Sleeve_Me_Alone

I really liked the Swanson sipping bone broths. They come in several flavors and can be microwaved. I also LOVE Orrington Farms Chicken Broth Base. Its what I use in my regular cooking and makes a great broth. Some ramen an pho places will sell you a bowl of their broth, which is delicious. You can also strain broth based soups, if any of those appeal to you. The first couple of days are the hardest. I felt like I really turned a corner after day 3. The hunger abated, my head cleared, and I was able to sleep better. I know it feels overwhelming at first, but trust the process. You can do this!

I'm so sorry you had to go through the panic, but I think its not uncommon. I consulted and started the process several times before I finally went through with surgery. For me, doing the mental and emotional work was the key. I wasn't ready before because I hadn't done the internal work. Maybe some time in therapy will help clarify your goals and needs? Best of luck to you!

Prilosec for 6 weeks, Ursodiol for 6 months, and 1 week of blood thinners. I also got a script for pain meds that I didn't use, OTC Gas-x, antibiotics, etc. I think that's all pretty standard, varying from surgeon to surgeon.

Originally, LapBands were marketed as permanent and life-long. They are a medical grade device so they don't have an expiration date and do not require removal after a certain period of time. That being said, as the years have gone on, long term complication rates continue to go up, and there is documented research that indicates that they can degrade over time, usually starting around the 10 year mark. That is limited though, and varies widely. As such, many LapBand patients have opted to have them removed and move on to VSG or RNY as a permanent weight loss solution. If you are no longer happy with it, not using it, and/or having complications, definitely get in touch with a bariatric surgeon in your area and see what options you have for getting it removed.

I am 7 weeks post-op and have lost around 45lbs from my highest weight. Recently, I saw some friends I hadn't seen since well before I started losing weight and who do not know I had WLS. They immediately noticed and commented on my weight loss, which made me terribly uncomfortable. They of course asked what I was doing and I simply stated I'm focusing on high quality protein and frequent, small meals because that's what my body seems to like best (all true). Then I quickly pivoted and asked how they were doing, blah blah blah. People LOVE to talk about themselves. Give them the chance, and they will run with it.

Alright, y'all, I'm 6 weeks post-op and feel great! I've had a very smooth recovery, and am truly grateful for that. Two weeks ago, I got an update from my dietician about week 4 & 5 phases, including suggested meal schedules and calorie intake. I was a little lower than her goals, but figured I was close enough that over the course of the 2 weeks I would get there. Today I got the week 6 & 7 guidelines and I'm realizing I'm further "behind" than I thought I was. Her guidelines include 3-4 meals a day, 3-4oz each, with an overall 1,200 a day caloric intake (70g protein goal). I'm still sitting at 800-900 calories with 2 meals a day and a protein shake or two, which does allow me to hit my protein goal every day. However, if I try and up my meals to 3 a day, I feel super full and uncomfortable most of the day, and then struggle to get all my fluids in because I'm so full. Then, if I skip the shake to compensate, I don't come close to my protein goal. On top of that, I'm struggling with the mental piece of wanting to "ride the wave" of not being hungry as long as I can. Its so tempting to say, well I'm not hungry so I might as well make the best of it and not eat while I can get away with it! Weight loss will never be easier than it is right now... blah blah blah. I realize that's unhealthy, borderline disordered thinking and I recognize it and I'm working on it. Just adding it in there for context, that this is super freaking hard! I have an email out to my dietician, but would also love some personal experience on how to up intake when you're not hungry and additional/bigger meals is still difficult. Is it even that big of a deal to keep pace with my program, or will it all sort of work out in the end? I do NOT want to slip back into extreme restriction type behaviors, I want to do this properly and in a way that creates a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Any advice to that end is welcome!

As the others have said, everyone goes at their own pace. I went from barely being able to take a single sip without pain, to being able to take a few mouthfuls at a time. I still can't "chug" but I can take several good sized swallows in one go. I carry a water bottle with me at ALL times, it goes from room to room, in the car, and to bed on my nightstand. Having it readily available and always in my face keeps it top of mind. I also use various water flavorings when I get tired of plain water. Even a little bit of lemon or lime juice can make enough of a difference to help. Consistency is more important than perfection, just stick with it!

As others have said, follow your programs plan. For me, soft foods started around 5 weeks. Rotisserie chicken shredded into complete oblivion and mixed it with a little Alouette or Boursin cheese, ground beef browned into very small bits with some refried beans, cottage cheese, thicker soups with very soft chunks (broccoli cheese, etc.) and protein powder mixed in, oatmeal with protein powder, very thin deli meat with hummus or cream cheese, and very soft meatballs were all in heavy rotation and to some degree still are. The puree phases were a bit carb heavy for me, so when I moved to soft solids, I really started focusing on protein rich foods and learning my "fullness" queues. I'm only ~7 weeks out, and I'm still learning as I go. Just take it one meal at a time!

Thanks all for the encouragement and wisdom! You all helped put my mind at ease and I truly appreciate the input. My dietician is in agreement with all of you, that I'm on the right track and should stay the course. No need to strive for "goals" that my body isn't ready for, just focus on fluids and protein and expanding my food options based on the program. She did suggest trying 3 smaller meals a day, instead of 2 larger ones, just to help get in the habit of eating more times a day, even though it won't have an immediate impact from a calorie/protein perspective; more a behavioral change than nutritional. So, I'll give that a whirl for a few days and see how it goes! ETA: First post-op labs are next month. Nothing pre-op was a concern, so we'll see if I'm holding steady when I check in.

Have you reached out to your dietician? That is really not sustainable and could result in some long term health issues. I know its hard, I am right there with you, but you HAVE to take care of yourself and nourish your body well in order to be successful. At 200 calories a day, you are going to be rapidly losing lean muscle with is starvation, not weight loss. Please reach out for support!

Ignore her and do it for your sake. I know that sounds harsh, but the reality is, most of us can't lose the weight on our own and bariatric surgery is the tool that allows us to be successful long term. If she cannot understand that or, at the very least, respect and support your decision, then you don't need to include her in that decision and should more forward without her. It is certainly NOT the easy way out, but living a shortened life in an obese body isn't easy either. We all have to decide which "hard" we are going to live with. I'm so sorry you don't have the support you desire, but you will certainly get it here. Do what's best for you.

I had my surgery at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the medical tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. Regarding complications, I met with my PCP beforehand and she was 100% supportive. I knew that if I had any issues post-op she would be my advocate. Additionally, US hospitals CANNOT legally refuse to treat you if you present to an ER, regardless of what caused the complications. Now, would a US bariatric surgeon agree to take you on for follow up once you've been stabilized? Maybe not. But that's why you should establish post-op care BEFORE you have surgery. Additionally the complication rate with bariatric surgeries is VERY low in general; these are long established surgeries with very good post-op outcomes. My PCP is also doing all of my labs, meds, etc. For travel, my surgeon recommends blood thinners for 7 days post-op. I also wore compression socks and a compression shirt for my flight home. I started walking as soon as I could post-op, which also helps. Blood clots are a risk with this surgery, whether stateside or abroad, and the travel aspect can increase that. So take your blood thinners and walk as much as you can. Money wasn't a huge factor, though it was a factor. I have very good insurance but after all the pre-op appointments, tests, scans, and everything else, we estimated our out of pocket would be in the $7,500 range. Out of pocket including spending money, an extra night in the hotel, and flights, I paid about $5,500 for surgery in Mx. It was also SIGNIFICANTLY faster. With the 6 month diet program and required insurance approvals, it would be about 9 months from first appt to surgery vs. less than 3 months from intake to surgery in Mx. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. For me personally, medical tourism was the right choice and I'm extremely happy with my decision. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions!

That is awfully pricey. I take the ProCare one a day capsule with 18mg iron, and their calcium chews. They are much more budget friendly, and there are other bariatric brands that are even cheaper. I would say shop around and see what you can find. Any vitamin that meets the ASMBS recommendations will do.

No personal experience, but gallbladder issues/gallstones are VERY common post-WLS. Many surgeons do a preemptive course of Actigall/Ursodiol during the first 6 months post-op to try and help minimize the risk. Typically, it is laparoscopic and minimally invasive. Recovery is fairly quick, similar to VSG. Hopefully they can get you in quickly and you'll be on your way to feeling better!

There are tons of options out there! I buy the Premier Protein shakes by the case from Costco and have one nearly every day. You can get packs of 4 from Walmart of Kroger to try, order them from Amazon, or buy sample packs from some manufacturers. There are also protein waters, which are a little less thick and not a sweet, if you prefer those.

I just switched to the ProCare capsules and LOVE them. They don't make me nauseous or give me weird burps, and they are MUCH easier to get down than the chewables. I am not currently taking a pre or probiotic, but I know ProCare does have a multi that includes probiotics, if that's something you're interested in. ETA: I also use the ProCare calcium chews.

I'm sorry you're struggling with these things, but I think this is all completely normal. Some folks who have VSG do not feel hunger for a period of time, but many people do. Neither is right or wrong, its just due to each person's anatomy/surgery/surgeon, etc. Similarly, cravings are completely normal and people feel them to varying degrees at different points in their journey. At one month out, I know your options are limited, but maybe you could find some substitutes? Look for a good protein powered in a flavor you like, sugar free jello or popsicles might be a good option, or try a sugar free drink mix (crystal light, mio, etc.). As for hunger and weight loss, are you hitting your protein and fluid goals? If so, how much of your protein is coming from shakes/powders and how much is coming from food? Following your programs plan, you might want to start aiming to get as much protein as you can from your food intake and slowly decrease the supplements, as they won't fill you up and keep you full nearly as long as more dense protein sources. Additionally, increasing your protein and hitting your fluid goals can also help with weight loss. Ultimately, follow your plan and contact your surgeon/dietician if you need additional support. That's what they are they are there for! But you're on the right track and its still super early in your journey. Be patient with yourself and trust the process!

I'm so sorry the pain is so bad. Have you contacted your surgeon's office to discuss? Pain isn't necessarily indicative of a problem, but if it is truly unbearable, then it justifies a call to discuss. Are you able to walk around at all, even if slowly? Getting up and moving will help expel the gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery, which nearly always helps reduce pain. Also taking Gas-X can help, use the chewables if you need to. A heating pad can also help with the pain from gas and the discomfort. As far as eating or drinking, make sure you are following your surgeon's plan and not eating or drinking anything that isn't recommended. But try and sip as much water as you can, as dehydration will only further complicate your recovery. Again, everyone's pain tolerance is different and their recovery experience is different, but if you are in so much pain that you are concerned, you absolutely should contact your surgeon.

The ASMBS has recommendations for vitamins post-WLS; I can't speak to Celebrate, as I don't use those, but a good starting point is a vitamin that meets the ASMBS recommendations for your surgery type. Personally, I use ProCare and love them. It would also be helpful to get labs drawn and see if you have any specific deficiencies or areas of concern and build on that. Ensuring you're taking the right vitamins for your needs is critical and would likely go a long way in helping you feel better and possibly slowing the hair loss. Definitely reach out to your surgeon, too, if you need additional support!

I am not, but I hope you can find support! I do know that @Bariatric.Meal.Prep on IG has some resources on her page and on YouTube about honoring your cultural heritage and your ethnic food background post WLS, if that's something you're interested in. Best of luck to you!

Better Help and Talkspace both have counselors that specialize in eating disorders, primarily using CBT. Not counseling, but Overeaters Anonymous has a ton of online/virtual meeting options as well. No personal experience, I opted for in-person therapy for my own needs, but I do know folks who have been very happy with the online options.

I hate eggs from the bottom of my soul. I know they are the gold standard of WLS breakfasts, but I cannot freaking stand them. Most days I have a Premier Protein shake followed by a few ounces of cottage cheese, some oatmeal with protein powder mixed in, a string chees, some yogurt, or even leftovers if nothing else sounds good (usually some kind of meat that I made for my family the night before).

I opted not to weight for a full week post-op. Surgery was on a Tuesday, I stepped on the scale for the first time the following Tuesday. Everyone will shake off the IV fluids at their own pace, so no point weighing sooner than is realistic. Staying on top of your fluids, walking as much as you can, and getting adequate sleep will all help healing tremendously. Congrats! You're going to do great!

When was your surgery? Are you on Actigall/Ursodiol? Gall bladder problems are quite common for WLS patients in the active weight loss phase, especially if you had a history prior to surgery. Definitely contact your surgeon and get seen! If the pain can't be managed, go to the ER.

Get back to basics. Focus on getting in your fluids. Weigh and track everything you eat. Eat your protein first and aim to hit your protein goal every day. Get back to moving your body for at least 30 minutes a day. If you are struggling with those, or after a few weeks don't see improvement, reach out to your surgery center. Getting back to basics can be hard, but small steps add up, you can do it!