Search the Community

Thanks to your menu I am having a much easier time meeting my Protein requirements. Everyday I have 1 Pure Protein shake for 23 grams, 1 atkins Protein Bar for 10 grams, I greek yogurt for 14 grams and a string cheese for 7 grams. All of these are easy to get down and =54 grams. This does not include dinner. Keeping these 4 items the same has helped simplify and ensure I am meeting those requirements at least. Still need to work on liquids and a better timing of Vitamins.

I found for me that to keep my weight loss going I needed to cut out processed carbs. I still eat carbs, but they are primarily in the forms of vegetables and occasional fruit and only very rarely eat potatoes/crackers/etc maybe to around once per month. Typical day for me: Breakfast - 2 egg omelette with a little onions & green peppers tossed in and some low fat cheddar. Sometimes I will just have a cheesestick. Sometimes I am really tight in the morning and will just have a slimfast optima, but rarely. lunch - Tuna salad with a little low fat mayo & pickles and a small salad (maybe 1/2 cup tuna salad and 1/2 cups salad). Sometimes I will roll up a little turkey and cheese in a piece of lettuce and will have broccolli or something on the side. Sometimes I will have 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 piece of fruit. dinner - Salmon cooked with dill and non-stick cooking spray on the stove top with a salad near of chopped cucumber, dill and a little smashed garlic mixed into 1/4 cup of low fat yogurt. I could have a small chicken breast with steamed veggies. Sometimes I will make a small lean hamburger and eat it without the patty with a salad on the side. I stalled for about a month before I changed what I was eating. Before I changed I was eating mashed potatoes, oatmeal, etc and I could not lose like this, eventhough my calories were down.

Okay...just an idea. Some of us are mentioning how we are not losing as much as we'd like or eating stuff we shouldn't....how about starting a thread for your meal plans? I'll be happy to start, I'll edit this tomorrow because I my dinner plans on the refrigerator at home. Thurs. 1/10 - B: 1 NF Yogurt, 1 Fiber granola bar, maybe 1 sm. banana, water; L: 1 ham wrap w/ww tortilla, hummus, tomato, lettuce, ff cheese, chicken broth; Fri. 1/11 - B: 1 c. cream of wheat w/apple pie spice and cinnamon and splenda, 1 slice ww toast w/pb, 1 c. ff milk; L: chinese chicken salad, 1 sm. apple w/ff caramel dip Sat. 1/12 - B: 1 scrambled egg with salsa and ff cheese, 1 sausage patty, fruit, 1 c. ff milk Sun. 1/13 - B: homemade fruit & yogurt parfait, cream of wheat with splenda Mon. 1/14 - B: 1 slc. ww toast w/sliced tomato and ff cheese broiled; 2-4 slices turkey bacon, 1 c. ff milk; L: Hummus & Pita, 1/2 c. tabbouleh salad, chicken broth Tues.. 1/15 - B: 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 md. banana w/pb & granola, 1 c. ff milk; L: 1 Hormel dinner, SF Jello Wed. 1/16 - B: 1 packet oatmeal made w/skim milk, 1/2 grapefruit; L: Tuna salad on multigrain crackers, 2 kiwifruit Whatcha think??

HOw is everybody doing ? I'm able to eat more foods now and glad to not have to rely on shakes n yogurt for every meal. Constipation is still a problem, but trying to find a balance in my diet. I have been taking some bites( literally one or two bites) of "no no foods" but haven't lost control. I've hit the first stall week 4, which was expected. Still feel fat but jeans are loose. I've started doing aqua aerobics which I really enjoy. Still waiting to feel pretty.....

Okay had a Greek yogurt this morning and went down well except tries to et last bite in too early and it hurt. As for my lunch which I am working on still it's protein shake it somewhat hurts going down like I feel a little pain in my tummy and burping a little is that normal?

You probably won't feel "full" eating soft foods and liquids like cottage cheese and yogurt. Post-op, rather than feeling full, I aim for satisfied. It is easy to go from satisfied to one bite too many so slow down, take small bites, chew thoroughly (when you get to denser foods) and you will get a better sense of when you have eaten enough.

I'm thinking cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, etc.

Hey there! It's nice to meet you :thumbup: The class that they want you to go to isn't really a class. It's more of a presentation. They give you the information that you need to make a decision that is the best fo you! That said, if it is too hard to go to the class you cantalk to your doctor about the EMMI presentation which is an online version of the class. If at some point you decide to get the lap band you will have limited interaction with people on the day of surgery but you can request that it is limited and i promise you that they aren't laughing at you, but cheering you on for making one of the hardest decisions to improve your life! 1. Is there pain after the surgery? Yes. And if so, what kind? There is pain from the port incision site which is about an inch in length. It's not really painful, it kind of feels like ya did 100 sit ups. You can also have some bloated gassey feeling in your tummy and in your shoulder for a few days, but it does go away. How long did it last? About a week,sometimes less. They give you pain medication so it isn't too bad. 2. How long do you have to stay in the hospital after surgery? Some people go home the same day but my surgeon keeps people overnight which turned out to be the best plan for me. 3. Is there a specific diet before/after surgery? For me, pre op I had to drink opti fast which is a Meal Replacement shake for two weeks. The first three days were rough but after that it wasn't so bad. 4. Do I have to slim down to a certain weight before I can get it? It depends, some surgeons want you to lose some weight pre op because is makes surgery safer, and some want you to lose weight pre-op to prove that you are able to lose weight. There is usually with most insurance companies a 6 month period that you have to fllow a food plan that will help you shed some excess weight. 5. I know you eat less, a lot less, do you eat more smaller meals or just 3 really small meals? You eat a lot less, on average about the amount of food that can fit in an average yogurt container. That's it per meal and you have 3-4 meals a day. That seems like not enough and I thought that too pre-op but it really is enough and you dont feel overly hungry. 6. If really small meals, is there enough food for your body to like have energy? :S YES! I didn't think so at first, but there really is! 7. Should I worry about complications with my weight? To be VERY honest yes... being overweight can and is deadly. 8. How many people die of complications every year? Death from lap band is less then 1/2 of one percent. And how many people get the surgery every year? National Instute of health says about 80,000 people got the lap band in 2009. 9. What kinda of diet are you on currently? Not on any diet, just what I can tolerate and get down. The lap band isn't a diet, it is a healthy way to teach me to eat te best foods for my body. Protein 1st, Veggies 2nd and Carbs last. 10. I cannot stick to diets, will I be told to TRY dieting before the surgery? Possibly, but if you are honest with the doc he can set you up with meals that youalredy eat, just prepared in a healthier way, and you will have to say no to fast food including delivery and take out. It's just a reality. Also, no soda which is hard, but mandatory. 11. What happens on the day of the surgery? You go in and they weigh you, take your blood pressure and vitals, and you change into their gowns. They will start an IV and then you wait till they take you back to surgery, you lay down and you just go to sleep, very easy not chaotic. 12. Side effects? It's hard to eat bread and you have to chew your food really well. You can throw up from not chewing your food well enough. You can get gassy (farts) and burping. You could also get a slippage where the band slides down too far or your stomach goes up through the band, but it is not common and is fixable. 13. Problems you had? Constipation from the pain medication 14. Did you ever consider not getting it because of the extra skin? Nope because extra skin wont kill me, the fat inside it will. 15. How steady of a weight loss can one expect? 2-4 pounds a week 16. Did family members actions change after you got the surgery? Everyone has been very supportive 17. Your worries before you had the surgery? Yeah,but mostly just the unknown. Kinda psyched myself out. Just normal jitters that everyone goes through. What about after? not so much really Keep talkig and remembern question is dumb or too nosy ok? Best of wishes! Heathet

This my second day out the hospital and I tried the plain Greek yogurt and it's nasty any suggestions Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Thanks have to try that yogurt. I had my bowl movement no problem. I'm also drinking my premier protien shake I have chocolate only can get one in Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Count yourself lucky. My surgeon requires 3 weeks of liquids only. And he means liquids, no jell-o, no yogurt, no pudding, no purees, etc. His definition of liquids is anything that can go through a strainer easy; no lumps, no bumps. I have 4 more days to go! Of course he also said that in 6,000 procedures he's only had 2 patients with leaks, so I trust him.

I guess I'm so confused bc I was given two diets. One from the hospiyal program and one from my dr. My dr. Said ok to juicing...his nut also said ok to refried beans. However, I don't trust her. The hospital nut said no to all. I just wish I could understand how all that processed stuff was better for me than juiced fruit, eggs, and cooked well beans. I could take it better if I understood why all dr are different. I'm one that needs to rationalize it...and I can't rationalize being flushed of fluids bc I can only have processed soups, broth, and yogurt. I know this will end in one week!!!

I am getting back on track - until someone brough freaking OREOS into work today and I had about 8 or 9 of them... I'm so mad at them. Haha. I typically have a shake in the mornings, either chocolate soy milk with scoop protein powder and tsp organic Peanut Butter or I'll do regular soy milk with protein powder and a small banana. Lunch varies... an apple, a yogurt, light string cheese, couple tbsp sunflour seeds (dry roasted, not in oil!). then dinner is like a veggie burger, some veggies, or I'm hooked on this organic veggie chili. I do eat snack, usually one of the smaller South Beach Living bars or a string cheese. Though I'm currently working on replacing dairy in my diet, so that stuff will be gone soon. Trying more fruits and veggies, and natural nuts and seeds (not soaked in hydrogenated oils). I'm also working on becoming high fructose corn syrup free... Its a struggle, but its for the greater good. (freaking oreos...)

idk how much time you have for classes, or if you can keep an insulated bag in your car or not... lunch meat and cheese rollups are good and easy. tuna, chicken, egg salad. hardboiled egg leftovers -if you have a food court w/microwave protein bars work great if you just need to throw something in your bag - and you might be able to just eat 1/2 a bar! If you have a food court or food truck, the insides of a breakfast burrito or regular burrito work in a pinch (minus rice). string cheese, cottage cheese, greek yogurt you will have lots of options if you get creative!

For me: Breakfast: EAS Lean Protein shake mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Dannon light n fit Greek yogurt. Lunch: EAS Lean Protein Shake mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Dannon light n fit Greek yogurt. Dinner: Broiled chicken breast; steamed veggies or a big salad. Or both. Snack: raw almonds or a 3rd protein shake. It's very regimented but I need strict boundaries or I will deviate and eat uncontrollably. I'm not saying this is the best way, but its what I need. I'm trying to do 1200 calories a day so I lose weight preop safe and healthy. I hope I'm doing it right! I would just listen to your surgeon. Amanda Rae

My name is Peter, and I'm from NYC, although I've lived in DC, FL, TX, MI, and CA. I consider NoCal to be my home. San Francisco is my favorite city in the world. I'm getting the procedure tomorrow; meeting the surgeon (Christine Ren from NYU MC) at 6am. Procedure starts 7:30am. At that hour, I doubt I'll need any anesthesia. :thumbup: I've been on a liquid only diet for 2 weeks. The first 5 days were one of the hardest things I've ever done, but watching the procedure done "for reals" on youtube gave me the will and resolve to stick it out on 1000 cal/day Protein shake diet. The 2 cups of veggies were the high point of my day. I've been faithful to the diet, and other than days where I probably had more like 3 cups of veggies, I have been 100% faithful to the diet. OK, there was one day I fell off the wagon and had 4 cups of veggies. My pre-op diet went something like this: Days 1-3: Agony. Pain. Like a drug addict in withdrawal. Days 4-5: Misery. Days 6-10: Much easier, but I felt like an angsty teenager, looking at a pizzeria or a deli knowing they aren't for me. I became angry with things like Subway sandwiches and yogurt. Typical "diet food" that was off limits for me. After day 10, I have to say the diet is much easier. Occasionally I feel hungry, but it almost feels natural to go for some rose-Water or some spicy broth. In all, I have lost 20lbs on this crazy diet. It's not that I'm not looking forward to eating my first pizza, but I really think the pre-op diet will make the 10 day post-op liquid diet much easier. I feel more prepared for it. Oh, I also have found the diet is MUCH easier on days I go to work. The weekends are much harder for me. I did a lot of research on bands, and decided that unless my surgeon thinks otherwise, I want the Realize-C. The reasons AGAINST the Realize-C are: 1. LapBand AP seems to have more weight loss associated with it. However, I am a mathematician, and I know claims like this are nearly meaningless. Contrary to what people say, statistics don't lie, however, you need an unbiased researcher who wants to do a good job, and this particular statistic does not come from an unbiased researcher. 2. The LB-AP is 3rd gen while the Realize-C is 2nd gen. True, but not compelling. I'm sure the Realize-C engineers had a LB-AP in their hands while contemplating the Realize-C design. 3. There is some empirical evidence that the Realize-C balloon may crease, causing saline leakage when past a fill of 9.0. However, I have full faith in my surgeon, and if she thought the risk was anything other than nearly insignificant, she wouldn't have offered it to me. There is risk in everything we do. There are numerous benefits to the Realize-C which seem compelling, but I think the port profile and insertion technique is what put me over the edge in favor of the Realize-C. So therefore, I'm going to ask her for the Realize-C unless opening me up reveals that LB-AP is a better choice. I have no number "goal" weight. My goal is to look great naked. I don't care if that puts me at 150, 180, or 200. I want to look at the mirror and say "Hell yeah, that's *my* body. Awwwww yeeeaaahhhhhhh......". I also want to be able to shop in any clothing store and be able to find clothes that fit. About a year ago, I went to H&M and not a single pair of pants fit me in the entire store. Not one. I was traumatized. So my secondary goal is to be able to find groovy clothes that fit me anywhere in any store. My last goal is to learn moderation. I want to eat a single pizza for lunch and say "You know? That was delicious and filling". Currently, even 2 pizzas would leave me hungry. I eat great food. I don't eat candy or sweets. I don't eat fast food at all. My last Big Mac was in 1986. My last KFC was in 2003, but before that, it was probably sometime in the 80's. However, I currently do not know moderation, e.g. I can eat a whole jar of Peanut Butter. I have made a few theories about weight loss in the past few weeks. I'm not sure if they're true, but it's what I've seen. 1. If you lose more than 2lbs in a day, expect diarrhea. Your body is probably in shock. 2. If you eat something, the weight you'll gain will not show up on a scale anytime soon. It takes about a day or two for the weight to fully show up. I have no idea why. It just appears to be true. 3. There is a moment in the morning where your weight is at a minimum. Past that time, even if you don't eat or drink a single solitary thing, your weight will increase. For me, that time is somewhere between 7:30am and 9:30am. Anyway, that's pretty much everything. I'm glad to have found this resource. I still have loads and loads to learn. I doubt I'll be able to meet support groups since I work in the financial district all the way downtown NYC, and sometimes I keep pretty late hours at work. But I'm hoping that forums like this will be a good substitute. Pete

Katiecakes: I was banded 6-18-12 and dont get a fill until 7-26-12 . Hang in there. My nutritionist said you are able to eat normal amounts because there is no restriction yet without a fill. Unfortunately it is all willpower without a fill. When I started getting hungry I drank more Protein shakes, Jello, sugar free Popsicles, yogurt and eventually cottage cheese. My weightless is at a standstill and I assume will be until my fill. I'm down 24 lbs since pre op diet started, which I'm fine with. It's a marathon not a sprint.

I get about 70-80 grams a day. 60 is from premier protien drinks (two of them), at least 10 grams a day from Greek yogurt and the rest from a combo of eggs,beans, peanut butter and cheese depending on the day. Tomorrow I'm trying chicken for the first time, wish me luck! Btw, I was sleeved Jan/5.

Hey Julz... Fellow MD'er here what part are you from? I'm from Northern Cecil County and had my surgery at Franklin Square near White Marsh. sugar free Popsicles Lite yogurts without fruit Sugar free pudding Herbal tea Powerade zero Sonic ice Only get a couple of each and 1 box of the Popsicles. You'll find that you won't eat much. My doctor didn't have me start shakes until after the first week, they just wanted me to focus on getting fluids in. So follow your doctors orders on that. When I started drinking shakes it would take me an hour to get 8-11 oz in. Non food, A couple pairs of comfortable pjs Sweat pants I swear by a body pillow.. this made laying on my side to sleep much easier having it to support my stomach. Even now it's my favorite thing lol. A good refillable Water bottle. I got a Yeti tumbler. Because it took me so long to drink it kept my drink cold for hours. Heating pad Good luck

Well I used tescos own version of slimfast drinks but added yogurt to them in the blender. You can also buy Protein powder and add a scoop aswell. So for instance strawberry flavour shake, a strawberry low fat yogurt and a scoop of Protein Powder. The more protein the longer you feel full. They also have vanilla and chocolate ones. You can also buy complan in most supermarkets which is basically a build up drink but can be used as a sole source diet. I added protein powder to it. The protein powder can be bought cheaply at holland and barret etc Hope this helps :sneaky:

Hang in there. It does get better. Try a few variations, if you're allowed. Ask fruit, yogurt, cinnamon.....

pre op i was drinking slim fasts twice a day and eating a lean cuisine for dinner. Post op i was on liquids for 3 weeks. started with clear. broths, apple juice cut 50/50, sugarless ice pops. progressed to cream soups, my favorite was a lobster bisque... protein shakes and 0 cal vitamin water. i kept a variety of soups.. leek, tomatoe, chicken broth. as long as i had choices, i was ok. 3 weeks was a long time to stay on liquids... docs never agreed to any "mushies" so I went from full liquid to whole foods at 3 weeks.. oh yes i also drank non-fat flavored yogurts. by day 3 of liquids my hunger button turned off......after that it was smooth sailing, good luck

My doctor did not have me on straight liquids right after post-op - I went straight to the pureed stage. For the first couple of weeks, I LIVED on blenderized lentil soup! My favorite is the one from Trader Joe's in the big can. All vegetarian, inexpensive, high protein, and DELICIOUS!! My surgeon is a huge fan of lentils post surgery - calls them one of nature's most perfect foods. He says that fish is the other perfect food. Not sure if you are lacto-ovo, vegan, or a pescetarian, but if fish figures into your plan at all, it is a great back-up protein once you get to soft foods. I also do non-fat vanilla greek yogurt, mixed with PB2 (powdered peanut butter). The combo packs a huge protein punch and is absolutely delicious! Cottage cheese is also great in the soft food phase.

I lost 20lbs ish three weeks prior I had three protein shakes and a very lean dinner. I had unlimited raw veggies and for snack a cup of Greek no fat yogurt. I also rode my stationary bike 30 mins. a day, minus Sundays.

According to my surgeon's program, clear liquids are those you can see through (with the exception of a Protein shake and some protein Soup he allowed). Full liquids include liquids that are opaque (like smoothies without chunks, v8, milk), cream Soups, yogurt, and even cottage cheese. My program guide includes specifics and examples. Has your NUT or program provided you with a guide?