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Hi everyone! I'm Morgan, and I was sleeved on 12/5. I'm about 3.5 weeks out. The first day was ROUGH. I pretty much vomited from the time I woke up until the next morning. I'm doing well now, and just really trying to adjust to this new normal. I am having trouble getting all of my protein in, though. I do really love Genepro. I hear a lot of people mix it with coffee, so I might try that. I can't tolerate flavored protein shakes (my pouch HATES) artificial sweeteners, Sylvia, Trulia, and sugar alcohols. Premier Protein had been the worst so far for me. Are there any other options out there that actually taste decent?

Glad you have a meter to monitor what's going on. I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. (complication from surgery) I worked with my bariatric, sports medicine and diabetes dietitians to get better control over my blood sugars. Here is an article: If you are diagnosed, Work with your team to find what foods and meal frequency work for your body specifically. June 2015 Issue CPE Monthly: Nutrition Tips for Reactive Hypoglycemia After Bariatric Surgery Reactive hypoglycemia (also called postprandial hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, or noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia) is characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurring two to four hours after a high-carbohydrate meal (or oral glucose load). Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, especially those in whom the pylorus is bypassed (gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch), may experience reactive hypoglycemia. The dietitian is key to helping these patients manage symptoms. Symptoms Patients may experience any of these symptoms one to three hours after a meal high in carbohydrates: hunger, feeling shaky, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, anxiety, feeling weak, confusion, heart palpitations, fatigue, aggression, tremors, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Dietary Modifications Work with your patients to help them identify and eliminate from their diets simple sugars, concentrated sweets, high-fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, and lactose (possibly). They also should avoid skipping meals or consuming meals comprised only of carbohydrates. Focus on how you can help patients modify their diets, including the following: plan mini meals spaced equally throughout the day (three to four hours); make low-volume choices; consume high-protein levels at each eating occasion, pairing protein choices with complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables; choose healthful fats; and separate food and fluid intake by 30 to 60 minutes. Soluble fiber from guar gum, glucomannan, and pectin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, (eg, acarbose) or somatostatin analogs (eg, octreotide) can help delay gastric emptying, increase small intestine transit time, and slow glucose absorption. Patient-Specific Tips Acknowledge that everyone may have different triggers for low blood sugar or reactive hypoglycemia. Advise patients to keep detailed food journals that you can review to identify patterns (eg, timing and amount eaten as snacks, meals, and drinks; blood sugar levels; feelings). Encourage patients not to use foods or drinks with added sugar to boost low blood sugar levels, as this can cause blood sugar crashes and spikes.

Congrats Brian, on starting to look at ways to change your life! I really encourage you to have an open conversation with your parents. I know they must also be very concerned about your fatty liver and are probably wondering how they can help you. I really like @Stella S's suggestion to get your PCP to hook you up with a nutritionist and maybe even someone like a physical therapist or trainer to get you started on a weight loss/exercise program. At the very minimum, your insurance company is going to want to see a 3-5 year history of your weight loss attempts. Even if you don't qualify for surgery until you are 18, you need to have doctor verified weights and also verify that you've worked with them to try to lose weight on your own. So start building the behaviors and history that will benefit your future self. There was a very important study done in Sweden on obese teens. It's important to note that the surgery helped resolve many obesity related diseases in the teens (including fatty liver resolution). But it's also important to note that up to 25% of the teens had to complications that let to more surgery or hospitalizations and vitamin deficiencies. Here are a couple of articles about this study: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170105213120.htm https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-01-good-long-term-results-obesity-surgery.html The thing is...that WLS only works long term if you actually change the behaviors that got us obese in the first place. In the early days, you will lose because of the surgery. It's like, even a blind squirrel will find the nut! But unless you really are focused on diet and lifestyle from then on out (tracking your food in a daily diary, weighing and measuring foods, making super healthy food choices at every meal, not sliding back into eating sugar and other carby crap, not drinking liquid calories or booze), the chances are good you will regain 50% of more of your previous weight. And even more, you will need to take vitamins on a set schedule and drink a set amount of liquids every day--for life. Those are pretty adult responsibilities that even a big majority of adults can't handle. You also really should avoid alcohol for life as well--and with a fatty liver, it's going to be really important for you to do the same regardless of having surgery. It sounds pretty depressing right? I mean, you're a 15 year old kid (male)...how do you NOT go to the kegger in college? How do you not pound down burgers and fries with friends? I'm bringing this up, because these are issues you MUST consider prior to surgery. Are you emotionally capable of choosing the road less traveled in order to experience health and a long life? Can you really exercise that type of control and maturity in the face of peer pressure? "Oh, that won't happen to me" belief will not protect you. It will happen to you. You will face these dilemmas. I hope you continue to process all the information and take initiative to start working with your family doc and a nutritionist/trainer and see if you can get a handle on things to start reducing your fatty liver. If you're drinking already...quit. I'm adding you to my prayers!!! ((hugs)) And I really believe you've taken the first step in working on a success plan for your future!!!

I felt just like this and had similar stats (was 247 when I started). I didn’t even really commit fully to the pre op/6 month diet. But I went back every month even if I hadn’t lost, mostly because I didn’t want to start over. Once my surgery approval came in, a month prior, it got a lot more real and I got serious. I started the plan with some rigor, cut out all sugar and alcohol, etc., and lost around 15 lbs pre-surgery. I’ve been a slowish-loser post-op but have been compliant, careful, diligent and have not gone back to my bad habits, and exercise 5x week and enjoy it. Am down almost 80 lbs, at around a .5 lb/week pace now. The surgery won’t “work” on its own but it’s a huge opportunity to change your life, and the weight loss is an awesome motivator to keep going. Good luck to you!!

I did too and I didn't take benadryl because I assumed it was because of normal healing (like any other itchy cut) so I very carefully cleaned the areas with alcohol and it helped a ton.

The best option is none. What you're really asking is what the second best option is. While others suggest hard liquor due to less calories, hard liquor obviously has more alcohol than anything else. Consider a glass of still wine. Good luck!

Best option = none. If you don't drink and it's not important to you....maybe just abstain. If it is something you enjoy and don't want to give up....here's some advice from google: The best form of alcohol, from a calorie perspective, are the classic spirits. We’re talking about tequila, rum, vodka, whiskey, and gin. One ounce of any of those classic spirits contains around 64 calories, most of which come from the alcohol content. So, maybe a small margarita, or any of these spirits mixed with low calorie diet juices? Good luck.

The other night I had alcohol for the first time since my surgery (very little, yes I'm allowed per my surgeon, no I'm not an alcoholic) And realized I had no idea what the hell to drink. Most drinks have carbonation and extra/excess sugar or are mixed with **** I don't need. What are the best options for a post sleeve patient to drink responsibly? I really don't drink often enough to where it'll be a huge issue, but I figure any opportunity to improve is always a good one. I'm sure there's old threads on this, but I mostly just found ones centered on when/how much rather than drink selection

Acid has nothing to do with the reason to avoid coffee or alcohol. The moment the surgeon closed your stomach again it starts producing hydrochloric. That is far more acidic than anything that you will put in your mouth. The main reason for the avoidance of alcohol is the fact that it is a barbiturate(depressant) and a blood thinner and is famous for lowering inhibitions. In the case of a gastric patient, lowered inhibitions could mean "just one more bite" or something along those lines. On one hand I agree with you, it's a special occasion and it should be observed. However, you trusted the surgeon enough to knock you out and cut you open then remove a part of you, yet you are asking a bunch of strangers if it's OK to go against the surgeons recommendations. Do what you like, but realize that it is only 3 weeks post op and you already going against plan.

I was hoping I'd that I'd be a cheap date and get more affected by alcohol like they say you will. But I don't. I can drink my 3-4 gin and tonics with no issue. But at 3 weeks? Not so sure that's a good idea since wine is so acidic and your stomach is still all torn up inside. It also might make you forget that hey, you can't snack right now. I personally wouldn't do it at this point, but my surgeon said okay after 6 weeks. Happy anniversary though!

One thing my surgeon said - post surgery that wine/alcohol passes through us in a way that is different to others. One glass could make you over the drive limit, or even quite drunk, so take care! xxx for your anniversary!

I was not allowed any alcohol for a year (and to be honest, I haven't had since before I had surgery - so probably three years). I think coffee is different - there's a wide range of opinion on that among surgeons, so my guess has always been that coffee is probably OK, but some surgeons are overly cautious. There seems to be more of a consensus on alcohol - most agree you should avoid it that first year.

It's acidic and can cause reflux. You are not healed, it takes months to heal all the way. Also alcohol is dehydrating. Mine said 6 months, and also be aware of transfer addiction. Some people turn to alcohol instead of food.

I went in for surgery in Jan and he ended up just doing a liver biopsy as my liver was enlarged, diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver. Surgeon required me to lose 30lbs prior to trying again. I ate 1200 calories a day and limited my carbs to less than 100. Lots of salads soups and tacos. Lost most in 6 weeks and had my surgery. Lost more the week before surgery on the pre-op diet. Youve got this. I was pissed for a while but got over and got it done! good luck!

I would not recommend having any alcohol that early, it can cause to much stomach irritation while you're healing.

My surgeon and nutritionist told my to wait a year before having an alcoholic drink. I am not a drinker. I only have a drink at my birthday or Christmas Eve. I just had my sleeve on December 5th so I am too scared to try a drink at Christmas Eve this year. Has anybody had a drink three or four weeks after surgery?

I v I've heard 6 months and I've heard one year but I'm not an alcoholic and I only have one or two drinks I'm one year out now I noticed the effects pretty fast but it's caused me no problems obviously just drink slow because we can hold much Sent from my LGL84VL using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 5 months out and down 110 pounds. On Christmas Eve I want to be able to have one alcoholic drink. Has anyone had an experience with booze yet after surgery?

I dump with too many sugar alcohols which means I can’t do many of the protein bars. HW-292 • SW (6/29/17) 256.6 • CW 185.0

I'm terrified as well, I'm going to try and stay away from alcohol, I know if I have one or two - I'll lose control of my calorie in take. I usually love Christmas but I'm starting to feel anxious about it.

Happy Monday, getting in the holiday spirit (no alcohol, snacking or cookies this year!) Tomorrow is 4 weeks from my ESG procedure, I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 20 pounds since ESG!! Great questions and answers by hope4momof4 and melesg here are my answers as well: Typical daily food intake, since week 3 averaging ±1000 calories and ±100 g protein: Breakfast 0600 - Premier Protein Shake, 160 cals, 30 g protein, multivitamin and calcium supplement Mid morning 0900-1000 - Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, 80 cals, 12 g protein Lunch 1200 - Either Premier Protein Shake or 4 oz protein chicken or salmon (baked) 250 cals, 25 g protein Mid afternoon 1500 - Premier Protein Shake Dinner 1900 - Either 4 oz chicken or salmon (baked) or Danon Non fat Light n fit Greek Yogurt Cherry, (if protein at lunch) Drinking >1,5 liters of water each day as well, between meals, no coffee/caffeine/alcohol 1) No hunger pains or feelings, no evening urges to graze that I used to have every day. 2) I didn't follow the puree stage myself as digestion has been very stable, solid foods haven't been a problem. I have stayed away from leafy items and whole fruits/veg. I'm staying with the protein shakes a bit longer to keep ramping down my weight. Started walking and feeling stronger this week, taking the ramp up easy, will introduce weight lifting this week as I hope to go skiing over the holiday period. 3) I'm right around 1000 calories, still a bit extreme and not long term, I have lost 20 of my ±90 pound targeted loss and want to continue this pace for another month or so. When I get below 275 (13 more pounds) I will start to transition to a more long term diet. More than 20 years since I was below 275. 4) No cravings, the head hunger thing is real for me. I don't desire sweets or salty munchies (honestly thought I would never utter these words!). My portion size is <1/5 of what I was previously eating at meal time and that's before not taking seconds. 5) Emotional eater - yes to all the above. If you would have asked me before the procedure I would have denied it and said it was based on my need to get calories due to being "a large body" with any number of related excuses, I'm big boned, I weighed this much when I was in my teens, etc. It just isn't the case. I really believe there is a positive effect from the reduction in stomach size and satiety (feeling of being full) and hormone reduction that is driving this. Hope4momof4, don't be stressed, I would not have predicted any of 4) of 5) before I had my procedure. In fact I gained about 10 pounds in less than a month from the time of my consult to completing the blood work and dietician visit. I thought about changing my eating and lifestyle before the procedure but never could have understood beforehand how much my willpower is stronger now after the ESG. Keep going, stay strong, there's lots of hope coming your way!!

The earlier you can start a weight loss routine, the better off you'll be for surgery. I started a medically supervised program using meal replacements and lost 55 lbs in 2 months and made my surgery a breeze. It shrinks your stomach, prepares you for how you'll live post-surgery and makes the surgery much easier on your body. If not a replacement diet, cut out most carbs and alcohol-you'll be amazed how much more energy you have. Good luck on your journey! I

You also need to know what the med was, how much they gave you, what happened. Cuz any future operation will ask if you've ever had probs with anesthesia. They will need specifics to make sure it doesn't happen to you again! You also need to be very honest with them about your history of drug and alcohol consumption, cuz it all plays into how much anesthesia or pain meds they have to give you to have you receive the effect. So sorry you had this scary time!!!! ((hugs))

Haven't been here for awhile, but since Im at my 4 year surgiversary I thought I'd check in. 80% of this post is completely plagiarized from last year's update but it gives a good recap of all 4 years.... Year 1 - the year of losing all of my excess weight (100 pounds), dozens of NSVs, and a new wardrobe. By far, the most exciting year. Even the month of liquids, 6 weeks of diarrhea and 2 insanely painful gallbladder attacks couldn't put a dent in my enthusiasm. It was all so new and fun and easy. Life was great and I was invincible! Year 2 - the year of finding out life still sucks no matter what size you are, losing my best friend to suicide, sinking into a deep hole of depression and finding that I could no longer rely on my old friends.....food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just struggling to get through each day with really no desire to. Two more gallbladder attacks which I finally put an end to with a long overdue cholecystectomy. Surprisingly able to maintain my weight loss from the 1st year. Year 3 - the year of emotional healing (well, at least a start in that direction) with a grief therapist, testosterone replacement and an antidepressant. Finally able to crawl out the darkness into a somewhat bearable existence. My latest breakthrough is I actually said yes when asked out on a date about a month ago. Considering my introvert personality and swearing off relationships almost 20 years ago, this is an extraordinary step for me. We've been out 1/2 dozen times and I'm actually enjoying it. Year 4 - the year of falling in love, being blissfully happy and regaining 10 pounds (yikes!) I'm still with that guy that asked me out back in Oct 2016. Enjoying my first totally honest, mature relationship. Ironically, I've found being a good bariatric patient is harder in good times than in bad. I've got better things to do than think about Protein, fluids, carbs and vitamin......everything has become less and less about surgery and weightloss and more and more about life. So my downfall this past year has been cocktails and chocolate. Took up the bad habit of consuming both on a daily basis. That, and a lot of donuts and muffins! But the good news is I have already dropped 8 of the 10 pounds I put on. As always, it just takes going back to basics..... drink more Water, eat more protein and less carbs. My BF is great and jumped on the high protein/low carb bandwagon with me. Of course being a guy, he's dropped 20 pounds to my 8 (stupid boys). I have every confidence I will drop those last 2 pounds before 2018. Bottom line is successful WLS results is not rocket science. Whatever you had to do to lose weight is pretty much what you need to do forever. If you can't control sliders and trigger foods, they WILL lead to regain. If you don't make the psychological adjustments and permanently change your habits and behaviors, you WILL regain. It's totally up to you whether or not your surgery becomes just another failed diet. Don't be afraid to seek professional help with the mental side of it. Because as the years go on, that's what makes you successful, not how tiny your stomach is. Good luck to the newbies. Congrats to the veterans.

You're my 'effin' SPIRIT ANIMAL! That's pretty much how my life is going at the moment. Do you still drink alcohol, or do you pretty much leave it alone now? Also, what do you eat now on a normal day? (sans liquid and mush in the beginning?) Also, do you have a lot of loose skin? Are you exercising?