PolahBeou

I'm a 38 year old male and I'm 4 years and 2 months post VSG. I weighed ~270 at my 1st consultation and 254 at surgery time. I'm 5'5" tall and my goal weight was set at 160 with the understanding that I'd likely lose the 1st 80lbs over about 18 month and it would take strict diet and exercise to get to, and maintain my goal. As I type this I weigh 114lbs. I'm literally skin and bones and I cannot figure out how to gain some weight back. I've tried just about every protein drink and shake combo imaginable, even though every one of them makes me nauseated to the point that it's not even funny. I try to eat more every day but I have very little capacity. I pretty much exist anymore with no strength, no energy, terrible insomnia, and I hurt 24/7 from head to toe. I'm so bony that there is not a comfortable position sitting, laying, or standing for that matter. My initial follow ups with the surgeon were a joke and his dietician could offer no more advice than "drink your protein". I've had swallow studies and various imaging. The tech that did my abdominal ultrasound said she couldn't even visualize stomach tissue. My thoughts are that too much tissue was taken. I doubt I can ever prove this. I could go on and on but the simple fact is I feel like I'm slowly starving to death and I need help. So far, every doctor I've visited has recommended more exercise and protein..... I'll admit I've tried, seriously. I can lose a pound a day, still, with light to moderate exercise and I just can't afford to lose any more. Internet searches on how to gain weight have been less than helpful and anything sleeve related come up with how to Not gain weight. Can anyone share some thoughts or ideas...? I'm all out.

It's been almost one month. I've made it from 114 to 121.8lbs. My goal is another 28-30lbs. Things that work: Oatmeal cream pies and fudge rounds, peanut butter pretzels, fig newtons, pringles, nutter butters, honey buns and breakfast breads (carefully) and chick-fil-a breakfast (this one takes several attempts but everyone who's had this surgery is used to cold and soggy food after a while I'll bet)

Happy to report that I'm up 3.5lbs since my 6/3 request for help. The slider foods have been a life saver, literally! I have more energy and a generally positive outlook already! Thank you all so very much!

My cholesterol was oddly high at last check..... Doc said it was genetic/hereditary most likely and suggested whole 30. Ugh. My intake amount for solid foods has always felt abnormally small and I've tried, to no avail, to 'stretch' myself. Talk about pain! Maybe time for another swallow study. 1st go round was solely focused on the horrendous reflux issues..... Scared to death of another surgery at this point but I'm opening up to a bypass for quality of life reasons. Pot helps most everything

That board was all sunshine and rainbows honestly. I asked for help and told my story and the post was removed because the moderator sad it was negative. A later PM stated that my surgical story could scare others away who were in the pre-op phases and my presence wouldn't be tolerated. Childish and silly but it kept me away from forums for a while....

~600 or so. I eat till I hurt, which is a few bites, 3-4 times a day. I drink a lot of water and sadly can't tolerate milk. I've been trying to stretch myself with Bubly brand carbonated waters. Painful and hasn't proven to increase capacity.

Wow! Thanks y'all! I really appreciate the outpouring of advice here! I got booted off of a male bariatric board for this about a year ago and was hesitant to try again. Winston, I love the advice and your story above. Nut butter were mentioned and I’m down to try those too. Softer foods are definitely better and I do love pasta. I’ve recently started overcooking it to aid the digestion process. Rice is tricky for me. I’ll begin adding in more high calorie filler between meals and work to snack/graze every ½ hour or so. I did undergo Testosterone pelleting and I’m not sure it made any difference outside of “that area” becoming more lifelike (sorry ladies). I have hashimoto’s and I question whether the desiccated thyroid meds are contributing to chronic weight loss. Someone asked where in TX, (sorry I’m not good at stringing replies). I’m in the suburbs between Dallas and Fort Worth. FutureFine Mama mentioned slider foods. Not sure what that is but heading to google to check it out. I was trying to keep it short and not sound like a little baby, so thank you all. I never added that I went from 254 to 120 in less than 8 months and the ride has been terrible since. I really, truly appreciate the replies!!