HealthierME2018

I’m 4 months post op and was experiencing pain when I ate when I was a few weeks post op too. My dr had stated that it may be too early for me to have for some meats. I had to give it a few more weeks before my stomach was ready for meat. I stuck to softer foods like yogurt, eggs, banana, etc. hope you feel better

I had awful gas pains in my neck & back from all of the air that goes into your body during the surgery. A Heating pad saved me with these pains, so did salonpas pads. I was surprised that with all of the reading & research I did months prior to surgery, I read nothing of people these pains, however after surgery I learned that these pains are very common after laparoscopic surgery. It lasted about a week for me but was more painful for me than my incisions (2 hernia repairs & gastric sleeve). Heating pad & salonpas saved me my first week.

I was told that I have no restrictions as of 4 weeks post op. If your dr approves, maybe start of slow/easy with some light weights? That’s my plan once my gym opens next week.

PPmom- this is funny bc not only am I in the same boat as you but my numbers are exactly the same! I was 196, dropped to 194 for a day or two & for 3 weeks I was at 196. I don’t exercise (yet, I joined a new gym that opens in sept) . I was also sleeved In July. I just stick to the plan & keep doing what is recommended & finally the scale budged after 3 weeks & yesterday I was down to 192.5. The less weight you have to lose it will be harder/take longer. Just know if you’re doing what you’re supposed to then the scale/your body will eventually catch up! Good luck

Agree with above statements. My doctor said if food feels like it’s getting stuck, that means you’re still swollen & not ready for food yet. Let your surgeon know, they’ll probably tell you to do liquids for a few more days.

I didn’t go for almost a week post op. Between the high protein diet, the anesthesia, opiates, they’re all going to cause constipation. Stool softeners didn’t help me, I also had to use an enema. It took me 10 days post op to become regular again. Good luck

I was self pay and I had to do the sleep study, nut meetings & psych eval. Regardless of how it’s paid for, they want to ensure you’re ready for this. I only paid 3K out of pocket but I had a hernia repair same time that insurance did pay for.

I would also recommend to tell your family. I didn’t at first , I only told them about two weeks prior to surgery but the reality is that you’ll need support (and an explanation of having only fluids for several weeks). I’m 4 days post op today & im glad the people close to me know. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Agreed. I bought a multi vitamin gummy & my nut had stated I shouldn’t take gummy bc we can’t break them down fully as well as they usually aren’t withholding the same amount of vitamins as a regular capsule or multivitamin pill

I had hiatal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair & gastric sleeve on 7/23, I’m in a lot of discomfort & having difficulty swallowing - dr just prescribed me levsin so we’ll see if that helps. Wishing you a speedy recovery

Hi Jess. I had my sleeve done Monday 7/23. I still feel awful, I’m in a lot of pain & it still hurts to take in liquids. I couldn’t imagine going back to work same week, I have two weeks off. I have full liquid diet for 3 weeks so what I have home is crystal light made up (it goes down easier than water) and pre made protein shakes (premier and ensure). Also have Tylenol, stool Softeners and heating pad (has helped w back pain from laying /sitting so much). Best of luck to you.

I’m jealous, I want some mushy foods! I’m two days post op & can only have liquid diet for 3 weeks.

I don’t think many of us on here do have liver problems. The point of the liquid diet is to shrink your liver prior to surgery so that it decreases the risk of complications. Your stomach and liver are very close (if not over lapping). The bigger you are, the bigger your liver is & longer you will need a liquid diet for.

Hi Summer Essence. I am in a similar boat as you- my highest weight was 236 (but that was the day I gave birth to my daughter 2 yrs ago). In the last year or so I have been between 200-215 lbs (before pregnancy I was 180lbs). I am at 210 now, I started my preop diet yesterday & am scheduled for VSG on Monday. My BMI is just under 35, but bc I am not a BMI of 40+ and I do not have any comorbidities, my insurance is not covering it. I am getting a hernia repair (covered by insurance) and they are doing the VSG same time, so I am only paying the difference, which is approx. $3,000 which is 100% worth it. I do find it strange that so many people on this site say they paid 20-30K on these surgeries. I asked for the break down itemization and even if my insurance did cover it, it would only be between $12-15K. I see that we are both from NY, where would you be having your surgery that they gave you a quote of $28K? I also was considering the balloon back in December and decided not to do it once my doctor stated that there is minimal long term success and they only usually assist with a small amount of weight loss.

Hi all! I started mine yesterday. I would say the worst part for me is actually the headaches versus the hunger. I think the headaches are mostly from caffeine withdrawal but I know you can also get them when you lower your caloric intake as much as we are now. One thing that I found is that when I'm having hunger and the protein shake and endless amounts of water isn't doing much, I heat up some chicken or beef broth- I think the warmth helps soothe my stomach. You can do it, stay focused!

I also use Baritastic- its great with measuring food (with all nutritional info), water, weight, body measurements, etc. I'm pre-op and just started my liquid diet today, but so far I really like it. It also has a timer and reminders to set for when you're post op- reminders to eat, timers to slowly chew food, etc.

I completely understand your thoughts and anxiety over this. My fiancé was the only one who knew everything I was going through step by step. I stressed a lot over telling my family , mostly my parents bc my cousin had WLS (she hid it from extended fam and we “accidentally “ found out even though we all already knew she had it done) and there was some negative feedback from my family about her having it. I wound up telling my parents and siblings and have had nothing but support from them. Talk about taking weight off your shoulders ! I am glad I told the, bc it was causing me stress to hide it. Now, I’m about to start my pre op diet and need all the support I can get! Whatever you decide, I hope it works well for you.

I took phentermine right before I scheduled my surgery (surgery 7/23/18). I took it for 14 weeks and lost 15lbs.my doctor stated the FDA does not recommend more than 12w without a break, so I stopped and immediately gained weight back. It was a great appetite suppressant, only side effect was dry mouth but it wasn’t so bad bc it made me drink more water!

I find it so strange to learn how each doctor is so different with their pre-op diets. I do understand that every patient is different, but how doctors all differ so much boggles my mind. My doctor requires 1 week of liquid diet (clear liquids day before surgery). My meal plan that week is- 3 protein shakes , 64 oz water, 1 yogurt (no chunks) and 1 sugar free jello. I can add some broth if i want. my liquid diet starts on Monday. I'm jealous that i cant have cheese or salad, or anything else! Rant over, thanks

Nicoley, have you tried switching up your work out routine? Maybe a couple of new strength training exercises that you don’t normally do? What is your carb intake like, can you lower it to get through this stall? Keep up the good work , you’re doing great!

Great work, you look amazing!

Absolutely, instead of complaining, I’ll just be grateful for my only 7 day liquid diet. Thanks for your response :)

Hi all! I just joined this, I’m having my surgery July 23, not looking forward to the 7 day pre op liquid diet but I’m learning it could be worse & I could have to do it for longer. Looking forward to speaking with all of you, we can do this!