Getting Enough Protein
One of the things you'll learn when getting banded is that you need to make sure you eat enough protein.
Something I've found that really helps me is canned chicken. I get 6 cans at Costco for $11.99 It is Kirkland Signature brand and each can is 12.5 oz. I can get 2 or 3 meals out of each can so that's kinda how I justify the cost. I just drain the water off as much as possible (and save this in Tupperware for soups or whatever later, stored in the freezer) and dump the chicken in some tupperware. I like it plain, right out of the can, or sometimes I mix it up and do chicken salad.
Don't forget about shrimp, if you like it. I get frozen baby ones and just pour out what I want. Also for a snack if you tolerate milk it has alot of protein. You need some carbs every time you eat protein to keep your blood sugar level normal and to burn fat instead of muscle. Keep that in mind.
I eat alot of turkey, sliced low fat from the deli or the pre-cooked turkey (heat and serve). You can also buy pre-cooked chicken for salads, fajitas, stir fry etc.
Don't forget veggie burgers (soy) and turkey burgers!!! With a little BBQ sauce...Delicious!
Okay, this is what I do. I cook up enough meat for an extended period of time. Say like I cook a whole turkey and then de-bone it and divide it up in freezer baggies. Then I just pull one bag out at a time and have instantly healthy turkey. Can use this in anyway you want, including just eating it plain. I also do this with a whole chicken. I buy the whole chicken that is cut up already. I seriously just throw it in a pot and let it boil for a few hours on low while I do other things around the house. The meat gets so tender that it just falls off the bone. I take just a few minutes to de-bone the meat and then same thing. Either divide and freeze or put in tupperware in the fridge. Then you have fresh cooked chicken in the fridge for several days. Put it in salad, make chicken salad, eat plain, make chicken pizza, whatever.
Protein shakes are great, I make them by mixing milk, protein powder and blueberries or whatever fruit I have on hand in the blender. It makes a great smoothie.