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My week typically consists of 2 cardio kickboxing classes, 1 aerobics class, full body weight training 2 times a week, sculpting/toning with resistance bands 3 times a week, 60 minutes of cardio 2-3 times a week, abs 6 days a week, 15 minutes of cardio 6 times a week, and yoga on Sundays. Sunday is what I consider my 'rest day' and I never do weight training on that day and up till now, have not done any cardio. Considering that my goal is to lose fat, do you think it would be o.k. for me to do around 40-60 mins of cardio that day? To give you some quick background: I'm a 26-year old female, I'm 3 months post op and I'm around 170 lbs. Around 8 years ago I was fairly fit and would work out 6-7 days a week (weight training & cardio). A year prior to surgery, I played a number of sports and took up running/jogging until an injury 8 months ago. Everything in terms of my recovery from VSG surgery has gone perfectly. All my blood work is normal and I am off a lot of meds. I get 5-7 hrs of sleep at night and usually take a 2-3 hr nap during the day as well. Do you think my post-bariatric surgery body can handle an extra day of cardio or is a full rest day absolutely necessary?

Congratulations!

Just wanted to add on to what fluffnomore said (who I completely agree with). This is a major, life-changing decision. I have seen a number of people post on this forum about regretting their surgery and depression because, in their own words, they "lied [their] way through the process." You're not going to be able to have 'junk food days' anymore. Your body may not even like junk food anymore (as I've found out). That may sound great at first -easy way to diet, right? but you underestimate what that can do to you mentally if you have a history of disordered eating. I know the timing is inconvenient, but how often in life do things happen to us when we we're ready for it? : P I don't really have an opinion on the '6 week test' but I hope you decide to take the time to seek therapy/counseling.

I'm 1 month post-op and breaking out all over my face despite following my same old cleansing/moisturizing regimen! I haven't had pimples since my teens, so I have no idea why this is happening. Did anyone else experience this? Do you think it has something to do with hormonal changes?

I've heard A LOT of people say they experience this, even years after surgery, and it's completely normal. I experienced it for maybe the first few days but now nothing.

That explanation was EXTREMELY helpful! A lot of things now make sense. I thought I was the only one.

No, Sabredy12, most of us do not cheat. Post-op "cheating" has much more dire, life-threatening consequences than pre-op "cheating" or cheating on a diet. I absolutely did not cheat. Of course I was tempted at first, but I was scared to death after reading this post from this nurse:

My doctor told me I need to wait 6 weeks before I do anything more than walk around (on the ground, not on a treadmill!). Remember, your body has just undergone major surgery and needs time to heal! One thing my doctor told me was that I might be feeling energetic enough to exercise but if I do its likely that I'll burn out quickly. Your body needs to put that energy towards healing. I know how frustrating it is, I am 12 more days away from the earliest I can be cleared for exercise and it's killing me! However, after hearing from my surgeon about a patient who ignored his advice because she felt so energetic that she hopped on a treadmill, only to faint, hit her head and wind up in the hospital again, I decided I wouldn't take my chances! I know you want the weight to come off quicker, and I know it sucks to wait, but you'll soon have the rest of your life to exercise to your heart's content. Just take care of yourself with rest and relaxation for now.

That's the tough part about restaurant Soups... you don't get the control what goes into them (lots of fat, lots of sodium).

Congratulations on your weight loss thus far. Just remember your energy and enthusiasm in the coming weeks if and when you hit a stall and don't beat yourself about it! Your body will lose weight at its own pace.

Did you experience any gallbladder problems losing that much weight that quickly?

Post-surgery depression is normal, but since you were experiencing depression pre-surgery, it's probably not going to just disappear without addressing the depression directly. I was on anti-depressants pre-surgery for major depressive disorder (well-managed with the medications) and I was strongly encouraged by all of my doctors to continue on the current dose for at least a year afterwards (the VSG is a major life change and not the time to 'experiment' with going off of anti-depressants). My weight is not why I was depressed, and I knew that losing weight would not 'cure' me of my depression. What I'm trying to say is, recovery from clinical depression (if that's what you're dealing with), is just as much of it's own journey as weight loss is and therefore needs to be addressed and treated as such. Were you receiving any kind of treatment pre-surgery for depression? If you were, I would continue, if you weren't, it would probably be a good idea to look into that (whether that means therapy or medication). I think that for the long-term success of your surgery, and your overall well-being, it would be a good investment. I wish you all the best

Nah, this is a good thing - it means the swelling in your stomach is going down! Remember, your stomach has been cut and stapled down to 15% of it's original size so it's going to be swollen for a while post-op.

It's GREAT that you're getting lots of fluids in! Don't limit yourself. It's perfectly normal and healthy for you. It will help with your healing. I feel your frustration with not being able to eat 'regular' foods yet. But you'll get there, just be patient and allow your body to heal

I am 4 weeks post op and have never been able to get down protein shakes. I get all my protein (and meet my requirements fully) from natural sources. My nutritionist said I can't do it but I did! My main sources are 1% and fat-free milk, cheese, fat-free greek yogurt and lean small meatballs. Thankfully I'm not lactose intolerant!

Would it be helpful if you pre-made all your meals, measured out all your Snacks, etc. and kept them in containers in your fridge? That way you can be sure you are eating the correct portion sizes and the right stuff. You could even make a schedule and eat "on schedule," just until you get back in to the routine of things. Also try introducing the "rules" again slowly, one at a time (eating slowly, chewing well, half an hour waits between meals/drinks, no fizzy drinks etc.). So many of us have psychological issues when it comes to food (it's probably how we've ended up this way!), so getting into therapy to address the root of the problem will probably help to ensure long-term success. All the best

From experience with antibacterial ointments (neosporin) not working for me in the past, when I was have a tiny bit of trouble with some of my incisions (especially the ones in between fat rolls that were constantly rubbing against one another), I just wash and dried them WELL then stuck a bandaid on them to keep them dry. Worked like a charm! (Surgeon recommended it too)

Were you taking any diabetes medication? If you are, maybe you shouldn't be on them anymore... (ask your doctor)

I am 4 weeks post op and have never been able to get down protein shakes. I get all my protein (and meet my requirements fully) from natural sources. My nutritionist said I can't do it but I did! My main sources are 1% and fat-free milk, cheese, fat-free greek yogurt and lean small meatballs. Thankfully I'm not lactose intolerant!

It's going to get better, TRUST ME! As you'll hear from a lot of people here, the first two days are hell and you definitely feel a lot of regret. But it gets better -and it gets better fast! Take care

I probably would have gone for a french fry in the future (although I was never a big french-fry eater), except that my new stomach REALLY hates potatoes in any form! (thank God)

My doc said walking only until 6 weeks post op! I understand how you feel.

Remember your stomach has just been through major surgery... there's some major swelling going on! You will definitely be able to eat more as time goes on and the swelling goes down. I am 3 weeks post op and can have 1/2 cup of Soup.

I tried mashed potatoes my first day of puree foods and just 1 tsp was like a ROCK in my stomach! My stomach just couldn't handle it. I'm on soft foods now my stomach still hates mashed potatoes and eggs, although I'm just fine with fish and meats. It could be that you need some more time on liquids/puree as others are suggesting, or maybe you should try other soft foods that your stomach may be willing to handle. Have you tried soft cheeses? Happy cow cheese is soft and creamy.

I think it really varies from person to person! I had terrible nausea immediately following surgery. I wasn't surprised because many medications (especially narcotic pain meds), airplane travel, sea travel, etc. make me very nauseous easily. I stopped pain meds the day after surgery for this reason (did not take anything else for pain), drank lots of fluids and the nausea was gone in less than a day! The only time I experience nausea now (I'm nearly 3 weeks post-op), is when I overeat or eat too fast which is EASILY avoidable.