AliveAgain

Every doctor and NUT is different. I would advise against it only because it is very important that your liver and pancreas don't spike from the fructose (sugar) and carbs. As my doctor put it, those organs are trying to take a nice vacation right now after being overworked for so long. Yes, fruit is good for you and you will get to have it again. But try to be patient and wait to introduce that volume in a few months. With the limited size of your stomach and low calories, you really want to pack as much protein into every meal and not just empty carbs. Having a sip won't hurt you if you have someone willing to share!

If you ever watch a surgery, you can see why. If the liver is too big, they really can't GET to the stomach and maneuver very easily. Plus, it's very serious to damage the liver. You can't tell with bloodwork, usually only with ultrasound or CT scan.

Most likely that was my doctor (I know mine did a live VSG on Saturday, not sure if other docs were doing this). Yes, he's a leading surgeon with close to 12 years in VSG surgeries. He absolutely said what most have said here -- the sleeve CAN stretch, but only to 2 or 3 times the size it's reduced to. So if you can hold 3-4oz now, then with enough overeating and time you might be able to hold 6-10oz in the future. He also stresses that this surgery is not a magical "cure" forever. It is absolutely possible to regain all of your weight back and more IF YOU CHOOSE to lapse back into your old, bad eating habits for a period of time. The smaller stomach is a TOOL to help us get to goal without fighting the hunger and enormous volume we used to be able to take in. Doing this surgery is a lifelong commitment. One everyone should do whether they have this surgery or not. It's knowing how to eat for optimum health instead of abusing food for "sport" -- how to incorporate exercise into our lives forever. Most obese people have a hard time getting past the first few weeks or months of a diet because it's not fast enough and we become discouraged. Going to the gym hurts, and for good reason because we've got so much pressure on our knees, ankles, and backs!! The surgery is just a good friend who keeps you motivated and limits your ability to truly do more damage. But the real challenge is making changes to eat healthy, watch the nasty carbs (white flour, rice, etc.), count calories when you can, pay attention to portions, drink plenty of the RIGHT fluids (kick the soda habit FOR GOOD), and make activity and exercise an essential part of your life. There are plenty of people who have successfully held off regain for many years. Some in our group are going on 4-5 years. Just like RNY or DS, the surgery is just one step. The rest is up to you. If anyone thinks they can have this surgery, lose the weight and then just go back to junk food, alcohol, sugar -- just in smaller portions, and not in moderation -- they are fooling themselves and will most likely regain. There is an image on this forum showing a stomach right after surgery and then 4 years out. It is stretched but still teeny tiny

Powder? Never knew they came in powder! Most people on here use Bariatric Advantage or Celebrate chewable Vitamins. Although, the sweetness can become a bit much after a few weeks. But not unbearable to use until you can switch to more of a solid at 6-8 weeks. They come in different flavors and are like Sweet Tarts. If you look on those sites, I think they send out sample kits. Centrum also make a chewable, though it can be hard to find in some stores (was for me).

I am 3.5 months out and have to say that the only time I felt hungry was in weeks 1-2. But for me it was more the psychological break from my head hunger, missing the RITUAL of preparing and eating solid food. It does go away with time and once you start getting into mushies then solids, with that sensation of chewing -- much better. The grumbling is normal, every patient has it. The whole digestive system is adjusting to the liquid stage, most of that is actually your intestines processing the fluids and Protein, producing gas. If your actual stomach is grumbly, it's also most likely acid for which you really need to be on a reducer for (Omeprazole, Prilosec, etc.). Sipping on Water usually helps settle that along with exercise. No doctor really prepares you for the psychological part you go through the first month learning to differentiate between signals of what your body NEEDS versus the pattern of eating for pleasure or response to stressful stimuli. You can search on this forum for some good book reads to help with this as well.

Also keep in mind that, myself included, a lot of people find their taste buds altered for the first few weeks after surgery. I had a really hard time with the taste for a while, but eventually that goes away. Have you tried Nectar's sample pack of other flavors? I still don't care for vanilla and chocolate too much, and they have more fruit-like flavors that I really like. Hang in there, remember this is the medicine your body needs to heal properly.

Yep, that happens to me ALL the time. The same meal that once went down easy does not go down so easy as leftovers or just when I make it again later. Sometimes dinner meals are easier, sometimes lunch meals are easier. I even posted about this the other night when I was worried I was eating too easily, then BAM the restriction came right back. This was more of a problem in the first 4-8 weeks after surgery, it does get a little better. The stomach is still healing a bit even 3-6 months out. Until then, just let it be.

So I got worried over the last two weeks because I was barely able to eat solid foods. I am 15 weeks out now (3.5mos). It would take 20 minutes or so to get in 1-1.5oz of Protein (chicken, scallop, shrimp, etc) and I got the "full" signal. Most days, I barely hit 500 calories. Then, in the last two days I feel more hungry than usual. And I have been able to eat larger meals with no problem. In fact, if I wasn't listening to my full signal, I'd eat more. It's as though I'm eating more easily. Last night I had 3oz of meat (mix pork chop and filet mignon leftovers), plus some veggies. Went down easy and in under 30 minutes. Tonight we made soft tacos for the first time since surgery b/c my husband was craving them. I made mine with 2oz ground lean meat and limited toppings more tostada style. No rice allowed and only 1tbsp pinto Beans - and no frying of the shell, just a nice pan reheat, no oil. I was expecting to eat it tostada style, but found myself trying the soft taco shell (a low carb option). To my amazement I was able to eat one whole taco, small bites, putting down the taco b/n bites and eating over about 20 minutes. I tallied everything and it came to 297 calories, 13g protein, and only 15 carbs. But it was more than I've eaten in a single meal in WEEKS, and so easily with no pain at all. I was still under 700 calories for the day, 110g of protein, 30 carbs total and 20g fat. I also drank 80oz of Water and went on a 1.5 hour grueling 9 mile mountain bike ride. The only things I can tie it to is that I hit ovulated a few days ago and I know the hormones spike in the days/week after that. Has this happened to anyone else?

I may take this back in a few years, but I'm OK with the loose skin. Of course, I'd rather it go away. But I hope it will serve as a reminder of where I never want to go again. If I can have your muscle tone and strength, that's fine for me!

The first week is the roughest for everyone. So you're not alone, and you will get through this! What kind of shake are you drinking? Some shakes that work for some will not work for others, so you may want to look into other options and try a few kinds. My doctor sent me packets of the Healthwise mixes (chicken soup, tomato, beef) that I would add to low-sodium broth. They were only 15g Protein, but easier to get down than the sweet shakes. Taste buds may be a little off for a while. I know I couldn't handle the vanilla and chocolate stuff until about week three. unjury brand also makes a chicken soup flavor that is higher in protein, and it's really tasty. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration can make you feel worse and even nauseous. Water is best, decaf or herbal teas. Some people on here swear by Gatorade G2 I think. Aim for 64oz daily though you will most likely only hit 48oz or so this soon after surgery - broths and Jello count! Also, you will be able to take in more one day than you do on the next day. It's normal and don't worry unless it's becoming a trend that happens over many days or more than average. Your body will heal just fine so long as you are just doing your best!

So my gastroenterologist informed me today that consuming TOO MUCH shellfish can make the LDL cholesterol go up. I've been eating shrimp and scallops like 4-5 times per week since solids. YIKES! Just wish my doctor or NUT would have mentioned this when I asked them about the cholesterol problem

I am 3 months out and my PCP ordered some labs for me. My cholesterol is a funky one. I have thankfully gone down in my total cholesterol from 203 to 185. The bad one (LDL) went down from 147 to 134, but unfortunately my good (HDL) is also lower - from 42 to 34. The HDL was already low to begin with, given you want more than 46mg/dL. This makes my ratio worse from 4.8 to 5.4 putting me in a cardiac risk area. Has anyone heard of this happening after surgery? Most of my Protein is whey isolate shakes, made with Water. I occasionally make them with 3-4oz of unflavored soy milk, but the "creamy" taste doesn't always agree with me. I eat lean meats like chicken breast, shrimp, scallops, halibut, some turkey. I rarely have eggs, they also don't agree with me. If I have one or two a week, that's it. I also have FF Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, with a Babybel snack as my main cheese. The rest of my food is a soup/broth, green veggie, some fruit, and a little bit of hummus. I cook with EV olive oil and anytime I have a dressing on my veggies, it's my homemade balsamic vinaigrette made with that olive oil -- all good for the heart. I do eat avocado (against doctor's orders) for the same heart healthy HDL and Fiber. I exercise very regularly, 5-6 days per week with light walks on my "rest" days. I'm worried about this and not sure what to do. I can't take cholesterol medication b/c we still plan to have children. I know most of the time it's genetic, but I'm just curious if anyone else had this after the sleeve?

Thanks ladies. My husband reminded me that every time I worry that I ate too much tends to be when the scale moves the most. Before surgery, I would have eaten 3 or 4 of those tacos with rice and much more topping than I used. So I know my sleeve is still working. It was just so amazing to go from one end of fullness to the other in such a short period. Also, I must note that when I hit day 17 of my cycle, the weight just FALLS off for the next 7-10 days until my period begins. Like clockwork, up to a pound per day! Anyone who says "hormones don't play a factor in weight loss" is smoking crack

Do you have a Blender Bottle? I bought a large one at Bed, Bath and Beyond, love it. So I ordered more from their website - mixes in seconds!

Personally, I'd stay away from them this early post-op. Not sure what kind you're having, but most are made with flour and butter which are not going to help with weight loss. Plus, the fillings can have added sugar (dessert) and flour/butter for the savory. While the consistency is good, I'm sure they'd go down well. They aren't the best calorie/fat/carb/protein option. Did your doctor or NUT provide a guide to you of what to eat and not to eat?

Pain meds can cause bad headaches as well - while you're taking them and right after you stop taking them. I would drink as much Fluid as you comfortably can, Water or herbal tea preferred, as dehydration is most likely the culprit. Sometimes low levels of magnesium can cause bad headaches for me, and on the liquid diet you surely aren't getting enough. I was able to use powder-form magnesium citrate mixed with water after surgery, helped with the headache and constipation. Are you taking Calcium? I had problems with the limestone form of calcium (citrate) causing horrible headaches. I use New Chapter Bone Health which is made from a plant-based (algae) form and -- no headaches. Just a few suggestions, but definitely call your doctor if it's not gone by tomorrow. I've been to the ER for migraines that lasted days and made life unlivable. They don't treat you as urgent, will most likely make you wait a long time, and just pump you with fluids and give you really strong pain meds like morphine. I would avoid if you can make it, but if you start having fever, chills, sweating, etc. - don't delay. (I've suffered from debilitating headaches and the occasional migraine for over 20 years, with three emergency room visits.)

Sounds like gas to me. Search this forum and you'll find lots of answers for what to do. Basically walk, walk, walk, fluids, fluids, and maybe some GasX or Benefiber. It's normal for the incision to be a little hard the first month from the fluids healing the incision. Yes, pain meds will mess with your emotions and dreams, as well as cause major constipation (bloating). You'll know when you're ready, but you will feel better mentally a few days after you stop the pain meds. But don't rush it if you truly still have pain. I think I used it for 2-3 days after surgery and then switched to children's Tylenol.

Chill out on the dairy, #1 culprit of constipation. Drink plenty of Water or the Colace won't work well. Walk and exercise. I find sometimes drinking powder-form magnesium citrate helps as well. There is a brand called Calm I buy at Whole Foods, it dissolves and fizzes in warm water, then you add cold water and drink it after the fizzing is done. That makes me move in just a few hours. If you get really stuck, I highly recommend colon hydrotherapy. If you're at least 8-10 weeks out, it's totally safe since it only "affects" your rectum, and the first bit of your colon and large intestine. WORKS WONDERS FOR ME! For Fiber I eat a Metamucil wafer/cookie, and use Benefiber dissolvable powder in all my Protein shakes. Avocado, edamame, chia or flax seeds are all good sources of fiber that work well with our tummies! Best of luck!

I love the Syntrax nectar drinks, especially the lemonade, lemon tea and cappucino flavors. But then again, I don't like most others because they're all vanilla and chocolate (yuk). I use unflavored in Jello for more Protein. You can't use protein in liquids above 130 degrees or it will clump and foam. I make JellO like regular with 1-2cups of hot boiling Water, mix it, let it sit until room temp. Then take 1-2cups of room temp water and mix with a scoop of protein. Then mix it all together when it's not hot. Chill and then it's a treat later!

No worries, just a TV show Glad you're feeling better. I had that happen when I was super rushed and excited one morning, running all over the house, and all the bending over for shaving in the shower made me vomit. Funny how that happens. I really thought it was going to be Arizona. Can't wait to watch it and see the rest tonight!

Wow, you may want to mention that this post is also a spoiler alert. I'm in California and was not expecting that!!

Amytug, I'm halfway to goal at 3.5 months out from surgery. The scale is hovering at 201 the last two days, just waiting to hit Onederland soon!

It's funny that the one thing that worried me the most was the relationship with my husband changing. We had our favorite restaurants and loved to partake in cooking great meals. Granted he's been 5'11" and 160lbs his whole adult life. I was afraid we would not know what to do with each other anymore, how to have conversations when it wasn't over a meal or cooking. But we chatted just last week - on one of our many, many walks together - at how this experience has brought us much closer together. We walk and/or bike together once if not twice a week, we're back to exploring new things to do, and it's been wonderful. I had those same thoughts, as pretty much all of do. The doubt, the wonder if it's giving up too easily. Everyone knows their willpower and I say all the better if you can do it without the cost, recovery and risk of surgery. But in my case, my knees were within a year of more surgery. My PCOS was becoming more severe, and the years it would have taken to do this on my own would have been much harder on me and my loved ones. Sure, I was really good at dieting and losing 15-20lbs on my own. Then the scale would barely move. I'd have a stressful day/week and give up. I was tired of that yo-yo and knew I had to get serious. I just got back from a 12 mile bike ride I could not have done 4 months ago. I'd say that speaks for itself.

It's decently good, I used it quite a bit during my liquids phase. But I haven't used it since. The taste is fine, but I never liked that I had to eat it warm - not hot. Now that I can have real soup with chunks of chicken, I do that instead.

It was hardest for me because I spent 28 years of my life at normal weight, and most of my twenties quite athletic and at times, underweight. Then some bad things happened in my life, along with age, and the weight came on. Before I was obese, I ate normal meals and went on my way. Dieted at times for bikini weather and that was it. The stress and low self esteem of being obese led me to find comfort in food. It was a horrible cycle to be in. I had lost the activities I'd loved previously, shut myself out from friends because I was the big one in the group, and started eating larger quantities of food. No junk besides pop, but not helping my situation. I tried and tried many times in the 7 years I was obese to lose the weight and it was not like losing 5-10lbs for summer. I'd fail 3 months in and then feel worse, which just brought on more eating for pleasure and soothing. My stomach became my only friend, and not a good friend. Now that 90% is gone (yep, my doctor only does 90%) -- I have much more respect for what I'm sending down there. Can I eat pop and chips? Yep, I sure could. But I have such precious little space now, I don't want to. I want to give my body the healthy Protein and veggies, fruit from time to time. Yes, I have a piece of toast once a week or so. But it's 1/4 of the amount I used to eat in one meal. Yes, I have had Pasta. But I put two tortellini from my husbands plate on my fork, and that's all I need to savor the flavor. No more bowl of my own. I have had a few moments where I wish I could have my stomach back for just one meal. But I know it's more social pressure than actual hunger. I want to partake in the celebration of food for parties, etc. Because I'm rarely ever hungry now. And when I actually feel hungry, I know 2-4oz of food will take care of it and I'm satisfied. Also, stress can make me go back to those head hunger moments when I'd reach for food to calm down. But I'm human, I lapse into old thoughts. Instead I go for a walk or bike ride, and it's my new stress reliever!