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"buyers remorse" is very common the first month or so after surgery. I had it as well. But for almost all of us, it goes away and we're really happy with our choice to have surgery. So just hang in there. I'm a Premier Protein hater, too. I used mostly Syntrax and Unjury products (Syntrax only comes in powder - Unjury now has ready-to-drink, but they didn't back when I had surgery). People's tastes are all really different - just experiment and see if you can find a couple you like. I was a presenter for my clinic's pre-op classes for about three years (until COVID struck). EVERY class someone would ask about hair loss. I could count on it. That and loose skin seem to be people's major concerns. And they were mine as well when I was a pre-op and early post-op. But I think I can speak on behalf of most vets here that we would take either or both of those any day of the week over being morbidly obese again. The hair loss is a minor inconvenience that may or may not happen to you. Not everyone loses hair. I lost hair between months 5-9, but the only reason I knew about it was I noticed about twice the normal number of hair strands in my comb after coming out my just-shampooed hair. Looking in the mirror, I couldn't tell. Even if your loss is more significant than mine, for most people (not all - but most), they're the only ones who notice it.

That does sound like early dumping, except the throwing up part. Check with your Doc as it almost seems like a stricture. I couldn't throw up unless something is stuck and even then it's more akin to spitting up. Since we have no pyloric valve our food/drink drops straight to the intestines so after a minute there is nothing in a place where it could through up. This is why I think stricture or similar could be in play. Check your protein drink. Not all are for weight control. Some have copious amounts of sugar. Bang on your surgeon's head until he gets the message you need help. Bring the protein drink and throw up on him you have have to. Don't get discouraged you will get through this. Good luck, Tek

Thank you everyone! This helped my anxiety about it.

My goodness did you save me! The Fairlife is unbelievable! So much better. I don't feel like the sky is falling anymore. I am very relieved. Thank@cellbell. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hang in there. It gets better. My nutritionist and surgeon said from the get go that in the very beginning I may not get all the protein in that I'm supposed to and that that was normal. Gradually I was able to get more in and by the time I hit soft food stage, I was no longer relying on protein powders or shakes for my protein because I was getting enough in with food! I think in short time you will be fine and not need those things either. The first month or two may be iffy but I doubt that will be the norm for you forever. You're still early in the game and things change. Hang in there and see what new ways you can get your protein in come your next phase. You are still way early in the game. As for the hair, I was feeling so confidant I wasn't gonna be one to lose mine because I made it to about the beginning of month 4 and no hair loss really. A lil, not much. HOWEVER, here I am month 5 and it's falling out like crazy. But, not enough to create baldness or anything. I've read that this is normal and that your other organs start demanding more of the nutrients and vitamins and so your hair temporarily goes into a dormant stage but that it doesn't last too long and it will start growing again. So, while it does suck I will just wait and see how things play out. I go to my surgeon in Nov and at that time he will be testing all sorts of vitamin and mineral levels. So, if things are too crazy I'm sure he will see it and we will adjust accordingly. But yeah, you may experience this too like many of us but it gets better and things do improve.

I keep a simple notebook journal for my feelings and thoughts. I remember when I start to feel depressed so I can go back and take note. I used to use a calendar with happy, sad, angry, blah faces. When I get to two weeks or more I evaluate the extenuating circumstances around me, like major life changes, allergies or menstrual cycle. If it can’t be logically explained I seek out therapy. It sounds like you know what is causing the problem. Food used to help you cope. Therapy will help you find the root of your feelings and name it, and express it in a healthy way instead of overeating. While you are looking for a therapist (try your WL center first, but there’s lots of online options too) try tracking when you feel like binging and all the stuff going on around you. I’m finding Friday nights very tough. Maybe you’ve been struggling for a long time and need medication and more help. Mental health is physical health. Physical health is mental health too.You did the first step of identifying the problem and the second of asking for help. You will figure it out and what works for you. Keep us posted on your progress. I know you can do this!

I would have been knocking on my surgeon's door long before now. Everyone needs to learn not to be shy about reporting issues to your surgeon and keep banging on them until there are action items in place to deal with whatever the issue is. If the action items don't resolve the issue then keep banging. The squeaky wheel get the grease. The screeching wheel gets whatever it needs. Good luck, Tek

I had to get a new badge at work and when he pulled up my profile he said, “girl you need new photos. Want to do that while you’re here?” Felt good to get new photos on something I wear every shift that looks like me.

I'm finally coming back to the boards after a very long hiatus. Yes, I've had some dreaded regain between health issues, Covid, etc. and decided I need to do some sort of "therapy" even if it is socializing on here again. I admit that one of my main reasons for avoiding coming back here is exactly what you are posting about. I kept telling myself that all I'm going to here is go back to what you used to do, drink water/take vitamins/protein-protein-protein. All goes back to WLS being a tool and if your head isn't in the game you're boned. I know I'm not alone in this, and yes, it's so frustrating, embarrassing, and infuriating to be going back up after all the progress I've made. The elephant in the room is that deep down I know 90% of my struggles are mental. When you've spent 40 some years struggling with bad food relationships that crap doesn't just go away with a smaller stomach.

I agree with you that therapy is hugely necessary for so many of us. I think the reason that people don't suggest it is because so many people get offended and upset by the suggestion they see a therapist or even a dietitian. A lot of people ignore the mental reasons that caused them to overeat in the first place. I fully admit I was a sugar addict who ate candy and sweet things to cope with anxiety and depression but I hear people insist over and over that "I just liked to eat".