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Interesting stuff. I don’t usually return to threads I have posted in. I say what I have to say, and then move on. But I saw something that MaineJackie posted in another thread, and it reminded me that I wanted to reply to something she said in this thread. So, I see that some tiny minds here have turned a legitimate observation into some kind of massive judgmental tirade on my part. Nice Morph. This place is great. There’s always some good comedy to be found if you look for it. You guys are like a box of hamsters. Too much fun. Ok, I’ll start with this one from “StateofZen”: “Sure, yes. But that's part of what the band does-- helps people learn and makes it easier to make healthy choices. Why does it ultimately matter why she isn't eating the wraps anymore? In the end, the band helped her learn a better choice.” Does it Really? I think not. The only thing the band actually TEACHES you is the kind and amount of food that will cause you PAIN if you consume it. It doesn’t “teach” you that something was unhealthy. The band did NOT “help her learn a better choice”. Who knows what was next on her menu. Deep-fried Snickers? “Why does it ultimately matter why she isn't eating the wraps anymore?” It matters because of how she arrived at the decision. She did NOT say “oh….this is not a good choice because it is not healthy and will NOT move me close to my goal of good health and proper weight”. She made the choice because it HURT her….caused her PAIN…she got STUCK….that’s IT. If she made the choice based upon the knowledge that she was consuming something that was NOT particularly healthy, then that would be fine. But she did not. She withdrew her choice of Wraps as a meal choice because it got STUCK….NOT because it was unhealthy. I find it very difficult to understand how you cannot “get” that. “In the end, the band helped her learn a better choice.” Again, no it did NOT. It only helped her learn a DIFFERENT choice. And that could be most anything. It ONLY “taught” her that those wraps were painful to eat. Period. “Eating unhealthy food-- enjoying it on occasion-- is not a moral failure.” Would you care to point out precisely and exactly WHERE I said that….or even IMPLIED that eating unhealthily was a “moral failure”? You can’t….because I didn’t. And I wouldn’t. However, having said that, I will say that a certain case COULD be made for the concept that one DOES have a moral responsibility to their families and loved ones to be as healthy as possible. If there are people who DEPEND on you for their physical well-being (son, daughter, spouse, etc…) then yes, you MIGHT be able to consider it to be a moral responsibility to keep yourself healthy and fit, to be able to look after their needs…..AND to not become a burden to them. It could also be argued that individuals have a reasonable responsibility to SOCIETY to be as healthy as possible, for nearly the same reason….to AVOID becoming a burden to the medical system, the insurance system, and to society as a whole. I think that it only makes sense that people should at least give consideration to the idea that consciously becoming healthy makes them a better father, mother son, daughter, citizen, etc. “I will straight up say-- if I could still eat french fries without getting a stuck feeling, I would. *Gasp* Every once in a while, I would eat 1 or 2 fries (that's all my appetite would ever allow after my protein) just for the shear enjoyment of the taste. That does not make me a bad person or a band failure.” Once again, would you care to point out where I said ANYONE would be a failure or a bad person for consuming something that might be considered in opposition to a positive Lap band experience? Hmm? Point it out, please….I’m waiting……. But here is something that apparently you have not considered (One thing of many, apparently). YOU might be able to have those couple of French Fries. YOU might be able to have a whole handful of fries with no ill effects other than a slowdown in your weight loss. But there is a significant percentage of the WLS Community for whom that would be a disaster. You might be unaware of it, but a very large part of the Obese population is in that condition because of an ADDICTION to food. And for those people, getting even a BITE of their specific “problem food” could cause them to binge on ANY food that is available, that would make it through the Lap Band. Someone in this thread said that the Lap Band would “keep them from Binging”. Not true. It might keep you from binging on Steak and Lobster, but it’s not gonna keep you from binging on ice cream, shakes, Malts, Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, gravy….it’s a LONG list. I am not going to go into the whole food addiction issue here, suffice to say that it is a VERY big problem and it IS the problem behind many, many cases of obesity. Those of you who DO have this as the core reason behind your particular weight problem are treading on dangerous Water by having that little “treat” so you don’t feel “deprived”, because you “deserve” it, and “everything is ok in moderation”….all a bunch of bull. So, for an alcoholic, you are suggesting that it would just fine to have “one or two shots of Jack just for the sheer enjoyment of the taste”….right? Because that is, in essence what you saying to people with a food addiction by telling them they can still eat whatever they want,….”in moderation”. Again…a Big subject, but worth exploring and worth being AWARE of…..particularly by someone who refers to themselves as a “Psychologist”. Right. S.

It is not about age but about BMI and the failed attempts to loose and keep it off. 40 is a high BMI and it for sure is impacting on your ability to enjoy a lot of things in your life. You will be able to get into sports and enjoy a lot of social activities that do not have to be directly related to eating a lot or drinking a lot. My thin friends from my youth would eat less than what a sleeved person eats. You just need to talk to yourself and really ake sure you are prepared for the limitations in the amount of food and drinking (including alcohol). I am sure you will be so happy with your new healthy body that you will find a lot of other social activities that do not impact on your sleeve. Good luck. Dont waste the best years of your life batling obesity.

I am not here judge others. I think the comments posted in this thread may be insensative tobut I get the message. SInce being banded I have made a choice to eat healthy, avoid alcohol and all fast food and follow my dr's orders to the letter. I am down 70 lbs and am 13 weeks post op. But I will tell you I have a friend who was banded a few weeks before me and she eats and drinks pretty much what she did before her surgery just a much smaller abount. She is being semi careful and trying to make healthy choices most of the time. But she is a foodie... she loves the tast, textures and everything about food. She has lost 45 lbs....25 lbs less than I have. Still a very good loss... it just may take her more time than me. Thats not a bad thing .... just different and it drives me crazy when I am sitting at my desk eating tuna and cottage cheese and she has a piece of last nights pizza!!! But its not my place to weigh in with an opinion.... so I remember what Mother said... if you dont have something nice to say..... and keep my mouth shut.

Ya it's not that alcohol is going to dmg it somehow. It's just empty calories and the risk of drinking too much and get sick. If you know you're gonna drink on the rare occasion just don't drink enough to puke your guts up.

Oh, and because of the band, my doctor told me that the absorption is identical than before. Only Roux-en-y and sleeve people have to worry. They've lost a portion of the stomach. That absorption is three times a band patient. We still have the same stomach. But as I lose weight, near goal, I'll not have the weight to offset alcohol. "Light weight" drinker! :-)

Well here I am making my first postop post and it is around 2am. I have a morphine pcs pump so I am sleeping intermittently based on how many times I press the button. I have to say the pain is mainly on my left side at the port site where the Srimach was removed. The pain isn't too bad at all. I have been nauseous off and on but no vomiting thank the lord. I am using alcohol swabs under my nose for the nausea on between my doses of zofran which is every 6 hours. Ice chips only since surgery and they go down easily. I have the reds hose and scd boots going on and oxygen via nasal cannula. My roommate had the sleeve also and everything OS the same for her including pain level. Will post again to9morrow after upper gi series and switching to clear liquids. Goodnight to all

Yay!! Congratulations!!! Recoginzing you have an addiction to food isn't like recognizing you're an alcoholic. You don't get to quit eating forever. What I am doing to manage this is 1st, setting out menu's. I've never been a menu person in my life. But recognizing that if it's planned it's less likely to temp you is important. I wrote a blog about 'chew bags'. I dunno, maybe that might be a suggestion to try as well. I'm having trouble with the full liquid diet. Everything seems to get stuck. Yogurt, Soup, anything with consistency beyond Water. It can be frustrating and painful. So my plan is to literally go for 1 bite at a time. They say make your meals last 1/2 hour. How would you make 1/4 cup of soup last 1/2 hour? I guess if I take a bite and wait 10 minutes that would work. After being stuck I don't tend to WANT anything anyway. It's a whole new ballgame and one we don't want to screw up. Keep working on it!! Bren

I have food addictions but what I do is faithfully log everything I eat. I try to keep my carbs in line and my calorie intake between 1200 and 1600. ONCE IN A WHILE I will treat myself (usually by splitting a cookie or candy bar with my 3 year old) but those are treats (as I keep reminding him). No junk food in the house. I have absolutely no will power over them. Like the old Lays commercial said "bet you can't eat just one." I also have to be vigilant after dinner. I like to munch in front of the computer so instead I bring a bottle of water (not too much since I hate being up all night running to the bathroom). Am I successful? Mostly. I still have problems but I know it's going to take time to correct my problems. I compare my addiction to an alcoholic except that I'm a recovering food addict.

I used to drink up to 4 liters of regular dr. pepper a day, I also would drink 6-12 beers a couple of times a week, I stopped drinking soda and beer daily about a year before the surgery and allowed myself a few of each beverage once a week, the eventually twice a month, once a month then one last time 2 weeks before the surgery. Now at 8 months out I haven't touched either beverage, though I do drink coffee, as a matter of fact I only drink Water and coffee these days and my coffee only has skim milk in it... no sugar or sweetners I haven't had alcohol as I was also told to wait about a year before drinking.

I am literally addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper. Has anyone weaned themselves off, any sugestions? My doctor said no soda or alcohol for one year post sleeve.

My doctor really didn't give me any sort of limitations. I just don't drink anything carbonated, so I stick with wine and cocktails. But, be careful. It only will take a little bit to feel the alcohol!

Good Evening All...You will all have to excuse me for being MIA...just a bit busy this week. Joyce...too funny on the bath mat comment..... Arlene....too funny on the bath mat incident.... Arlene's DH....too funny on the bath mat incident.... Just don't give ideas to those struggling! (Everyone running to bathroom to put mat under scale)! So DAMNED cold and windy and snowy here. We had a full-blown blizzard on Friday night and Saturday. Major highways and roads closed for over 24 hours. We did make it to our wake on Thursday night and our funeral on Friday but make it home just in the knick of time. Been stuck in the house ever since. I really never liked it when my boys used the words " it sucks". Well, I forgive them. IT SUCKS! Agreed to do a day out with DH today but after stepping outside early on, I nixed that idea. Not worth traveling 70 miles and running while freezing from restaurant to car. Eva's ideal weather made a pansy out of me. Jodi...hope Dazzi's Bat Mitzva (sp?) was everything you/she wished for. I am sure you are spent after the planning, etc. Once in a lifetime event and it sounds like you put your heart and soul into it. Janet...have a great time with your Lucky 7's gang. Also, enjoy your time off of work. Wish I could call myself a Lucky 7's. Would have booked a flight out. Julie...hope you are home and on the mend. Check in when you can. Melissa....wishing for you to be able to do the reconnect with your therapist. Don't hold back and accept the help and advice given. Lori...enjoy that babe. (Envious). I agree with others. DD's MIL has the bitch factor included in her personality. Sound like SHE needs to read the Boundries book. Maybe DD can just pass it onto her. I agree that DD and SIL need to be on the same page in how to deal with her. I see a broom and a pointy hat when you explained her last fly by. No LauraK this weekend? Cheri....Hope your 60th celebration was great and that you had a nice time with your company. You've done a lot of that lately. Good for you. Just read your last post on food addiction...true...we are so different than being an alcoholic...we HAVE to eat. That's where Janet's plan comes into play...throw the sh_t away. Let me back up on that....first of all, don't bring it into your house. Second, if you are exposed to trigger foods, have the man balls to walk away from it. Do the "boot strap" thing. Pull them up and walk away. Gotta, gotta, gotta put up the walls (boundries) with certain foods if they are a trigger. A person can give into them over and over and over or they can make the decision to put the wall up and say NO. It might be that a person has hundreds of food that are triggers to them. Lots of walls but once you can turn yourself off to them, much stronger. Not sure if any of you understand that, but so true. Laura...... HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU HAPPY BANDIVERSARY, DEAR LAURA HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU....AND MANY MORE! Good thing DH noticed. Every time you post I sit and look at your signature b/4 and afters. Soooooooooooo amazing...the difference. Love ya. Jessica....way to go, Girl! You are on the move! So sorry to read your last post on how overwhelmed you are. Find more time to post....we will calm you down. It's tough. I remember those days. Hope they can find a med for DS that works without the weight loss. Hugs. Keeping up your pace, I'm sure, is quite the challenge. Just know you have your fans here. Looking forward to the day you are "pinned" (Graduation). You can do it. You have proven so far that anything is possible. We should all learn from you and what you have done for yourself in the last 18 months. I went back today and read your first posts. You should go back and read them....I almost cried while reading them....you have come so far. Hugs. Wouldn't it be fun to have a planned LB friends get-together around the time of your graduation? Hmmmm....something to think about. Phyll....have a great time with your girls. Do you plan on staying over at Janet's? I was quite impressed by your DH and how he fit in to our dinner at Janet's and was even more impressed by the wonderful food and the service he gave us when at your place. That was so fun, wasn't it? Something I will never forget. Think it should be an annual thing....I'll bring DH next time. He's such a girl. Let me define that. He just fits into so many situations and hangs with whoever. Love him for that. Meredith...you didn't fall off a St. Pat's float at all, did you? Just checking! Hey, Linda...hope you are feeling a little more "not stiff". Gosh...sucks when we think we are 19 and push bikes uphill. Bet that's what did it. Give it a day...bet it will be better. Ooops..forgot...you have FM...might take a bit longer. I bet that your FM is not as bad as it was since you have been so faithful about being active. Right? We should PM cuz I have been thinking about the Chicago trip and thought it would be so much fun to just drive down a day early and catch the train with you. It won't work for me cuz I need to be back in MN that Monday night to do a planned trip with my very best BFF. Heading to a resort up by Duluth for a few days. Joyce...I bet you are looking forward to getting that splint off and onto full healing. Unfortunate situation for you. Sandi....such the workout queen. And, yes, I too can hardly look at any footage of Japan. Makes me weep. How's your Charlie? Mine's being a little sh_t right now but I have faith or hope or something. Eva...you must be resting and studying after having such a big/unexpected FNSC. Hope you were able to catch up and regroup b/4 tomorrow hits. Gosh...DH and I miss you and would love to jump in the car and drive just that 14 miles like we did and pick you up and go to a museum. Can I say it again? Our weather sucks. Whine. OK...I have been so bad at this responding to everyone...just plain don't like it. I just usually say what I want to say. Sorry if I missed any of my girls on the thread. Wish Tex would check in. Was always nice to hear from "Our Boy". Well...flew out of bed at 3:40 to push the "I want coffee now" button and realized it was OK cuz it was 4:40 so did not need to go back to bed. Was a little bit tired today but got 12 doz cookies made for a special event (Habitat for Humanity) and fought a nap cuz knew I would sleep better if no nap.

Melissa. I'm looking at your difficulty with food planning and remembering to test yourself 2 hrs after a meal. These kinds of things are often indicators of ADHD. You went nuts on your last job because you were tied to a desk, often alone. The job before that didn't seem to fit either. You like the Sam's job but you're already looking elsewhere. Your have a free association of ideas where your thoughts jump around. You remind me of me and many other ADHD people I know. I know you have a child with ADHD and its frequently hereditary. Anxiety and depression go hand in hand with ADHD and ADHD have more trouble than other people with maintaining weight loss, precisely because they can't stick with a plan or routine. You may not be ADHD. I could be full of crap. Just something you may want to be evaluated for. Arlene it's the Stevia, also known as Truvia that has a funny taste to me. I love Splenda. I just wondered if anyone else has that kind of taste reaction where it tastes bitter. Some people don't seem to taste that at all. Just like green peppers and grapefruit don't taste bitter to them. From the reading I've done on food addiction, I've learned that it's not very different from alcohol addiction. We have a physical or chemical dependance on certain kinds of food. We go through phsycial and psychological withdrawal when we quit using it and having just a little of some of these foods can trigger an out of control binge. Alcoholics can never drink again safely. Unfortunately, we have to eat. If certain foods are trigger foods, most of us need to do our best to avoid them. Scientists are working on drugs that target the addiction center of the brain. Hopefully it will help all of us addicts. Cheri

The time is finally here!! For some reason, I am just anxious to get this over with. I am going to be really pissed if I don't wake up! lol Seriously, if something did go wrong and I am one that didn't make it, this surgery would be my most selfish act as a mother. That is my only concern. I am doing this to have a longer life with my baby. Can you even imagine the opposite?!! Okay, stupid me just read a book from Amazon written by a surgeon for WLS. Of course he had to talk about losing a patient to a blood clot. ARGH!! Oh well, I am a big believer in fate. Hope to see you all on the losers bench in a few days! I have a 3 day hospital stay. Seems longer than a lot of you that I have read about. My surgeon does that for all his patients. All our surgeons are all so different! oh well, Ready to get this over with! I guess I should start packing now! Tracy P.S. I will let you all know if sniffing alcohol pads takes nausea away!

The band doesnt stop you from living, it helps you live longer. I am Canadian but I live in Korea and travel to a different country once ever 1-2 months. The band has never stopped me from trying new foods, drinks etc in different countries ( though I have learned what things I can't wat while in other countries like dried apples when I was in South Africa) Flying on a plane has never been a problem and I am even able to eat during flights ( sometimes 12 hours long). When it comes to alcoholic beverages, I can drink carbonated but I don't really enjoy it. I prefer to stick to wine and little sips of wine while eating my doc has said is ok occasionally but not a lot and not often. Good luck

Hello to fellow sleevers, I just had my sleeve done on March 8th at UCSD (La Jolla, CA) with Dr. Santiago Horgan and his wonderful CTO team. Prior to surgery I was put through an extremely strict and regimented program and diet plan. I also had blood tests galore, Upper GI's, Lower GI's, Middle GI's (jk) - everything under the sun to make sure I was READY. They had a series of Group Therapy classes I went to as well. After surgery, I began having this burning feeling in my chest and it still hasn't gone away yet but I continue to drink my fluids and take Prilosec. They did another Barium Swallow the day after to confirm there were no leaks. I also had a liver biopsy done at the same time. 1- for the study they're doing to track Fatty Liver Disease (or in my case NASH) - Non-alcoholic Steatosis Hepatitis (another term for unexplained liver inflammation); and 2- b/c my PCP required it! Other than the feeling of having spasms in my esophagus and burning in my throat and chest, I guess I'm in pretty good shape. They have me on a VERY rigid 4-level eating/drinking plan for the next 6-8 wks but right now I'm doing the "full liquids" thing. Glad to be part of this group!

Agreed, it was very well written. I love your style Tom, I hope you'll stick around and entertain us with your amazing ability to express yourself. As for myself, I'm not a drinker - never have been and I doubt I ever will be. But, nothing wrong with having a drink here and there if you so wish. I would wait until you are close to goal though as alcohol carries a lot of calories. Other than that, enjoy your life, that's what this is really all about. Cheers!!

While the insurance company may see this as a way to discourage you (6 months in my opinion is punitive); personally I think the time presurgery is critically important to your success. If you don't develop a new relationship with food you will fail. Not maybe but absolutely. I'm not being mean spirited. I see posts on this board "I've had surgery two weeks ago and the band did'nt stop me from eating a big mac this afternoon." No it won't. And, yes I have read at least twice of people eating big macs within weeks of surgery. If your doctor does not have mindful eating/group therapy sessions on food habits then find one on your own. I recommend that it be run by a psychologist and not just a support group like over eaters anon. What foods do you eat mindlessly? By that I mean if you eat directly out of the package and have more than 2-3 bites it is mindless. For me it's Cereal, crackers, baked potato chips, mini rice cakes. Those things may not seem bad but eating 1/2 box of lucky charms (not exagerating) is not good. Now is the time to give up those foods. And I do mean give them up. I don't keep crackers in my house. If I go to a party after I've had Protein I can have 2-3 crackers but that's it. I may sound unbending but I have to look at some foods like an alcoholic looks at their favorite alcohol. Though yes I do know that I can have 2 crackes whereas an alcoholic can't have even one drink. One thing about those monthly meeting with the doctor's office is you don't want to have gained any weight. It does keep you honest.

Alcohol is typically not recommended until you get or are close to goal. It's simply wasted calories. Early out, alcohol can have a diuretic effect which compromises hydration so it is contraindicated for those reasons as well.With that being said, I was released for alcohol consumption at 3.5 months out. I wasn't at goal, but I could take the calories and figure them into my intake for the day, but chose to wait. I waited until I was at goal to indulge in alcohol. I chose to do this way because I had zero desire to drink my calories. My first experience with alcohol was 1 glass of wine. I got buzzed quick and hard. Lips tingling, face numbing drunk, it wore off just as fast as it hit me. I've been a fairly social drinker since about 8 months post-op. I'm known as the "afternoon cocktail" girl in my circle of friends, and it has had zero negative effects on my ability to maintain my weight loss. Plus, my tolerance is back to what it was pre-op. I drink everything from mixed drinks with soda, to shots. I've never been a beer drinker, and to this day, it just doesn't taste "right". Transfer addiction is also a concern with alcohol. Some choose to not eat a meal to "allow" the calories in their alcoholic beverages, and that's when drinking becomes a problem for some.

They say not to have any alcohol in the first few months, but it's not permanently banned or anything.

Hello all, I know this may sound like a really insignificant, possibly moronic question, but it's always better to know what you're getting into. So what exactly is the story with drinking after you have had this procedure? Is it contra-indicated? Any restrictions on what you can drink, or is it just not really in the cards practically speaking? I don't mean to sound like Joe 12-step alcoholic, but I'm attorney who runs his own firm with three cosmic-sized egomaniac attorneys, insurrectionist disloyal staff, and clients whose pathetic needy clinging is only matched by their boundless rage, usually aimed at yours truly. It's a miracle I only stop in for a drink or two on my way home every so often. By all rights I should have a superhuman heroin addiction. But that's enough of my cheerful thoughts for the day. Looking forward to my new sleeve in two weeks, and I'm glad that this resource exists! Take care, Tom

I've heard of people becoming alcoholics. But it makes sense that any kind of addiction could take the place of a food addiction. For me, I started spending money. Buying things on the internet and eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail!! I agree with the comments about awareness being key. Also, not everyone's weight issue is an addiction issue. It sounds like your mom loves you and is concerned for you, which is a beauty of it's own. Since you are already taking action by asking about this particular possible problem on here, I think you will be fine ---- keep up your support system and be aware of anything "pulling" you if that occurs. And keep asking questions! ~hiddn

Hello All, I was banded 2/10/10 and had lost 12lbs after 3 weeks. I was disappointed bc I had been eating so few calories. Glad I got on here to here this may just be OK. I should have gone another week of mushies but just couldn't take it so I'm not eating regular food but chewing to mush. Unfortunately, I've been hanging with friends and partaking in cocktails which I know are NOT good . I have heard that alcohol slows the process. Is that correct?

I don't think it's as simple as 'if you're addicted to one thing and it's taken away, you'll become addicted to another. I mean there are a lot of alcoholics on the wagon who don't take up eating or gambling just because they can't drink...or gamblers who take up eating and drinking (or any other addiction) because they can't gamble. If they do, I'll bet if you look closely enough that person had multiple addictions before they put the clamps down on one and just transferred to one of their other addictions. I know a couple bypass patients from another list who became alcoholics after their bypass...but after talking to these people, it's become pretty apparent that they were heavy drinkers before their surgery and they just transferred their obsession with food to what was already an alcohol problem. .

Copying and Pasting from my the Guide my Dr gave me: To ensure proper healing you must stay on an all liquid diet for the first week after your surgery. The liquid diet is a temporary diet. It helps to keep your body hydrated (body fluids, salts, and minerals) and helps to get the body used to food after surgery. The liquid diet is easy to digest and does not leave much residue in the stomach and intestines. If you are lactose intolerant or have problems with dairy products you may substitute rice milk, soy milk or almond milk products instead. For added protein, prepare soups and cereals with non-fat milk or plain soy milk instead of water; or add non-fat dry milk or protein powder to your foods. The table below will help you with your choices. Sample Liquid Diet These are simply suggestions. You don't need to include all these items in one meal. Breakfast Light Smooth Yogurt Lunch Cream of tomato soup, Jell-O with low calorie whipped topping Snack Smooth yogurt Dinner Blended cream of broccoli soup, sugar-free pudding, non-fat milk. Snack Sugar-free Fudgesicle There is no limit on the quantity of liquids you may have at this point although you should begin to sip slowly and stop at the first hint of fullness. It is very important not to vomit during the healing phase. If you are hungry have another cup of soup, Jell-O, pudding, or yogurt. The limitation is on the consistency of the food, not the quantity. Anything you can drink through a straw is fair game at this point. Soups with large chunks need to be blended or strained. It is very important to do your best to stick to the liquid diet at this point. Don't forget to take your daily chewable multivitamin. Weeks 1 & 2 & 3• The Liquid Diet Choose These Foods/Beverages Avoid These Foods/Beverages Fruits/Juices Flavored water, fruit juices without pulp such as apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, and nectars. Use low sugar versions. Canned, fresh, or frozen fruits. All raw fruit, dried fruit (dates, raisins), coconut. Do not use carbonated or sweetened beverages. Soups Broth, bouillon, fat-free consommé or strained cream soups. Tomato soup made with milk or water. Soups with vegetables, noodles, rice, meat, or other chunks of food in them. Strain these items from the soup and blend them or just have the broth. Avoid bean, gumbo, split pea, or onion soup, chunky soups and chowders. Beverages Ice chips, water, coffee, tea, herbal teas (hot or cold); sugar-free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Propel, Diet Snapple. Add sugar free flavorings as desired. All others. No carbonated beverages (including diet pop). No alcohol. Sweets & Desserts Fruit ices (without chunks of fruit), plain gelatin, popsicles made from low sugar juices, low fat custards, and puddings, frozen low cal yogurt All others. Vegetables Tomato or V-8 juice. All others. Milk & Dairy Products Non-fat milk, smooth yogurt, yogurt smoothies, Carnation Instant Breakfast, kefir Ice cream, hard cheese. Bread, cereals, and grain products None All Meat, chicken, fish, and meat substitutes (nuts, tofu, etc.) None All Oils, butter, margarine None All You may add protein powders or consume protein drinks if you wish but since you will only be on this liquid diet for a week that is not really necessary and may result in consuming more calories.