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I am 18 days post-op and these are my orders: Day 1-2 (in hospital) clear fluids Days 3-9: full liquids Days 10-16: puréed foods Days 17-30 soft foods Day 31 solid foods. When I went for my post op appointment at day 16, my doctor said I can pretty much eat anything, starting off with softer foods, take very small bites at first. Especially smaller bites for meat, and chew, chew, chew, chew. He did say to stay away from hard to digest foods a little while longer, like asparagus, celery, and nuts. I am going slowly, one new food at a time.

This is a reminder to me to treasure my second chance through wls, I wanted to share. A.coworker needed to lose 17 lbs in five weeks in order to qualify for special training (she's in the military). She dropped the weight through plastic wraps, zero carbs, steam room, something called laser Lipo, and a weight loss drug she bought in Mexico-- some kind of amphetamine . She met the weight but was unable to do complete her physical training because she collapsed. She went to the hospital and her heart is arrythmic and the IVs for fluid have been difficult because she is dehydrated. She had a staph infection and developed energy to the antibiotic she was given. It's awful! Before wls I did several unhealthy things to lose weight. If I hadn't had wls I might still be trying things that I knew wouldn't work. If you are thinking about wls, please know that it can finally end the crazy train of fad diets and desperation if you use it as it was meant to be used.

Hi everyone, went to the ER today due to stomach pain because of non stop cough, turns out I have the flu and pneumonia AND pregnant, from the caluculations I had VSG done while I was pregnant. Now I'm scared anyone been in this situation before? Please share your experience. Since sx I've lost 36 pounds

Hi, there: I'm scheduled for VSG surgery on April 17, 3 weeks from today, and I'm really anxious about giving up my go-to support, FOOD! I didn't think it was that much a part of my life until now and it's scary and shocking, a bit of shame thrown in there, that I am panicking about not being able to turn to my old standby when dealing with negative thoughts and feelings. I'm eating all kinds of crap that I had easily given up without an issue but now that I'm getting closer to my surgery date it's like I have to grab onto it because it's going to be gone forever (in my mind). I know this is not healthy but I'm struggling. Does anybody have any advice or have you gone through this yourself? Thanks in advance

Some days are easier than others. The first few days were certainly the worst, though I am struggling today for some reason. I find myself going to bed a little earlier than usual, partly due to fatigue, but mostly because nighttime is when I usually snack. On Saturday, I attended a soccer (sorry - football) match, where there was an open bar and free food, and I somehow managed to get through it, but it's not an experience I'd like to have again until I am much further along in this process. Seeing the weight start to come off quickly has been a big motivator as well. For me, at least, the key has been making sure I am constantly sipping on something, so I stay relatively full. That being said, it's certainly not the worst thing that's ever happened to me, but I am very much looking forward to having this part done and over with.

Hang in there buddy, we are ending one journey and starting a new one.

I was put on 10,000 mcg of Biotin for a month after my surgery. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to keep taking it, so I stopped. I would ask your surgeon if you can. I'm about 4 months out now and I must admit, I have had a little bit of hair loss. But it hasn't been too bad. I know it's temporary. I have a friend who had the surgery, did not take Biotin, and had no hair loss. So I guess it depends on the individual somewhat. I would say it doesn't hurt to take it and if I did it over, I might have continued to take it after the one month. Who knows if it would have helped.

You got this! Prayers for a seamless surgery and speedy recovery! I am day 4 post op and the pain has gotten better, just not completely where I wish I would be pain wise.

Weight loss surgery is not easy. You need a lot of courage to get started, and a lot of persistence to get the information you need to choose a surgery and surgeon, and figure out finances. It takes a lot of discipline to give up favorite foods, to cut portions, and to work out regularly. There can also be challenges from other people who question your every decision or undermine your hard work. You need help meeting these challenges. You need someone to speak up for you. The best person for the job? It is you. While others can help, you are the one whom you can depend on to be there for yourself and who knows exactly what you need and want. Here are some ways to be your own best advocate. Ask Questions Your advocate should get the information you need. Ask your surgeon how you can best prepare for surgery, what you can do to recover faster, and which mistakes he or she sees most often so you can avoid them. Find out how to contact your surgeon for post-op questions, and learn where you can go for support group meetings. You will need to ask plenty of other questions, too! As your own advocate, don’t be shy about asking anyone about anything. Read everything you can online and on BariatricPal, then use the forums to ask about anything you’re not sure about. You are sure to get all kinds of helpful hints that you never expected! Provide for Your Needs Life does throw curve balls, but your basic needs stay predictable. You know which foods and fluids you will need in any given day, so make sure you have them. Plan your menu for each day and go grocery shopping for the week so you are sure to always have the food you need around. Always keep a stash of “extras” in case of unplanned circumstances. Have instant protein meals and other staples in your pantry for last-minute meals. Keep protein bars and nuts in your car, your gym bag, and at work. Have different flavors of protein powder for whenever you find yourself hungry and without other options. You can also help yourself out by planning ahead. For example, if you’re going to a party, make sure you will have the foods that you will need for that time without needing to wait until after the party to eat or depending on the host to provide healthy proteins. Stick a protein bar or some nuts in your pocket or purse, or bring a healthy dish to share and nibble on yourself. Be Your Own Planner If you were taking care of a child with certain needs, you would schedule them in, make sure your child had the materials needed, and get your child to where he needed to go. If you have children, you may keep track of their homework, take them to after-school activities, and make sure they get the nutritious meals and proper sleep that they need. You would keep healthy foods around and provide them with the pencils and sports equipment that they need for school and extracurricular activities. Why wouldn’t you be just as good to yourself? Provide the same level of self-care for yourself as you do for your family. Keep healthy foods on hand, and schedule your own exercise and meal planning in and keep your commitment just like it was school. Prioritize your commitments, just like you would do for your children. Your meal prep and workout time is important, but so is relaxation time with your family or friends, or by yourself. Over the long term, balancing work and play can keep you on track but satisfied. Speak up When Necessary Keeping quiet can sometimes seem easier or more considerate to others, but keeping a low profile can work against you sometimes. Learn when it makes sense to speak up for yourself. For example, at restaurants, the server may be willing to bring you what you ask for (like a slab of plain chicken breast or the kids’ meal), but will not even know that is what you want (and need) if you do not say something out loud. You may find that you need to explain your weight loss surgery as a medical condition to get your server to honor your request. These are some other times when you should not keep your mouth shut: When someone pressures you to eat something that's not on your diet. When you do not understand your surgeon’s or nutritionist’s instructions. When you need help around the house or preparing your food. Learning to be your own best advocate can pay off in a big way, as you will always have someone looking out for your best interests. It is one more thing you can do to help yourself succeed in your WLS journey.

As of today my BMI is in the 'Overweight' category instead of 'Obese', at 29.9. Woohoo!