LapBand experience / Band-friendly foods?

[meggs353 118]

This post is half sharing of my experience with the band, an half question (see down below!).

I'm still new to LapBand, and working to get into the green zone. I had surgery in November and after about 3 weeks of healing I could eat the same foods and portions as I could pre-surgery (this is normal). After my first fill I didn't feel any restriction yet (also a normal occurrence). After my second fill I finally started to get restriction. I found that I could still eat all of the same foods as before as long as I was slow and mindful. If I took a bite of something while distracted (this happened often at work -reading emails while eating- or sometimes at home -watching TV-) I would get stuck. That food would have to come up before I could continue my meal. After surgery, and after my first fill I was gaining weight (up to a pound a week). After my second fill my weight gain final stalled and I was stable. Now I've gotten my third fill and the restriction is upped again. I'm hoping to start tipping the scales in the right direction!

I feel like I finally have the band I did all of the research on, and mentally prepared myself for, before surgery. The one that changed your eating habits, made you eat slowly and carefully, and might give you some food restrictions (like doughy bread or dry, tough meat).

I'm wondering, for all of you out there with properly adjusted bands, what are your favorite go-to foods?

My food habits pre-band included bread at Breakfast, fruit for Snacks, and usually veggies with Pasta for dinner. I think I now might have trouble with bread, fibrous fruits (like citrus, which breaks my heart since it's one of the only in-season fruits during winter) or veg (like cooked cabbage, less heart breaking but slightly annoying since I had just cooked up a large head of it for use in some freezer meals).

I'm looking for help to reshape my food habits and find healthy, delicious foods that are band friendly so I'm not relying on processed or soft foods. Thanks for any tips!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

You sound like you're getting it figured out. That's great. My tastes have changed over the last eleven months but here's what I like now:

chicken thighs

Kale and generally any salad

Croutons

cheese

eggs

Egg salad

chicken salad

Canned chicken

Ground meat of any kind

Steak, broiled and tender

Seafood like scallops or shrimp or lobster

Most white fish like cod

Greek yogurt with granola

Roasted vegetables

Hummus

I can't tolerate:

Dry stringy beef

Dry white meat chicken

Pork chops (exception is breaded pork tenderloin chewed well)

I can eat but try to limit these for weight loss:

popcorn

Pasta

bread

Potatoes

Sweets

As I said, it has changed. I really desire healthier foods now. Good luck to you !!!

[bacon 514]

I think I would caution you on "bringing it up" when you get stuck. I have done that for years and really regret it. Now I try to chew real well and swallow a little at a time. If I get stuck now, I wait for five minutes or so. If it does not go through, the meal is over. I will only eat again until I feel stomach growl. This means you are clear and you are Physically hungry. And when you are, it is so much easier to eat.

[meggs353 118]

Thanks so much for the suggestions and tips! I definitely want to keep good eating habits since I know that if I don't it can lead to complications. I appreciate hearing your experience!

[enjoythetime 1,457]

Oh how my taste buds and likes have been changed since surgery!!

I used to NEVER eat veggies, now I love them. I used to dispise yogurt and now a day without my yogurt and trail mix is like someone in the prebanded days taking my chocolate!!

The things I turn to are:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I make fajitas with no tortilla, chix salad, etc.

Cauiflower

Broccoli

Squash & zuccini with garlic, onions, carrots, rosemary with a splash of olive oil baked.

salad

Tilapia

Turkey or chix burgers

Turkey rollups with cheese

Shrimp

Yogurt with trail mix

Mini egg muffins with spiniach cheese onions and jalepinos

I do LOVE my Quest bars

I have completely eliminated not because I can't eat them but now have no desire to

All bread

I've had Pasta 2x in 2 years

Rice

pizza