kathp

My surgeon had us progress the following way: 2 weeks liquids (including plain greek yogurt and sugar free pudding), 2 weeks puree, and 2 weeks soft food. Then back to real foods. The change between each phase had how much I could fit into my stomach go back smaller as I adjusted. (My theory was that we were retraining the stomach how to digest the more complicated items so it could only handle the smaller amounts at first. ) Other than the first few days adjustment on a new phase, when I could only fit 2 oz instead of 4, I don't recall not being able to eat, up until this week (which is a reflux issue, I hope). And when this week's issue started, I was on the phone to the surgeon and I have an upper GI scheduled. Remember that the sleeve is the only stomach you have, and you don't want to mess around. I don't think you should be struggling to eat at all. And I think progressing back to real food is important as part of healing. You can live on Protein shakes, but not well and not healthily long term. So I'd call your NUT or your doc ASAP. My $0.02, for what they're worth.

I'm dealing with some issues with my pouch now, 9-10 months out. I was eating chili (that I made myself) almost every day for the last 6 months or so since surgery. Now I think it was too spicy / the tomatoes too acidic. My lesson for the week is "Variety". And I've yet to find a pre-packaged meal that has a good level of fat, carbs, sodium, and Protein for what I want to eat. I have purchased pre-made meatballs, the small ones, (turkey or beef), and they are great to pop into sauce for a meal. I have also done well with the Green Giant just for one veggies with cheese sauce - they work well with a protein. Or the pre-cooked chicken or steak strips for on top of salads. So you can do convenience food, but not all in one package. Kathy

As a comment on the rules: I was told not to drink 15 minutes before, during, and for an hour after eating. And I have a friend who is very into CrossFit postoperative, her carbs are higher than mine because she needs them. But our caloric intakes are pretty close based on the restriction and eating protein first, dense foods, etc. everyone is different Listen to your body...

Your stomach is permanently small. I'm still less than a year out, and I'm back up to near 1000 calories a day. I think as you shift from loss to maintenance you can eat more - but you still can't fit more than 1c of food at a time, and eating too often leads to grazing which leads to weight gain. You don't want to be back for a revision (I actually met someone who has had all three surgeries - band revised to sleeve revised to RNY!). It's a lifelong journey. If you aren't prepared for the lifelong changes, make sure you get the facts and really think. It's a tool and it's not removable

Pre-op nerves are normal. I understand where Recycled is coming from in terms of "not everyone being ready" - there's a lot of people who have it, thinking it's the easy way out (despite all the pre-op education) and then are surprised by the outcome. Yes, complications can happen and they're no joke. It's dang permanent to have the majority of your stomach yanked out. But I've lost a lot of weight. I lost almost 60 lbs pre-op, (I had 6 months diet and exercise required by insurance) and really got questioned by everyone. I've been at a standstill for about three months because bad habits are creeping back in - and I'm still less than a year out from surgery. So the surgery was the right decision for me. And I had "mental" complications, and doubts. And believed I could do it. But if you did your homework, and have a good support system (a big if, and a MAJOR necessity, in my opinion) and plan to follow the rules (do not be planning your next pizza, please), go for it. You will feel better. You can be successful. Obesityhelp reposted a bunch of articles from a therapist on "why weight loss surgery fails" and they were great. If you haven't read them, though, that might be a good idea. The first one talks about the mental piece. And the next one talks about unrealistic expectations. Go to their website and search for the topic. It's a 4 part series, I think. But don't stop your pre-op diet at this point - if you do, your insurance will make you start over! Keep your options open. Good luck.

Hi, I went looking for and found this thread. I've moved from Pennsylvania to Connecticut and have a new surgeon following my care - I was sleeved 5/13/13. I've vomited off and on when I eat too fast or too much or don't chew well. However, the last few days, if I eat too much I puke, and then an hour or so later, I puke again. Saw the new surgeon here in CT and he's ordered an upper GI study. Then possibly endoscopy, etc. I was most shocked when this surgeon said that sleeve patients should only puke maybe once or twice a year! I'm way exceeding that. I was kind of hoping it was the flu, but they ruled that out. Thanks for having other info for me to read on this thread! It doesn't sound impossible to fix.

I would suggest you look at Quest bars, you can get them at GNC (4 for price of 3) or I order mine from Amazon prime by the case. They have 20 g of Protein and are high in Fiber, so the net carbs are closer to 6-8 depending on the flavor. They make a good snack all at once (microwave for 10s out of the foil packet) or even just half a bar sometimes. I think the stuff with more sugar can be a slippery slope. I have had as many as 2 quest bars a day, on a busy day, but try to limit it to one. I think with the more "fluff" food ones, you're better off limiting it even more, but that's just my opinion (as I consider my poor food choices and think pot, kettle). Good luck. I like Protein shakes with soy milk, some fruit, and some powdered Peanut Butter. whey protein is the best, or so I was told. unjury chicken Soup makes a nice change, but don't overheat the Water or it separates. Also, ready to drink protein shakes are good, depending. Oh Yeah Cookies and cream are fun every once in a while. I can almost believe it's a milk shake with the floaty bits.

I'm also looking for a buddy! I've fallen off the right path since my recent move. I need some accountability. PM me if you'd like to work together.

Focus on what you HAVE done! You have lost 58 lbs! You have not gained in 6 months! You have taken positive steps to a healthier you. I battle depression and have for many years. I think that's why I got so heavy in the first place. I have been under a lot of stress and have gained/lost the same five pounds for the last month or so. I know what I'm doing wrong (not following the guidelines), and I know why. But I'm also VERY aware that had I not had surgery I would have gained about 25 lbs in the last month. The glass is always half full AND half empty. And it's not a competition, it's about your journey for you, and their journey for them. It's hard to remember and much easier said than done. I don't focus on the numbers, because I'll make myself crazier. I remember what I can do now - ride roller coasters, fit in airplane seats, use a regular stall in a public restroom, shop in a "normal" store, borrow clothes from my family, work out (oh yeah, that's the other thing I should be doing right now). I remember how far I've come. I remember what size I was wearing last year at this time. I try not to focus on the scale not moving. I weigh myself every day but don't write it down except when I'm at a doctor's office for a follow-up. That's an "official" weigh in. I'm five pounds from one-derland. It kills me some days that I missed my personal goal of being there by Thanksgiving. Then I remember that no one is grading me, this isn't high school, and I'll get there and be there. My body is just adjusting to the new me! But talk to someone, because surgery was on your stomach and not your brain, and it takes a while for the brain to catch up. Love yourself!

Great! Good luck with the surgery. Going into it with a loss is better for your body and recovery.

I freaked out before surgery. I think the doctor's staff would worry about you if you didn't. They were a great help to me. Then I freaked out and had the "buyer's remorse" a few days after I got home from the hospital, and that was pretty normal too. Again, the office was a great support. Remember that there's a reason for what you're doing, and a light at the end of the tunnel. The transition period is not easy, and the surgery is on your stomach and not your brain. It took you more than a few days to be overweight, and it's going to take you more than a few days to be thinner. I still look in the mirror and am surprised, and I still catch myself thinking "I'm too big for that" every once in a while. And I've been down at least 100 for a few months now. I know I still have 30 to go, but I've been just overweight instead of obese for a few months. It feels great! Best wishes, and breathe!

Hi all, I'm moving to Naugatuck, CT area in a few weeks and need to find a new physical support group and surgeon's office for follow up care. I can still do some of the stuff online and with infrequent visits back to PA, but would feel better with someone local. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks Kathy

These are all great! I have to remember them for the dumb questions we're all getting way too often.

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to your family. Please try to celebrate your own success, at least in a small way, despite this terrible tragedy.

I live in Ansonia, so DERBY is super close! Thanks so much, I just called them and they were super nice and helpful and welcoming and just what I needed to hear. The move stress has me fallen off the wagon a bit, so now I can be back on track. Best wishes to you.

Our support group does it 3 times a year. I wish it was more often. However, try shopping at Goodwill! I have found it to be a lot of fun - even though the XLs are also kept in the Plus area in the store by me.

I'm five months out. I know from my NUT that if you have more than 30 g of Protein in a sitting it doesn't "count" becuase the body can't proess it all. I'm wondering if you're really getting as much protein as you think you are? What are your daily calories like? Are you still at a deficit? I'm getting about 1000 calories a day, with a 30 g Protein shake, a Protein Bar (quest), some yogurt, some fruit, meat, some veggies, cheese, etc. I do have low carb wraps and low car crackers on occassion. I try to make sure the net carbs (carb - fiber) are low on whatever I have. The only yogurt I do is Dannon Light and Fit Greek so that the sugar carbs from the fruit are low. The NUT told me to limit fruit to 1/2 c a day, max, but I don't always do that. I know as my BMI has come down it's gotten harder to lose weight. Basically the surgeon has said the surgery will help us get to overweight, not to ideal weight. But you still have a ways to go, so I can understand your frustration! I'd really look at your food mix and calories. You should be able to do it without a ton of exercise, though, given your limitations. Good luck! Kathy

Thanks guys!!

I don't suggest you go back to mushies. The slider foods can be a trap, and lead back to bad habits like overeating (sliders can mean you can eat more of them) Are you depressed, by chance? Are you working out and getting and endorphin rush? Have you tried different concoctions of Protein drinks? Bariatric Foodie has a bunch of recipes. Without the hunger hormone (or with less of it) I have trouble deciding what to eat and what I want, and don't crave as much. Have you tried more spices? You need to make sure you keep your protein up! Try a new recipe with something different and some spice, and kind of force yourself (not over fill yourself, but force yourself to try) and see how it goes? Good luck!

I worried about scurvy but was laughing about it. I will stop immediately! Thanks for the words of warning. I know I was concerned that the Protein requirements meant I wasn't getting fruits and veggies in, and my NUT has helped me add them back. I'm sorry you're suffering! Good luck.

I wish I had changed my extended release meds to the different ones three months before surgery so that it was done, and not had the change happening at the same time as surgery. I wish that I had realized that "no swallowing any pills bigger than an m&m" translated into a 1 hr delay between pills for the first few weeks (I can take a bunch at a time now, five months out) I wish that I had practiced eating slowly more. Put the fork down between bites! Learning the hard way sucks. I wish that I had realized how hard it would be mentally to accept that the person in the mirror, 100 lbs skinnier, is still me. I don't recognize her. The mental part of the surgery is vastly under-acknowledged and the prep / post specialized care for it (body image, confidence, etc) is lacking. I think we all could benefit from more help. Don't be afraid to ask for it.

Frankie, You're going to be ok. You need to believe that. At this point, the chance of complication is getting lower than immediately after. I caused myself a problem the week after surgery because I wasn't taking my antidepressants with all the other stuff I had to manage (protein and liquids and vitamins), and then a few more weeks after that some other meds changed and I went haywire. Additionally, the realization that it's a big change, and that life is going to be better is somewhat scary. Believe in yourself! You took a big step, and it was a good thing. A healthy one. Focus on what you're going to be able to do with the new you. Make a list of post-op goals (your non-scale victory goals) and start checking them off. Take life in small chunks, and not in big giant ones. Remember that saying about the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You can do it! We're here to help!

Good luck as you make your decision. I was more afraid of the band (foreign object, twisting/slipping) and RNY (rerouting insides, dumping, etc) than I was of the sleeve. Yes, it's permanent, but my surgeon is always saying we don't need such a large stomach because we're not cave people who hibernate! The sleeve has been out there for more than 2 years. It's just been covered by insurances for a shorter amount of time. And it used to be step 1 of two for heavier people on the path to RNY, before they determined it could stand alone. (that's my understanding, from my research). So, I am not worried about developing a leak in the future because a) my surgeon used stitches instead of staples (which would have scarred over anyway) and I didn't eat seeds, even on fruit, in the first 6 weeks, so there's nothing trapped in there going to be festering or anything (I'm imagining a splinter working it's way out, and know that I followed the rules and am good). Everything has risks, but it seems to me this 2 years out leak thing is a crock.

We should. We don't have to, they're not going to put the stomach back. LOL. I don't, and know I'd feel better. I do however, track my Protein numbers daily. I'm not far enough out to justify not keeping the diary, and I have no good excuse. I need to get back to it, and keep saying tomorrow. I know it's a slippery slope. So I wouldn't recommend getting out of the habit because it's hard to get back into it. Don't learn from my bad example!! I was writing it down, and then I switched to myfitnesspal. Something that makes it even easier and less writing - especially if you're a creature of habit, or have recipes you want to enter - is going to be easier to maintain long term. My input, from a "sinner"

I'm five months out. I'm sorry you have to do a pre-op liquid diet. I didn't, instead I did a 6 month monitored diet where I practiced the not eating and drinking thing, which made me know I could do it and eased some of those fears. I'll share my current results and hopefully that will ease your mind, a little. First, fears are normal. Major changes are about to happen! But you know it's a good thing, and you'll do great! I don't drink 15 minutes before and 1 hr after I eat. When I go out to eat, and I do, because I love food and hate to cook (it's just me, and I'm social, so it's easier to go out with friends sometimes), I order Water - no alcohol for six months per my surgeon, plus we'll get tipsy faster with the smaller stomach - and have that while we wait for the food. Then I push it away when it gets closer to food and don't get a refill. When I was new, I didn't order water, or if I did I didn't drink any. Your stomach can't holdwater and food. It's a forever thing. The volume you can hold is much smaller. When I overfill it, it hurts, and I can tell right away. So I'd rather get my Protein in there than useless water at mealtime. I get my water in the rest of the day (64 oz. really is doable, but it takes practice). I've even been to a buffet with friends. I had one plate. I have to eat slower, and they kept getting up and ended up hurting themselves by the time they were done (guys, of course), but I was happy and satisfied. We're not limited in what we can eat, just how much. And the drinking thing gets easier with time. I've learned the hard way, kind of like eating too fast, that mixing them hurts. Better to not learn that way, but whatever "sticks" with you. I travel for work. My surgeon's plan has us on 1 Protein shake a day for the first year. I bring the whey isolate powder when I travel because it mixes without a blender. I bring my Blender Bottle (with the little metal ball in the bottom) and buy soy milk or skim milk when I get where I'm going. I mix the shake in the morning and it's like home. I travel with my Protein Bars, and now with some nuts (can't do them right away, though). That way I have portable protein. (There are a lot of websites with advice on portable protein and travel post-op). If I'm driving, I can bring a ready to drink protein shake with me, and sometimes I do. When I stop I grab string cheese. Depends on my mood. I've never been a big wine person, but wine is to be savored (my perception). So, you eat, you wait the hour for everyone else to finish their stuff, feeding your kids, whatever, and you have some later. Or you wine and then cheese fifteen minutes later and are done. WLS is a commitment to a different lifestyle, but not to giving up your life. It's a commitment to wanting a BETTER life. You can do it! Everyone is different and you make the journey work for you. You'll quickly learn what rules are "for real" and what rules are more "for best results in weight loss". You're going to want to follow all of them, though, or else why go through the surgery (Says the person who knows which ones to bend already...but look at my stats below...but I'm not claiming to be perfect, and I want to admit that to you) Good luck! and take a deep breath. It will be ok.