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I guess I eat this way anyway. I love to enjoy food, to make the effort to cook good food, I dont waste my time shoving down food without appreciating it anymore, no matter what it is. I'm still interested in food and the difference is now, I get the big white plate in a restaurante, with the tiny dab of food in the middle and I can appreciate the artfulness of it, without getting cranky that I'm going to need five courses to fill up, lol. I havent cut anything out of my diet - I even gave in to Australia's Krispy Kremes madness last weekend. It works for me, but I'd have to say, it makes for very slow weightloss becuase I still eat calorie dense foods. But whilst I love fruit and vegetables, I dont want to live on them. I love yogurt but dont even show me that artificually sweetened low fat crap, ick. Good thick greek yogurt, yummy. That type of thing. So I get plenty of calories on a smaller amount of food, but so be it.

I have mixed them all with Water, I liked them that way. The only exceptions being unflavored, I only use this to mix into creamy or milk based items such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or creamy Soups. Also strawberry is a bit too sweet for me. I ended up having to cut it 50/50 with unflavored.

I only like the strawberry sorbet with water. The chocolate/vanilla I mix with unsweetened almond milk because when mixed with water it becomes to frothy. chicken soup taste better with fat free chicken broth. Ouse unflavored in my smoothie mix. powder, yogurt, frozen fruit,ice and diet v8 splash

Back on the protien shakes again... as that fill sure is working hard this time and not letting much down at all, was so happy the yogurt went down:thumbup: But.... I think I'm going to start hanging around the butchers and maybe licking the windows because I really need to eat a giant juicy steak.:thumbup: My friend said to me at least you can't be a piggy anymore, all I could think was what kind of piggy???? Roast? Sweet & Sour? Sizzling????? AAGHHHHH:cursing: I swear if I see anyone wearing leather I will start to drool and shake. This hasn't happened before, my boy say's I must be turning into a vampire or something,, v.supportive that one let me tell you. Why is it when you decide to give it your all at the gym those skinny girls who bounce around yelling at everyone to "Push it Guys" or "The work is worth it people" and never cast a glance in your direction decide to be your best friend when your just about having a corony and your only thoughts are "the only thing you are gunna push is her head into her butt." But oh no she's going to chat away as if you met for drinks. This one stood in front of the treadmill so no matter how far i ran I couldn't get my hands around her neck:biggrin: Gosh should I have vanilla or choccy shake for dinner? they should make a Rare Sirloin with mushroom sauce and fries shake. That would be walking out the doors. Expresso tonight I think. m mmm Cheers Chooky

I had mine 12/27/12, I'm down 10 pounds already. I'm drinking plenty of water with no problem. I'm to afraid to try yogurt. I'm still on clear liquids. I'm not eating creamy soups.. I'm trying to follow my doctors orders as much as possible.

I like Quest bars too -- they are very high in protein, and even my nutritionist said they are the best bars in ingredients she has seen ... I especially like the chocolate peanut butter and the chocolate brownie ones ... also the peanut butter & jellie ones ... when I want to switch it up, I sometimes get Balance Bars too -- the honey yogurt bars are pretty good and they have, I think, 15 or 16g or protein per bar -- but the Quest ones are nutritionally better for you I think! Good luck!

I am going to say one thing and that is. I started eating solids after six weeks and I found that, I could eat everything except anything fried. I would throw it all up. March 11th was my surgery, weighed 234lbs. Now I weigh 191lbs. I lose like 2lbs. a week now and I can barely keep anything down. I find myself praying that I don't throw everything up so I won't get so hungry every hour. I snack on lots of carrots and honey wheat pretzels with cream cheese, the one with onion and chives, that stays down pretty well, but I need meat. I make some bake chicken with stuffing and that agrees with me. I only eat a little but it tastes so good with mixed vegetables, boiled with a little sugar and when done some butter and some salt. It lasts about 3 days, and that's me eating it for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can't stomach anything else. Don't know what to do? I hate Soups and broth, can't stand cottage cheese and I am starting to hate yogurts. What else can I make any suggestions? Please give me some ideas? Need help on what to eat for march sleeves.

Hey there! Congrats and good luck! The hotel you'll be staying in is very nice...it's close to an HEB so you can buy water, c-lite, and yogurt. If I were you I would take a pill crusher...You won't be able to pass those pills. I was lucky someone had one I borrrowed. Also if you go to the Sanborn's, they have chicken broth. It's listed as consume de pollo. I had my last meal there just because I wanted to feel normal at a table with others. I squeezed lime juice in mine mmmmm tasty! Everyone at the hotel is really nice. Oh yeah, make sure you buy a calling card at HEB! The cashiers have them up front. We bought on for 100 pesos that had like 60 minutes or so...also if you use it at the hotel you have to tell them to open the line. If you are having your surgeries at San Jose Hospital, you will not be dissappointed! It is immaculate. Good Luck to you both. Let me know how it goes! Happy New Year!!!

My surgeon gave me specific instructions on what to eat and how much. The first 3 wks I was 2-4 oz.of yogurt for breakfast, portein shake for snack, 2-4 oz. of soup for lunch and something mushy for dinner 2-4 oz. Check with your surgeon or nutritionist on exactly what you sould be eating and how much. Each surgeon is different.

I had a really good fill in December. My problem is now, for about the last month or so, whenever I eat just about anything, I end up "sliming". It can be the first bite of food, solid or soft. I did it yesterday on yogurt! So to me it does not have anything to do with the "chewing" part. It does not happen everytime but probably about 85% of the time. It could be the 1st meal or the last. What do you think this means? Am I filled to much? I do not PB just slime. I have been stuck at the same weight since about January and I think it is because I can not get in enough protien, etc. Some days I have no problem eating a meal. It just is so nerve racking not knowing what will happen. My friend took me out to lunch the other day for helping him with something and I ate about 3 bites and had to excuse myself from the table about 4 times. I just told him the food was to spicey and it was upsetting my stomach but I was getting rid of the slime. It is horrible not knowing what will happen when I put some food in my mouth!! What do you think?

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’m just starting out but I have read that it helps to do a pouch reset. Having hormone, metabolic and other medical issues I can relate. Try to pinpoint what medication might be affecting your weight and why. For example I needed beta blockers and the generic caused more side effects that included slowing my metabolism. Once I got on the name brand and also adjusted my calories it helped. If you can pinpoint the medication ask the doctor about switching to something with less side effects of weight gain. Also see an endocrinologist to have hormones checked and anything that could be throwing off your weight there. You might try some natural hormone supplements ie. Wild yam, black cohosh, (my head isn’t working to think of them all) 15 years a lot can change and it takes time to re-evaluate and adjust. 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you if your weight loss stalls after getting gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap-band, or another type of weight loss surgery. There may be a time after weight loss surgery when you wonder whether your pouch has stretched, or when you get off track with your eating. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet mimics your original post-op diet, but it moves through the stages more quickly. You start with clear liquids, move to full liquids, then progress to pureed foods, semi-soft foods, and solid foods. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you: Break the pattern of off-track eating. Remember what it feels like when you feel restriction from your pouch. Practice stopping eating before you feel overly full. Diet Guidelines: When you get to the solid foods diet, this is the time when you will feel that your pouch is working again. Eat slowly and mindfully, and focus on the feeling you have when you stop eating just before you are full. You can continue on the solid foods plan (repeat Days 10-14) for as long as your doctor agrees. Drink plenty of water and other calorie-free or low-calorie liquids to stay hydrated. Only use under the supervision of your doctor. Day 1: Clear Liquids Breakfast ½ cup apple juice, ½ cup decaf green tea Snack 1 1 sugar-free ice pop, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Lunch Tomato Basil Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Snack 2 ½ cup decaf coffee, Lemon Iced Tea Fiber Drink Dinner Delight Pho Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar free gelatin Dessert 1 ice pop Day 2: Full Liquids Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Decaf Protein Cappuccino (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Broccoli and Cheese Protein Soup (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Meal Replacement Chicken Protein Soup (160 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Banana Protein Shake (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 910 calories, 142 grams protein Day 3: Full Liquids Breakfast Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Vanilla Cappuccino Hot Protein Drink (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Tomato Meal Replacement Soup (160 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Corn Chowder Protein Soup (110 calories, 15 grams protein) Dessert Cheesecake Protein Pudding or Shake (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 930 calories, 130 grams protein Day 4: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Peaches and Cream Protein Oatmeal, ¾ cup pureed canned or frozen peaches (150 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 1 1 container plain non-fat Greek yogurt, ½ pureed banana (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Pureed tuna salad with 3 ounces tuna, ½ cup cooked or canned green beans, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner 4 ounces pureed canned chicken breast, ½ cup pureed cooked carrots (130 calories, 19 grams protein) Dessert Protein Cheesecake Pudding with ½ cup strawberries, pureed (120 calories, 16 grams protein) Totals: 970 calories, 126 grams protein Day 5: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Shake with Peanut Butter Protein Powder, ½ banana, 1 5-oz. cup vanilla Greek yogurt (200 calories, 20 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed egg salad with 2 hard-boiled eggs, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pepper (180 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch ½ cup non-fat pureed cottage cheese, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (140 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 2 ¼ cup hummus with 1 scoop, (220 calories, 32 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, pureed with ½ cup cooked frozen cauliflower and ½ cup cooked brown rice (220 calories, 18 grams protein) Dessert Mocha Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1060 calories, 114 grams protein Day 6: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Vegetable Protein Omelet, 1 ounce cheddar cheese, melted, ½ mashed banana (260 calories, 23 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed Protein Chili with Beans, 1 cheese stick (string cheese) (180 calories, 22 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Mushroom Protein Soup, ½ cup mashed potatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil (200 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 Maple Brown Sugar Protein Oatmeal, ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese (250 calories, 28 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, 3 ounces pureed cooked ground turkey meatballs blended with ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup cooked pureed fresh or frozen winter squash with 1 teaspoon olive oil (220 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Strawberry Banana Protein Gelatin (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1180 calories, 117 grams protein Day 7: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Buttermilk Protein Pancakes, ½ cup blueberries (240 calories, 21 grams protein) Snack 1 Protein Hot Cocoa (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Beef with Pasta Protein Soup, with ½ cup cooked or canned beans and ½ cup cooked vegetables (240 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup cantaloupe (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Dinner 1 veggie burger, 1 cup cooked green beans, 1 medium cooked sweet potato (250 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Soft-Baked Protein Brownie, ½ cup vanilla yogurt (180 calories, 20 grams protein) Totals: 1150 calories, 108 grams protein Day 8: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Southwestern Protein Omelet, with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, ½ cup cooked spinach, ¼ cup salsa (270 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 Hazelnut Cocoa Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Spaghetti and Meatballs Protein Entree, 1 cup cooked frozen broccoli florets (260 calories, 18 grams protein) Snack 2 Berry Delicious Protein Smoothie (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces broiled salmon with teriyaki sauce, ½ cup cooked brown rice, 1 cup cooked cauliflower florets (350 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Double Chocolate Cake (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1200 calories, 105 grams protein Day 9: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (300 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Creamy Chicken Pasta Protein Entrée, ½ cup cooked zucchini (240 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup cut watermelon, 1 ounce feta cheese (120 calories, 4 grams protein) Dinner 1 cooked bell pepper stuffed with 3 ounces ground turkey, ½ cup stewed tomatoes, 1/3 cup cooked quinoa or barley, and Italian seasoning (280 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Creamy Cheesecake Protein Dessert (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 96 grams protein Day 10: Solid Foods Breakfast Berries ‘n Chocolate Crunch Protein Cereal with 1 container Greek yogurt (230 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 1 Chunky Crisp Peanut Butter Protein Bar (160 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Tuna salad on lettuce leaves, made with 3 ounces tuna, diced celery and onion, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Caprese salad with 1 ounce mozzarella balls, 1 large tomato, sliced, 2 teaspoons olive oil, basil leaves, black pepper (210 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces Mexican seasoned shredded chicken mixed with ½ cup pinto beans and 1 cup cooked bell pepper strips, topped with ¼ cup avocado (350 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Tropical Banana Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1230 calories, 105 grams protein Day 11: Solid Foods Breakfast Breakfast sandwich with 1 whole-grain English muffin, 1 slice fat-free cheese, 1 cooked egg (230 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 Fruit salad with 1 cup cut fresh fruit and 1 ounce sliced almonds (240 calories, 8 grams protein) Lunch Five Bean Casserole Protein Entree (240 calories, 11 grams protein) Snack 2 1 large whole-grain high-fiber wrap spread with 2 ounces fat-free cream cheese plus shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes (170 calories, 18 grams protein) Dinner Protein Pasta with 3 ounces lean ground turkey, Tomato Parmesan Flavor Pack , and 1 cup cooked broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix (300 calories, 41 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1330 calories, 110 grams protein Day 12: Solid Foods Breakfast Crispy Lemon Meringue Bar (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 1 Pineapple Orange Fruit Drink (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Roll-ups with 2 ounces all-natural sliced turkey breast, 1 ounce swiss or cheddar slices, and ¼ cup avocado slices (260 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup baby carrots, 1 tablespoon peanut butter (140 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner High-fiber wrap with 3 ounces tilapia or other white fish, grilled eggplant, and Honey Dijon dressing (250 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Protein Cereal, 1 apple (210 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 106 grams protein Day 13: Solid Foods Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (250 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Caramel Brownie Protein Bar (180 calories, 14 grams protein) Lunch Greek chicken salad with romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, 3 ounces cooked chicken breast, 1 ounce feta cheese, 2 tablespoons vinaigrette (250 calories, 26 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup bell pepper strips Meat Snack (120 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner Pasta Fagioli (210 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Mint Hot Chocolate, 1 apple (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 119 grams protein Day 14: Solid Foods Breakfast Golden Protein Pancakes ½ banana, ½ ounce pecans (240 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 2 hard-boiled eggs (140 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Salad with spinach leaves, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 ounce shaved parmesan, 2 tablespoons light dressing (230 calories, 10 grams protein) Snack 2 Protein Chips (130 calories, 10 grams protein) Dinner Protein Chili with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked carro (280 calories, 24 grams protein) Dessert 1 small pear, 1 ounce blue cheese (170 calories, 7 grams protein) Totals: 1190 calories, 80 grams protein

Hi, I was also banded 5/14. I'm on the 2 week full liquid diet, its very difficult as I'm now feeling better and feel hungry. My husband made spaghetti last night for kids . . . I strained the ragu, added a bit of sugar and parmesan powder and slowly spooned about 1/4 cup. It helped me feel like I was eating again . . . but that's also likely high in sodium. I am allowed yogurt (without fruit pieces or seeds), puddings (you can add Protein powder and a little cool whip). Butterball chicken broth really is delicious, but again, probably high in sodium. Is anyone newly banded having trouble keeping liquids to 1/2 cup in 1/2 hour consumption rate?? I sure am! I hope that as long as I'm still trying to take it slow & tolerating it well, I'll be fine. Monday is puree day for those of us done on 5/14. Start planning your menus, maybe you'll feel like you're getting closer!! -Lisa

Seems like we are in similar situation. How far out are you? I do cardio and weights. I meet with a trainer once a week. I run but haven't been running as much because the heat is horrible here. The carbs I get are from Greek yogurt, Protein bars, veggies. I don't eat any bread, rice, Pasta, potatoes. I've never even had a bite of those. Never had a bite of dessert. I'm frustrated because I want to be at goal!!!! Lol

OMG... i am only a few days out and I hate this liquid diet.. on Saturday I can have yogurt.. anyone have brands that are good and fat free?? please share. Thanks..

I eat chicken, beef, and alot of greek yogurt. When I see that I am not going to make it to my protein goal for the day I will drink a protein shake. It is usually a whey protein (body fortress) shake. I have to force it down b/c I don't like the taste. So I heard that the soy protein shakes taste much better, but I know that some proteins are not good for us or should I say our bodies absorb some proteins better than others. And was wondering if soy protein was a good or bad choose. I hope this makes sense

I had mine on 3/20 and I am still on liquids but now on graduated things like tomato soup and drinkable yogurt (more creamy low-fat soups). It is a little progress. I get to be on soft foods starting Tues so beyond excited. For me, it is hard but I would rather be safe and follow advice from my doctor than do what others may be doing. My doctor’s warning about my staple line was enough for me to follow his orders. A bit scary if you ask me.

Week 3,I was eating eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, refried beans, chicken, turkey, fish and soy products. The same things that I am eating now at 5 weeks post-op. Next week, after my 6 week check up, I should be able to have veggies! I'm really looking forward to that! No starchy carbs for me until after the six month mark.

Sorry about your son but agree with melodymouse there are healthy options at the hospital. My mother has been hospitalized twice in the last few weeks and I got greek yogurt and added a little granola or 8 almonds for a little fat and extra Protein. Another option is to bring some Protein powder and but some milk or pack Soup with a little unflavored protein protein power added in a microwaveable container.

Day 6 was the return to work. Which was good and bad. Good because I have an office that I can't readily see everyone so when they're chowing down out there I'm oblivious. Bad because I work in entertainment and entertainment people are ALWAYS. EATING. So there's always yummy food just around the corner. Of course on the day I return there's a meet and greet with an artist and they catered it with the most delectable smelling soul food. But... I sipped my water. I went to Hale and Hearty to get soup for lunch because I figured if I try to incorporate normality in this not completely normal way of doing things it won't feel like so much of a restriction. So yes, go out at lunch and purchase a lunch (even if it IS broth) and then come back and eat it at lunch time just like it's an actual meal. I asked them to give me just the broth from the chicken noodle soup but I forget that their soups are mass made and stew for a while in those vats so the ingredients tend to melt and fall apart... making it very difficult to get a spoonful of just broth. But I worked at it long and hard and got my broth out. I was proud of myself. Day 7 was my follow up at the doctor. Traffic made me late (I was pissed) but when I called and asked if I could still come in they assured me that they'd see me at whatever time I showed up. That put me at ease, so I enjoyed the rest of the ride there. I got there and they saw me almost immediately. Firstly for the weigh in. They have this huge plate that you step on and the read out for the scale is off to your left (you the weigh-ee are facing a wall)... so you kind of have an option of NOT looking at the number. Which I kind of didn't want to see. I stepped on and clinched my eyes closed ... What if I hadn't lost? What if it didn't budge? What if i GAINED...? *gasp* I mean... my TOM is looming... maybe I'm retaining water... all these thoughts poofed like a little cloud when I heard the nurse say, "Well, look at you?!?" I turned to my left and there it was. 226. Quick calculations in my head (because I'm soooo bad at math). 14 lbs... in 7 days. Really? REALLY? Okay okay - don't get TOO excited... just calm down because ... cause .... WOW 14 LBS????? Man! Then a chat with my surgeon who explained why I had 3 incisions instead of the afore promised 1. "Your liver was a little enlarged. So we needed an additional trocar to hold it up better so we could see." Sure didn't love hearing that. But hey... they made it happen. He took a quick look at my incisions, asked me if I'd had any vomiting or nausea, gave me the clean bill of health and then whisked me off to the nutritionist. She marveled at the number and kept stopping short of saying "you got through this all with flying colors!" She'd say "You got through this all with... you did really well." And I'm wondering if that's like a jinx thing for her... or maybe she forgot the phrase. Whatevvs. She went over what my next 3 weeks should look like. Talked about 2 protein shakes a day to supplement my 48 ounces of liquid. Just that for 1 week. Then in week two introduce thinned liquid foods - mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, lowfat yogurt, pureed vegetable only soups (with NO "beans" in them -- too fibrous she said). Then by week three, I can start to experiment with the same foods but thicker. She broke it down by saying "do you have kids?" I replied yes... and she said - so you would give a newborn an apple to eat. You'd graduate them to the apple. So you start with formula, then a little rice cereal in the formula, then a little rice cereal alone... etc... I nodded with understanding. She gave me some more accolades and pats on the back and then walked me out to the reception area where I waited to settle up my bill. Then she exclaimed... "WAIT... you had the lap band??" and I said kind of suspiciously, "Yeeeaaaah.....?" And she replied quickly, "Oh noo... come back in here... I gave you the wrong plan. I thought you were a Sleeve patient by the amount of weight you lost!" The little cheerleader inside of me did a backflip. She called me back in and quickened the plan. NOT over 3 weeks. Actually I can start experimenting with foods THIS week, etc... then the following week for pureed foods, then to solids adding one a day. I finished by asking her if I could stick to the Sleeve plan and before I could finish the question she said "Absolutely!!" Things are going well. NOW... i gotta manage my expectations and reactions for the slow down which may or may not happen... so I don't get discouraged. But for now? I'm walkin' on sunshine! #lovethelapband

Hi Everybody, I'm back again with another update. Well I am sort of at a plateau at the moment. But just to update you on my current status post-surgery, I was 325 at my highest weight and I'm now at 220. I was down to 215 but, per doctor's orders I was told to drink more water in preparation for laser fat reduction. So what do you know I gained weight. I was probably dehydrated anyway. I don't know if the laser will work, but I was offered the services at a discount so I thought, why not? Not much to lose but fat! It's been 1 week of treatments and no noticeable results yet. I have only lost 4lbs since my last post two months ago. That's why it's good to keep this diary because you can actually see your progress. I think it's time for a fill but I am kind of worried about the next fill. I don't want to go overboard and be too tight. But ofcourse looking back on my posts, I was worried the last time too. I get hungry pretty fast now. It seems my food is moving through the band faster and I'm eating about 4 meals a day plus snacks. If I lay down after eating and go to sleep I will wake up coughing up food (bad idea, I know), so I do have good restriction. Maybe being slightly tighter will allow the food to move down more slowly (while I'm awake ofcourse). As far as exercise, I have slowed down on going out dancing and have been doing some hip hop abs lately. I think it's low impact aerobics and I probably need to sweat more for better results. So I am going to have to find a better alternative. My eating has been a little crappy lately, I must say. I try to stay away from the sweets. I've recently gotten back to drinking my EAS shakes and eating greek yogurt for snack. I've mostly stuck to drinking crystal light or something similar. I mostly still bring lean cuisine and weight watchers for lunch, but sometimes I'm hungry after a couple of hours so end up having an early lunch and a late lunch. Also, I suffered a bad break-up so I kinda ate what made me feel better for a few days. Although, my cheating is not as bad as it used to be. I may eat an odd candy bar or go get some chicken from KFC, but I cannot eat huge quantities of anything. The snacking really gets me...things like chips. I think I just slow myself down from losing weight moreso than cause myself to gain. I can't stand to eat foods that are extremely sugary anymore. Since I have limited them for so long, my tolerance has gone way down. Right now, I need to make better food choices, eat less, increase the exercise, and drink more water. But I honestly feel more hungry lately and making better choices is harder, so it may be time for a fill. I'm scheduled for one on 12/8/10. I need to lose 50lbs to get to my goal. I hope to get there by my 2nd year surgiversary in June. My short term goal is to lose 20lbs by January 24th. Wish me luck!! It's time to put in some serious work. Good luck to all on their weight loss journey. Kia AKA W8tygirl

Okay so Im day 4 post-op and Im a lil scared and nervous. I am drinking my protein drinks ( I bought that big tub of powdered protein from Wal-mart) 4oz twice a day. I am drinking water but since I havent been hungry since my surgery on the 12th I am uncertain about when I should eat......well drink. Tonight for dinner I had liquified chili, lol. Sounds gross but was actually very good. I also had a cinnamon roll flavored yogurt, Yum!!!!! I went to a restraunt tonight with my DH and BFF and watched them eat some awesome food, lol. The place didnt have any soups or anything so I just sat there drinking my water. I am still a lil sore but Im walking and doing everything the doc told me to but Im worred about eating in a few weeks. Does everyone get back to eating normally, just smaller portions? What is an example of someone's diet or day? I am worried that I am not doing something or that I am doing something wrong. I have my post op appt on Tues but I think that I am gonna have to change it because my classes start on the same day. I know that I should have some questions to ask him but I am lost. I don't have any to ask him. I weighed myself today and I lost 3 of the 5 pounds I gained with the stupid air they put inside me for the surgery. So other than that I am just ready to eat normal food again. I need to chew something, lol. And gum just doesnt cut it for me. Oh well if anyone else has any post op stories to share with me I would greatly appreciate it. Im gonna go for now and get ready for bed.

Wow! I am learning things from you ladies. Where does one buy agave nectar( I am a Splenda queen)? Can you put it on oatmeal. Think I had fage yogurt once but can't remember the benefits of it other than it tasted great. I only have caffeine before I have to give a speech or something, although I do occasionally have the green tea, Yamamotoyama. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the good wishes.... Heather, I've taken your advice. I have taken the liquid Motrin, and will continue to take it until I have my consult with my band doc on Monday. It is awhile to have to wait, but I am going to remain on liquids till then. I have decided no more 'testing myself' on foods... I have V8 (which I HATE, but will drink hot, like tomato soup), V8 splash, gatorade, hot teas, hot chocolate, assorted puddings and yogurts, and some baby foods like pear-pineapple, apples and blueberries, etc. I am also taking a multi as well as an Iron tablet since none of my foods have much Iron. I am also allowing one 'chewy' food... Cheetos. Bandsters far and wide know Cheetos are their own food variety and are the only thing I can get the 'chewing sensation' from, and know that they turn to liquid. :thumbup: Thanks for your optimism. I feel so much BETTER today, and it must be because of the liquids only. Not 'trying' foods is really making a difference cause of the no pain and lack of PBing. With the Motrin, my Upper GI should yield better results as well. :smile:

JoJo, I can have blended fat free cream soups, apple sauce, and yogurt.. Trust me my Protein Drink are starting to make me gag. My stomach also grumbles a lot too. And I also feel hungry a lot. I can't wait till the next diet stage. I am looking forward to pretzels lol. Hi Lisa, Thanks for replying! Yeah, this phase has turned out to be much harder than I thought. I wouldn't mind the all liquid thing as much if I could have some non-sweet stuff other than low sodium broth. I just hate sweets so I'm literally gagging every time I drink this stuff, and I can only stomach the vanilla flavor so it's getting old quick and I don't know how I'll be able to do for another week. I'm also confused because it seems other people on here have Dr's who tell them they can have other soups during this phase, or move past this phase quicker, so I don't know what's the right thing to do anymore. Starve or eat something that other recovering Lap-banders had and were fine? I'm trying to think positive as you said and about the end result, but it's just rough when your stomach is grumbling all the time and the only thing you can eat makes you nauseous. As for the hospital, I plan on writing all of this stuff on the survey they send post-ops.