Tamosy

I'm sure it has to be some weird Water weight or something. I am getting my 64 + ounces of water and 70g of Protein in without a problem. But find it odd that I have actually gained 2 pounds in the last couple days. I haven't been able to find any threads with something similar... please tell me I'm not the only one. Not even getting 300 calories a day right now. I am down 2 pounds overall from the morning of surgery, but up 2 since this weekend. Would like to hear from others that this happened to them too.

Thanks all! I think reading these boards and seeing all the different ways our bodies adapt, feel, and change has helped as well as the fact that everyone seems to experience success overall, despite lulls and challenges. I'm 13 days post op now and pretty sure I'm about to start my period. For me... that's typically about 6 to 8 pounds of retention on a typical month, I'm pretty convinced I'll have a big drop once it passes given I have all the symptoms EXCEPT the weight gain... pretty much staying steady. Thanks for the support and encouragement!

I definitely have had a lot of waves of what I would call stomach twisting. It feels like my stomach is eating itself... I can only liken it to when I haven't eaten in a long time (preop) and my stomach starts churning and gurgling and the only relief is eating. But YES, it's really frustrating when on liquids only. I'm 13 days post op and still have this, but it seemed constant for the most part in the beginning. I do find Protein shakes helped tame them a bit. I started Protein Shakes on day 6 post op (had to call and get permission from my NUT as the protocal was Clear Liquids for 2 weeks). She wasn't concerned with me adding protein shakes as long as I got 64 ounces of fluids a day which at that point wasn't a problem. Not sure if that helps.. I don't know what real hunger is. To me, I had 2 hungries in the past....one when my stomach acted like that but I was otherwise fine and the other would be ill feeling shaky, queasy, probably from low blood sugar and I knew I needed to eat something to feel better. I take prilosec in the morn and eve for first 30 days and don't really think what I'm describing/experiencing is acid. But I wouldn't exactly call it burning... though I could see how someone might. Probably no help at all, but we are all different and that's the point of sharing on these threads. Hope you get more comfortable soon! Tam

This was probably posted with good intention and well meaning, but in all honesty, couldn't people say that every time a fat person takes a bite of anything unhealthy. What's the difference?

I posted something similar. 12 days post op, not losing either, actually gained 2 pounds. The reality is, I am not eating enough to possibly gain weight... so I'm sure you are not either. Hormones are changing and our bodies are freaking, I'm sure it is Water retention. I suspect I need to start my period, but I'm super irregular so who knows. Give it a month and try not to think about it too much. Focus on being healthy and feeling good. Meeting your Dr.'s nutritional goals and let your body have some time to adapt. It will work...just have the patience to work it.

HI Faisal, It takes 6 weeks for the stomach to heal from the trauma of surgery and about 6 months for your new stomach to reach it's full operational function (new normal that will last forever). At the very least please wait at least 6 weeks. My Dr. said most serious leaks actually happen between 3 and 6 weeks. When I asked him what can I do to help prevent a leak, he said in all honestly, they don't know why some people get leaks. You can make all kinds of speculations, but they have no evidence to support what exactly causes a leak. He believes that it is simply the result of a weakness in the staple line that doesn't heal properly in the earlier stages. This would further the argument to have the patience to wait until that 6 week period is up. I won't lecture you as I have no doubt you are full aware of the negative effects of smoking. If you do decide to try to kick the habit, I highly recommend looking into chantix. My SO tried to quit so many times with no success I actually got mad the last few times because I had zero faith it was even possible and HATED going through the "quitting" period. Well... chantix was totally different. I actually still enjoyed being around Mo and am still shocked it has been 6 years and Mo still has no desire to smoke. I swear, it was like a miracle to me. i wish you the best. My best friend had lapband and lost 140 pounds with it, maintaining it for the last year, but she replaced her food addiction with cigarettes. I still love her, but i have come to hate going anywhere with her or spending any extended time with her because she compulsively smokes. It is hard to be around if you don't smoke. I wish you the best and hope my post does not come off as judgemental, because I have no judgement for your situation or desires. We are all weak and cope in our own ways. Life is hard, it's seems to me to be an obstacle course in learning how to cope with things. The better we cope, the happier we seem to be. I wish you the best and applaud you for attempting to seek good information to inform your decisions.

I'm 11 days post op. My surgeon calls for no alcohol, or coffee forever. I have committed to a lot of changes and really, nothing bothers me, giving up the weight loss struggle is worth giving up a lot of pre surgery habits. BUT.. I miss coffee! Decaf just doesn't give me the same satisfaction. I have scoured the internet to try to understand why it is so bad... that works well for me. But I can't find any convincing arguments against it. Only, IF a patient is suffering from GERD or acid reflux as it can result in more acid production, but from what I've read, so does decaf and he says that is ok. When I pressed the question with the NUT she said it is an appetite stimulant. Ummm, I just don't see that being an issue for me. If anything, I had my coffee in the morning and more often than not went all day without eating (I just get busy at work and don't think about it). I just know, I measure and pack my meals and plan my days, a cup of coffee in the morning is very unlikely to change what I consume during the day. Sooooo, my questions to others with more experience are: 1. What is your Dr.'s stance on coffee? 2. Do you have coffee and what if any effect does it have on you? I will stick with my surgeon's requirements. But if a year from now (or after I reach goal and am fully healed) and I can't find any real tangible reason so support a no coffee lifestyle, and given I still want it, I may have to step out and be a rebel

Thanks to everyone for chiming in...confusion resolved. My suspicions are correct, it depends on who you talk to and what you believe. I think I will go ahead and give it a go for 6 months, see if I still feel tortured by the lack of regular coffee and if so, I'll slip it back in and make sure I'm still getting my Water everyday. I am only 11 days post op. In the beginning I had issues getting the water in because it hurt to swallow (felt like terrible air bubbles in my chest and just felt aweful like there wasn't any room for one sip!). But that went away quickly, and I don't have any problem if I'm mindful to drink it. It's crazy how little I care about food and drink now post surgery. I could see easily not drinking enough if I don't stay conscious about monitoring it. Hot tea in the evening helps (caffeine free of course). Thanks again, it was all good info!

I also had problems with it pre op. I have been dieting for years and learned a while back that splenda was not my friend. Immediately causes me headaches, bloating, intestinal discomfort... just miserable. I pretty much don't eat any sweets, because the fake sweeteners seem worse on my body than the real deal. I also relied post op on Isopure Protein drinks and had the same symptoms you describe. I haven't started by Vitamin regiment yet, so I'll have to look at that closely. Sorry, I don't have any great advice, but I can assure you that you are not alone.

Hi Lindsey, So I've read everything on this thread. I am the big sister to my sister who had gastric bypass 8 years ago. I am 10 day post op on the sleeve. I will spare you my story (our story) as it isn't particularly relevant...but I do want to share something that is related. I envisioned while reading all these posts the pain and anguish my sister would have felt if something similar had happened to me. I have always had somewhat strained relations with my sister. She is just much more emotional than I am and seems so overly sensitive that I struggle with how to handle her emotions. Sometimes it does keep me away from her...not because I don't love her, but because I just don't know how to make her feel loved. Your thread has inspired me to try a lot harder. I will be making plans to spend a weekend with her later this year and have suggested we train separately, but do a half marathon together (just walk it with the goal of finishing something together). She is super excited I reached out to her. I am even thinking I may have to go get a tattoo with her that weekend, it would mean a lot to her and for that reason, a lot to me. I know there is absolutely nothing anyone can say to console you on your loss, but maybe just knowing because you shared your story, because you and your sister shared this amazing love, through it, someone else's life has been enriched. Thank you for allowing us to share in your loss and your journey. Many blessings to your beautiful family and when I walk with my sister, know I will think of your sister throughout that weekend and be inspired to be a better sister because of her and you. Much love and peace to you~ Tami

I feel your situation. I am not quite sure how I will handle it either. Everyone that knows me, knows I am always dieting, working out, trying to lose weight and it's a super frustrating battle. I started with a bmi of 32 and worried about being judged for not being big enough... but I swear I would be twice as big if I hadn't spent the last 20 years being on and off (mostly on) obsessive about my weight. Yet... i've never been in a normal BMI. I spent the last year paying for a nutritionist and personal trainer... a whole year, I lost about 20 pounds total and then injured my shoulder. It was the final straw. Within one month of the injury I gained 8 pounds back, still eating right! I am so relieved to have made this decision. I honestly don't care what anyone things anymore. What has been surprising to me is the fact that every friend and family member I have told has been 100% supportive and all expressed seeing how hard I am always working at it and how unfair it seems to have such a hard time. My dad and sister both had bypass surgery and I feel like my goal was not go that route. I struggled through feeling like I've failed, but today, I am 8 days post op and I feel hope I have never felt before. Hope of a normal life without obsessing about trying to be a normal size. Hope my pcos and metabolic issues won't always feel like a sledgehammer hovering over my head. I don't care if my coworkers know... but personally, I don't want to talk to them about it, it isn't their business. So when the time comes and people ask I'm just going to say I made a decision to make some changes and I have, thank you for noticing. And literally move away from the topic. They can find out... I don't care, but I don't need to tell them or open myself up to their judgement. The only negative response I've received was from the bariatric registration process before the surgery. Two nurses very clearly informed me they thought I was not a good candidate. One I ignored, the second I engaged in a conversation (time just allowed it) and by the end, she was totally in my camp and wishing me success. No one walks in our shoes, knows our struggles, and frankly, I know lots of folks that have had different procedures done, and some I suspect did but don't share. Everyone I know who is open about it, has a ton of support for others and I bet their experience is far more positive than those who hide it. This is just my 2 cents, but if you already struggle with guilt around the thought of being secretive, don't be...own it. You will be surrounded by people that are supportive and encourage you. The few who aren't are sad in their own state of mind and probably wouldn't be very supportive if they didn't know either. The risk is real, so I understand people focusing on that tiny chance that something bad could happen, but we get in cars everyday, we fly in airplanes, we work on home projects, accidents and illness happen everywhere, the chance of you living a longer, healthier, better quality life are 10 fold with the surgery. So be proud of doing something to take control of your life and let the others who barely know you, or can't get past their own objections dwell on it if they must. It isn't your problem. You did this in part to free yourself from things that hold you back from loving life...don't give them the power to minimize you.

Let me know... hope you get the same green light I did.

Thanks! It made a HUGE difference for me taking in a couple Protein shakes yesterday. I would advise you to call your doc/nut and ask if you can have clearance to do so. I am also working from home (mostly). My mind is sharper and I just feel so much better. I am all about following my Dr.'s orders. I'm sticking to the plan to the T. It was explained to me that the reason they do that is because the first priority above all else is staying hydrated. Only once we are able to get enough fluids in to keep hydrated can we move up to adding Protein Shakes and full liquids that are thicker and slower to go down. So IF I monitor and made sure that I am getting 64 oz of fluids (including the protein drink) she said it was very appropriate since I am working and functioning in terms of family duties. I see my Dr. this Friday and will wait to get permission to include soups etc... for now, just the addition of protein shakes has made a huge difference in the lightheadedness. I would encourage you to just call if you are struggling with it...assuming you have been able to get your fluids in as recommended. Excited to have this little support group. Each day is better than the one before (well since last Thursday that is true for me)...so I'm focusing on that little tidbit of this journey I see you are in San Antonio... I'm in Austin and work in San Antonio as well. Who knows, maybe at some point we can meet up over a healthy salad Good luck!

Thanks for starting this thread. I was also sleeved on 2/4/2014. I was hoping to find a thread (group) of folks in the same stages as myself. For the most part, I feel great. I returned to work yesterday (but I am taking it easier than usual). I found I felt weak in the morning and was having dizzy spells. My doctor has me on Clear liquids for 2 weeks, then full liquids for one week... I called my Dr. office and asked if I could start Protein shakes as I was lightheaded and needed more substance for work. The nutritionist said as long as I could get my 64 ounces in it was fine. Yesterday was the first day I reached 70 grams of protein and had about 70 ounces of fluids... I feel GREAT today! I really think it helped. I want to go to the gym and do the elyptical for 30 minutes, but I am trying to force myself to wait until I've had at least 2 weeks to heal. Right now, I can't wait to just eat creamed Soups, something that feels like I'm eating. But mostly, I only think about it when I'm around others eating (feeding my family). It seems like a full time job, just trying to get the protein and Fluid requirement right now. I look forward to getting to know everyone here and sharing this journey with you. So far after 2 weeks of pre op diet and 1 week post op, I'm down about 10 pounds... I know it will be slower for me. I have a lower bmi and have been dieting and working out for years and just can't get under 200... so I hope this will be the tool I've needed. When I woke, I must have woke to a bad gas pain or something, because I was in excrutiating pain waking up from surgery and very nauseated, but it passed quickly, and for the most part I would have described my pain as a 2 in the hospital. It wasn't that bad, despite the extreme initial pain waking... not sure what that was about. But even when I was in it, my first thought besides "wholly cr*P", was , wow, I really did it, no more stressing out about whether I should or not, or paying for nutritionists and personal trainers and never seeing results... no turning back, this might really be the last fight and I'm gonna see the finish line this time AND stay there! It was PURE RELIEF. I'm hoping it will also correct metabolic issues I have with PCOS (I know gastric bypass is a better choice for that, but the malnutrition part scares me). So... here's to an awesome year for all of us. My Dr. took me off the metformin I was taking before surgery, So that is exciting to think from the starting gate I don't need that medication for my insulin issues...hoping it stays that way!

I've scoured these boards for years... this is my first post/reply... Thank you for posting your disappointment! I will be sleeved tomorrow and your post helps me to gain perspective. I read 18 pounds in two months and think, "WOW, that would be awesome"! But I relate to you feeling like it isn't much. Frankly, I expect a lot less than that. You have a relatively low BMI to begin with...it is hard not to compare to others, but when you do, you are not comparing apples to apples. I have lost 5 pounds in the 2 week pre op diet of under 30 carbs, under 10 g. fat, and under 900 calories. I wanted to cry when I saw I only lost 5 pounds these last two weeks. I need to lose 50 pounds to get to my goal and my Dr. thinks if I do everything right, it will take me 9 months. That is an average loss of 5 1/2 pounds per month. Your post reminds me to be realistic and expect it to feel slow. Hang in there, our bodies are odd machines, sometimes the input can stay the same, but the body shifts gears when it is ready. Keep driving it as instructed and it will keep shifting gears, not always when you want it to, but it will. Head up and thanks for being honest and preparing me for the reality that even success can not feel good with misaligned expectations. PS... I also learned over the years that splenda does not work for me either. I refuse to use any artificial sweeteners, my body just doesn't react well to them. I would rather have less of the real thing, I try to use honey, coconut sugar, agave nector, or some form of natural sweetener that at least has health benefits...and I still consider it a cheat, but it comes with less guilt and my body actually does better with it. Good luck to you!