Happygoomom

I'm almost 6 months out and never could drink the Protein shakes. They wouldn't stay down. However, if I made a homemade shake with pumpkin seed based protein power, I could keep it down. It didn't taste good but I was getting protein.

Tomorrow, I'll be 4 weeks post surgery. In the past 10 days, I've gained 1.5 lbs, despite eating between 500 - 800 calories per day and keeping my daily carbs under 50g. I exercise (usually walking) every day for at least 45 minutes. I'm keeping hydrated. The only part of the program I'm struggling with is getting all my Protein, I'm getting about 40g per day. I've read the FAQ regarding stalls but according to my Doctor, there is no such thing. According to him, If you aren't losing you need to eat less or exercise more or accept that this is all the surgery can do for you. I'm terrified that I'll be dealing with all the life long implications of VSG for nothing. Am I being overly pessimistic or do I need to start dealing with the reality that VSG isn't the cure I was expecting.? I'd love to hear some real life sleevers who had early weight gains and eventually lost the weight. ((False?) hope springs eternal. )

I had VGS surgery about 3 weeks ago. The past few days, I've started back on solid foods. The surgeon didn't impose any food restrictions once I reached this phase. My problem is that everything (including water) makes me feel ill. The first 3 bites/sips are the worst then it get a little better. When I was on the liquid diet this was less of a problem. Any suggestions?

Hey, fellow Albertan. Today was my first crazy day at work too. My surgery was 4 weeks ago. I went back part time after 2 weeks, mostly because I was bored. My downfall was coffee. It was decaf but I paid for it. Tonight, I'm exhausted. I'm realizing how much I used calories to fuel my very busy life. Tomorrow is another day, live and learn. Skip the coffee and remember to bring some herbal tea.

What I was told in the pre-surgery information session is that about 2 years out, the body will adjust medabolically and most patients gain about 20 lbs. But considering that I will have lost way more than 20 lbs, I think I will be able to live with it. That said, there are many people on this site who haven't gained weight, so the weight gain isn't universal.

Okay, I'm now 4 weeks out from surgery and the nausea is getting better. Sometimes, but mostly it is after I eat.

Thank for all the replies. I contract my Dietician yesterday and here are the minimums he gave me: -58 g Protein per day (based on my height) -130 g carbs per day -1200 calories per day -8 cups of Water per day I notice that they are all (except protein) much greater than all your recommendations. It is so confusing (and frustrating) that every clinic has different recommendations. The dietician wasn't concerned about the gain. He thought that a lot of it is probably due to moving from 6 weeks on a very low carb diet (less than 30 g per day) to the post surgery "normal" diet. The technicalities flew over my head but my interpretation of what he said was that when you start eating carbs again, your body retains water to digest these carbs. He also suggested that I use Protein powder to increase my protein until I can eat more solids. He suggested Beneprotein which can be mixed into anything. I'm going to try to follow the recommendations I've been given and see where it takes me.

Me too but I expected to have to eat every few hours. My advice would be to eat something (nutritious) if you are hungry. I plan for 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day (as recommended by my dietician), so I usually don't go more than 3 hours without eating.

I had terrible itchiness too. I spoke with a nurse and she suggested ice packs (wraped in coth). It worked great. She recommended 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. She also recommended gently scratching a few inches away from the surgical sites. Apparently, the itching is caused by the healing processs. The good news is that the itching will go away in a week or so.

Thanks for the support and suggestions. It is so reassuring to hear that others felt nauseated too. I missed solid veggies so much that I was probably pushing difficult to digest foods too early. I've also realized that part of the nausea issue might be dehydration. It is really hard to get in 8 cups of Water per day when it takes 1/2 hr to get 1/2 cup in. I'm working really hard at this. I was given food instructions- puréed food for 3 weeks post surgery and then I was told to start introducing solids. I was told that I can start with any foods but only one new food per meal/snack. (I do have a detailed list of "eat more often" foods) Chew it to puréed consistence. If it doesn't sit well in my stomach, I should leave it for a couple weeks and then, if I want, try again. And no drinking before or with food. I am being followed by a dietician in (as well as my surgeon). The dietician emphasized that although I'll be eating small amounts of food, my overall diet still needs to be balanced- lean Protein, veggies and whole grain carbs. Again, I think I was trying too hard to meet this goal too early.

Hey Camper-girl, Your surgery date is close and I just wanted to wish you good luck. Let us know how things go.

Hi, This Saturday, I want to attend a 40th anniversary cocktail party. I'll be two weeks post surgery. I won't be eating at the party but I would like to have a drink. Since carbonated beverages aren't allowed and sweet cocktails will just make me sick, any suggestions? I know alcohol is discouraged, so wine isn't an option either. I would love to hear what others do in these type of situations.

Thanks for all the suggestions. The virgin diet margarita sounds like the most festive. I'll probably have one of those and stick with water with lemon for the rest of the time.

You look amazing! You give me hope that I might wear a bikini in my life time.

Hi! I'm from Calgary, although I just had sleeve surgery a week ago in Medicine Hat. I'd love to cultivate a good support group, online or in person.