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I also was able to eat more than your average sleever. But also, I suspect my surgeon made my sleeve a bit bigger knowing how active I was even before surgery (it's hard to be so active when you can't eat enough!). When I was three months out I was restricting myself to 800 calories and my center's nutritionist had an absolute conniption at me. Said I was ruining the tool and if I wanted to just gain all the weight back, that was my business. I was devastated for a hot second before I absolutely lost my temper at the top of my lungs and fired her so loud they heard it in the surgeon's office across the hall. A friend of mine recommended a nutrition program she used, and I am so glad I found it. Immediately my nutrition coach (who had coached other bariatric patients before) upped my calories to about 1200, still prioritizing protein. Over the last six months she's increased it to 1600-1800, and we're just now backing off a little bit because I feel like all I do is eat. I have just a few pounds left to lose, so they will be harder to shift. I expect maintenance will be around 1600 calories depending on activity level.

Connecticut-my surgeon was Dr. Sekhar of New York Bariatric Group

first of all, that was due to malpractice. They should have taken his complaints seriously and done diagnostic work. If they had, he likely would not have died. Secondly, although bowel obstruction is more common in bariatric patients than it is in "normies", it's still very rare. And normal people can have bowel obstruction, too - my mother-in-law had it a year ago - had to go to the hospital for emergency surgery. She weighs around 110 lbs and has never had bariatric surgery. that said, I'm very sorry about what happened to your father.

Don't eat past your hunger cues. One of the things that I want to beam into everyone's head is that for a LOT of us, aftercare is pretty horrible. My surgeon's bariatric nutritionist lit into me for eating 800 calories a day 3 months out - I work outdoors and work out for an hour a day. My surgeon actually skipped two check-ins in a row after that. So I went and got a nutrition coach (whom I absolutely LOVE). I could always eat more than they said I'd be able to. But as long as I ate slowly, the restriction kicked in eventually. I lost weight hand over fist (it has since slowed down, but I'm 8 months PO and not far from goal). I wouldn't worry about it. But do watch out for stalls. They happen, they suck, and they shouldn't derail you.

Has anyone here had a gastric sleeve and also has Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)? I just need to know that someone else safely had it done and didn't have a major multi-systemic reaction to the surgery or in post-op. I'm prone to anaphylaxis but I've had other surgeries (knees and shoulder) since diagnosis and with my surgical team being cautious I made it through surgery without having a major reaction. I previously had a consult with a bariatric surgeon and she said she wouldn't touch me; that it was too risky. But that was maybe three years ago and I'm definitely more stable now than I was then. My pain doctor wants me to get a second opinion so I'm going to meeting with a bariatric surgeon in a few weeks and also meeting with my mast cell doctor. I was just hoping that someone who it has experience with it could reassure me that it can be done safely. Concerns I have: - my diet already has to be restrictive because of the MCAS. I worry about getting enough protein in when I have to avoid tree nuts and all meat products. I can have milk (lactose free) and eggs. - I read that my meds have to be crushed or split post-surgery. Is that for forever? I have some capsules that I take that can't be crushed or broken. I also have liquid medication I take that gets diluted I'm about a cup of water. I use that water to take all of my pills, and there's a fair amount of pills. - exercise is an issue for me. I've anaphylaxed during an easy yoga class before. I've built up to be able to do seven to ten minutes on a seated elliptical or seated stepper. But I'm not going to be running any 5ks anytime soon. Is it still an effective surgery if my workout options afterwards are extremely limited because of my MCAS? - if I'm on meds that have caused weight gain for me, is it possible to still lose weight while being on the med? I can't safely go off of the meds unfortunately. I think I'm just scared to get my hopes up that this surgery could be a safe and effective tool to help me lose weight. I'm 5'4 and 400 lbs. I need help. The likelihood that my surgeon will be familiar with or educated in mast cell diseases is really low and I know that I'll have to do a lot of advocating for myself. If you've made it this far thank you for listening. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

*trigger warning if you are scared about gastric bypass this is not a good post to read also it is a long * (admin if I shouldn't have posted this please delete) I debated long and hard about whether or not to talk about my dad and how he died. I never want to scare anyone and tbh his death wasn't so much because of the gastric bypass he had but rather the prejudice and malpractice of his primary care Dr and the hospital he went to for emergency care. My dad came into my life when I was 28yrs old. I didn't know I needed a dad honestly. He started dating my mom and considered me part of the package. He protected her, he protected me...no strings attached totally unconditional regardless if I wanted him to or not he was going to be there for me. Turns out even at 28 I needed a dad. He was 6ft 5", almost 500lbs, tattoos, beard, and a biker. Dad never talked a lot, he preferred actions. If he agreed with something he'd say "No doubt". If he didn't well he'd just shake his head and turn away. He had had 4 heart attacks by the time he had his gastric bypass surgery in 2009, He went down to 190ish lbs. Everything was great. He did everything he was supposed to do. Crushed his meds, no alcohol, watched his food ..he followed all the rules. Fast forward to July 2021. Dad and mom had split a few years back but he was still my dad. Around July 30th, he started having abdominal pain and couldn't go to the bathroom. He did something he hated to do.. he went to the Dr. The Dr filling in for his Dr took one look him..biker with tattoos wearing a leather jacket and on Medicare and immediately ignored him. He told dad if it was so bad go to the emergency room. So dad did. Hospital er looked at dad...biker with tattoos, wearing a leather jacket and on Medicare and assumed..drug seeker! Told him there was nothing wrong with him. They did no test and sent him home. About 2am on July 31, Dad was in horrible pain and call EMS, they weren't part of the hospital he had gone to earlier, in the ambulance they did an ultrasound on the way to their hospital. One of the paramedics picked up his cell phone and called the first number on it...my mom. They told her to meet them at the hospital, it was bad real bad. She and his biological daughter got to the hospital about the same time. Dr told them there was 3 options...1 take him into surgery immediately ..he would most likely died on the operating table 2. try to get him strong enough to have surgery he would most likely never wake up or 3 give him morphine and let him die. They chose option 3 and less than 30mins later he was gone. So what did a simple ultrasound find? Dad's large intestine had twisted so badly that while he ate, food couldn't get past the twist. Imagine making a balloon animal and twisting the balloon then keep blowing up one side.. the inevitable happened. The food side popped filling his body cavity with food and stomach acid. He didn't have to die. Had the Dr listened, they could have found it and done surgery to fix it. The hospital and the Dr, naturally, claimed no responsibility it was obviously the 12yr old gastric bypass that killed him. I wish I could say they were sued til they cried but dad's biological daughter refused. Me, I wanted their heads on a silver platter but I don't look good behind iron bars. My mom isn't very happy that I am having bariatric surgery less than a year after my dad died. She is trying to be supportive but she is scared. I often wonder what advise would he have given me. I got my insurance approval letter in the mail today and said to myself "so this is really going to happen". I swear I heard "No doubt" Sorry this was so long.

Hi JUNE friends! I get notifications when there are posts and how emotional I was to see all the NEW 2022 Junies posting! Made me reflect on everything that has happened to me in the last year. Recorded my highest weight in NOV 2019 at 305 at 5ft1in at the doctor's office. Cried and talked with her about surgery. She was all for it. Let that sit and fester for another year, what was the rush? I have only been thinking about this for the last TEN years. Finally, Nov 2020, my levels were prediabetic. I was on two high BP meds. I knew I needed to stop this. My insurance sucked and conventional route was not going to happen. MANY MANY insurance companies DO NOT cover bariatric surgeries any more. WHICH is ridiculous since it is the only elective surgery that reverses or ends so many mortal diseases. Why wouldn't they pay? Between HBP and soon to be diabetes, probably need knee replacements, and on and on!! I had to find self pay. I was too nervous to look at Mexico, and found Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas. I started my Pre-Op diet May 25th, 2021. Surgery was June 15th, 2021. Best DECISION I EVER MADE! We have all been there. Should have done it sooner, hmmm-ed and hawed for months and months once my doctor and I talked about it. Then there was covid. The delays never ended. But to all the new people.....TRUST THE PROCESS, LISTEN to your body. It will know what to do. If you do the work, it will follow. I consider myself a SLOW loser. I was not, will not, and won't ever be an exercise lover. I couldn't fathom doing any exercise when I was 305lbs. It was a terrible cycle. I can't walk and move my body because my knees hurt, my back hurt. I didn't walk much when I started this journey but then, after the tiredness subsides, you think wow, my knees don't hurt. I can go for a walk with the dog. Then, I WANT to walk the dog. For me, everything was baby steps. BUT, suddenly the pants are looser. You start to see your face change. Then, those close to you start to notice. Slowly, but SURELY, it comes off. The ONLY WAY to lose this weight is by calorie deficit. It is the ONLY WAY we can all do this. It is NOT EASY. Having surgery is NOT easy. We still have to change the way we eat. We are still have to fight those old habits and desires. I read everything I could, joined this group, and a couple on FB. I read all the advice. I am here to tell you a few of mine. I HATED pictures of any kind. I didn't take many before or after surgery. DO TAKE PICTURES!!! I love seeing people's before and afters and transformations and I just can't go back. and POOP. No one talks about the POOP or lack of it. It was my biggest side effect and still an issue. HAIR LOSS, it happens, just start those biotin pills NOW! SO, sorry for this long post, it was kind of emotional and I needed to just write it all out. You took the first steps. You got this! I still feel like I just did and am in the stages you are. But, as I close in on my first anniversary, I am overwhelmed. I hit the 100 pound lost mark. Then, this week, I hit ONEDERLAND. Lots of milestones all at once. I am anxious to see what my pounds lost will be on June 15th! Trust yourself and the process. There are NO steadfast rules. I hate when I see posts and people are so adamant and actually rude about stuff. In the end, you make the rules. I'm an open book and will answer any questions. You can message me or post. Literally remind yourself, it's ONE day at a time. Best wishes Junies!!

I just had my sleeve done today by Dr. Sekhar with New York Bariatric Group. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him, his staff, and the practice. He made me feel at ease right away and having a personal concierge to guide me through the requirements and track all of the documents for me made the process a lot easier. The concierge also handled all referrals for me and found providers in my area. I’m in Connecticut so i recommend the Farmington, CT location if you’re in mid state or around the Hartford area. Wonderful practice, wonderful doctor and overall a really smooth experience.

This thread was a wild ride. I also don't believe OP was trolling, but I think there are more issues going on here than just dealing with the weight loss stuff. If you're still reading this OP, I sincerely recommend you try to speak with a therapist about the issues you've been discussing. If you can find a bariatric therapist, great. Otherwise, any certified therapist should be able to help provide you with a caring ear. You seem to be carrying a lot more weight than just the physical pounds, if you get what I'm saying, and speaking to someone can help lighten the load. Regarding the specific things you've been discussing, a few thoughts. First, as others have mentioned, the procedure you chose is a tool like the other procedures, but it's a tool that statistically results in the least weight lost of the rest. That doesn't mean you can't be extremely successful, just that it might be tougher. You say you don't want to be one of those people weighing every gram of your food on a postage scale. Well, I'm one of those people and I've been lucky enough to have a lot of success so far. That said, I don't necessarily watch every gram, if I'm a little over it's not the end of the world. But most people have absolutely no idea what a portion of food actually weights until they actually weigh it. When I started out I was shocked on how small my 4 oz potions of food were, if I had been eyeballing them I would have had twice as much as I should have. So I would get a cheap scale (you can get them for $10 or less) and start weighing EVERYTHING. You say you don't have time, but it takes practically no time at all. Weighing all my ingredients takes at MOST 3-4 minutes per DAY. You just put stuff on your plate like normal, but first put the plate on the scale. I had some cantaloupe for a snack earlier, and I just put the bowl on the scale and watched the numbers as I filled it and stopped when I hit my limit. It took pretty much the same amount of time that it would have taken to put the cantaloupe in the bowl without using the scale anyway. You also mentioned you weren't interested in a sleeve because you believe the recovery time would be a month. I can only speak for myself but four days after my sleeve I drove 30 miles to visit with family, and I was fine. I took about a week or so off of work and went back with no problems. Everyone is different but from what I've seen posted by others, that's generally the experience most folks have. I'm not saying you need a revision, but don't let the potential recovery time deter you from a procedure if you and your doctor feel it would be appropriate. Best of luck.

I thought about ketamine for depression. Was it working for you? What is the issue with using it after bariatric surgery?

I experienced this as well. Instead of trying to force it, eat the few bites you can, wait 20-30 minutes and start drinking tiny sips of protein to help push it down a little. Eventually you will be able to handle more. I am now 32 days post op and in the 3-4 days I've noticed a better capacity to tolerate foods and am now eating minestrone soup, 3 oz at a time, 2-3 times a day between my water and 2 protein shakes. When I emailed the bariatric team, they told me it may have been due to swelling on the inside the finally went down and that many patients by a month out can handle 4oz (and some 4-6oz) at a time, but everyone is different and has different tolerances.

Greetings @Im4miracles - Michelle, I got my sleeve surgery in 2016. I lost around 130 lbs During the time from 2020, I had gained some of the weight back. I also had severe GERD (where the GERD was so severe that I was vomiting my food almost everyday). I went back to my Bariatric surgeon in February, 2020 to revise my sleeve surgery to a Gastric Bypass with hernia surgery I have to admit that I had similar concerns about the Gastric Bypass that you do. I was concerned about the dumping syndrome and wondering if I could keep the weight off with revision to the bypass surgery. I got my Gastric Bypass surgery with hernia surgery in March 2020. It was the best decision I ever made for myself because in hindsight I don’t have this severe GERD anymore. Once I was released from the hospital, I didn’t have much pain and didn’t have to take my narcotic pain killer. At my 6 month post op appointment, my bariatric surgeon was extremely pleased with my weight loss progress because I had lost 124% of my original body weight. My current body weight is in the mid 130’s. I was really scared that I would experience dumping syndrome after my bypass surgery - which I did not. In my experience, I haven’t had malabsorption of my daily nutrition in my body. My bariatric vitamins don’t taste horrible (I take my bariatric vitamins daily). Fortunately, my tastebuds haven’t changed because of the bypass surgery. I can eat all foods that I had eaten before I got my bypass surgery. I no longer have to take the Protonix 40 mg because the bypass surgery cured the GERD for me. Lastly, the weight that I had lost from my bypass surgery hasn’t returned because I use my Lose It application (food journal) to budget my calories, I walk everyday for 30 minutes at a minimum, and I use the nutritional plate method (that my medical nutritionist told me about). The plate method is where you divide your plate in to three sections: first section is 50% of the plate is made out of fruits and vegetables (I typically have 25% of fruits and 25% of vegetables in this section), second section is 25% of protein food, and the third section is 25% of carbohydrates foods. Using the nutritional plate method I make sure I’m getting the proper nutrition. Michelle, I hope that what I’ve written has given you food for thought. I have successfully gone from a sleeve surgery to a bypass surgery without any complications and i am extremely happy about my weight loss journey, thus far

Hello! Just a short story of how I got here! 8/2012, I underwent the Gastric Sleeve. I went from 230 lbs to 140 lbs. I had a hiatal hernia repair during this surgery in 2012 and again in 2021. Every since I had the sleeve in 2012, I have had reflux. Within the last few years, it has increased, severely. It did a little better when I had the hernia repair in 2021. However the hernia has returned and the GERD is even worse. I wake up quite often gagging on stomach acid. Sometimes waiting to go to bed three hours after my last meal/snack, will help SOMETIMES. A lot of times, I have to sleep sitting up. I am taking Protonix 40 MG twice a day for many many years. If I skip a dose, I regret it! I, unfortunately, have gained quite a bit of my weight back. Once I started gaining, the front desk clerk at my Bariatric doc's office told me I didn't need to come back. I kind of felt like I got kicked out of the program!! So it just got worse after that. Because of the severe GERD I am having, I bit the bullet and went back to see my bariatric doctor. I was ashamed because I lost 90 pounds after my surgery but have gained 60 of it back. He didn't seem to say much about that. However, he suggested that the best way to get the GERD under control was to revise my surgery from the Sleeve to the Bypass. I have concerns! I am worried about the diet and will I screw up again? I am worried about mal absorption, dumping syndrome and all the other complications that can come from the Gastric Bypass. I worry about how the vitamins will taste (silly I know, but if things taste nasty, I have a hard time eating/drinking). What if I can't stick with it like I did the Sleeve? This is a permanent surgery! I am scared but I feel like it is necessary to relieve me of this terrible GERD. I could end up with Barrett's Esophagus and worse, cancer of the esophagus. Would really appreciate outlooks and suggestions! Thanks in Advance, Michelle

Well, I unfortunately tested positive for Covid on May 8, so my initial appointments got pushed back. I now see the bariatric nutrionist for the first time on May 29, and the surgeon in June 2. I’m eager for the appointments but know I need to get through this rough patch first!

Well, I unfortunately tested positive for Covid on May 8, so my initial appointments got pushed back. I now see the bariatric nutrionist for the first time on May 29, and the surgeon in June 2. I’m eager for the appointments but know I need to get through this rough patch first!

I am a few months short of 2 years post-VSG and have lost 25% of my body weight. Have been steady at this weight for about 6 months now. This Michigan Bariatric Collaborative has an interesting outcome predictor calculator. https://www.michiganbsc.org/DecisionTools/

I have seen some on here post that edibles hit different and a lot stronger after bariatric surgery. But there are other products to try. Maybe try Tinctures? I have not tried marijuana since having my surgery. Also maybe try a ratio product. Like 1:1 THC:CBD. Those were awesome before surgery and did not give me the super high or nausea.

According to this: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/bariatric-surgery/after-your-surgery/smoking-vaping-and-drinking-alcohol-after-bariatric-surgery it says : Can I smoke or vape after bariatric surgery? It’s best not to smoke or vape any substance after surgery. This includes tobacco, tobacco-like products, and cannabis. These products can cause problems with your heart and lungs. Smoking after bariatric surgery can also cause stomach ulcers.

I had gastric bypass in Oct 2019, within the last 6 months (or so), I have been vaping THC pretty regularly. Slowly, I've had nausea feelings everyday. Some days worse than others (like today). At first I thought I'll just vape some more and this will take care of my nausea (like cancer patients will do for pain and nausea). Well, the nausea seems to be getting worse and I think there is a connection (duh). Has anyone else experienced this? Do you know if THC is NOT a good thing for bariatric patients? I'm going to stop for a week and see what happens. I'll keep you updated. Stewy56

Hi y'all, I'm new here. Scheduled for surgery June 24th (but I started the whole process February 2021, long story). When researching which surgery to get, I was hoping for a duodenal switch, because it is supposed to have the best long-term outcome. Unfortunately my surgeon doesn't do DS, he only will do the VSG or RNY. And even then, he'll only do the RNY if you have diabetes or GERD. With him, then, my only option is the sleeve. (I don't live in an area where I can really "shop around" for bariatric surgeons). Honestly, I'm not upset, because it does seem to be one of the least invasive procedures... our insides aren't getting rearranged, we're just getting part of our stomach taken out. That being said, I'm kind of glad that the sleeve can so easily be revised into a DS, if I need it to be down the road. (I've been fat my whole life, so I'm really worried about regain). Obviously I'd need to search further away for a surgeon to do the DS, but I'll cross that bridge if or when I come to it. I'm hoping the sleeve will do the trick, though. I just want to be healthy. My ten-year-old daughter is autistic, and non-speaking, with very high support needs, so it's likely she'll never be able to live independently. I just want to make sure I'm around for her as long as I possibly can be. Anyway, hi! I'd love to hear your stories!

I agree with @ShoppGirl: Bring a written list of questions. It's so hard to remember everything and I feel like doctors and surgeons are always rushing you. In particular, if you are taking any medications, I would ask how they might need to change after surgery, which will depend on which surgery you get. For example, any extended release medications often need to be changed. I would also ask about whether they have a bariatric therapist available for after your surgery. I see a number of people here who after surgery face a lot of issues that could best be addressed by a bariatric therapist. Most therapists are not well trained in these issues and it can be hard to find a trained therapist on your own. Good luck!

This link has a ton of questions you can ask from stuff about you to stuff about the surgeons experience. https://www.bestbariatricsurgeons.com/31-questions-to-ask-a-bariatric-surgeon/

I don't think anyone here will tell you you don't need surgery and instead you need to eat more healthily! Most of us have been exactly where you are. My one regret about my sleeve is that I didn't do it many years ago and save myself years of yo-yoing and stress and obesity and self-loathing. My advice would very much be to forego the final attempt to lose weight and keep it off, given the tiny chances of success long term. I say cut to the chase and see your bariatric surgeon again and tool yourself up! Good luck whatever you decide.

Not the point. The point is that you need to reevaluate what you are doing and make the adjustments that are needed. REALLY count and track what you are eating, do more exercise, drink lots of water etc, etc. Back to Bariatric Basics.

Very odd. I have never heard of this. I am on 2 forums, in 2 support groups and on a FB bariatric page. Everyone's pr-op diet, length of post-op diets and food lists differ quite a bit from surgeon to surgeon. But, I have NEVER heard of the food phases in a different order. It's liquid, pureed, soft, solid. It doesn't even make sense as to how your stomach would tolerance "solid soft" foods before pureed. I am not trying to be rude, or under minding but are sure you understood correctly? Didn't get mixed up? Maybe your surgeon says mushy foods as pureed? I could see mushy and pureed kind of being the same thing, but soft is soft. It is solid but soft foods.