TD width="6%">x</TD><TD width="9%">x</TD><TD width="10%">x</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1-2c of chicken stock</TD><TD width="9%">38</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">1</TD><TD width="10%">5</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">Total servings: appx 13 -- Breakdown per serving</TD><TD width="9%">108</TD><TD width="6%">2.5</TD><TD width="9%">13</TD><TD width="10%">8.3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Brown first 4 ingredients in a large soup pot with a small tad of vegetable oil or cooking spray. Add rest of ingreients to pot, with just enough stock or Water to cover contents. Simmer for 2-3 hours. Serve with melted cheese and fresh onions on top. Variations: Vegetarian: Replace turkey with texturized vegetable protein or tofu, and chicken stock with vegetable stock. Usually veggies have their favorite meat replacement. Or skip the replacement and add another can of beans or more vegetables. Also be sure to add a tablespoon of either Peanut Butter or miso soup concentrate to the mix. You won't taste it, except that it thickens the soup and gives it a good mouthfeel. This was the secret ingredient to my Vegan Chili which I lived off of for the 2 years I was a vegetarian. Meat-Lovers: Replace turkey with beef; add 2 strips of bacon to the chili for flavor. If you want more meat, subtract a can of beans and replace with meat. Others: You don't need to follow this ingredient list exactly. My cafeteria often puts in leftover chicken breast, in tiny chunks, instead of ground turkey. If you have some old brocolli or green beans, they can do well here as well. Chili is like a casserole -- supurb left-over management.

Maybe nuts, hummus, edamame beans and edamame pasta, nut butters , "Better than beef" is a fairly decent substitute for ground meat recipes. (Got it at target) Yogurt, eggs, extra protein milk, protein bars....lots of tofu. Baked, breaded, soy sauce flavored.. Just a few suggestions to get ya going Good luck!

Thanks for the welcome Kaninag. I went back and read a lot of the old posts and I am now beginning to feel like I know some of you. I am looking forward to getting support/advice from all of you that are ahead of me. Someday, maybe we can meet at group. Have a safe day. I have a question: I am on full-liquids and can have yogurt w/o chucks. My poor hubby has brought home two different kinds. The yoplait smooth is nice but way too high in everything. The other is okay on the label but it is so bitter! Could someone just tell me a brandname of plain yogurt to buy? I hate to keep buying it and can't eat it or won't eat it. I love yogurt and think it will probably save me often when the going gets tough or something.

I can be picky at times, so I get it. I have been writing down things I will be able to eat after surgery at different phases. I will share what I have: First couple of days will be clear liquids such as water, Gatorade/Powerade, sugar free popsicles, decaf tea and coffee, broth or bullion, protein water. After that will come the pureed stage, where you can enjoy things like skim milk/almost milk to make a protein shake with, strained creamy soups, sugar free puddings, Greek yogurt (no chunks), mashed potatoes (soupy consistency), sugar free fudge & fruit bars, cream of wheat (soupy), sugar free ice cream, applesauce with no sugar added, and anything you can puree like baby food such as fruits (non-citrus) and veggies. You can make protein pudding with sugar free pudding and protein shakes. You can make something called Ricotta Bake. I found the recipe on Pinterest. Sugar free whipped cream with sugar free pudding mixed. You can also get unflavored protein powder to add to these foods to get your protein in for the day. Cottage cheese blended smooth. After a couple of weeks, you can graduate to a little more texture like runny scrambled eggs, egg and tuna salad, soft cheeses, refried beans, mashed bananas, etc. I find a lot of useful recipes on Pinterest. This is the guidance from my nutritionist so yours could be a little different.

Supergenius: I had broth for brunch (on the way home), broth at home for lunch and dinner. Jello and ice pops for snack. I am full now. The Wolfgang Puck Chicken broth is soooo good. It is high in sodium, but just has a lot more taste. I get to have yogurt on day 4 (Tuesday). I think someone said if you can have the yogurt, you can have Skinny Cow Cheese. I am going to email my nutritionist because Skinny Cow sounds reeeeeeaaaaaaaalllllllyyyyyyy good!!!! YUM YUM My body is not hungry, but I just want to have the texture and taste in my mouth, but I am not hungry. I think I am thristy too and need to drink more water, crystal light. My port is a little sore. It feels good when I lean on a squishy pillow. I think I may buy one of those surgical wrap around girdle type things I had with my c section. When I sneeze, it feels weird. I feel like I am getting a headache and don't know why. Someone mentioned due to low calorie intake for days. I am tired and want to sleep. I am going to drink some Gatorade to see if I need the electrolytes. Take care! Audree

I got to add yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, and no sugar added rice pudding today!! Of course, I tried them all over the day. The rice pudding was a little hard to eat, probably because I was worried about the rice in it. I get to go straight to soft foods, too, but not 'til next Wednesday. How are you ladies doing?

First off...Good Luck to all you that are going in this week for surgery. I went in for a post-op check today, and they did an unfill. Seems that not being able to "eat" yogurt and liquid Soup is not normal. I guess I'm having a duh moment. The unfill wasn't bad, and I go back on the 23rd for a fill. Get to start eating mushy foods today, and I can't wait to chow down on some tunafish. Never thought that tunafish would sound so good. I have lost 11 pounds in the last 2 weeks, so I'm not complaining.

LOL! I know going meatless is not for everyone. I could honestly go without the meat because I've never been a big meat eater anyway. Congratulations, you made it to Onederland!! That is soooo great. I am sooo proud of you!! I had a yogurt this morning. I know that's not in the diet but I tried eating an apple and I was just too tight this morning. A lot tighter than I have been. It was the only thing I had in the house that would go down easy. My main goal is to eat more "live" foods, making sure I am eating fresh veggies and fruit. I made an appointment for a fill on Thursday. For the past few weeks, I haven't had much restriction at all, even in the mornings. Now I don't know if I should get one. I've been stuck on this plateau for a while now and I am so ready to get past it. Maybe I should just get a really small fill and see what happens, like .25cc or something. My last fill was only .5cc and it did really good for a while. I have a total of 6.5cc right now. What do you think?

It seems very compatible with the band. You can eat lean meats (beef has to be free range fed only, which might be a challenge for me because I don't know where to get it), chicken breast and turkey (no skin), fish and shrimp (not breaded or fried), organic or free range eggs (cooked on the lowest heat possible). You can have a large variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts (though there are certain ones that are forbidden). No grains and no dairy on this diet. The grains I don't mind, but I'll have a hard time giving up my yogurt, lol. This is not just a losing weight diet for me, I am doing this so my PCOS symptoms can get under control too. So to answer your question, I think it's very compatible in regards to what is suggested by my nutritionist. Every nutritionist doesn't suggest the same things but mine suggests eating Protein first, then a non-starchy veggie, then if there's room eat a piece of fruit, then bread last. So it definitely works for what my nutritionist recommends. Good luck to you however you decide to work your band.