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Well here are my stats as of this am: Start weight was 189 ( that is as I was doing my preop diet) May 29 surgery weight was 183 Weight today is 171 NSV I can now wear my engagement and claddaugh rings hubby gave me when we were married 17 and a half years ago. I am fitting into smaller clothes in my closet. Challenges: it is tough when my family is eating all these tempting smelling things around me. But I have not given in and I will not give in bc I know this is head hunger, plus I am scared to pieces of leaks! I am basically having my protein shakes water and sf Popsicles during the day. I have tried stuff a little more "substantial" like puréed beans sf pudding and low carb yogurt, but gurgulina (my sleeves name) sings and complains for quote a while afterward so I get scared I am pushing it too soon.

Hello ladies! Just checking in with you all to touch base on week 2 so far. So far so good... Was having issues with protein but I recently started getting the chaboni Greek yogurt an there's 12-16 grams protein in each 1. It takes me forever to eat one but it's a flavor switch up from the shakes. 5/28 was day of surgery;) SW: 290 CW: 268 NSV: Wedding ring feel completely off my finger!

I hear you on the not trusting yourself! I carefully weight out 13 grams of kashi go lean Cereal into a small plastic container and I bring that with me to work to mix in with my yogurt. I know if I kept the whole bag here at work and just "eyeballed" how much to add to the yogurt, it would slowly creep up to an unreasonable amount! Edit: Of course I only do that on my workout days. No cereal/granola on my rest days!

How much are you getting? I am getting just about 100 grams a day. I had to add in some carbs when I started doing Couch to 5k, so I put some granola in my afternoon greek yogurt now, since that's the last thing I eat before my workouts. Seems to have helped a little, but I avoid carbs the rest of the time.

My dietician recommended flax seeds (linseeds). I mix them in with yogurt or you can put them in Soups and on salads etc. I get the ready-milled kind which makes the fibre more easily available I think. It seems to help. I still have prunes occasionally as well. When I saw the bariatric clinician for my check up though he just emphasised drinking as much Water as possible to keep regular.

Surgery on November 2, had minimal pain (the IV helped), Slept for hours post surgery, had to stay an extra day to adjust insulin and medications. I am feeling great, no pain, sipping warm tea, decaf coffee, and water all day. Protein shakes, cottage cheese (small bites at a time)' yogurt. Staying moving as much as I can. This is going well for me. I feel like the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders. Been a long time coming and prepping, and now it's real. My decision for surgery was for health, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis in my hips. My hope for the future is to get mobility back and get healthy.

Hi Everyone. I had my pre-op Doctor visit yesterday. Was pretty uneventful. My Doctor is very nice and knowledgeable, but I think he has done this so many times, he is a bit jaded by the whole experience. He's very nonchalant, and nothing is a big deal. Maybe he's that way with me because he seems confident that I will do great. I can pick up my daughter they said. Just have to squat and lift with my legs, not bend over. We talked about me being a "poor healer" and my concern about the incisions healing. I asked him about steroid cream or a shot. He didn't like the idea of a shot, but said it was necessary we could look at a cream. He didn't want me to heal too fast or too much, so I would not develop keloids. I agree! So I bought some anti-bacterial body wash for the shower to help out with that. I got permission to go home the same day, so I don't have to inconvenience my family with driving back down to Dallas to get me and arranging for extra time off to watch my daughter. I was surprised when they said I would be admitted. I thought their regular practice was all out-patient. I went about bought all my liquid/chewable vitamin/supplement replacements @ Sprouts. If you have a Sprouts in your area, I highly recommend them. The produce and meat department are amazing. And, the produce especially is no over priced. They run lots of sales, too. Anyway, they have someone that works in their Vitamin/Medicine department full time who is very knowledge and helped me a lot. I take several supplements and wanted to continue taking them. I just hope they are not horrible tasting. I was little leery about the liquid Omega-3 options. I am not real keen on swallowing a few tablespoons of fish oil! But, I got this really cool product that is like a smoothie consistency. It's strawberry-banana flavored, and you only take 2 tsps. So I figure I can stir it in some yogurt, if all else fails. Going tomorrow morning to buy stuff to make a large pot of chicken stock. Going to make up a bunch, so I will have it for broth, and to make some cream soups for when I get there. I still need to get some unflavored protein powder. Blah Blah Blah! I'm rambling. Good Luck to everyone that went yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

Hi ladies! I got this e-mail today from my brother--thought you would enjoy it! Subject: Whose fault is it? In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Kreme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said," and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled. And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food." God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds. Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds. God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then he said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest. God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Then Satan created HMOs. To be continued… Thought you could use a laugh! Have a great week! :bounce:

I was sleeved on 6/22/17. I did not have a purée stage. I was on protein shakes the day after surgery and by day 6 I was on yogurt and apple sauce. By my 2 week post op I was eating ground beef and tuna fish. I haven't had much trouble eating except when I take just one bite too much. I measure everything- sometimes an ounce is enough- like with the ground meat. Still chew everything and wait between bites. Not drinking is the hardest thing for me. I was told to try to take 30 minutes to eat those 2 ounce meals. I don't always take that long. I'd call your dr's office and talk with them. Have you had a post op visit yet?

Oh my, I would love have loved a lean cuisine at the beginning. My diet consists of 3 protein shakes per day, up to 2 "snacks" (like 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or 1/2 cup low fat cream soup, 1/2 cup no-sugar-added applesauce, or, if I'm feeling particularly famished, 4 oz pure fruit juice), and unlimited sugar-free, zero-calorie liquids (like crystal light, broth, Propel Zero, etc.). I go to clear liquids the whole day before surgery, and then on the day of surgery just water from midnight to 7am (my surgery is at 11am). So far I'm surviving. When I remember to have my 3 protein shakes per day, and space them out at regular intervals, as well as take advantage of the two snacks per day (yogurt is the most filling) my hunger is much better controlled.

Looks like there are a few of us on 1/27! Im glad to have others to follow this journey on! I find it so interesting how different all of our pre-op requirements are. Here is mine, it starts 2 weeks before surgery: Breakfast: Protein Shake Snack: 1 Cup of Fruit Lunch: Protein Shake Snack: Protein Shake or 6 oz nonfat Greek Yogurt (can add protein powder if needed for hunger) Dinner: 3-6 oz lean protein with either 1 cup steamed veggies or 2 cups salad with 2 Tbsp light dressing Snack: Protein Shake (if needed) 64 oz of water a day

My dietician didn't give me any macro or calorie specifications. Instead, I was given diet for diabetics. Daily intake is 2 servings of milk product, 2 servings of fruit, 5 servings of fat, unlimited nonstarchy vegetables, 3 servings grains/beans/starchy vegetables and 7 servings of protein. Have a list of what makes a serving size. Example, one fat serving is small avocado, 1 Tbsp nuts or seeds ot 1 Tbsp salad dressing. One grain/beans category serving is 2 slices of whole wheat bread, medium baked potato, 1 cup rice or pasta Milk serving is 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt or skim or low fat milk. One serving of protein is 1 egg, 3 oz lean chicken or fish, hard cheese Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

So how was everyones weekend? I'm sorry you're in pain Molly! Sending a big *hug* your way! Mine was ok. Went to a premier jewelry party at my sis in laws. Had to deal with my mother in law. I can't stand that woman! Came home depressed and ready to eat anything that didn't move. I did ok though. I'm losing pretty slow since my last doc appt. I've ony lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks. I suck! I need to stop eating all the sweets. I have been working out more though. Which is good. I'm having a tough time with food this morning. I was getting yogurt stuck so I managed to get down half a yogurt in two hours. Blah!

This is my 4th day on liquids and it is much better...I did have a frozen yogurt today...but i know I have been eating under 700 calories/day. I was never really a Soup fan to begin with....so I have been adding Tapatio to all my soup to spice it up a bit. Goto my 4 hour nutrition class on Tuesday....Still looking for other people from the Los Angeles area around here.

Tomorrow will be my one week bandaversary. So far so good, still some pains in my lower stomach, not sure if it's muscles or intestines or what. First night last night that I didnt take any pain meds, some soreness in my belly when I turn over and laying in my left side. Haven't taken anything during the day for a few days. We were out and about yesterday and I had a little chili and cheese at sonic and some refried beans at a mexican restaurant, I chewed them both really well and didn't eat much. Smoothies and blended soups have been my staple so far. I do a fruit smoothie in the morning, apple, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, kefir and protein powder and in the evening I do a chocolate protein powder, banana, almond butter, kefer and/or greek yogurt, almond milk and flax seeds. Bought a blendtec so it's really smooth, no chunks.

Kelli since your body is now using fat reserves for energy your fatigue is probably due to recovering from major surgery in itself or potentially dehydration vs not enough calories. * hugs* this too shall pass I get any liquids the first week after surgery: tomato soup, milk, smooth yogurt, etc. They told me creamed soups ar eok if blenderized or strained. (but of course follow your own directions). I'm sure it's good you chewed chunks really well. How did you tolerate the soup?? My understanding is it's not to prevent stomach pouch stretching, but to prevent vomiting and band slippage while the stomach heals where they've stitched the lower portion to the new pouch to secure the band. I'm in so much pain today I'm tempted to take my post op pain medication. I did something to my back overnight at work. I just took some tylenol so hopefully that'lll do the trick. Usually I take motrin but that's out being pe-op. I just have the rest of today and tomorrow left. I'll sleep on and off today then all night since I worked graveyard last night, have an all-day class tomorrow....then surgery Tuesday at 7am (Pacific Time) I'm getting rather nervous.

I feel you. I'm almost 4 months out and the past 2-3 weeks I've gotten so lazy with my tracking. I haven't gained anything but I do notice it's easier to eat more now. So I started today, back to basics. I've been chugging my Water today, eating my yogurts and getting in my Protein. I also went back to the gym. You can do it, just have to make up your mind to. Stop the grazing, schedule your eating. I'm doing 3 meals and 2 planned Snacks. I think that's pretty important, plan it so you avoid grazing. Make sure you are feeling real hunger too and not that damn head hunger crap. You can do it! I don't think you stretched anything out, test it by eating some meat first, no veggies or bread and I'm betting you can still only eat maybe 4-5 ounces and be full. Good luck!

I was banded the same day as you were...Oct. 26th...and I was only on liquids for two days after...then on sunday I was switched to a "creamed diet"...like puddings and yogurt and creamed soups and vegetable juices like Clamato juice. I blend up anything and everything to the stage of creamy and since we eat so little, they said the calories at this point are not an issue. My problem is I am not sure what "full" feels like. I never eat more than like a half cup or so of anything at a time. And I always am content so I must be at the right amount for now. Hang in there julestwu....or maybe call and see if you can not have something in the "creamed category". I was told anything that could be sucked through a straw.. (but don't use a straw)...well, little did they know ... I could suck spagetti through a straw if I put my mind to it. *ha* I feel great...and have been back to work all week. Hope everyone out there is doing great too! :clap2:

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

I'm curious on the answers for this. I'm only 9 days out so still just on full liquids. I can have yogurt and strained soup in addition to my protein shakes. I get full on like 40 calories of yogur. I don't know how I will be able to get enough nutrients from food without the liquid additions. Good luck!

Just slowly drink your meals. You probably won't feel full, but only drink your prescribed amount. I, usually, had my creamy Cereal in the am, my shake later, and then for dinner, maybe yogurt or some Soup. You might even want to try eating 4-6 "meals' because you don't want to over exert your stomach at this stage! It might take your whole 1/2 hour to drink the 1/2 cup of liquids that you probably are allowed. Best wishes. And yes, you might still be having gas attacks! Happy New Year, and new you, too! Karen..aka..kll724

Hi, Surgery 7/30 Beginning Weight 224 Pre-op 215 Current 198 I'm pleased with the results so far but I wish I could comfortably eat something besides yogurt and the Protein drinks. I tried some fish tonight, tilapia, ate about 2 oz. It feels like the whole portion is sitting in my throat. I'm pretty miserable, really. I'm exhausted all the time and am totally constipated. And I feel like I need an antacid every three hours, when the prescription is for every 12 hours. Sigh. I am praying to feel remotely normal soon. I have so much to do and really, all I want to do is lay around. I haven't left the house in two days for more than 20 minutes. Sorry to complain, I know this is temporary. (God, I hope so!)

I start my 2 week pre-op diet on the 20th. It is all liquids and two snacks (an egg or yogurt). My birthday is on the 25th. This year will be booze and cake free. I am celebrating a new me! I can't wait until Nov 3. That is the first day of my new life.

I know there seems to be a lot of controversy about the brand, but it was what my nutritionist recommended... I got a sample (on my own) pre-surgery, and it was great as far as not being able to taste it, so... I use Genepro. Pre-surgery, I tried it in some yogurt, and in just plain water. Couldn't detect it in the yogurt at all, and could only marginally in the water (it might be undetectable if I added some Mio or something...) The Premier Protein is just all gross to me now, though I still slog through because I don't want to waste the ones I have.

What is Wrong with the Sandwiches You Used to Eat? A typical workday might have started off with a trip through the drive-through for a breakfast burrito or sandwich, or a bagel and cream cheese sandwich at work. Lunch could have been a brown bag peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a trip to a nearby restaurant for a sandwich, burrito, or burger. Where might these options leave you? Sausage, egg, and cheese croissant or biscuit from a drive-through (600 calories with 42 grams of fat) Bagel with cream cheese (500 calories with 70 grams of carbohydrates) Peanut butter and jelly sandwich (600 calories and 40 grams of sugar) Club sandwich (1,000 calories and 2,500 milligrams of sodium) Chicken patty sandwich (60 grams of carbohydrates and 1,100 milligrams of sodium) Beef, bean, and cheese burrito (900 calories and 40 grams of fat) Your breakfast and lunch sandwiches could have added up to over 1,500 calories. Add in beverages, sides (hash browns, fries or chips, anyone?), and snacks, and you could have been at 3,000 calories by lunchtime! These Choices Don’t Work After Weight Loss Surgery! Needless to say, these options do not fit into your weight loss surgery diet. First, some of those sandwiches have more calories than you are supposed to be eating in a day, not to mention that some also contain more saturated fat, sodium, and sugar than you should have in a day. Second, those sandwiches emphasize starchy breads and fatty condiments, not the lean proteins and nutritious vegetables you need to stay full and nourished after weight loss surgery. Third, they can cause complications. Doughy bagels and fried chicken, for example, can cause obstructions in lap-band patients; fatty sausage and sugary jelly can cause dumping syndrome in gastric bypass patients; and these low-nutrient foods can fill you up and cause malnutrition. Luckily, this does not mean that you need to give up the convenience of sandwiches and the pleasure you get from biting into one. There are plenty of ways to make sandwiches that are weight loss surgery-friendly: low-calorie, high-protein, convenient, and delicious! Protein Fillings for WLS Sandwiches Start by choosing a lean source of protein, just like you do when you plan all of your meals. These are some healthier options compared to what you might have chosen before weight loss surgery. Don’t forget to measure your portions if you are making your own sandwich, or eyeball your portions if you are ordering in a restaurant. 2 scrambled egg whites (30 calories) 2 ounces of canned light tuna (60 calories) 2 ounces of chicken breast, lean ham, turkey breast (80 calories) 2 ounces of fat-free cheese (90 calories) ½ cup cooked beans or 1 vegetarian burger (120 calories) 2 ounces of turkey or vegetarian bacon or breakfast sausage (130 calories) Load up on Vegetables and Fruit Vegetables and fruit are the next food groups to add to your meals. Vegetables especially are low-calorie, so add more if you want a bigger sandwich. Try classic combinations, or get creative. You can also experiment with herbs such as fresh cilantro, basil, and dill. These are some ideas. Lettuce and tomatoes with meat and cheese Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and/or bell peppers with beans Cucumbers and sprouts with fat-free feta cheese Diced celery, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts with tuna Spinach and mushrooms with egg whites Pear or apple with fat-free cheddar cheese Cantaloupe with ham and/or fat-free cheese Blueberries with egg whites Breads and Alternatives Most bread is high in carbohydrates and low in protein – clearly not what you need for your nutritious weight loss surgery diet. Besides adding calories and carbs, bread can cause obstructions in lap-band patients and make gastric bypass patients sick or overly full. When possible, skip the regular bread. Bagels Tortillas Subs Croissants Biscuits Regular sliced bread Instead, choose whole-grain, high-fiber, low-calorie breads, and consider open-faced sandwiches, with the filling on 1 slice of bread, instead of regular 2-slice sandwiches. These are some good options. Reduced-calorie bread (45 or fewer calories per slice) Light English muffin (50 calories per half) Mini whole grain bagel (60 calories per half) Low-carb tortilla (50 calories per small tortilla) High-fiber, light wrap (90 calories per wrap) Also, look for creative, non-bread alternatives. Lettuce leaves to make lettuce wraps or cups Egg roll or wonton wrappers Sheets of dried seaweed Grilled eggplant Your fork (skip the bread and just eat the filling) Keeping Condiments Under Control The condiments that you add can make or break your sandwich, both in terms of nutrition and taste. Skip the full-fat mayonnaise, dressings, dips, sour cream, and butter, and be wary of high-sugar jam, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard. Instead, consider the following condiments. Salsa Fat-free mayo, dressing, dip, or sour cream Regular mustard Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt Hot sauce Shredded fat-free parmesan cheese Reduced-calorie, trans fat-free margarine Some Breakfast Sandwich Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right Egg whites scrambled with spinach, mushrooms, and fat-free feta cheese on ½ English muffin Cottage cheese and strawberries wrapped in lettuce leaves Shredded fat-free cheese and lean ham toasted on a slice of reduced-calorie, whole-wheat bread and topped with salsa and tomatoes Egg whites cooked with turkey bacon and broccoli in a small, high-fiber wrap ½ whole-grain mini bagel spread with fat-free cream cheese and topped with canned salmon with diced celery and water chestnuts Lunch Sandwiches Lettuce wrap filled with diced chicken breast, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and bell peppers, and soy sauce or light Asian dressing Dried seaweed sheet rolled around tuna salad made with fat-free mayo, chives, and celery Pinwheels made by layering slices of turkey breast, lean ham, and fat-free cheese slices, spreading them with mustard, and rolling them Bean burrito with black beans, fat-free cheddar cheese, salsa, and fat-free sour cream on a small, high-fiber tortilla Chicken breast with sliced apple and light vinaigrette between slices of grilled eggplant Tomato sauce, fat-free mozzarella cheese, and mushrooms on a light English muffin Toasted Rueben sandwich with low-fat Swiss cheese, shredded cabbage or sauerkraut, lean corned beef, and fat-free Thousand Island dressing on a light English muffin Are You Ready for Some Sandwiches? You can eat these sandwiches at home, or make them ahead of time and carry them with you in a reusable container. As a weight loss surgery patient, you should own plenty of reusable containers with tight-fitting lids. If you do not already have some, they are worth the investment so that you can carry healthy foods with you wherever you go. We hope that you enjoy these sandwich ideas and that you are inspired to make some of your own healthy, high-protein sandwiches!