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Michi my pre op starts tomorrow, Friday. Its basically all liquid diet. No sugar or caffiene. Lots of yogurt, Protein Shakes, creamy Soups, sugar free pudding, sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles. AND LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER! Im not really looking forward to it... especially since I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family the day before my surgery. Seems kinda cruel huh? LOL GOOD LUCK AND KEEP ME POSTED ON YOUR SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the very beginning I have had zero problem with liquids & pudding, jello, yogurt, etc...now that I"m on to soft food, it feels a little like it gets stuck in my chest and there is some discomfort. Some foods are easier than others - I had a hard time with scrambled eggs but was fine with chicken salad, go figure. But I'm keeping calories under 700, watching the carbs and sugar, making sure to get enough protein & water, and am losing pretty well with little to no hunger. I don't know how to explain it; I guess I should be grateful. I'd definitely talk to your surgeon about it next time you see him though. That's what I plan on doing Good luck!

Yikes...this isn't good... Has this happened to anyone else? In September 2010...I was banded. Lots of up and downs...fills that were tight...too loose, finding my sweet spots... I fly a LOT for work...so my band gets tight at times because the elevation kills me. I recently had some trouble, had 4 cc taken out and put on 20 lbs... I went back and forth getting fills, getting unfilled, and I was at the doctor all the time....FINALLY I found a happy medium. I'm at 8 cc with an 11 cc band. I was doing GREAT. I had excellent restriction. I was eating well. Drinking lots of Protein. One day, a couple days after my WONDERFUL fill, I ate a couple chicken meatballs for dinner, and ate them too fast. Lots of vomiting, and I haven't been able to keep anything solid down since. It's been 3 days. Massive amount of extra bile, choking at night, coughing. I try to eat, and 20 minutes later, I'm full of bile, and I can't drink anything, and I can't feel my good "drop" like I usually do. I was able to keep a couple Protein shakes down and a yogurt shake down, but nothing solid.... I tried again, and I had a TON of bile, and ended up vomiting at the restaurant... On my last fill, my doctor said "wait it out until 4 weeks even if you have problems" Give your stomach a chance to acclimate to your new fill". Has anyone have anything similar happen to them? Will my stomach calm down so I could feel good, and eat and feel the food "drop" like I used to? I'm freaking out...wondering if I have gallstones, or if I just ate something too fast and now my stomach needs a break...

I'm passed surgery 111 days and I had my third fill on November 17th (9 days ago) taking me to 5cc. The second one was too tight and I couldn't swallow liquids, so they took it down about 6 weeks ago. Now I'm back up to the same, with less problems but more questions. I can't eat solids in the morning, only liquids and yogurts. lunch I can eat thick Soups. dinner some solid wet foods. I'm not a burper, nor someone that vomits. So, when I eat something too dry, etc. I have that really bad chest pain which I lay down and get into a yoga position while massaging my lower stomach, this seems to ease it. My issues are gas and a bit of nausa. Like I said I don't burp, I gurgle. So, by the end of the day, I am miserable with gas pains though out my stomach, back and lower intestines. I pass gas terribly, which releases it. The pains move around all day. My port area is a little sore too. I have been sneezing a lot and slipped and fell on my butt a day before my fill so I don't know if I pulled something or not. The only other thing that about 2.5 inches around my port site is real lumpy, but I guess that is normal since the doctor would have been poking around that area for the fill and he didn't say anything then. I have lost almost 50 pounds and things are starting to poke out all over me, like hipbones! Unless, everyone around me has been sick with intestinal flu, even though I'm not throwing up or diaherria, maybe that's what's going on. I called the doctor, but he's in surgery today and I haven't heard back. I just don't feel myself. Any input out there???

I was also banded June 1st and have the same bloated and feeling very sore, but you need to take it easy because we are still full of liquids from all the IV and our body is swollen from surgery so we will not see any difference as of yet. I have been having Myoplex protein shakes which are really good and also been having flavored Greek Yogurt, oh and lots of water; and I have been ok. So just take it slow and good luck. :thumbup:

im the same person just on another username... My pre op diet is a protien drink for Breakfast, a protien drink for lunch wiht a small piece of fruit, 2 oz cheese or half cup yogurt for a sack, then a small piece of meat and a cup of vegetables and a piece of fat free whole wheat bread. then half an apple or 10 baby carrots for snack later

I found that canned chicken or tuna goes down MUCH easier than a filet. And you still get your protein. There's also smoothies made with fruit, FF plain yogurt, sweetner (I prefer stevia), and protein powder. I'm sure other's will chime in with ideas

I am exactly one week post op, I started losing about a pound a day then I starting gaining a pound a day and now I am right back to my pre-surgery weight. I'm so frustrated. I have no problems getting in all my liquids and protein, I track my calories and gett anywhere from 600- 900 calories a day. I'm on full liquids, I have not cheated, but I also have no restriction, I can easily finish the whole container of yogurt when I eat. Any advice

Don't compare. Everyone loses at their own rates. However what are you eating that prevents you from increasing your Protein? That should be your number one goal, especially if you are working out. You could add some plain greek yogurt to your protein shake to up the protein. (I am partial to FAGE 0%). Many factor go into determining who will have lose skin; age, race, genetic, etc.... You can try and prevent it by keeping skin moisturized, keeping your body hydrated and lifting weights which may help replace the fat with muscle, but there are no guarantees. I also like adding a bit of chopped spinach (fresh or frozen) to my Protein drinks. It add Vitamins and nutrients like Iron, and it's good for the bowels. As for calorie guidelines, you should call and ask your nutritionist. In fact you might want to call them and brainstorm about ways to increase your protein intake.

I am almost three months out from surgery and have only lost 52 lbs including the 18 lbs lost in pre-op phase. I've been in a stall for a week but I continue to walk 4 miles a day seven days a week. I feel like I am losing inches but the scale doesn't lie. Breakfast is 2 scrambled eggs and 1/2C fruit. lunch is 4oz of lean Protein. dinner is 4oz lean protein and 1/2C cooked vegetables. The hardest part is getting in 64 oz of Water and I have to force myself to reach that amount each day. My plan doesn't allow yogurt until six months out. I do drink two mugs of caffeinated coffee in the morning which I'm not supposed to be doing. One cup of caffeinated coffee is allowed at six months. I do have a container of sugar free Jello in the evening and during the day I have one or two low fat cheese sticks. Hopefully soon the weight loss will resume. I'm getting a bit discouraged with my progress. The surgeon predicted I'd lose 17 more lbs but I'd like another 30 lbs more than that. At this rate it will be a year before I can reach my goal. One good point is that I've been taken off blood pressure medication, have had my statin Rx dose reduced by half and had my CPAP pressure settings lowered.

1. Deviled eggs, if your sleeve likes eggs. 2. Cucumber slices (instead of crackers) with chicken salad, hummus, or tuna salad for dipping. 3. Chili!! 4. Roasted nuts--just take some nuts, a little olive oil, whatever herbs or spices sound good, mix, and put on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven until they're lightly toasted--watch carefully, as they can burn. 5. Mozzarella and cherry tomato skewers with pesto to dip. 6. If your local store carries "Beanitos," some of those with bean dip or cheese dip or other high-protein dip. 7. Veggie sticks with ranch-style Greek yogurt dip. 8. Cold shrimp with cocktail or remoulade sauce--yum!

Surgery on 3/2 and back to work today (3/9). I brought a premier protein, water flavor drops and bone broth with me. I think I can start purées today but I didn't want to try them for the first time at work. I have apple sauce and greek yogurt tubes (2oz tubes) as well as some baby food bananas at home in the fridge. I may hold off on that though and stick to liquids till next Monday. I have a big leak fear.

My forever "diet" calls for 60-80g of Protein a day. Even at almost 15 months out, I have little room for fruits and veggies during a meal. I do 6 mini meals a day because my restriction is very tight. Can you do Beans? Tofu? Vegan Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt?

Hello everyone - Well, I had my banding procedure yesterday and now I am home. My doctor said the procedure went really well, and though I was terrified of the anesthesia, I made it through in one piece. So right now I am in some pain, more than I was in the hospital, but of course the drugs are better in the hospital. I imagine that this is what getting stabbed several times in the stomach feels like, but I cannot be sure. I have one incision that hurts way worse than the others. The area with the port does not hurt too badly yet, but we shall see. I just wanted to thank whoever suggested that I buy Gas-X thin strips and liquid tylenol - they have been life savers! I don't have so much of a problem with air in my shoulders or chest cavity, I myself am just kinda gassy. And the liquid tylenol provides just enough pain relief in between taking the narcotic pain reliever (I am on dilotid). I have had some issues with nausea, but mostly right after the procedure and this morning after the follow up upper gi test that I had done. My questions right now are: How long before I start to feel better? I know its only been a day but I am already getting antsy and am ready to leave my apartment. I walked outside some today, and my doctor wants me to get up to 2 miles per day (I went to the gym 4-5 times per week before the surgery). Like I said, I walked some today, but I was exhausted from walking around the block. Also, how does everyone handle the post-surgery diet? I am on a full liquid diet, where I can eat broth, creamy soups, yogurt, milk, etc. I have had some creamy sweet potato soup today, some hot tea and some water. I'm not really hungry and I was kinda just forcing myself to get some nourishment (the tea is for my throat which is so sore from the tube). I also had a protein drink just to make sure I was getting some protein. Does it become easier to eat during this liquid stage? I am on it for a week before I start with the mushy foods, and I just want to make sure that I am doing it right. I kinda feel as though I really need to succeed at this, so I think I"m putting some unnecessary pressure on myself. I feel as though this is somewhat of a last ditch effort for me to lose weight. I have been overweight all my life, and though I am only 27, I somewhat feel as though I am at my wits end. I really want to succeed at this. I'm sorry for my rambling post... I think it is partly the drug haze I am in and partly the stress I am putting on myself. The long road ahead is kinda daunting to me. So, I am open to anyone's suggestions.... hopefully some other people out there understand how I feel. Jenn:notagree

so right a this stage you can eat sooo much more. have more protein shakes, refried beans with some melted cheese, cottage cheese, greek yogurt not with the fruit in it ( add some stevia if it's too bitter), add protein powder to some mashed potatoes, think protein and you will feel so much better! keep drinking lots of water that helps a lot too.

I've been loving my Unjury protein. I found the best price at Amazon.com I like the chocolate mixed with skim milk or plain yogurt. I also am adding the unflavored to most everything. Try it, it's good.

Me too BethinPA! Have just had a couple of dates with a nice guy with the Buddha belly and have been wondering if that's me making a backwards choice because he's within my comfort zone... or rather he's in my old comfort zone. Have now been invited out for lunch (!) with another guy, who's whatever the male equivalent of a gym bunny is - and he races motorbikes. So he's toned and athletic and fit! But although I look pretty reasonable, my friend describes me as "she looks like a yogurt but she wobbles like a jelly". Think you all get the picture :-)))) Still have a bit of toning to do!!! Good thread, has made me think of what lies behind my decisions to have dates with both guys. Mmmmm.....

Today is day 4, I did entirely too much. My port incision feels tight and pulled like I may have done something to myself. Could have been when the cart rolled into me, could have been the pants, either way.. I will rest up for the rest of the day. Today I woke up and had yogurt for breakfast, that kept me full, but I decided I needed a protein shake to go all day. When I got home from my moms, I did some work, and got dressed. I put on the loosest but still cute and professional outfit I could find, luckily for me I work from home for the most part but I did have appointments out today. I made my shake to go and went off to my first appointment. Everything was fine until I had to follow him, he walked what seemed to me as "REALLY FAST" normally I keep up with him no problem. But I could feel my stomach tightening, gas? pain? pulling? dunno.. just make a joke so he'll slow down.. joke joke, ok I got nothing.. Sorry if I can't keep up with you today, just had surgery. "Oh ok" he says as if I had just said there was paper in the fax machine.. like umm ok.. awkward but whatever... Finish with him and on to the next, I walk into the building and the smelll makes me nauseated.. umm ok gotta go... back to my car, driving driving driving.. trusty shake by my side.. wait sitting sitting sitting, but these are my big pants, why are they digging into me right there.. ahhh ok there we go.. Whole Foods, they have the BIG thing of Fage yogurt on sale for 6.99... yogurt got it, wait what's this brand it has 24 grams of protein, WOW.. hmmm ok.. let me try this one too, oh what else do they have.. An hour later.... on to the next place. By the time I'm driving to the next place I'm nauseated from the gas pressure and I think I just did too much, lifting a grocery bag, walking around for an hour, etc.. but I still need some groceries.. Let me go to the store on the way home. I get to my street.. I think I can..I think I can.. I go straight instead of turning, I pull into the parking lot and I sit in the car feeling wiped out but trying to psych myself up.. wait what do I even need again? Oh that's right SOUP! I walk in, as normal as I could and see the motorized cart, I jump in, screw it, I need it.. MEEP MEEP! I get my shopping done with ease, but I bought too much, how am I gonna get this home? sigh.. I drive the cart out to my car, put the items in the front seat. Go to drive the cart back into the store and it stalls going up the lil' incline and pushes the full force/weight of it onto my stomach.. OUCH.. the guy from inside comes from outside to help, and he yells at his female co-worker who is standing less than a foot from me, for not helping me. I don't necessarily agree with HOW he said it, but i'm glad he said it so I didn't have to. I come home and pull out the light things, the rest can wait.. inside groceries put away as much as possible, pants off.. ahhhh hmm I'm hungry... WOW that was the BEST cream of chicken and mushroom soup I've ever had in my whole life.. I would hurt someone for some pizza right now.. I don't even like pizza.. but I do like the crust.. mmmm Soup.. delicious.. couple hours later, I wasn't hungry but because I knew it was in there I had some chicken salad.. I wanted to see how it went down, how hard it was to chew, etc.. all in all I had about 1 tablespoon of it, maybe a lil' less. Went down well, tasted even better... tomorrow I'll eat that.. tonight is my first night home, my first night sleeping in a bed, I layed on my bed at my moms but it was too high and hard to get up and down from, the couch, too cushy, the recliner, just right... so I stayed and slept in that recliner 95% of the time.. So now I'm in bed laying on my side.. wanting to roll onto my stomach and just SLEEP a good sleep.. on the upside NO pain meds today, all systems are GO and now I'm just tuckered out.. so with that I will say good night world. :cursing:

If you're referring to post-op, as Fireflea says, you should be focusing on getting in your Protein and Water FIRST. I avoided any fruit (other than the occasional strawberry or two chopped up in my high protein yogurt) for the first 9 months post-op. Fruit does have nutritional value, but to your body it is basically candy that grows on trees. Stick with non-starchy vegetables and you will get just as many nutrients without the sugar load.

Congrats! You're only two weeks out but it sounds like you are upbeat. It's been a while since I was banded (Nov 08) but I do remember the first few weeks. I'm surprised you were on only a clear liquid diet for the first couple of weeks. I was on clear liquids and protein shakes - my doc said protein helped heal quicker. Here's what I say, and no I am not a doctor, but if you can't eat solid foods no one says you have to. Have protein shakes instead of solid foods if you can't get solids down. One of my favorite protein subs is greek yogurt (plain) but I throw in some flavored protein powder. It makes a great vanilla or chocolate yogurt! Fish is also great, and pretty mushy. My doctor also recommended only adding one new thing per meal to see if I could handle it. That being said, maybe stick with the foods you know you can handle. There was some stuff I couldn't eat immediately after my surgery that I am back to eating again just fine. Don't worry for right now about getting in too much variety. As for the general lack of hunger, I felt that too. I had no idea how I'd get in any of my food or my water with the amount I felt I could consume, because I couldn't possibly take in more. Once the swelling in your belly goes down, it'll loosen up a bit and you'll be able to take in more. Are you taking vitamins? Those will be important especially if you can't get in all your foods. I still take mine every day. It sounds like you're doing great! Everyone's got questions, but it does sound like you're overall upbeat about your banded life so far, and I'm happy for you! Just remember you can only do as much as you can do. This is all new to you and you're getting your bearings. Soon it'll become just a regular part of your routine. Best of luck to you, and I'm here for you!

Ebonie, Try going to the store and purchasing you a couple of the 100 calorie snacks and limit yourself to one a day or just when you have a craving, I wouldn't exceed two packs in a day though. You can also try yogurt as that is a snack or make a homemade low cal smoothie. No sugar added popsicles are good to. Try the slim-a-bear and the weight watchers. My Doctor said I can have snacks that a sugar free and don't contain more than 100 calories, but not to exceed 2 in a day.

So in honor of this post, I wrote down everything I ate in the last two days. Many of theses are repeat items that I had both days..... eggs, bacon, chicken, shredded pork, turkey sausage, shrimp, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, power crunch bar, Quest bar, natures valley Protein bar, quest chips, Greek yogurt, unflavored whey protein, peanuts, asparagus, spinach, onion, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, baked Beans, red bell pepper, yellow squash, Kashi go lean Cereal, All Bran cereal, ground flax seed, blueberries, orange, coconut milk, 1/2 and 1/2, decaf coffee, decaf tea, plain Water, protein hot chocolate, Bai5, water with sweet leaf flavor drops, dark chocolate candy filled with brandy liquor. Portions ranged from a couple tablespoons to maybe 1/3 cup (except the liquids) and eaten over 14-15 "meals". My weekday variety is much lower. Probably more like 10-12 different things over 5-6 meals. I guess the OP's therapist would have a field day with me!

Are you taking an antibiotic post op?I got thrush in my mouth post op but I was taking antibiotics for 10 days post op.Do get some meds for the thrush but start taking some sort of live culture (pills you can open and take directly on your tongue if you are not eating yet.)There is also drinking yogurt with live cultures in them that should help.

I love ice cream so I've been having fat free no sugar added frozen yogurt.

Protein powder. Costco has decent ones and reasonable prices. Sugar free popsicles. Yogurt, depending on your plan. Cream soup or something that can be blended.