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I have struggled with maintaining low carb status. But, low carb liquids that I have found that taste good are crystal light to go packs that I put in a bottled water, no sugar added popsicles, chicken boullion cubes (2) for 16 oz. of H20 in a large mug in the microwave for 3 mins., and then I also ordered products from bariatriceating.com... they have some potent protein drinks (3oz. fluid with 42 g protein / low carb)... I don't like these as much but they pack a great protein punch with very low or no carbs. The website has other items that I do like but they are for when you can have more than just clear liquids. I actually made up a protein shake in the blender yesterday that tasted gooood. It was one pack of the to go crystal light packs (classic orange), about 6-8 ice cubes, 1/2c of skim milk, a frozen banana, and 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder from GNC (40g protein). I think next time I will try to decrease the carb content more by trying to use kroger carbmaster plain yogurt and a pack of splenda or carbmaster vanilla yogurt instead of the banana and milk. Best of luck...

He said I can have a snack in between just not sure what Maybe yogurt hard boiled egg string cheese with crackers My band drains slower than usual so I eat really slow.

Can you have a healthy snack mid-morning? I have an egg for breakfast (about 6:30 am) and a high protein/lo carb yogurt for mid-morning snack.

yes... I was swollen for almost 3-4 months. I am 20 months post op and eat quite normal portions. But I was just like you in the beginning! Normal this is what I ate yesterday: 1 large slice of whole grain toast and a half a banana and peanut butter for breakfast. 1 cheese stick and 8 carrot sticks with dip for a snack. 3 oz of tuna salad and 8 crackers for lunch, a 8oz yogurt for a snack. a 6 inch sub from subway with half the bread removed for dinner, and a few chips. and for a late snack I had a 100 cal bag of popcorn. yes the entire bag! Don't worry! It gets better!

I haven't had a problem with any fruit. Early on I ate applesauce, bananas, canned peaches and pears that were canned in Water and not syrup~ so no added sugar. Now I can eat almost anything. I eat blueberries and strawberries daily (with yogurt, almonds, flax and chia seeds) I had watermelon the past couple of days and it was fine. Apples can sometimes be tricky for me I don't chew them enough. Soft fruit like peaches, pears, plums are all good! I haven't had any adverse reactions (Ie. dumping) with fruit. BUT, I have had candy that didn't work out so great!

I take a daily called Complete One which I purchased from Puritan Pride, you can request a catalog or look online. I take B complex, recommended by my dr. since I am diabetic. I take 600 mg. calcium am and 600 pm., recommended by my nutritionist. I also take magnesium to help with calcium absorption, recommended by nutritionist. I think there is alot of benefits to taking the fish oil. I personally put ground flax seed on my yogurt daily, I think you get more of the omegas from this than the fish oil, but at times I opt for the fish oil.

I'm confused by this too. My mom picked me up, but I seriously considered calling a Lyft. I don't think my hospital would have had an issue with that. We were going through the discharge process before my mom picked me up, and never asked how I was getting home. I've basically done this alone. I have friends and family nearby, but I just never needed anything. I got my meds a week before my surgery. I stocked the house with water, protein shakes, yogurt etc. If I had needed anything there are plenty of delivery services available. I've been fine and not once have I wished I had some help.

I lived a big part of my life as if every day was a food funeral, so I think by the time I actually booked the surgery it was just relief, so I didn't do one. HOWEVER. My surgery was originally supposed to be at the end of October and on the day of surgery my flight was cancelled and I couldn't get to Mexico due to Sandy. On THAT day, after starving myself on yogurt for 3 days combined with the HUGE disappointment of not having surgery that day, I did say screw it and ate some bad stuff. And it wasn't even GOOD bad stuff, it was DENNY's people. UGH. It was the closest thing to the airport and I was huuungry.

I'm allowed 6 oz for meals (sometimes finish half then the other half as a snack) and 2 snacks at like 2-3 oz each. Usually cottage cheese with fresh pineapple or some Greek yogurt. I give myself 900 calories. Dietician said that's a fine max. Every once in a while I go a little over but usually I'm under.

Thanks everyone!!!! I really look forward to this forum because it is so hard to get to the classes with my schedule.... Protein is the biggest factor in my diet, I usually have a protein smoothie with bananas and strawberries for breakfast then for lunch a Dannon's lite and fit Greek yogurt(cherry because its the only 1 I like) and a sugar free pudding or applesauce, as a mid day snack I will have a protein bar with a SF pudding or applesauce, and for dinner either chicken, pork chops, or turkey burger(plain) with string beans and mashed taters, for desert it is usually fruit with SF or fat free cool whip.... I try to keep a water jug with me at all times!!!!

See I am having my surgery in Mexico so maybe she misunderstood what I meant by frozen yogurt? I am glad I asked you guys...I think I will just stick with what I know works. Thanks soooo much for all of the help guys!!!

Happy Memorial Day!#subject#> body,div,dl,dt,dd,ul,ol,li,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,pre,form,fieldset,input,textarea,p,blockquote,th,td { margin:0; padding:0; } table { border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; } fieldset,img { border:0; } address,caption,cite,code,dfn,th,var { font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; } caption,th { text-align:left; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { font-size:100%; font-weight:normal; } q:before,q:after { content:''; } abbr,acronym { border:0; } address{ display: inline; } html, body { background-color: #d8dde8; color: #5a5a5a; } body { font: normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif; position: relative; } h3, strong { font-weight: bold; } em { font-style: italic; } img, .input_check, .input_radio { vertical-align: middle; } legend { display: none; } table { width: 100%; } td { padding: 3px; } a { color: #225985; text-decoration: none; } a:hover { color: #328586; } div.outer { margin: 0 auto; padding: 14px; } table.wrap { max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; } td.logo { background-color: #0f3854; padding: 8px; } td.content { background-color: #fff; font-size: 14px !important; color: black !important; line-height: 150% !important; padding: 8px; } ul { margin-left: 25px; } Dear BariatricPal Members, Happy Memorial Day from BariatricPal! Everyone loves this holiday because it kicks of the summer vacation season. As a weight loss surgery patient, you can use this holiday to kick off a new phase of weight loss and health, whether you’re getting ready for surgery or you’re working on losing weight or keeping it off. Here’s what we have for you in this newsletter. Use Memorial Day to Inspire Your Next WLS Victory Red, White, and Blue: Your Memorial Day WLS Treats! Healthy Barbecue for Memorial Day and Summer Enjoy the newsletter, then use your day off to spend time with your family and friends. Don’t forget to burn a few extra calories and put together some healthy meals for the rest of the week! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder BariatricPal.com Use Memorial Day to Inspire Your Next WLS Victory Memorial Day is the national holiday that honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States’ armed forces. This could include members if your immediate family or your former friends, or maybe your family tells stories of ancestors who went off to fight in long-ago wars such as World War I. Most of us know one or more family members or friends who currently serve in the armed forces, and this holiday offers the perfect chance to thank them for their service. Memorial Day can also offer the opportunity to become inspired again in your WLS journey. Maybe you can dedicate the next phase in your journey to a vet, an active duty solider, or a current member of the reserves. Knowing how proud you can make this person can give you the energy to put in an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill when you feel like quitting, or the strength of mind to say no to dessert. Hit your goals as your inspiration is fighting for the country, and the two of you can make each other proud. Red, White, and Blue: Your Memorial Day WLS Treats! If you’re going to a Memorial Day party or just trying to enjoy the time for your family, there’s nothing more appropriate than bringing or making something red, white, and blue to serve. Decorated cupcakes and berry pie with ice cream are tempting and simple options, but you can do better. Here are some fun and healthier ideas. A veggie tray with purple and white cauliflower, red grape tomatoes and bell pepper strips, and white yogurt-based dip. Sugar-free strawberry jell-o topping with sugar-free whipped topping and blueberries. Sliced blackberries and strawberries in cottage or ricotta cheese optionally sweetened with low-calorie sweetener. Sliced figs and red pears served with white low-fat feta or goat cheese. With a little creativity, you can make an attractive and healthy treat to share. Healthy Barbecue for Memorial Day and Summer Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. That means it’s grilling season! Whether it’s a party at the park or a backyard barbecue, you’re the one who gets to decide how well you’re going to stick to your WLS diet. Remember your pre-WLS days? A meal at a barbecue might have looked something like this. Chili dog and bun or barbecue ribs (500 calories) Cole slaw or pasta salad (300 calories) Baked beans (200 calories) Iced brownie (200 calories) Can of soda (150 calories) 1 beer (150 calories) That’s 1,500 calories, in case you lost count. Healthy Grilling Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, ribs…who needs ‘em? You sure don’t! With all the healthy possibilities out there, you have no reason to worry about a barbecue! For a healthy, tasty burger, grill a mixture of lean ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasonings, and crumbled fat-free feta or grated parmesan cheese. Or, if you’re not in the mood for much food prep, just throw some lean ground turkey, veggie burgers, chicken breasts, or shrimp on the grill. They’re all high-protein, low-calorie choices. Instead of serving your protein on buns or rolls, serve them with lettuce leaves. You may be able to get your family to try these healthy swaps. You could even challenge them to see who can come up with the best healthy burger or other recipe for the grill. If not, you know the drill. Throw their hot dogs and beef burgers on the grill, and let them have their treats as you enjoy your lighter, high-protein, low-carb food. Guess who’ll feel better after the meal! Smart Summer Sides after WLS If you’re still hungry and don’t feel like more protein, try grilling up a portabella mushroom or some sliced eggplants for something to chew on. For a side, almost any vegetable is a great grill choice: zucchini, asparagus, artichokes, onions, and even cabbage. Just brush them with a little olive oil, not butter, and flavor them with herbs, bouillon, or teriyaki sauce. The cold sides can be killers at a barbecue, so plan ahead for healthier options. Skip the baked beans and biscuits, and don’t even think about mayo-laden pasta or potato salad. If your grilled protein wasn’t enough to fill you up, think about the following. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo when making prepared salads. Make prepared salads based on veggies or proteins, not carbs. So, make slaw with shredded cabbage or broccoli, or make tuna salad or egg white salad with ham. Always have a big green salad available. It’s something to fill up your plate and keep you busy when you’re not truly hungry but still feel like eating while everyone else is. Sweet Endings…No Regrets Red, white, and blue cupcakes...American chocolate chip cookies…a flag-decorated sheet-cake…you don’t have to blow your diet to show your patriotism! Fresh red strawberries, white peaches, and blue blueberries or purple grapes are just as patriotic, just as popular, and way healthier. Sugar-free ice pops work, too! Your Memorial Day celebration and every other barbecue this summer can be even more fun because you know you’re doing the right thing for your weight loss. You can make your meal high-protein and low-calorie while keeping it delicious and simple. Have a great Memorial Day! Remember to keep it healthy, active, and fun! After all, that’s what life and your WLS journey are for, right?

Hello, @lost. Congrats on your journey. This process is different for everyone as i read most post. I had to do classes for 3months one day a week. See a cardiologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, have a swallow evaluation, run several blood test, also a stool specimen amoung other things before i had my surgery 2months ago. I am also a diabetic. I was weak at times during my clear liquid diet. I ate regular yogurt, jello, and popsicle a few times a day whenever my sugar started to get to low. But the protein shake that you should be drinking also should help. This surgery changes the need for the amount of insulin, if u are on insulin, you will need. I, myself no longer need insulin. Just remember to follow your dr and nut instructions. You will do well. I lost 44lbs in 7weeks. Started 239 August 5th,2015. 229August 12th day of surgery, now i am 195lbs????

I would call your doctor's office and speak to the staff about this. My guess would be that you are perhaps trying to eat too much. Slow down and really check in with your body between bites. Are you experiencing any strange or new sensations such as hiccuping, nose running, chest pain? Those are all soft signals to stop eating immediately. You have had enough. I also wonder whether perhaps your stomach is not ready for soft food and you should stick to truly mushy things like cottage cheese (I love those Breakstone pre-packaged cottage cheese and compote dishes), mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc. But you should discuss this with your doctor. I certainly hope you feel better soon! Remember, there is really a learning curve when we first get banded. We have to learn to recognize what our band is telling us and it does take time. Nancy

Hi guys, I’m about three months post op and I’m struggling to stick to plan. My hunger/thirst seems to still be off and it’s getting harder to make myself drink enough water and get my protein in. Plus, I’m getting really bored with my protein options. Texture has been a big deal since surgery and certain protein shakes as well as yogurt makes me sick. And when I do want to eat, I want something that is “worth it” taste wise and find it much harder to force down the foods that I’m supposed to be eating. I was doing good on weight loss at the beginning but I’ve stalled and I know it’s because I’m not getting enough water or protein. I’m afraid of staying where I’m at or even gaining if I continue to fail to meet water and protein goals and supplement with foods that are off plan. Is anyone else going through this struggle? Any suggestions for keeping protein interesting? I guess I just need some advice and motivation. My mom had the same surgery about a year and a half before me and she’s super skinny now. I know I’m not going to get to her level because I started off at a higher weight and all but being this far behind her in the journey has been hard. She keeps encouraging me (tempting me?) to eat foods that are off plan for me right now that she is able to eat. It’s getting harder and harder to say no and it’s like she forgot what it was like to be at this stage. I feel like I’m in this alone.

I have surgery on the 15th too. I bought Yasso smoothie packs at costco. They have bananna/strawberry with little frozen pieces of greek yogurt. With 1 scoup of vanilla protien, 1 cup nonfat milk or vanilla soy and 1/2 a package of the Yasso in the blender, its really filling and tastes really good. Not a commercial for unjury, but I have tried alot of protien powders and this is the best. I hope everything goes well on the 15th for you, Im at 10:30 ET and just cant wait to get it done!!!

I am having my surgery at the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everett, WA. I am very excited and just a little nervous! I haven't really talked to the doctor about what pain meds I will be on. I guess I will ask when I have my pre-op appointment. I am a bit worried that the pain meds will make me nauseas without being able to eat solid foods. What was your experience with that? I did find a really good yogurt smoothie at costco! It is made by the same company that makes the Protein shakes. I will definitely stock up on vegetable broth (I'm also a vegetarian .

I have been cooking up a storm these last few weeks and stocking the freezer up with healthy meals. Both of my crockpots have been getting a workout! I have been getting some great recipes from emilybites.com and skinnytaste.com. Emily bites has a lot of recipes that you use a muffin tin to bake it in. Great for portion control. For breakfast, I either have a Protein shake or Special K protein cereal. I am made mini quiches in the mini muffin tins but I have been eating them for lunch with a cheese stick. Boca burgers are also a great option for lunch...or Greek yogurt. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Ok here goes.. I had been in denial about how much I was vomiting(my roommate reminded me)I was throwing up meds and Water at times In the last two weeks I fainted twice. I landed in ER and was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope and my pcp said I was extremely dehydrated. After some introspectal thinking, I have come to the realization that I am totally turned off by food unless it is sweet and junky. I usually do Greek yogurts with babybel and granola for lunch and dinner and a Protein shake for Breakfast I am getting really tired of what I eat.. Any suggestions for a low maintenance preferably no cooking meal plan? I do see a therapist and IM working with her. I just find yogurts so vile right now and will put anything else in my mouth Went to surgeon today for unfill. Injured my knee and foot unable to exercise :-( Thanks for letting me put this out there... -Mary

I am almost 3 weeks out and still trying to figure out this eating thing. I am currently on soft foods (baked fish, PB, yogurt, cottage cheese, banana, etc) but I am not sure if I really know how to eat all this different things. I try and have something every 2 hrs. with protein drinks in-between. I am getting my 70+gms of protein a day in addition to my 64oz of water… Does anyone else out there have a schedule to how and what to eat? Will I ever be able to have more than 3-4 oz at a time? I can't imagine ever getting to have a plate a food (even it small in portion) with my family. No regrets, but just trying to figure it out.

Hi. I am new on here. I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. First, I was banded back in fall 2007. My surgery was supposed to be outpatient, but I ended up with severe complications from the "gas" pains and was in for 5 days. I have read so many success stories. It's really nice to see. I have had some success of losing and keeping the weight off, but no where near my goal. I experienced vomiting up to 10 times a day almost every day since my surgery. I really feel my surgery went wrong and my band was never secured or in the correct place. I did bring that up to my Dr. on several occasions and even had him meet me at his office on a holiday weekend to take out the "fill". I have not had a "fill" since Oct. 2008. When filled, I couldn't even keep down Water. Without the fill I can keep water down, but no healthy amount of food without feeling stuck. Two weeks ago I went to the ER I was vomiting violently and couldn't even hold down water. They xrayed my stomach and said they didn't see anything wrong and diagnosed me with Gastritis (stomach flu). I wasn't happy with the answer because it didn't feel right and I am not even sure this particular ER had any experience with the lap band to know if it was in place properly or not. I did a follow up with my own family Dr., as I am uninsured and unemployed and can't afford the payments for all the specialists. My Dr. then diagnosed me with Candida or Strep- either way they said it would be cured with antibiotics. I am finishing my 3rd week of antibiotics and they gave me prilosec. Today was the first day I was able to get back into my old jeans that I was able to wear a year after surgery. Today was also the very first time that I was able to consume food without having that stuck feeling. I didn't realize it until tonight that I haven't vomited in 2 full days, haven't felt stuck. I ate 1/3 of a very small steak and some mashed potatoes (6 small bites) I know I should have had the broccoli, but it felt good. I was full, but not stuck!!!! Finally. I hope that just with me being ill 3 weeks ago maybe it readjusted my band? Perhaps even pulled it off entirely, not really sure and have no answers. Anyone else have any complications like I had? I followed the plan the first few months very strictly. After 3 months I learned to just either not eat at all until late in the day or to just eat what I could hold down, either Soups or very cold things like frozen yogurt. But after years of suffering from vomiting, I had to go back to eating regular foods- I just would vomit it back up. I feel pretty good today too. I have SLE Lupus with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. So, I am used to not feeling great all the time. I hope that this can be a new beginning for me. I want to stick by good healthy choices and continue on to see my success hopefully fall into place with hard work and determination. I have never been to a support group or meeting. So, I really don't know what to expect. Sorry this is so long. I will leave it at that. Thank you for taking time to read it. I will be reading and following as many posts as I can as well.

bariatric foodie has some easy recipe. I highly recommend ricotta bake (google "eggface ricotta bake") - super easy and tasty. Sometimes I add some sauteed spinach or a spoon of pesto. If you like shrimp, it is super easy and tasty. Defrost a few, add a bit of oil or butter to a pan over medium heat, and saute for a few minutes until they're pink. You can add some spices. I like cajun seasoning (if you can deal with heat), or italian seasoning. Added: this is super easy, don't even need to defrost the fish: https://www.bariatricfoodie.com/one-pan-cooking-tilapia-fire-roasted-tomato-sauce/ But, one fish fillet will serve me three times, and I don't eat thawed fish more than two days after it thaws, so I often have to toss some fish. Also really like egg salad - just 2 hard boiled eggs, masked with either a bit of ripe avocado or 1 TBL mayo and 1 TBL greek yogurt.

Hi mss Thanks for replying. I follow the 20 minute rule and wait 20 to 30 mins after eating before I drink. I walk and swim as exercise as I ruptured a disc in my back and have damaged nerves in my leg and foot. I take pain killers for this but some days I am quite immobile (not lazy). With the walking I walk daily and swim twice a week its water aerobic exercise. I still eat a fair bit and feel like a porker by telling everyone but here goes! I have trouble eating up until twelve then I can eat a whole sandwich if im hungry in the afternoon about 3pm i have a banana skim milk half a cup and a diet yogurt blended. Then I can still eat dinner 2 egg omelette and before bed if im still hungry which yes i usually am a yogurt or 2 dry biscuits. I know everyones mouth has dropped but im being honest as we are all here for the same reason. I go back to the surgeon Monday and I will be having a fill for sure im up to 7mils at the moment. Any thoughts (nice,diplomatic) would be appreciated. Thanks

It sounds to me as though the kind of foods you are eating could be the problem.Things such as milk, yogurt even eggs are quickly digested, do not stay in the pouch and will not sive you saiety. Try eating heavier proteins such as red meat, chicken, fish etc add some vegetables and see if that makes a difference.

Basically anything that will go through a straw. I drank protein shakes, added protein powder to broths and diluted, strained cream soups (huge variety available there) drinkable yogurt, Mio flavored water, vitamin water, sobe, and herbal tea.