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Hmm, I might have to give Greek yogurt a try! Does it taste similar in tuna salad and the like, or do you end up adding vinegar/mustard for more tart taste?

Ok now I’ve been eating yogurts constantly like about 3 or 4 a day and small pieces of baked chicken, is that bad? It’s like I get hungry every couple hours and I know it’s not real hunger so I try to ignore it and drink water.

I was on clear liquids for a week then 'full liquids' (which includes Protein shakes) for a week. Even then I was told 60-70 grams of protein a day. I got the Premier shakes which are 30g protein and just had 2 a day. (I added yogurt or other sources too). Luckily I didn't have any nausea and I still love the shakes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The directions should be on the can. The protein powders I have call for 8-10 oz of water or milk. I use almond milk when using powders. I drink the premade Premier Protein in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. I also bought Rob Jarrow unflavored protein to mix into things like pureed banana and yogurt. I bought protidiet cream of chicken soup on Amazon which was good. Sugar free ice pops are good too for fluid.

Greek chicken, about 23g Protein and roughly 120 calories for entire "making" 1 can chicken breast chunks in Water (5 oz) 1 Tbs "Tzatziki" sauce (see recipe below) 1/2 tsp greek seasoning Chop chicken good w your fork. Add the "tzatziki"sauce and the seasoning. Makes 2 servings (or 1 serving possibly if you're further out). "Tzatziki" 1/4 cup greek yogurt 1 peeled cucumber slice (1/2" thick) 1/2 tsp lemon juice (more if you like lemon-y) Blend all together until smooth. Store leftover in fridge.

Carolb, I am very sorry you are struggling as well. If you can not eat meat or more solid foods and are sticking to simple things that go through your pouch easy, another fill may not address the problem. You have to be able to get meat and other solids down (carefully chewed, eaten slowly, etc.) in order for the pouch to work for you. Otherwise you will remain hungry. Perhaps you can try carefully reintroducing more solid Proteins. If they will not work for you without vomiting, perhaps you may even need a slight unfill to get your pouch realigned with your needs. Sugary carbs like candy may even be kicking your hunger into higher gear. Specially if they move through the pouch easily. Everyone is different. However, for me I had to learn to stay away from processed carbs and only eat fruits, vegetables or low sugar yogurt, etc. In my system, if I eat something like a small piece of cake, I know that for some reason in another hour or so I will be looking for more. Eating any bad carbs triggers impulses and urges for me to seek more and the only way to control it was to avoid those foods. Take it one step at a time. Maybe today you will say, I will not eat any candy today and I will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. Perhaps you can replace it with a Protein that your body can handle. Are you getting plenty of Water . . . perhaps increasing water intake will help as well. Sometimes big changes come wrapped up in very small daily decisions.

So I noticed a couple things lately, one being that i have slightly gained weight. I'm 5 weeks postop. I am eating eggs and yogurt for my 5/6 meals a day. 2 meals would be eggs, the rest yogurts. Maybe even 1 meal of eggs. I'm using real salt, which MIGHT be bloating me and causing me to retain Water? But lately it seems like I'm getting into the habit of getting myself a latte or frapp from a coffee shop when I have the money. It's not exactly healthy it just fills my sweet tooth to be my "large" meal. It's medium, with whipped cream. Before when I had it, I couldn't finish it in 30min. Too sweet, too..tasty. I would get the runs after. Now, yesterday, I had it, and lately there have been no runs, and it took me maybe 5 min, 10min maximum to finish it. Does this mean my stomach just healed really fast in that week of having them, or did I stretch my stomach out in that week? The frappe I'm gonna say is 400 cal maximum. I can't ask the owner cuz it's a small business and I doubt they know. Typically in a day I would have 4-5 yogurts (400-500cal, and 1.5eggs (2eggwhites, 1yolk...gonna say that's 130cal). Then sometimes I sprinkle quite a bit of cheese on there, say 200cal. f**k, maybe even more. So I'm looking on the WORST of days to be 500+330+400. This is liberal estimation. That's 1230 calories. So WHY am I gaining weight, when that's MUCH less than what I was eating before at 315lbs, now I'm 278, up from 270 at my lowest post-sleeve.

Ok...before I give my opinion let me just stress that this is just that...my opinion. I am about 8 weeks out. Sleeved on 6/25. I totally understand the latte/frappe urge. I too used to indulge. I would suggest a substitute. No it's not gonna taste the same but it's better for you right now. Try a latte with non fat milk and stevia and maybe try a little flavor. And no whipped cream...not right now. I know...it sucks...but listen...everyone says that the first two years of the sleeve are the best time to take advantage of this tool. You just went through major surgery...you gotta slow down cuz it sounds like you are digging up some old habits...and it would be so easy to fall back into our old ways....you gotta resist the urge! Fight! As far as food, I would swap out some of those yogurts for more meat - hamburger, steak, fish, etc. I love yogurt too but some of them are sweet and you can get more bang for your buck in terms of grams of Protein with meat. Eating more dense protein may also help curb your appetite for that sweet coffee. As far as exercise, do you have headphones? If so, put on your sneakers and get moving! I have to push myself most days, cuz I'd rather not...but then I think about the fact that less than two months ago, I was laid up in the hospital getting my stomach cut out...and I didn't do that for nothing so I've got to stay on course!! This is your time. You have the opportunity to create a new you. This is your chance for a do over! You will succeed! You've already lost weight! Oh yeah, you didn't mention Water....get that water in...get yourself a special cup that you use just for water... a little corny, maybe...but my big red cup has helped me get it in!! Ok, let's see...I think that's it...hope this isn't too preachy...if so, sorry...just wanted to pass on some of the encouragement and advice that I have received! You know what to do kiddo...JUST DO IT!!! :-) I wish you every success!

Well if you're willing to do anything to be thin and healthy then that's your answer. I would work on giving up the carbonated sodas. Chips, ice cream and chocolate are band friendly ( which can be a bad thing). Band friendly means they go through the pouch easily and won;t fill you as easy as other foods, so it's possible to overeat those foods. Since being banded, I've had two small pieces of chocolate (over x-mas) and a few potato chips, no ice cream yet and no pizza. Yes, you can eat out in restaurants and you might want to just order an appetizer instead of a meal sometimes. Not EVERYONE can eat EVERY FOOD. Some people can't tolerate beef or bread. Some fibrous veggies are difficult for some people. Some people can eat bread if it's toasted. You just wont know until you get there. Remember some of these foods might go down when you are first banded, but as they fill the band to tighten it to fit YOUR stomach and restrict your quantity of food, some foods might be harder to get down. Things like Soup are tricky because it's liquid it goes through your band, does not stay in your pouch to keep you feeling full. So far I am still able to eat chicken and beef. I have had a little bread, but stick more to the crust, I've also had popcorn and nuts. I eat fish, cooked veggies, chicken, beef, turkey meatloaf, yogurt, Cereal, oatmeal, lean cuisines, eggs, salad. Each time I get a fill and get closer to a good level of restriction, I must slowly try foods that I could eat before, to see if my tightened band will tolerate them. Each person also has a level or tightness that works for them. One person might like to be tighter, which might mean many foods don't go down well and another person is ok with a looser restriction. We each find our own personal level of restriction. I just had a fill, so the next few weeks will tell me if I reached a good level of restriction that works for me. I highly recommend you read the threads on the forum about "how fills work" by Wendell, it explains the process very well and was very helpful to me. Or discuss with your surgeon the fill process, so you don;t get discouraged while waiting for good restriction. I'm a slow loser ( always was) but for me this 26 pounds is unbelievable. I am two pounds away from the lowest weight I've been in over 20 years! I know it will be a long road to get this weight off and I know I'll have to work with my band to keep it off. If you lose the weight and pick up your bad habits of drinking with meals, you could start gaining weight back. Our brains are smart and our need to eat is strong, we can figure out ways to beat our band, if we're not careful.

Today I started the pre-liquid diet because I am an eater and I needed to transition. My pre-liquid is actually a liquid diet that the surgeon gave but but also include vegetable pureed soup, and oranges, limes and grapefruit. I've spent the day laying down as if I am going to die of misery. Later in the afternoon I felt better and got motivated to make my beef soup. It's still boiling and I am too excited. This morning I had a protein drink, and peppermint tea. Brunch I had orange juice, 2 jello cups and a yogurt. I was sooo hungry. Lunch the wonderful tomato and herb soup. I've never thought that tomato soup would be so delicious. :crying: I had 1 more cup of orange juice and I am waiting on my beef soup to be done so that I can strain the broth. Question is why can't we have vegetables anyway? The whole theory is to shrink the liver. Maybe they also want your stomach to shrink. I can do this. I can do this. I am scheduled for 11-9-09

Yes, it's very common. It gets better when you get to food but you'll have to increase your salt intake a little. I'm pretty sure you can have the yogurt on the liquid phase. Good luck!

Hi Jazz, Congrats....when's your surgery date? I'm getting banded on 8/18 and just did my shop. Here's the list of what recommendations I got from Aug bandsters. Shopping list for post-surgery: · Gas X strips · Gauze to cover incisions/tape · Protein in form I can stand · Full Liquids-On Approved List · Liquid Tylenol · Chewable Vitamins · Wet wipes · Pill crusher? · Heating pad/icepack · CHAPSTICK!!!!! · Carnation instant Breakfast · Protein power/liquid · Broth/soup · SF popcicles/fudgecicles · Crystal lite · Oatmeal · Applesause · Yogurt · Mashed potato · Pudding · Jello · Special K Protein Water pack · Stuff for chicken salad

--switch out the yogurt and fruit for cottage cheese and meat for Breakfast --switch out the Protein bar for 3 oz grilled or baked chicken breast Here is a sample menu from when I was under 800 calories and regularly getting over 75 grams of protein per day: Breakfast: 2 oz chicken wrapped in romaine lettuce leaf (85 calories/12 grams protein) Lunch: 2 oz sliced roast beef, 1/2 oz. roasted edamame (137 calories/19 grams protein) Dinner: refried Beans with an egg baked on top, melted cheese (150 calories/12 grams protein) Snacks: hot chocolate Protein shake (110 calories/ 21 grams protein) chocolate PB2 protein shake (140 calories/26 grams protein) marlin Jerky (80 calories/18 grams protein) totals including various Vitamins etc.: 768 calories, 107 grams protein

Just try and stick to softer foods during this time, nothing too crispy or well done meat that is overly firm. Alot of people say crock pot meals are perfect for this stage of eating. Fish is also a good choice as it is so easy to digest. I enjoyed shrimp cocktail (still do) and ceviche, talapia and salmon, even sushi without the rice or nori. Eggs are perfect and high protein, and also make sure you eat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit for extra protein. Good luck...you should be ok...just don't push your limits!!

Protein bar, banana, apple, Greek yogurt, chocolate milk... stuff like that. I switch between stuff like that for a work out. Also have been drinking some amino energy.

I had 3 weeks total of PTO and short term disability period before going back to work after surgery. One week was surgery week, the other 2 weeks were recovery weeks. I could have actually gone back to work after 1 week of recovery, but heck, when the doctor gives you 2, you take them. I do get hungry, but it's real hunger, not emotional or head hunger. I make really good choices in foods, like yogurt, applesauce, or a hardboiled egg to fill me up between meals. The only problem I am really finding is getting enough Protein. My doctor recommended at least 85, but up to 100. I use the flavorless stuff and put it in and on everything. I will tell you that you will feel tired a few weeks after your surgery. It's not just because you are eating less, but surgery does take a toll o your body and sleep is a normal part of the healing process. I have no trouble until about 3 to 4pm. Then I need to take a nap when I get home from work. But if I stay busy, I don't really think about it...do laundry, take a walk, clean house, run errands. For the first two weeks after surgery, I was going to be around 5:30pm, maybe waking up around midnight to go to the bathroom, then going back to sleep until 6am or so. That's getting much better now. My work days start early (around 5-5:30am), so I'm almost back to my 9pm bedtime...getting up at 4am is no problem. I still find myself drifting off around 8pm, but I do something active to get me through to 9pm...walk the dog, rearrange some drawers or a closet, email friends. Everyone is different, but all the people I met during my surgery and have stayed in touch with all had good recoveries. Out of the four that were being sleeved the same day as me, 2 went back to work just 5 days after surgery with no troubles. Protein, protein, protein...really helps with energy and curbs hunger. Try Quest Bars. They may just become your new best friend because they taste like cake or brownies rather than those awful Power Bars or Tiger Bars.

Anyone have suggestions for full liquids? I'm 'eating' creamed soups, protein shakes, yogurt, sugar-free pudding, milk and the clear liquids. I'm doing well but fear I will get bored over the next few days. Anyone have some good recipes?

7 days post op here to , i am on liquids for two weeks take everything slow. i was so nervous the first couple of days but i enjoy shakes. throw some ice cubes in them and mix in a blender gives it a milk shake consistency. Trust your body if you can't keep any liquids down then call your doctor asap like the previous post said you may need some meds which is common. Do not compare yourself to anyone else ....everyone's body is different you have people on here that were on liquids for 4 days post op or people like me 2 weeks. its all different and greek yogurt is great even add to some pudding its good. high Protein. i doubt anyone on here will tell you that the liquid phase was wonderful but it is needed so your stomach can heal. You will make it through it. Call your doctor, hang in there its tough but you will make it. everything is in steps....take it slow.

Boil some eggs the night before. It doesnt take long. I eat boild eggs, lunchmeat, greek yogurt, your hungry because cereal is too much carbs in the morning. You need protein. Eat some weight control oatmeal by quaker it has 7 grams of protein and takes less then a minute in the microwave. You can always make stuff the night before for breakfast.

I'm 1 month out from surgery and it's hard to tell when I'm full. I eat 3 heaping tablespoons of cottage cheese and feel sick and hurt some, eat 2 and feel just a little uncomfortable. I think I will learn in time, what I do now is eat slower and don't eat much at a time. When I'm emty, I feel nausea like drinking to much coffee? I eat a yogurt and feel fine. But last nite I ate a small piece of pork and have had pains in my stomach ever since. I will stay away from pork for awhile thats for sure.

Yep! Embrace the stall. It happens. Stalled eating 800 calories a day for 20 days. Would not have believed it if I had not experienced it myself. Just Stalled up/down 2 lbs for 3 weeks. Then dropped 4 lbs in 4 days. Just keep following the rules. I also tried switching more animal Protein for milk or yogurt and that may have played a roll. Keep at it. You will succeed! Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

try here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/lapband-food-stages-lists-suggestions-3995/ i relied on: hummus cottage cheese tuna/egg/chicken salad egg drop Soup greek yogurt ricotta bake scrambled eggs ff refried beans/lf sour cream/salsa

I eat about every 2 to 3 hours and I am just now at 6 weeks! If I eat chicken, tuna, or beef I get full in just a few bites! Soups and yogurts I can eat a couple of ounces! And my protein drinks it usually takes me an hour to an hour and a half to drink 8 ounces!

I am four weeks out. Have been on soft foods since week 2. My diet includes: ground turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, high protein yogurt, cauliflower crust pizza, turkey jerky, refried beans, cottage cheese, protein shakes (one a day), peaches, banana & egg pancakes (mash one banana with one egg and some baking powder), chicken sausages, chicken salad. Today I get to start introducing other foods and can have anything my body tolerates. Of course that's eating your protein first then veggie. 1/2 cup at a time.

Applesauce and refried beans were a nice break from broth. Took me 3 tries to finish a yogurt.