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Hello! I'm 4 weeks post op and thought I would come back here to share what I have learned over the last 4 weeks. [emoji3590] My experience since surgery has been nothing short of incredible. I'm not speaking in terms of massive weight loss, but my energy, focus, well-being, mental clarity, and state of mind. The weight loss is a bonus. Looking back on my 8 month journey to the OR, I realized that the most crucial piece of advice I received came from the most unlikely of individuals on my path, the psychologist who did my psyche evaluation. She told me that the single best thing I could do for my recovery in the time before my surgery was to practice hitting my program Protein and fluid goals before surgery and to practice liquid Meal Replacement. I had more time than expected between this appointment and surgery (5 months versus 8 weeks due to multiple delays and reschedules), but I kept on doing this. I started by replacing Breakfast with my Protein Shake and monitoring my Water intake. I eventually worked up to hitting 70-90 grams of protein daily and my minimum 90 ounces of water. I still ate, but only after I was at my minimum protein goal. It wasn't an doctors order, it wasn't required, but I took her advice to heart and it has paid off in droves. Within days of my VSG, I was well on my way to hitting my goals again, with little head hunger or emotional discomfort with a liquid diet. I wasn't stressed or had any 'buyers remorse'. This is one small thing you can do for yourself on the way to make the lifestyle change a smooth transition. Best of luck! Sent from my Pixel 3a using BariatricPal mobile app

I doubt the weight gain is directly responsible for your misery, but I'm not a doctor. I would recommend you contact a doctor. If it were me, I'd consult a gastroenterologist. Theories on your current situation: Theory #1: You may have long-term, silent reflux. After a while, it sort of erodes the lining of your stomach and causes an ulcer. Theory #2: The changes in your diet may be contributing to an exacerbation of your reflux. If you have reintroduced diet sodas, are they caffeinated? Caffeine can contribute to acid reflux (as per my doctor). The gluten in bread is more challenging to digest. Not to say you're gluten intolerant, it's just the nature of the beast. If you're eating too late into the evening/too soon before bedtime, you may have residual undigested food that's sort of "laying there" and causing your discomfort. Theory #3: The extra weight MIGHT be causing additional pressure on your diaphragm at night and contributing, but is unlikely a primary cause. Theory #4: A combination of theories 1-3. Long-term, untreated GERD can have lasting consequences. Please consult a doctor. In the meantime, if it were me, I'd implement standard GERD strategies: PPIs (prilosec/nexium), make changes in my diet to avoid foods that contribute, sleep on a wedge/inclined bed, do not eat 3 hours before bedtime, etc. Good luck!

I am constantly cold, I dress in layers now. It is so much easier to do everything! My husband says I am too boney, my hip bones stick out and my spine. I am shocked when I look in the mirror and sometimes find myself staring at myself saying who is that? My wrinkle (y) skin drives me crazy! I feel pretty darn good!

Good point, I guess I am normal now, not skinny. Skinny to him though. That is a great idea to ask him what he wants to see me in now. I was very shy before being overweight, and never wore anything like lingerie. Maybe now, we can both benefit from it. LOL Thank you for the idea.

I did a 2-week liquid diet (protein shakes) with no solid food at all. As others have said, it gets easier after a few days. Also, you won't feel this hungry again for months after your surgery.

I can't do ANY white bread, it makes me sick. I have done whole wheat bread, protein pasta, chickpea and cauliflower pasta occasionally with no issues. Also, wheat tortillas for wraps.

So, I haven't really told many people about my surgery. A few close friends know, my mom, and my sister. I tell my mom everything so she knows, but out of my few close friends, only one was really supportive--everyone else was a bit hesitant. They all struggle with their weight, including my sister. So I don't like sharing my victories as they all start feeling bad about themselves. But today was huge and I want to share with someone other than my amazing and supportive mom. I laid down today to do sit-ups and I could actually see and feel my ribs starting to show through. I thought it was too good to be true so I videoed myself and lo and behold, I could see them quite prominently. I haven't seen them since 2015/2016. I am so excited! I can't see them standing up, obviously, but man was it a surprise laying down. Just really happy! I also tried on a shirt that was too tight before and now it is baggy. Anyway, that was my NSV. Thanks for listening!

WHAT, WHAT, WHAT!!!!???? I had no idea this was a possibility! My feet grew with both of my pregnancies, but did not even in my wildest dreams think they could shrink! I have ‘Peggy Hill feet’. Well... almost - 11.5 to 12!! It is sooo difficult finding shoes, I usually have to buy men’s! 😣. Oh my Holy Hannah!!! You have made my year!!! Crossing fingers for future foot shrinkage! Woooohooooo!!!! CONGRATS on all your successes!!! Thank you for sharing!

Nash, exactly the same for me! I watched it from time to time before, but now that I'm scheduled for surgery (March 4), I find it much more compelling. For one thing, I now understand the procedures they are having (and I'm horrified at how poorly some of them eat after surgery). I talked about the show with my surgeon, and she hates it because it's very hard to relate to the people on that show. She would like to do "My 300-Pound Life" that shows normal, relatable people getting surgery to de-mystify the process and inspire people.

The cravings will be blunted and almost nonexistent during the honeymoon period of 6 to 12 months post-op. However, in most people the cravings return. This is especially true for many people who compulsively ate sweets and sugar. There are two types of weight loss surgery patients: moderators and abstainers. Moderators can moderate their intake of trigger foods and stop before falling off the wagon, whereas abstainers must abstain from their trigger foods because they will definitely fall off the wagon. If you cannot moderate your intake of sweets, you need to abstain or else you will regain your weight.