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I like Fiber One protein cereal. I get the cranberry one. I don't put milk or yogurt in it, I just eat it like granola.

No hernia NaNa. I ate pretty much nothing on Monday and Tuesday, just ice chips and a Protein drink when I got home Tuesday afternoon. I have been sticking to my guidelines and here is what I have been eating Bandista: Protein shakes mashed potatoes cottage cheese yogurt pinto Beans pudding creamy chicken Soup Colby/jack cheese Water Crystal Light Everything above is on my list. I don't go to see my surgeon for three weeks. Should I call now? I am curious if my asthma is trying to flare up and this is affecting my reflux?

I had the same problems with gas and air in the chest the first week or so. I was also having trouble getting up from my chair and sitting down... I was 488 lbs before pre-op diet. 467 lbs pre-op. I had my surgery on April 18th and managed fine. I drank clear liquids the first 5 days along with chewable multivitamin and chewable calcium tablets, then started with yogurt and mashed potatoes. I noticed each day I was getting my strength back. On the 6th day I tried beans from del taco and it had to be the best choice ever, my stomach tolerated them just fine, and I started getting relief from gas build up. I have lost 27 lbs since my surgery​ with minimal exercise. I walk and work. Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am filled now at 2.8 in a 5cc band and I am overly filled. I can only eat baby food. Tuna will not go down and it's all the Protein meat I love to eat. I'm downing Protein shakes, yogurts, baby foods (stage 2). I don't want to go back right away, I'd like to work with it but I know that if I get a slight unfill, I will be binging like the dickens b/c I haven't eaten solid foods since last Thursday night. I have gurgling, sliming, uncomfortable chest pain as I swallow. Oh god:omg:

Want... dont beat yourself down, today is a new day and you are on the right track! Yesterday i had: Breakfast-yogurt mid morning-----2 cups of ff milk Lunch----3/4 c cream of chick soup-vegetarian of course,lol Dinner---1/4 c each of green peas, black Beans and black eyed peas or beans,, what ever they are called. It was all pureed, dosent that just sound wonderful,lol And i walked 2 miles. I am stil on pureed/soft food for another 2 weeks. I miss my Quasadia's from Chili's :thumbdown::seeya:

You should be fine, like others I went back to work about 10 days out. Be sure and pack tons of Water if you have to stand in line and appropriate food for your stage on the plan, Protein shakes or if you are on soft foods yogurt. Sent from my iPhone using VST

This is probably more of a vent than anything else. I'm sure I'm not the first and I know it's not the end of the world but I'm starting to get very frustrated at the things I'm "allowed" to eat right now. I'm getting sooo sick of the same 3 flavors of Soup (cuz I can only have 98% fat free CREAM soup) and the same broth and the same non fat yogurt mixed with sugar free jelly and some pudding and Jello in between. I can't even tolerate the Protein drinks anymore. I'm on day 8 now (including surgery day) and I have only had 1 full Protein Drink since. I couldn't stand the taste of the others even though pre-op they were fine. I was ok at first but now it's getting worse. Instead of 3 flavors of cream soup, I can no longer tolerate cream of mushroom (it WAS my favorite of the 3). It now tastes disgusting to me post op. Maybe I'm just more irritated because I already had to do the liquid diet twice pre-op (they ended up pushing back my date the last day of my liquid diet the first time so I had to do it again for when I was rescheduled). Whatever it is, I feel extremely crabby and like my will to keep going is slowly being broken down. Anyone have any suggestions? What helped you through the 2nd phase (days 3-13) and farther along? I'm having a hard time finding things that even sound appealing that will give me the protein I need and stay within the boundaries of the post op diet. Diet is full liquids: Blended Soups yogurt Protein Drinks pudding jello Water broth

Hey Blest, someone posted this list on the September forum and I thought I would share it with you. I can't vouch for how useful or practical it is but it is a start: LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-FOOD ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: Liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) 4.98 Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) 3.60 Gauze Pads 4x4 6.57 Paper/bandage tape 2.57 Wet Wipes 2.64 Pill crusher 3.89 Chewable Vitamins 8.97 Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) 1.48 Cough Drops(Halls big box) 6.88 Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) xx.xx Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm(got chapstick – cherry – 2for deal) 0.88 food ITEMS: Protein shakes(these vary from 22 – 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) xx.xx Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) 10.00 broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.98 sugar free popsicles 2.66 Sugar free Jello 0.50 Sugar free breath mints (chewable) 1.33 Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don’t like CL so I got store brand/price per box) 2.50 Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.07 Cream of Wheat 2.92 Creamy Soups 0.66 Applesauce 1.82 FAT FREE yogurt 1.76 Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage(on sale) 1.25 pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) 0.50 Sugar free hot cocoa 1.87 Decaf tea(got regular, decaf is a little more in cost) 2.12 CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) 15.88 Buttons downs or pullover(sale rack found $5.00 per, one size larger) 5.00 Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying(make sure they are a good pair) 12.88 Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires(not sure where they shop?) 6.88 All these prices are from Wal-mart and I used my receipt for 4Oct07 to get most of the prices. I did try to give explanations where I could and those are in braces, i.e. - (). Good luck and remember, your positive attitude and positive resolve got you this far. You can get through this, be positive. A well stocked bariatric kitchen has the proper tools at hand: Measuring spoons and cups Food scale : Individual food storage containers of various small sizes Ice cube trays for freezing small portions : Snack size zipper lock bags Plastic eating utensils for travel/work A well stocked pantry has: <Canned tuna (or pouches) in water, canned lump crabmeat class: Seasoning blends (i.e. Mrs. Dash) #Apple cider and/or balsamic vinegar style="BACKGROUND: #Artificial sweetener (i.e. Splenda, Equal, Stevia, Sweet n’ Low) Light or low-fat mayo, mustard style calorie, low-fat salad dressings for seasoning and marinating <LI Individual sizes of packaged fruit packed in juice Canned vegetables Canned diced tomatoes, jarred tomato sauce, salsa Canned beans/legumes (garbanzo, kidney, black, red, fat-free refried) Low sodium broths and Soup bases (chicken, beef, vegetable, seafood) Whole grain, high Fiber, high protein Pasta High fiber, protein rich hot Cereal packets (i.e. oatmeal, multigrain, farina, oat bran, etc.) High fiber, high protein cold cereal >Whole grain crackers (such as WASA, Ry-Vita, Kashi, low-fat Triscuits) Crystal Light, Diet Snapple and other low calorie beverages or powder mixes Carnation Instant Breakfast, no sugar added Pre-made diet Gelatin cups, diet pudding cups A well stocked bariatric freezer has: frozen shrimp in a bag Skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins style Lean chopped meat frozen in small snack size zipper top bags sugar-free ice pops, sugar-free fudge pops Bags of frozen fruit pieces (no sugar added) for smoothies and snacking, either bought already frozen, or freeze your own sliced banana, berries or grapes to add to yogurt or cereal A well stocked bariatric refrigerator has: <Pre-washed and cut fruits and vegetables (try the supermarket salad bar for variety) Yogurt and yogurt smoothies (small containers, low-fat, artificially sweetened) Part-skim ricotta cheese Low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese (small containers) Low-fat cheese wedges/mozzarella “string cheese” sticks (i.e. Laughing Cow brand, Polly-O brand) Be creative…Need some creative, healthy easy combinations for meals or Snacks? The challenge is to keep food choices creative and flavorful; inspiring your taste buds is crucial in order to keep you interested in healthier food choices. <Romaine lettuce leaf wrapped around 2 slices deli turkey with mustard or low-fat salad dressing style 4 oz. fat-free yogurt with 2 oz. fresh berries and 1 Tbsp. fiber rich cereal Part skim mozzarella stick wrapped in sun-dried tomato slice or roasted red pepper (not packed in oil) 2 oz. seared tuna steak with low-fat dill sauce (fat-free yogurt, capers, dill and lemon juice) : Laughing Cow low-fat cheese wedge spread on multigrain WASA cracker < 2 oz. fat-free milk, 2 oz. fat-free yogurt, 2 oz. fruit of choice a few ice cubes, sprinkle sweetener to desired taste and pulse in blender. Freeze half of small banana or 10 frozen grapes Hot cereal (one packet) mixed with water or skim milk, artificial sweetener and fresh fruit. Or try hot cereal add vanilla extract, artificial sweetener and cinnamon. 3 oz. grilled chicken over salad greens and low-calorie dressing of choice, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

You have some good suggestions of several products that meet the need (Pure protein and Costco's store brand version of Quest work well, too) though I wouldn't consider protein bars to be any more of a "real" food than the shakes. Try working more toward meats, cheese and yogurts are the classic real food protein sources that our body tends to like better overall.

You're eventually going to hate "protein" bars. And they can be heavy and loaded with sugar. Look into jerky, cheese and greek yogurt so you can add protein to your diet.

I was banded on the 17th of April and I too am tired of eating soup and protein shakes. I am not really hungry at all after eating one or two tablespoons of pudding or yogurt but I an so ready to eat something good like a real meal. My Dr has not allowed to eat eggs or anything else with any type of substance. I go back to see him on the 24th so I hope he will allow me to have something different instead of waiting another week of full liquids.

Premier protein shake is the best choice for me.. I love the choc.. I let it get really cold ( icy) in the freezer and it tastes great.. 30g of protein .. I drink 2 a day and eat a Greek yogurt and that in itself is 73 grams of protein easily..

That is very odd, I am going for surgery on Monday. My packet clearly states full liquid diet: You will remain on this diet for the first four weeks post operatively. Food included: all protien drinks ff milk puddings ff jello sugar free yogurt ff veggie juices soups strained hot cerals made thin and soupy Hope this helps

I agree with everyone. Perhaps, rather than waiting for the OMG I am starving signal at 4 hours, you could have a small, healthy snack in between (yogurt, cottage cheese or something) to help "top you off" so you don't all of a sudden get the urge to snarf (sorry, couldn't think of a better word) something down? Do you think that may help you? Enjoy your trip.

I have heard that it is pretty common for lactose intolerance to increase after sleeve surgery. It seems like it returns to normal, pre-sleeve levels for most people at maybe 6 months to a year out, but for some it remains at post-sleeve level. So I would say definitely do your best to stay away from lactose for the next several months and then try again? It looks like lots of lactose-intolerant people do okay with yogurt though. Good luck!

I am reading that you are allowed lean meat like skinless chicken and 95% lean beef, low fat/fat free yogurt, cheese, milk. Sounds like a fair pre-op diet to me. I had to do 10 days of liquids. Drink plenty of fluids and enjoy solids while you can. ~Mandy

Me too. Use to hate Greek yogurt but now it is yummy. I'm still on full fluids so that's as far as I can go for now but the puréed stage should prove interesting. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Quick update... I have already made some positive changes to my appearance. I started wearing my hair up aka Britney with the headband and the big ponytail, kind of teased at the top so it gets a bit of volume (aka Amy Winehouse). Started using an eyebrow liner and wearing lipstick (which I never used to do, just did my eye makeup and that's all, bare minimum). I lost 11 pounds in the first week. It went lower then went up 2 lbs and then stabilized. I'm pleased with the result. I must admit that I am weighing myself once, twice a day. I need to stop. I can't remember if I discussed this or not but I slipped up a few days ago and had some teaspoonfuls of nutella (chocolate/hazelenut spread similar to peanut butter). I am back on track now and trying some week2 foods - I had some potato soup, slim fast (with added protein), and a kids-sized yogurt (minigo). I'm finding that it helps a lot and doesn't leave me feeling so deprived. Whenever I drink something, even if it is the first sip or two, I get a heavy feeling in my chest and my shoulder pain starts. I don't get it!! It's hard not to drink air with the fluids, I still can't figure out how to manage to do that - have tried straws, spoons, right from the cup, no go. It's hard for me to tell if I am 'full' or not --- especially with liquids, how much am I supposed to eat? I don't understand. I emailed my dietician and hopefully she can answer that. Anyways that's it for now...thanks for reading. If you have a progress thread you post to, please let me know, I would love to read it!

Hi Jaymie, I will take a look today to see if I can find those fit n lite yogurts that you mentioned. Wow, I had no idea they came out with sf carnation instant breakfast ! Another one I"ll have to buy. Thanks for the suggestions

Hi, mst of your questions can be found by doing a quick search on the forums, but here's my experience. Yes This improves with time as your tummy heals. I still have a Protein shake in the morning but I add greek yogurt to it. (FGAE 0% plain) This adds another 12 -18gms of protein and makes it easy to get in the rest of my protein throughout the day. It varies some loose a little, some loose a lot. I didn't have a pre-op diet, but I lost 26lbs from DOS to my first f/u appt. Hard to tell. My upper body is fine, but my thighs are jiggly. I'm not worried about it for now. I just wear compression and support tights & yoga pants.. Mine were big. I was a 48DD, I'm now a 46C Never had trouble sleeping from day 1. Normal and yes it goes away.

Hello everyone, I am 6 weeks post op and I'm a bit discouraged by the amount of weight I have lost and my surgeons reactions. The first week after surgery I could not get anything but 12 oz of apple juice and water down. I experienced protein aversion and would spit out any protein drink or shake that I tried to take. To my surprise, at my 1 week visit I gained 2 pounds (I was also experiencing my first bout of constipation post op). For reference Surgery day: 317; Week 1: 319. After that I moved to the puree stage and found that I can only eat a limited amount of food varieties without feeling sick, and for the most part that will only last for a few days. The only thing I can consistently eat is yogurt or a yogurt drink (8-12 oz per day) for breakfast and water. Most days I force myself to eat different low fat pureed things like burrito-less burritos, buffalo chicken dip, tuna, chicken salad, crust-less quiche ect. I tend to make them in cupcake or muffin molds so it's easy to pack for work. Usually, I can only eat one at lunch and have half of something else for dinner. Last week I had my 1 month visit with a different surgeon (mine was out for personal reasons) and I lost 17 pounds since surgery day, but the surgeon seemed disappointed that it wasn't more. They asked what I was eating, and then I was chastised for the amount of sugar in the yogurt drinks. I tried explaining that most things make me feel sick or that I have to force myself to eat. I guess my question is how do you no feel discouraged by the speed you are losing weight? Or the expectation of your medical team?

Congrats, Welcome to band land. I was banded on Sept 23. Tomorrow will be 7 days. I came back to work today and am doing well. The soarness has gone and now I just feel a little discomfort at my port site when I turn or sit in an odd position. Starting to get my appetite back which is weird because I don't really have much restriction. My doctor is requiring me to have liquids and yogurt for 21 days. Then I can go to soft food. I am coutning the days. Good Luck

I was banded on Feb. 9th by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. Oh my goodness this was such a great experience!!! I just loved his staff and everything else about his clinic. I am back at work today with a little bit of pain at my incisions. I'm sitting alot so I feel slightly uncomfortable but nothing that I can't deal with. The liquid diet is going good so far. However, I can start drinking yogurt tomorrow and then Protein shakes and other soft stuff by day 8. I think everything will be okay. The mental hunger is there when I smell food but I am trying to kick that habit. This band will help me do that since I CAN NOT CHEW anything until day 21. I am feeling great!! I don't plan to weight myself anytime soon. I want to feel the change in my clothes first. I might weigh myself after one month or at my first fill (if or when neccessary). Good luck to you!!!

Everything I liked before urgery, including the chewable vitamins, I couldn't stand after surgery. Thank goodness for the unflavored Unjury. I could mix it into what I could tolerate...and yogurt.... Saved me during the first 2 weeks

I bought the Unjury at the unjury website--I see someone posted the web address for you. You can buy samples before purchasing a large amount. When I make mine, after it's blended, I add about 4 ice cubes and crush it and it makes it thicker like a milk shake! My diet was clear liquids for 2 weeks but I did add the protein shakes in during week 2 because I was dying! :omg: I also purchased a bottle of Whey protein--I added it to my yogurt to give me extra protein--you can't taste it and if I remember correctly each scoop has 17 grams of protein in it. Amy