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Huh, I just started making shakes similar to this this week. My friend started me on this path. My ingredients are kale, wheat grass, carrots, plain chobani Greek yogurt, blueberries, banana, and strawberries. I guess it's time for me to add some different ingredients. Thanks for the post!! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I've been drinking green shakes everyday for the last couple of weeks. I must say, I love them suddenly. I never could eat enough greens. But I figured I could get them down in liquid form. Well, the first shake I made tasted a lot like fresh mowed grass.....not good. But I'm gradually getting better, to the point where I really like them now. And I started catching my wife stealing sips out of my green shake, now I make her a shake everyday as well. Interestingly, I read somewhere that greens increase cravings just like sugars. The more greens you eat, the more you crave them. Well for me this has definitely proven to be true. I'm craving salads all the time suddenly. My body feels so much better now that I'm getting in more nutrients....I was getting sick of meat, cheese and Protein shakes. My protein intake is slightly down but still over 100 grams a day, and my carbs are up but it's all good low glycemic carbs so I don't mind. And yes, I'm still losing. The ingredients are....6 cups of kale, 1 cup of mixed greens, 1 cup each of mixed berries and mangos or pineapple, chia seeds, 2 scoops chocolate Protein powder, 1/2 cup fat free Greek yogurt, parsley, 1/2 cucumber, some broccoli, 2 cups cold Water plus a pinch of goji berries, spirulina and cacao powder. 193 calories, 18 g protein, 30 g carbs, 1 g fat in a 16 oz shake. Everything in the picture makes about 4 shakes.

amp up the portein shakes with some oats.. ( not a whole lot) and fruits. my ultimate shake when i was on liquids.. consisted of blue berries, Protein powder, 2 teaspoons of oats, 3 oz of yogurt blended together in either crystal light, Vitamin Water zero, or low calorie gatorade. it doesnt taste liek a Protein Shake since it has the fruity flavour and i loved it.. because it snt just water.. it helps keep u fuller for longer. others things u can use are rasp berries straw berries, half a banana, carrots, black berries, low calories penut butter, really anything u like.. and blend..

Ok, so here is my experiance in a nut shell... I arrived in San Diego Monday April 8th, as the plane landed I turned my phone on for the driver to contact me and before we were even off the plane he was calling, he was there waiting and was promptly picked up by Abraham ALM driver right outside of baggage claim and driven across the boarder to the Marriott, durin the ride we were given the option of going in for surgery early or late and we (myself and another pt also in the van) chose to go early, so we were told to be in the lobby at 6:45 am the next morning for pick-up and ride to the hospital. Once at the Marriott we checked in and chilled for the night. On Tuesday we met Abraham in the lobby of the Marriott and drove to MiDoctor Hospital where we waited to check in, this took about 30min because the person wasn't there yet, but during this time we all talked and got to know each other well. They took us back one at a time to check weight and height and showed us each to our private rooms, my room had two beds one for me and one for my sister. Once in the room we changed into hospital gowns, got our IV's put in, blood drawn and EKG's done. We then met the Anesthesiologist, the Internal doctor (who went over our histories again and meds) and waited on the surgeon. We were told they would choose who would be first depending on lab results. I was then told the other person would go first because he was really nervous, but then in came Dr. Lopez and low and behold I was first, very quick. by 9:25 I was in the OR, with Dr. Lopez, Dr. Ortiz, the anesthesiologist and all the surgical team. The anesthesiologist asked me if I wanted to sleep for a while after surgery or wake up right away I told him I didn't know I just wanted to wake up, he laughed and said "of course, you will my dear", I looked at the clock and it was 9:35, next thing I know I am awake in another room (recovery) looking around watching everyone doing different things but could speak (I was totally out of it), I remember seeing my sister and Janese (coordinator) for a second and trying to wave but then I think I went back to sleep. The rest of that day is kinda a blur because I apparentely don't tolerate anesthesia very well, lol... slept all day and night so didn't do much walking. Believe me I paid for that on Wednesday... Wednesday I woke up feeling great! but by that afternoon I was misrable, gas/indigestion, pain ect... I felt horrible and was EXTREMELY irritable. The nurses were all so kind and were pretty quick with pain and nausea meds which were on a schedule. When I saw the Dr. it was Dr. Ortiz I believe and he adjusted my meds and that seemed to help some. I think it was today that I had my leak test (they do 2 one in surgery and one the day after), drank some blue contrast and then another contrast liquid in the flouroscopy room, no leaks so I was cleared to start sipping liquids. I was given apple juice, and gatorade in different flavors to sip on later that day once my results were confirmed. I did not do too well with the liquids, I still didn't feel good. That night another doc came in and her name was Dr. V something she made more adjustments to my meds and by Thursday morning I felt much much better. Thursday we got up and I walked, walked walked, felt soooo much better (not 100% of course but MUCH better), we were released from the hospital with our drains at about 10:30 and at the Marriott by 11 and checked into our rooms. We were told our drains would come out the next day at the hotel by the surgeon-- the longer it stays in the less chance of infection was the logic. I was still having a hard time with liquids but continuing to try... at about 2:30 our driver called us all to come down to the lobby and he took those of us who felt up to it shopping on Revolucion Street. I went and am glad I did because I had a fantastic time, got some great souveineers for my kiddos husband and self and got to know some great people and make some wonderful friends. Once we were finished there Abraham took us to the pharmacy where we bought some stuff we needed or wanted from toothpaste to shampoo to meds.... Once we finished there he drove us back to the Marriott and a few of us decided to go out to a restaurant for dinner. We ate at an authentic Mexican restaurant and I had the consumma' (excuse my spelling) which was incredible, I was able to eat about 3-4 spoonfuls. After that I was able to start drinking more, like it flipped a switch and by Friday morning I had consumed an entire gatorade which was like a miracle. Friday morning we took a cab to the walmart shopping mall were we did a little shopping and ate at applebee's, Edgar was our server and he made my breakfast exactly how I needed it- plain organic yogurt and a fruit mixture that he had liquidized for me, and it was SOOO good (I posted pic's a few days ago). Once we got back we met some people at the pool then went sight seeing with Abraham again, we saw the hillside where all the people live and rode out to the beach, this was a wonderful experiance because I got some walking in and really got to see a lot of very interesting and eye opening things. I never once felt unsafe, Abraham never let us out of his sight and everyone we ran into was sooo kind. On the way back to the hotel Abraham told me that Dr. Ortiz and Lopez had had a VERY busy day and would like for all of us to come to the hospital at 6 to have our drains removed, rather then them doing it in the hotel. I was absolutely fine with that because we were originally told they would come to the hotel between 8-10pm to remove them, so 6 was WAY better, I was ready for the drain to come out. They took us to rooms one at a time and the surgeon and Eduardo (coordinator) walked us through the removal of the drain, which was SOOO weird feeling, can't even explain really. He then spent time with us answering any individual questions we may have and telling us how to care for our wounds and the importance of following the diet and other important information. Once we were all done with that we headed back out to Revolucion street to get something someone had left behind the prior day and I bought a few more things... lol, having the drain out felt sooooo good! Saturday we woke up and got ready to leave out to the airport (we had an earlier flight), we ate at 8:45 in the hotel restaurant (I had a yogurt smoothie) and promptly checked out and headed to the San Diego airport. We did not have any delay at the border, Abraham has a medical pass to go through the medical lane, therefore no line, which was fabulous. Overall my experiance was really great, I met some amazing people and really enjoyed getting to know them all. Abraham was our go to guy for pretty much everything non-medical related and Eduardo was our coordinator for the medical part. Abraham would bend over backwards to help out in any way he could and made the whole experiance fantastic. Yes the two days in the hospital were rough for me, but I really think it was the anesthesia (I've never had surgery, so didn't know how I would react). So overall I had a great time and an amazing experiance and highly recommend ALM and Dr. Lopez/Ortiz.

Hi bugsandpie! Wow, can I truly relate to your statements! From what I experienced and have read, your comments are completely normal for 5 days post op - everything hurts! The overall pain keeps you from wanting to do much of anything but it will help the gas pain if you can walk every 2 hours. You don't have to go far but you do have to keep moving and gently swing your arms. I am now 4 weeks and 2 days post op and it makes ALL the difference in the world. When I was 2 days post op, I told my sister that I had made a "major mistake" and wanted to talk to the doctor about reversal. Fortunately, I didn't and can now say I'm glad I made the decision to have the surgery. By Day 5, I could no longer drink the Protein shakes without throwing them up so I got creative and made me some protein soup, pudding and yogurt! Campbell's condensed cream of chicken soup with Water and an unjury protein package became MY source of protein as I ate it 5 times a day! And my water had to be chilled but not ice cold or room temperature. Most of all, you must remember to take it slow as this was a major operation that you had. Give yourself some time to get adjusted and then try some new things. And don't forget that you have a whole community of friends here at the Bariatric Pal site who will help you. Best wishes . . . and prayers! ~Vicki

Breakfast is grab and go: Protein shake or bar Snack: Greek yogurt or 1 oz mixed nuts Lunch: lean Protein with veggie side (like chicken and broccoli) Snack: string cheese, sometimes with a few crackers Dinner: mini pizza (lo carb tortilla, turkey pepperoni etc) or some variation of lean protein and a veggie. I average around 800 cals.

Thanks for all of your responses! I tried some yogurt this morning and I have had the same feeling, I'm just hoping that I am sore from yesterdays episode. I guess I am just going to be on liquids for a couple of days until I feel better! I just hope I didn't mess anything up!

If you are just now getting back to work, you can't be too far out from surgery and you are already eating crackers and chips?!?! I wasn't allowed anything crunchy until THREE MONTHS post-op. As for eating during the day at work, it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I eat breakfast, lunch, and two Snacks during my work day. I start off by bringing a Protein bar for breakfast (since you are probably not actually supposed to be on solids yet, you could do a ready-to-drink protein shake). Between breakfast and lunch, I have a reduced fat string cheese, which you can probably safely have at this point. For lunch I have leftover meat from a previous dinner, but you could probably do something like tuna or chili? In the afternoon I have Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. I mix some granola or kashi Cereal into mine, but you probably shouldn't be having that quite yet. So by eating every two hours or so, I never feel hungry at work. And I manage to get a lot of protein in!

Well, banded on 07/14 and am now down 19 lbs!!! I'm tired of messing with the ticker so will go with the old fashioned way. Just wanted to let you know what is working for me. Am getting close to Onderland! I had my first fill on 08/15, which was 5 CC's -- the doc came in and said, you ready to turn this thing on??? Since I was down 14 since banding, that was very exciting. I can feel restriction and go back for a second fill in two weeks from that date which will be 08/29. What do I do during the day? Breakfast shake -- have fallen in love with Synthra vanilla Bean and Fuzzy Navel (Peach), I mix with ice, splenda, and benefiber, and fruit. I also have JD Robb's chocolate power, it is a light chocolate taste and wonderful. Why did it take me this long to figure this out?? Snack -- either Greek Yogurt with fruit or cottage cheese with fruit or salsa lunch -- lunch recipe from Eating for Life Snack -- another Protein shake, I will blend it all up without the Protein powder, don't mix until ready to drink dinner -- dinner recipe from Eating for Life How do I handle "cold things" during the day? I am extremely busy in my job, so I bought a cute cooler bag at Target, my actual bag is a bit larger that this: Snacks and lunch in and they stay cold all day, I go from floor to floor for meetings. I do have to travel some and on those days generally take a shaker bottle and protein powder and mix as needed. I am going to the gum several (3 - 4) days a week, even am up there at 5 a.m., but I am succeeding!! Will keep you folks posted.

Bfast - SF yogurt, low fat cottage cheese mixed Lunch - Dinner - Exercise - Notes - I took the day off yesterday and ate what I wanted, I had some of those 100 cal Reeses snack packs a few times yesterday (one for breakfast), and ate a fried chicken tender (My moms fried chicken) for lunch & dinner. I usually don't eat fried stuff, but Hey, I took a day off. lol. I didn't exercise, I didn't even care yesterday. I'm back to eating right and eating light today and will be exercising tonight. I am going to try and take my 2 month post op pic tonight.

That what I thought! This is my typical day... Breakfast 1/4 cup Egg Beaters 1/4 cup of Fat Free Cottage cheese or 1/4 cup of Danon Light & Fit Yogurt Total about 80 calories (about 11 grams of protein) lunch 2oz of canned chicken Breast 1/4 cup of Fat Free Cottage Cheese Total about 55 calories (about 11 grams of protein) dinner 1/4 cup pureed Soup or chili 1/4 cup Fat Free Refried Beans, yogurt or cottage cheese Total about 100 calories (about 7-10 grams of protein) My husband thinks there is no way I can continue like this, but I don't know what else to do... I feel fine. I get full, etc... What was all your intakes at this point? Has anybody mixed unflavored Isopure with Crystal Light?

Yes...I just had a 1/2 cup of yogurt for breakfast and I am full.

I promise it will get better. Those first few weeks, it's almost impossible to get in the Protein. I gagged on everything as well. EVERYONE's taste are different. I hated almost everything people suggested. What finally worked for me was adding Any whey powder (1/2 scoop) to Carbmaster yogurt (21 g of protein) and making unjury chicken Soup. The soup is a bit salty tasting, but for some that appealed to me. Good luck. Right now, focus on your hydration and getting in what you can for protein. Try not to stress. "Real" food is coming very soon.

Jay Robb is my favorite too....egg white is better than the whey, but i can do either. I haven't tried his unflavored because i can't find it in the 'sample' sized packet. I've used them in Water and also used the vanilla in unflavored Greek yogurt with fruit and extract and made a great smoothie. I highly recommend Jay Robb. If you try the unflavored, let me know how it is, please!!

He suryfrer, Don't freak out. You are only a week out and your tummy is completely changed. Mine gurgled.. bubbled.. and did crazy things too. I would call your surgeon to describe the contraction like pain for reassurance from them that it's ok but as far as what you are eating some people don't even attempt yogurt that early. It sounds like you may want to make it thinner or stay on liquids. I remember being where you are and a week out I was feeling lost and unsure of my choice. It changes very fast. I am 13 weeks post op and can eat almost anything, just a very small amount. My tummy only disagrees with me if I eat too fast and then it's more of a full feeling up high. I still eat softer type of foods.. like if I cook chicken and it's too tough.. not fun to eat but if it's nice and juicy.. much better but no matter what there are reasons you did this surgery and the rewards are coming for you. I am down 66 lbs and amazed at how different life is becoming for me. I can't wait for you to get about a month out of surgery and start to eat more food and start seeing the world a new way. Never freak out.. your tummy will do crazy things at first but always call your doctor or surgeon, reassurance helps to ease our minds and be happy with where we are going. :lol0: ~Chandra/shutterbug

I was wondering why they were not around, maybe it's because they are gross :-D I have also mixed flavored protein powder into a 6 oz plain fat free greek yogurt, it was yummy. But I am pre-op and had trouble finishing it. .. It was very filling! Don't forget unjury broth protein mix, I have seen posts about their chicken broth. ..

I can relate. 3 weeks post op and I feel like everything gets stuck after I swallow. I have tried everything suggested by the surgery team but its not working. Seems like I can only get down Greek Yogurt, Fine curd cottage cheese and FF refried beans. Other than that I feel sick all the time like food is just stuck and wont go down. Hope you can find some relief soon

I bought a few cases of Premier Protein shakes in chocolate flavor. They taste good, best really cold and have 30g protein in each 11oz carton. I also bought a container of unflavored Unjury protein powder to throw into recipes for added protein. I tried experimenting with the unjury powder and like hot chocolate sugar free, ice,Greek yogurt, half a banana, and almond milk. Yum!

Shutterbug and Thinoneday: Thank you so much for your messages! I was really scared last night! Thought of ripping my sleeve were going through my head! Needless to say, I didn't fall asleep till about 2 am! The episodes went away, but I really do think it was the yogurt that was too thick and too late! I did call my doctor's office today and the nurse confirmed it was most likely that. She said I could have yogurt, however to make sure I dilute it with Water and make sure it's not that cold so that my stomach doesn't have any spasms. This morning I have that "full" feeling, I couldn't even finish my 4 oz Protein shake! Now I know I learned my lesson. And I'm so anxious to be over these "healing" days!! Thanks again for your quick responses!! Sury

I just got a sample pack of quaker "Quakes Rice snack" , I am not much of a snacker but these are really good. I have tried the cool ranch kind and the cheddar cheese. Very light and yummy with a crunch. 9 of them are 70 calories (I would not eat more than 9 at a sitting tho). Mainly my snacks consist of cottage cheese or string cheese or yogurt.

I've tried the Jay Robb protein shakes. You can mix with water, milk, almond milk, yogurt, etc. You can buy it at Kroger or online. I've also tried the Lean line of products at GNC. They are good too.

Ok i am new HIIIII so i go to set my appt up for the surgery (Dec 15) and i start my 2wk liquid diet on Dec 1 she said the protein drinks they recommend is EAS, Atkins and some other Carb Advantage i think, my question to yall is is there anyting better that is not a "Milky" product that taste good...i hate MILK and anything (cept milkshakes) make me wanna hurl, i tried slim fast once and the taste of vitamins make me sick to my stomach for days...i need something good in order for me to make it threw this, i can handle the 3 servings of dairy like cottage cheese and or yogurt and the unlimited broth, jello and SF pop..but the protein drinks have me worried HELP please

Hello I found a list for ya - here ya go LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes 01-21-2009, 11:12 PM #1 Join Date: Oct 2008 Age: 45 Posts: 24 State: Southern Colorado Pre op shopping list for post op! permalink Have seen this list before, but it's worth posting again it's so useful if you are getting ready for surgery! :thumbup: NON-food ITEMS: Heating pad (12inx24in) - for shoulder pain if you have any Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) - for shoulder pain if you have any A few books or movies Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) Make sure you have a good blender Pedometer(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) & check with your doc before using Chewable or liquid gas-x, or strips Wet Wipes Pill crusher Chewable Vitamins Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) Cough Drops Stool Softener - check with your doc first Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes Protein Water (K2O) Plenty of water broth or stuff to make broth sugar free popsicles Sugar free Jello Sugar free breath mints (chewable) Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors Bouillon Cream of Wheat Creamy Soups Applesauce FAT FREE yogurt Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) Sugar free hot cocoa Decaf tea CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable Button down shirts Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires LADIES – tip for surgery day, wear a button down shirt, and no bra..it’s much more comfortable!! __________________ Banded Dec 23rd 2008 - Dr Smith www.coloradolapband.com :cursing: see what we do for a living at : http://www.redhawkrovers.com Last edited by nicci63; 01-22-2009 at 08:54 AM. nicci63 Registered User

Hello Fellow Banders! I was banded on the 31st of July and I have some questions. My Dr. told me to drink clear liquids for 2 days and then full liquids for one week. How much do you all drink? I was calculating my calories and it is under 500 a day. Does that seem normal for that first week? I am drinking either my Designer Whey protein drink, my optifast shake or yogurt or 1% milk. All of these he listed as approved on my discharge sheet. I also have s/f popsicle on occassion. I usually only have 3 meals/drinks a day since that is what is listed. So why I am REALLY asking? That dang scale is not going down. I lost 17 lbs before surgery during the same type of liquid diet. I have lost 4 since surgery and I am just saying that it seems awfully strange that I haven't seen a larger drop. Is my body in starvation mode? I am not really hungry enough to drink MORE during those 3 meals so what do you all suggest? I am really looking for some ideas on the subject. I appreciate it! :cry_smile:

I want to get to 145 that's all my diet is protein shake for breakfast sometimes for lunch to and sometimes lunch is sugar free jelly with natural almond butter on weight watcher bread dinner is a protein veggie and 3 spoonfuls of whatever carb and snacks are usually a light yogurt or an apple/ orange/ pudding and even salad could be a snack. I am simple I drink roughly 6 to 8 glasses of water maybe tea at night