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Have you tried eating veggies between meals, does that bother you? I don't have the problems you are having, so I am not sure what the best advice would be. Also for nutrients, you could try fruit. If you are worried about carbs, stick to things like berries. I like mixing strawberries with Greek yogurt so I am getting protein in and fruits in. If you are getting the slimmies, you may be eating a little too much. I know 3-4 ounces doesn't sound like much, but if I ever get sick, it is because I ate too much too fast. Do you get protein in from other sources?? Sorry I am not much help, hopefully you can find a solution!

Healthy snack ideas for your hungry stomach. For many of us, snack time is when we lose control of our diets, either by overeating, or by indulging in high-fat, high-calorie foods. This often happens because we allow ourselves to get too hungry and then are unable to stop ourselves from overeating, says Dee Sandquist, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and manager of the Nutrition and Diabetes Center at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. To avoid getting too hungry, Sandquist says she recommends always carrying a healthy, portable snack with you when you know you'll be out on the run without easy access to healthy food choices. Try getting at least two food groups in each of those Snacks so that you're getting a combination of carbohydrates and fat/protein, which will help keep you satiated longer, she adds. Here, some super snack food ideas: Plain Yogurt with Blueberries - Pair plain yogurt with blueberries for a sweet treat that has a similar texture to ice cream. Yogurt is a great source of Calcium and Protein, and blueberries are packed with valuable antioxidants that help fight off heart disease. If fresh blueberries aren't in season, try frozen instead they work great in cool, creamy yogurt. Or if you get bored with blueberries, substitute any other frozen fruit like cranberries or cherries. Recommended Serving Size: Plain, low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup, 56 calories Blueberries, 2/3 cup, 30 calories banana with Almond Butter - This combination will keep you satiated for a longer time than either on their own because of the combination of Fiber in the banana and protein and fat in the almond butter. Bananas are also an excellent source of potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramps and is essential for normal brain function. Of course, Peanut Butter would be a great substitute for almond butter. Recommended Serving Size: Medium banana, 95 calories Almond butter, 1 tablespoon, 101 calories Hummus with Pita Bread - Made from chickpeas, hummus provides protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Spread hummus on pita bread for some added carbohydrates. Also try putting some veggies on your bread to make a great sandwich. Recommended Serving Size: Hummus, 2 tablespoons, 83 calories Pita bread, 1 round, 195 calories Apple with Brie cheese - Stick to a small amount of cheese with this snack because of brie's high saturated fat content. However, brie does offer a good protein source. Apples have a low glycemic index, which means they keep hunger at bay longer than other fruits. Recommended Serving Size: Apple, 47 calories Brie cheese, 2 ounces, 160 calories Salsa w/ Baked Tortilla chips - Ingredients in salsa vary greatly, but most tomato-based vegetable salsas are an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and lycopene, which helps prevent heart disease and some cancers. Avoid high-calorie fried chips by purchasing the baked varieties instead, and be sure to look for varieties that list zero trans fats on their nutrition labels. Recommended Serving Size: Salsa, 2 ounces, 20 calories Baked tortilla chips, 1 ounce, 120 Light Microwave Popcorn - Although this is a single-food snack, Sandquist says she recommends it because of its high fiber and B vitamin content. Plus, who can resist the smell of popcorn? Recommended Serving Size: 1 cup, 30 calories

Got my second fill yesterday, and I can finally tell that I have some restriction. I did only liquids yesterday and didnt get hungry. Today I can do mushy foods and I was only able to eat half a yogurt this morning. So hang in there it will finally come at some point. Good luck.

Im having the same issue, but Ive had so many unfills that now Ive gained 20lbs..some days I can eat anything..like breads etc, the next day yogurt wont even go down...and EVERYDAY the heartburn is there. I did a swallow study and it was too restrictive so again, more fluid came out...but it still continuing. Im miserable and am considering having the band removed. Ive had to little over 2 years, lost 80lbs now gained back 20. This has caused me to panic, and think I need it tightened but I am just so sick and tired of constant pbing and just being miserable and hungry all the time and mostly not being able to eat except for crap, like candy. For some reason, thats the only thing that likes to go down..go figure.

Hi Jocelyn, I had my surgery, RNY, on 8/28, I'm just a few days ahead of you. Im struggling with your same issues. Since everything medicine and supplement wise has to be crushed, I'm eating one applesauce cup a day divided in thirds. 1/3 in the morning for my Calcium Supplement, 1/3 around 3:00pm for my next 2 pill dose of Calcium and then the last 1/3 I mix with my Bariatric Chewable Supplement. Believe me, this is more than enough to fill me up each day but know I need more and want more. I've been adding high protein yogurt to the mix, cottage cheese and the best thing ever was yesterday, an Egg Beaters Scrambled Egg with low fat cheese...HEAVEN!!! I just bought an amazing cookbook called , "Earing Well After Weight Loss Surgery" by Levine and Bontempo-Saray. The authors recipes sound delicious and they break down the recipes telling when in your recovery, you can have the recipe. This is where I got the idea for the scrambled egg. Keep the Faith my fellow weight loss surgery sister, we can do this!!,!

A small 5oz container of non fat greek yogurt with fiber 1 bran in it, has 15 g protein and low carbs, I ove greek yogurt sometimes put on grilled potobello mushrooms and pesto for lunch

You're not going to like what I write at all, but the very first thing that leaps out from your menu---after skipping dinner (and there has to be a way to get something nutritious in your body for dinner, if only a good-quality protein shake)--- is refined carbohydrate and "fake food" that's high in sodium, but not so high in nutrition. You don't have to give up Pringles and Wheat Thins forever. Or Smart Ones. They probably shouldn't ever be the mainstay of your diet, but there's room in your life for them. But during the time when you're aiming for maximum weight loss, you need to eat as though that's your aim. And your body will respond far more cooperatively if you give it lean protein (including legumes), nonstarchy veggies, heart-healthy fats, and whole grains and fruit in moderation. It will also lose more efficiently if you don't skip meals, but rather, provide fuel consistently throughout your day. What would happen if you replaced your Special K cereal bar with a protein-based snack? Something like fat-free cottage cheese or yogurt and fruit, maybe with a sprinkle of ground flax seed? What would happen if, instead of eating a Smart One for lunch, you had a couple of wraps of sliced turkey breast and cheese on romaine lettuce (or even a low-carb wrap)? They don't take longer to prepare, but are healthier and more satisfying. How about having a real dinner every night? Maybe a 3-4 ounce serving of lean protein and some nonstarchy veggies? It doesn't take long to prepare or eat---even for someone babying a band----and would give your body nutrients it needs. I bet you'd see the scale behaving differently. I see lots of advice here telling you to keep doing what you're doing. Mine would be to make some changes to see if they help you move toward your goal. I do NOT mean to minimize your great progress so far. But it sounds as though you're frustrated and hitting the wall, so I thought I'd toss my $0.02 in, for what little it's worth. (:biggrin: it's worth exactly $0.02.) Good luck!

I do an unjury Protein Shake in the morning- with skim milk it's 28 g Protein. Remember, your body can't really process more than 25-30 g protein at a time, so any more at a time is a waste. I also eat greek yogurt, it has a lot of protein, the 0% fat with cherry is like 120 calories. Also canned chicken or tuna. With eating these things I've had no problem getting in at least 60 g protein, and it's usually more. Where do you get the wonderslim protein? That sounds good for a chocolate fix!!

I know things seem hopeless right now (God knows we've ALL been there), but I promise you that you'll feel a sense of peace after your surgery, just knowing you have REAL help with your weight loss efforts makes a world of difference. It's really hard for me to describe how it feels for me, it's almost like it gives me the strength to keep going and try and stay away from all the garbage I love to eat. I feel restriction now after my second fill, it's so weird to eat so little and feel so full. It's like a miracle, literally. I had my surgery at the TLBC and went through the cottage cheese/yogurt diet as well. The first couple of days were hard but you'll get used to it and you'll make it. You're worth it, you can do it..once your weight loss begins you'll feel SO much better, I promise. GO FOR IT!!!

Yeah, I had wicked wicked NASTY carb withdrawal symptoms!!! Kim...easy on the yogurt girl....a whole BIG container for one meal is a lot.

I had a very little fill yesterday .2 ccs. I thought I was already at 6 ccs, but the doctor said I was actually at 5.8. so now I am at 6. I am doing soft foods for today just to be safe. I lost 3.5 lbs in the past 2 weeks. I am now down 30 lbs!!!!! I have noticed that I am pretty tight in the morning and can not really eat anything solid. I started eating a few bites of yogurt when I wake up just to have food in the pouch and jump start my metabolism. Night eating is still the hardest part of my day. I get bored or something and want to munch. Any helpful ideas????? I do sugar free popsicles already. All in all I am really happy and pleased with the weight loss and the progress. My clothes fit better and my joints feel much better. I know I still have a long way to go, but I am on the right track at least and making head way. :thumbup: Oh and I have never had blood preasure issues, but when they took it yesterday it was 117/78. She said that was ideal!!!!! How cool. :smile2:

I've been worrying about that too... I'm still on full liquids and don't have much restriction at all... and everyone says well wait till you get to the puree stage... but in my head, pureed food isn't much different in consistency than pudding or yogurt, so I don't know how I'll feel then (I do have more restriction with those things than with clear liquids, but really not a whole lot).

I have the same fear. I started solids yesterday and so far I have eaten a half a chicken breast for lunch and another half for dinner. My other meals are my old reliables - yogurt and hummus. I have to say, the chicken felt no different and was actually very filling. I was at a restaurant for a business dinner last night and caused quite a stir that I didnt clean my plate as normal and did not request a doggie bag, oh well. It was actually a waste of food but I knew that if I brought it home it could be trouble.

Normally I have no issues bc there is a fridge, ice, etc at work. Tomorrow my mom is having surgery. I will be taking her & not leaving until she can leave. What can I take that doesn't need to be refrigerated? Normally I am at work at 8, have a yogurt at 9, snack at 11, and so on. I'll be leaving the house at 4 am, so I can take my yogurt with me. The surgery is at 7, and I'm sure I will be hungry before. Ideas? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I didn't eat fruit (other than avocados) for a few months after surgery -- I was focused on protein, and the carbs were just too high for my plan. Not eating fruit didn't hurt me! I was eventually able to add it back in. Keep in mind that you will be eating very small portions of whatever you are eating. 25 grams of blueberries (a very reasonable amount for a sleever to add to some yogurt) has 2.5 grams of sugar.

I was on Clear Liquids for the first day in the hospital, then advanced to full liquids by the time I was discharged. Full liquids for the 1st 3 weeks, then puree for a week, then mush and I am starting to introduce solids. My full liquid go-to items were Jello, diluted pudding with Protein powder mixed in, Protein shakes with greek yogurt blended in, diluted yogurt, cream soups. I got some of the Gerber multigrain baby Cereal as well - apple/sweet potato - that mixed with milk and some Protein Powder to the right texture was pretty good. My next stage go-to foods have been pasta-less lasagna - cooked chicken breast, ricotta, and a couple of tablespoons of spaghetti sauce zipped down into dip texture in the Ninja blender; tuna salad made with albacore, homemade zucchini relish, and lowfat olive oil mayo - also zipped down into dip texture in the Ninja; cottage cheese, eggs cooked anyway I like (mostly poached and over easy), undiluted yogurt. Hummus is good. My sister just picked the last of the season's squash from her garden, so I'll get to enjoy some of that in the coming days.

Im 15 days post op, i started at 196lbs, and lost 10lbs up till now. The scale hasn't moved for 5 days though. I understand i will stall, but just feel a little defeated. Eating is a new ball game, im on the soft stage and the pressure and tightness after eating a few bites is really tough. Some things are going down well, yogurts, banana and liquids but i vomited up eggs today. After a week on softs im adjusting but please tell me there is hope. 6months or a year later, has that sensation of tightness and pressure gone after eating? can you eat normally ? a regular meal albeit a small portion but can you comfortably eat a small meal and feel ok? Can you go the restaurant and enjoy a small meal ? I just feel a little overwhelmed at times, did i do the right thing? I have a lower BMI but have been overweight all of my adult life and my family history in health is really bad i wanted this to help me lose weight with consistency. I can't tell you how many times i would diet to only fall off the wagon again and again. I want to be proactive and make a positive change for the better. I would appreciate any advice and guidance This site has been so informative for me

andrea - you don't necessarily have to cook, though - just assembling things and putting them together in a to-go container is better and cheaper for you than hitting up your local sandwich place. for instance, fruit/veggies and cheese and crackers, and a yogurt cup... there's a lunch right there... and instead of a cooler, what about those thinner insulated bags they have these days? or you can cook a nice medley of veggies and store it in a ball jar and just keep taking some... that way you don't have to cook 4 dinners, but just keep eating leftovers... i'm not trying to preach, i just honestly care, and it's sooo much better for you. in terms of eating out, i would say just try to look for the healthier options on a menu - where do you usually go? if you get a salad, can you get oil and vinegar on the side, so they don't drown your lettuce? what about subway? you can get a big sandwich there with mainly vegetables, and tell them what to put on it, so they don't load it up with mayo. hm, what else? i would tell you to try to go mainly vegetarian... i have posted before that even people like the new york times' mark bittman are saying even if you love meat, you should be mainly vegetarian... and red meat, well i would either cut that out all together or have it once every few months. it's very bad for you. Soup is also a good option, depending on what it has in it. smoothies are SOMETIMES good if you can choose what goes in them, my dr. told me that a lot of eople remain fat by going to places like jamba juice, though. i'm trying to think of what else i do when i go out... if i get a sandwich, i usually take off most of the bread, but i rarely get sandwiches anymore. if you're in an italian place, or actually, any place, you can ask them what dishes they have that are primarily vegetables... instead of (trying to) eat a big thing of pasta/chinese rice/etc... if i think of anything else i will try and let you know! one other reason i say eating in is good is because you get to experiment with what you can eat for when you do eat out, you know?

There is not just soft fish and yes tuna would be ok...you might want to mix it with something though like mayo,don't worry about fat content just yet. Sole,haddock steamed with lemon,pureed chili,soft boiled eggs,mashed potatoes,yogurt,mashed carrots,mashed turnips. You can blend or mash anthing,just make sure there are no big lumps. C

I would ask your surgeon or nutritionist what they recommend. I think everybody is told something a little bit different based on what their care team prefers. For me, my guidelines were that I should have about 4 protein shakes daily. With breakfast I could have 1/2 cup of berries and I could have a lean protein and a cup of veggies for dinner. I could also sub in a yogurt for lunch instead of a protein shake if I wanted.

Hey Bert, I am with you here sister!! I am so tired of liquids but am happy that I am now 10 days out as well. There is a light at the end of the tunnell. I have my good days and my bad days as far as hunger is concerned but when I am REALLY hungry I just eat something. I have decided to just listen to myself and act on it. As far as the liquids go, I have found that the Dannon light and fit yogurt smoothies are soooo yummy!! They are really nice because they are portable. I can just throw one in my purse (as long as it is not too warm) and eat it on the go. Also the Carnation instant Breakfast drinks are my friends. I took the sugar free vanilla last night and mixed it with low carb peanust butter and voila, it tasted like a peanut butter milkshake. It was sooo good. It tasted way too good to be good for you! I have tried mashed taters but nothing else really solid. Oh yeah, I took Campbells potato soup and added some cheddar cheese, purreed it and it tasted like cheesy bake potato. It was really good too. Girl we are getting there. I go to my Dr. on the 28th for a follow up. That would be 4 weeks. I am unsure if they fill that soon. I really hope they do because it is a 4.5 hour drive for me to get to them. Oh well, keep going it's downhill from here!!

Hi! I'm 15 days post op and after receiving and starting reading the BIG book I think I've pushed my diet too fast. We received paper work on post op from our dr. But it was conflicting. When I left the hospital and went to the grocery store, my guide was like most people buy yogurt water and Gatorade. Soooo I've had yogurt sense day 3 and other soft daries as well as soft mushy veggies and two days ago I introduced mashed potatoes. I've had absolutely no issue. How bad have I messed up?

Have my 2'nd fill on Thursday April 12'th. Wow...I am restricted alright! I think I need to be emptied a little actually. I have slimed at least once a day since Thursday. I'm having a hard time getting things down with chestpain. Solids that is. Even cereal too. Shakes, grits, yogurt, icecream all go down fine. I guess I've caused some irritation with gagging and maybe I'm still swollen but if this continues throughout the week I'm going to call to have some taken out. I'm at 2.2 right now. The weight loss have been very slow....it discouraging really. I've only lost an additional 3 pounds in 3 weeks. 25 pounds loss in all so far. Well, at least I haven't gained.

I think I'm just really uncomfortable with having to move slow and deliberate and the added discomfort of the bloat, gas and pressure on my diaphragm causing pain in my shoulders. I know this will pass (pardon the pun) and by next week I should be doing very well. Anxious!! :wub: I am too getting burned out fast on the protein shakes and yogurt....I think I'm a bit hungry!

Simplysimple its not just me then? What a relief. I have managed two smooth yogurts and some clear soup today and that has perked me up. Now feeling guilty for eating that!!!!!! How screwy is that?