Fyrefly

Greetings! I've been "lurking" on the forums for a couple weeks, and since I've opted not to share my surgery decision with anyone but a couple very close friends, I thought it would be healthy to plug into this great resource. Quick rundown on me: After a few years of being curious about WLS (and watching my weight yo-yo), I decided four weeks ago to have the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Since my insurance doesn't cover the procedure, I'm financing it myself and was able to speed up the process. My surgery is May 22, and although I am 100% certain this is the right choice for me, now that surgery is only two days away, I'm dealing with some anxiety. I'm glad to have stumbled across this online community, and look forward to reading more success stories.

Surgery 5/22; I'm down 22 pounds.

That's really encouraging to hear--congrats and keep it up!!!

After reading many posts and comments, I've noticed there are two very different philosophies on VSG success. One school of thought sees the reintroduction of "normal" foods back into one's diet as a goal or mark of success. The other school of thought sees the months and weeks of post-op as an opportunity to get some mileage out of being able to live primarily on Protein shakes. What is the difference between these two? I think the second perspective increases one's chance for success and rapid weight loss because it allows you to keep your caloric intake low while meeting your nutritional needs, and it helps to re-program those bad eating habits. If all you're eating is Protein Shakes, then you're not snacking and falling into old behaviors. The more food you prematurely introduce (even if your system can "handle" it), the more opportunities you have to make poor choices. Those foods will come in time. There's no rush. But these first few months post-op are a unique opportunity to quell our food obsessions and focus on re-establishing better eating and exercising behaviors. Many VSG programs advocate a 3-month Protein shake diet (with a few exceptions) before real foods are introduced. I'd be interested in hearing where you stand on the issue, and what kind of success you've had.

That's heartbreaking to hear... I'm really sorry. What is their justification?

Well, I can see I'm in the minority here, but that's okay. The doctors and clinic I've chosen are the longest-practicing WLS surgeons in the city, and they're constantly improving and setting the bar for other programs in the area, so perhaps this controversial idea is a newly-emerging approach. Or perhaps they're just ultra conservative when it comes to post-op care. But as someone stated, the important thing is that we're each following our doctor's instructions and listening to our bodies. That is exactly what I'm doing, and I feel fantastic. Best of luck to all!

I'm not familiar with Optifast, so I don't know what their program is. I'm just talking about the actual prescribed diet given to many VSG and Bypass patients where I live. And I was vegan for three years after a cancer scare and had no issues with food intolerances when I decided to start eating meat and dairy again.

The thought behind it isn't to "avoid" eating, but to make sure the body is getting all the nutrition it needs to properly function. When we're only able to take a few bites of tuna at a meal, we're not getting enough protein. So as long as you're getting it from somewhere else, I guess that's fine. I've also heard proponents of this philosophy say that staying longer on the protein shakes helps reduce the hair loss issue that hits around the 3rd or 4th month. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

It's pretty common at least in my area. Several of the VSG and Gastric Bypass doctors in Tucson instruct us to follow something like this: Days 1 - 7: Two to three liquid Protein shots (like Profect), broth and sugar-free Jell-o Days 8 - 14: Three protein shakes a day Day 15 - 20: Either three protein shakes a day, or you may choose to have two shakes and a half egg for dinner (optional). Day 21 - Week 8:Two protein shakes, third meal can be a shake or 1/4 cup of one of the following: cottage cheese, yogurt, Soup, eggs, tofu, Beans, chicken or turkey or fish. Week 9 - 6 Months: Same as above, with more items added, including a few cooked veggies. So in theory, you could opt to live on shakes only for the first 2 -3 months. After that, it's definitely recommended to begin reintroducing foods so that you'll have a somewhat "normal" diet by month 6. But like I said, there are so many opinions out there on how to do this.

You said it, sister!

I had some pretty bumpy days in my first week, but as soon as day seven hit, it was like the clouds parted and flowers bloomed. I feel fantastic! My surgical wounds are almost completely healed. That constant feeling of hunger has gone away. The frequent trips to the bathroom because you're not sure what's going to happen have stopped. My energy is improving. Most importantly, I'm down 21 pounds! In my first couple days after surgery, I was miserable and second-guessing my decision, but everyone said to hang in there and it will get better. You guys were right. And I'm having such a positive feeling about this now, that I'm even more motivated to get my exercise in and not stray from the post-op diet. Two thumbs up, y'all!

I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time, but everyone is different. I've heard many people say that things didn't get better for them until 2 weeks out, so hang tight! And weighing yourself every day can sometimes be a bad idea since we're in a state of flux. It can be discouraging. Regardless, you're on the loser's bench with the rest of us and you'll get where you need to be

My initial weight was 366 but I'm 6'1" so it would be more accurate to look at BMIs. Mine started at about 47. But I'm also noticing that doctors have so many different theories on post-op diets. Mine is very conservative/strict, and I followed it to the letter. Also got 30-60 minutes of walking in each day. So it's a combination of factors.

I feel well enough to go back, but I was cleared for two weeks so I'm gonna take my two weeks! In the meantime, I'm catching up on some home projects, doing a little shopping, and spending time with family.

Thanks so much for sharing this. I've had similar issues in the past, so now I have one more exciting thing to look forward to!

I'm with you on this! Just be sure no-one's looking when you do it! LOL

I love them (as far as protein shakes go) and you can get them pretty inexpensively by the case at places like Costco and Sam's Club. Only downside is they only seem to make them in chocolate, so that can get old really fast.

It sounds like you may have introduced foods too quickly--especially ones that are low on protein. Some of the more conservative docs prescribe nothing but protein shakes 3x day for the first month, and then for the second month, it's 2 shakes a day and half an egg for dinner. I'm only one week post-op and I've lost 21 pounds, so it seems to be quite effective for me personally.

I had my surgery five days ago and have done my recovery solo without any issues (and I live on a second-floor apartment).

Had my surgery May 22 and everything has gone as planned. I'm following my post-op diet to the letter, have been getting my 64 oz of water each day, etc. But I'm still experiencing major bouts of hunger. I don't mean "head" hunger, but actual stomach growling. And no, im not confusing this with bowel activity. That has a distinct feeling. Having some jello or liquid protein will keep it at bay for a little while but it comes back with a vengeance. I'd heard so many people say they weren't hungry for two months after surgery. So is this normal? How long will it be like this?

Thanks, everyone. Tomorrow's the big day! I'll report back in about a week. And good luck to you, Sleeve-A-Licious.

Dr. Burpee in Tucson