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Yes there is a lot of difference between Dr. I'm on liquid 3 weeks but if I can 4 says it's better for stomach to heel. Went back to work in a week and a half. Sleeved 9/10 doing good tried Greek yogurt 5 oz could only eat half at a time. Ugh liquids go down easy.

I wrote this for someone but thought I would share with everyone here also. We were picked up at the San Diego airport. Driver spoke good English. We don't speak Spanish. Border crossing was a breeze. Hotel has pool and hot tub. Staff spoke good English and they take our credit and debit cards and US money. Walmart is up the street from the hotel. We took a taxi up the hill post op and walked back to the hotel. It's like a mall there. They have a Starbucks and a GNC and lots of other stores. Walmart took US money. They also had a sample table. Tequila samples!!! Lol. Hubby had one of those. Like they have sample foods here in the US....there is a really pretty koi pond in the center of the shopping center. Turtles in there too. The tortilla soup and chicken broth at the Mariott are delicious. There is a small store for drinks and snacks in the hotel. And a restaurant. Across the street, hidden by trees, is a small convenience store. They have drinkable yogurt there. If you are up to it revolution street is a nice tourist place for gifts and lots of free tequila shots! Also there are pharmacies there where you can buy antibiotics and other meds without a prescription. There is a small pharmacy on the walk from Mariott to walmart. Looks about the size of a snack shack, so don't miss it. Take liquid Tylenol with you. It worked better for me than what OCC gave me for pain. But I had to buy the Tylenol from the pharmacy and the directions were in Spanish! OCC is nice. Very friendly staff. They speak great English too! Love Dr Ortiz, Dr So and Dr Martinez specifically. Dr Ortiz is a very charming guy. And took time to chat with patients. They sent my hubby back to hotel with all other "companions" about 4:30 pm. I wasn't fully awake yet. He was concerned that I would want him to help me put my clothes on before he left cause I had only paper on. Honestly, my modesty was gone at that point. And a female nurse helped me later. But the 4:30 part was disappointing cause in the states my hubby gets to stay with me. Then in the morning they took us to the hotel. Everything is relaxed, so you just have to ask anything you want to know. Like when you leave OCC ask when you will be coming back. Then when you get to the hotel, tell the driver when you need to be at OCC and ask what time the shuttle leaves. Like I think it leaves at 6:50 in the morning for all the patients getting surgery that day. You all meet in the lobby, and the shuttle takes you to OCC. You might not be first. You may want to have a book or something to do while you wait. I also took lots of $5 bills to tip the drivers and hotel staff. I really don't know what a person is supposed to tip, but I liked everyone so much, I wanted to give them something. Also, drain comes out on day 3 I believe. OMG, the relief. I felt so good we crossed the border, rented a car and went to Coronado beach for the day! And prior to drain coming out I had gas pains. Once that drain was out, it was all gone! When they have you do the barium swallow to test for a leak on your final day, watch the X-ray monitor! You can see your new tummy and how fast liquid passes through it. There are some beggars on the streets there. We dressed very casual and tried not to look well off. No one seemed dangerous or threatening. We had a really nice time there. If you have any concerns or questions post op, OCC has a dr on call 24 hrs a day, so call! I have actually spoken to all 3 doctors since coming home. That was probably in my first 2 weeks post op though. I had no complications, I'm just a worry wart. You also have access to call or email the nutritionist whenever you need to! No extra fee!

Wow we really do all deserve each other! I've been moving towards the no meat thing for some time. I'm a mega bitch, too. And I have a BAD problem with starting and not finishing. LOL My thing with fruits and veggies is that I enjoy them most and also I have such a hard time with meat, anyhow. I will continue with fish, however. I have to have my salmon! I do still have milk, eggs, yogurt and the like. So not quite vegetarian, but definitely MUCH healthier.

Thanks a lot for the biking map. It's helped me a lot to know more about the actually distance I ride each day. I am glad to know--I was off by only 1/2 mile. So now I know what it takes to get in that 5 miles each day. I must admit--I took off 4 days--due to my muscles being sore. I am back at it again. I have to get back into the swing. I gotta say--miss 1 or 2 days--no problem. Miss 4...It felt like I had never went up any hill. I struggled going up a hill I've gone up at least 20 to 30 times over the past 8 weeks. Now--next week is right around the corner. I am supposed to get my second fill on June 13th--1PM. I talked to my nurse--so she scheduled the fill. I was feeling hungry--I didn't like that at all. Now since the week that was almost taken off--I've started using Hoodia-X57.It's that natural catus herb that helps cut the appetite. Hey--I learned this from one of the Lap band people here. It does work. It worked so well....I didn't want to eat much this morning--so I went back to the 4-0z yogurt and totally missed out on lunch. "Appetite Depleted"...I need to get me at least 2 more bottles....Lee

It's a lovely day in the neighborhood! A new day has begun! My breakfast was so yummy! I rode my bike with the front window open because it was warm in my house! Nice breeze! I'm sure the neighbors loved the view of me on my cycle, panting away! No one made them look! Day 2 S- 1/2 LowCarb Slim Fast before riding my bike B-1 fried egg on top of Morningstar Farms Griller, half slice of 2% cheese S- cottage cheese L-3 oz of ground beef patty S-Activia Yogurt D-3 oz of ground turkey patty S- Jello SF with FF/SF Whipped cream dandilion tea with lemon, splenda cranjuice exercise: 35 mins on my cycle hydration: goal - 94mls of water and crystal lite Good Luck PB buddy! (yesterday, my calories were 1172 and my protein was 89) post when you can! I'll be thinking of you - all day Missy! Love, dee~:wink2:

What's CRS? :thumbup: I love Greek yogurt! It's much thicker and therefore more filling, and it's so low calorie! Did you have the plain kind, or the kind with fruit? I like the plain kind with a teaspoon of low sugar Strawberry jam mixed into it. Also, a way to make extra thick and yummy protein shakes is to mix milk with protein powder and about 4oz of plain greek yogurt, blend it in a blender with some ice. :thumbup:

Second post: Today, Sunday-April 20, Yahoo has a front page story on what to eat. VERY good info. Five must eat foods for good nutrition added to your diet of high protein every day. If the story is gone by the time you read this highlights were green tea up to 4 cups (antioxidants), seeds and nuts-almonds, cashews (anti's) full of omega 3, whole grains for fiber - 3 servings (oatmeal), 25 grams of dark leafy greens like asparagus, broccoli, and a serving of low fat milk, Vitamin D, or yogurt ( 8 oz. )

Yogurt. Not feeling it tonight. Bad news from my son. He's a marine training for his next deployment. He was rappelling out of a helicopter tonight and fell to the ground, shattering his leg. He's in surgery to repair it - he needs a plate and screws. I wish I could be there but he's in California and I'm in New England. He's no baby, but he's MY baby. :-(

Healthy choice frozen Greek yogurt is yummy!!!! HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 202.4

Broiled flounder and homemade mashed potatoes (made with Oikos Greek Yogurt for added protein) HW 305 SW 292 CW 273 GW 150

Some ground beef with a sprinkle of cheese, greek yogurt, and taco sauce. I can't seem to figure out how much makes my pouch happy. If I eat more than a tablespoon at a time, I feel so stuffed forever. Surely this isn't all I should be able to eat.

That sounds awesome! I have some smoked salmon waiting for such a salad. Dinner for me lately has been blueberry granola and plain greek yogurt. Makes mornings easier lol.

I have chicken in the crockpot with salsa. Going to cook up pepper and onion mix together with cheese and Greek plain yogurt. So good!

Yep I am so glad it is on mine too because I can't stand protein shakes. I am trying to get my protein from food. It is really hard to get to 60-65 grams but I am trying. Greek yogurt at 15 grams is my bff except I can't quite finish them.

The Greek yogurt has grown on me, hated it 3 years ago, now find regular yogurt too sweet. I got soooo sick of sweet stuff too, i lived off puréed bean soup and ricotta cheese bake thing when I was trapped n purée hell . HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 204.6

Lunch was some plain Greek yogurt, a handful of mixed berries and some protein granola. So good!

My newest food addiction that seems to do well with my pouch is: 1 container of fage yogurt plain, 1 cup cottage cheese, 2/3 banana sliced thin, 1 tablespoon sugar free apricot preserves, 1 pack splenda. I only eat 2-3 ounces over an hour...BUT I mix it and keep it in the fridge. Good protein, soft, keeps my pouch happy.

Oh my! Just had the yummiest snack. Chobani Greek yogurt bits mint with dark chocolate. 100 calories, 8 G protein, all natural ingredients. Perfect sweet snack.

Notes on Eating: After one year, the changes that are measured are less on pounds and more on lifestyle. The most difficult thing for me has been to relearn my life. Things in need of change: - Not drinking my dinner. Normally drank four large glasses of liquid along with my meal. - Less of the scale, more of the day to day successes in terms of change. - Life does not happen from the four walls of my bedroom. Less time on my bed and more time OUT in the world. - Chew and then swallow. - What really makes you happy? Since thinking it use to be food and actually was, food is no longer an option. ............................ The first notice of concern was the times of my meals. It was recommended that I develop a pattern of eating consistent with regular intervals of eating. Three meals a day with smaller supplementing “snacks” that are planned and at 100 calories or some determined caloric intake not more than what is consumed at a meal. v Snacks should not be more in caloric intake than a meal. There should be no confusion between food intake as identified as a “meal” and one that is a “snack” that is planned as part of my food program. Snacks are recommended at or around 100 calories and preferably in containers that are easily carried with me. Recommendations were; Yogurt, 100 calorie snacks packaged as such, pudding, mozzarella string cheese and other items lower in fat content. v Pick a day of the week devoted to preparation for my week of food plan so I don’t run out of food or don’t have something on hand in the event I have an emotional situation that is a trigger for a binge. v When I arrive home from work, the time when I am most tempted to eat something I shouldn’t, have foods prepared to intake or elect to do a non-food activity I find enjoyable. An example of this is a movie. Tell myself that I will not eat my snack until after I have watched my favorite movie. Get a favorite book and elect not to eat until after I have read so far into the book. The idea being to create a new pattern of habits. Creating new patterns is important so when I deviate from that pattern I will immediately recognize it. After reviewing my diet it was found I was taking in more fat than I realized. Items that had hidden fats in them were skin on chicken, nuts, even thin breading on seafood can hold additional fat. The objective now is to shave away fat as much as possible. When eating out, opt for an all vegetarian meal rather than always a meat meal. Suggestions are pasta with marinara, not cream sauces. Salads, not large ones, but smaller dark green vegetable salads and soups are good. Alternate meals: Example; 3-4 nights a week opt for a healthy option for dinner and save the higher caloric/fat meal for another day but plan for it. This could be the ‘special’ item you enjoy as well. Plan for ice cream, plan for wings but again, create the pattern. Create alternatives. I enjoy sweet tea, carry the small tubes of peach tea by Crystal Light and keep them in my purse. Order water at the restaurant so the temptation to drink sweet tea is lessoned. Summary: Develop a pattern of eating consistent with regular intervals of eating Snacks should not be more in caloric intake than a meal Selections should be simple. The less complicated the better Pick a day of the week devoted to preparation for my week Creating new patterns of habit so when you deviate from that pattern you will immediately recognize it 3-4 nights a week opt for a healthy option such as an all vegetable dinner Create alternatives – I enjoy sweet tea, I can bring Peach tea packets in my purse and add to my water at dinner. Be creative.

Dannon light and fit greek yogurt.

Hey everyone glad to hear everyone is getting along so well! I am 10 days post op and still a little sore but not hurting. I am to the point I want FOOD. Like maybe an egg with some cheese yummmm, or even yogurt. I was on a two week liquid diet before and lost 14 pounds and currently on a two week liquid diet. In 10 days I have lost 20 pounds. So a total of 34 pounds!! Less hip less hip hooray!!! I don't have much energy because I can't seem to get all the needed protein in. They are so sweet and I am just sick of sweetness!!!! 4 more days, is what I keep telling myself!

Hey everyone, I'm exactly 3 weeks post op today! I have been feeling GREAT! No pain since 5days post op other then some soreness. I went back to week last Monday so it was 13 days post op & I did great (office work) other then feeling like I had no energy 1/2 way thru the day! I have not had any nausea since I left the hospital. At my 1 week post op appt my dr have me my new menu which consists of scrambled egg, cheese, yogurt, vegetarian refried beans, mashed potatoes, tuna, & grilled fish. I have been doing great with all the above I've tried! When I go to my 1 month post op next week I get a new menu. I can't wait. I'm getting tired of the same 7 items lol. I lost 21 lbs the first 2 weeks post op & then gained 1.5 lbs & have stayed at that weight the last 6 days. My clothes are definately getting loose on me. I have dropped 1 size. I hope everyone else is doing good & good luck to u all. I will keep u updated!

My first thought was....I wonder what corn starch would do? I googled for that, and found this response on Ask Yahoo: "When making your shake, try to keep the amount of liquids involved to a minimum. Keep in mind that the amount of ice you are using could be a factor, which will also lessen the preferred thickness of your shake as it melts. The addition of more fruits will help to thicken the consistency. Non fat yogurts, in place of milk/water, will increase the total calories of your drink, but again, if thickness is the issue, this method can't be beat. But, if you're concerned about the calories, another and less conventional method would be the use of corn starch. Corn starch is flavorless and has almost no calories to speak of, and is commonly used by chefs to thicken sauces, and even some frostings. I mention that last part only to emphasize that it works for things that are sweet just as well as for things that are not. Use sparingly, however, because a lot can go a long way! One tablespoon per average sized blender ought to be sufficient, and make sure you mix it thoroughly. The corn starch may take time to fully thicken, so if you do decide to add more, remember to wait a full minute before doing so. Too much of this stuff is like cement! But just the right amount can be a simple and calorie-free way to thicken your Protein shakes." My second thought was to add milk to yogurt, rather than yogurt to milk. I hope you find something that works for you. I like my shakes thin, so I will add extra milk, almond milk, Jello Water.....hey, maybe you could use unflavored Gelatin (or flavored I guess), and prepare your shake ahead of time so that it can chill a bit. As a matter of fact, I put some sugar free orange gelatin in a vanilla shake today, and it tasted like an Orange Julius or orange creamsicle. Just yummy!

Protein pudding and Greek yogurt are so good not sure if you tried them. I also like the genepro couldn't Tate it at all I'd try mixing it in a coffee drink or crystal light. Look on bariatric pantry website for some other yummy drinks not protein shakes then try to add a little of the genepro? U can find proteins that taste better than protein shake I know I have. Good luck to you!

Thank you to everyone that has replied and offered words of wisdom. I will keep trying. Yogurt of any kind, unfortunately, isn't an option for me. It's probably the only food I've had an aversion to my entire life, and it hasn't changed since surgery. I've tried mixing it into smoothies and dinner recipes...if yogurt is in it, I can taste it and I simply cannot tolerate it. My daughter is the same way when it comes to yogurt. However, I will continue to try getting my Genepro down and trying to eat high protein foods the best that I can. I will trust those of you who have said it's a phase and will pass. Good luck to those of you in the same boat as I am.