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I’m four months out and typically get around 400-500 a day I guess. I’m capable of eating more I just don’t want to yet. I’m losing fast and I don’t want to hop off this train just yet. I do a ensure cafe mocha shake for breakfast and lunch and for dinner I’ll have a couple slices of different cold cuts, a little cheese and some raw veggies, usually cucumber or bell peppers. I keep hydrated with diet mtn dew. It’s certainly not a model diet but it works for me, keeps me satisfied and my second round of blood work came back all perfectly normal.

This is a shot in the dark , but I am reaching out to see if anyone else has had or heard of this: About a year ago, my brother had the sleeve surgery and started dropping weight super fast. He was doing great, but after about 6 months, he started to develop a foot drag/drop and difficulty grasping things with his right hand. He didn't think much of it, but soon after, he started falling down/tripping (hard). He fell out of the blue in the kitchen and chipped his front tooth, and he also fell in the drive way on his way to get the mail (causing a concussion). He went to his primary doctor who ran a bunch of tests. His doctor couldn't find anything out of the ordinary from the tests, so he sent my brother to a neurologist. The Neurologist ran a whole bunch more tests and still nothing. Finally, my brother was sent to a major hospital in Los Angeles because his symptoms continued to progress. After several more test and comparing results with prior test results, it was revealed that he has motor neuron disease. The type he has been diagnosed with is ALS (the worst of all the MND's). Immediately after his diagnosis, we began doing research into other possible illnesses that mimic ALS (if you're not familiar, its the ice bucket challenge disease that has no cure), and we found some vitamin deficiencies that cause the same symptoms. Armed with this new information, my brother headed to the Mayo clinic in Minn. to see if he had been misdiagnosed and get a second opinion. Within the first 30 min. of his visit with the specialist, he was confirmed to have ALS without having anymore testing. I guess I am writing this in the slim chance that someone else has had this happen to them, and if there is any helpful advice as to how to find a doctor who will look into alternative options. It just seems so fishy that he was perfectly healthy before surgery, and within a year he has been given a death sentence! We have read many studies on the (small) connection between bariatric surgery and neurological disorders. If anyone knows any helpful info, we would love to hear from you...thanks so much for reading my post.

So I had VSG 3 years ago, and my BF just had the same procedure done 2 weeks ago (different surgeon/hospital). I feel like he is not following his surgeons guidelines, and I'm not sure how much to worry/comment on things I observe (we live together). After my surgery I don't think I ate "real" food until 1 month out (starting with eggs and other really soft options). He is 2 weeks out and eating salmon, chicken, beef, etc. (mostly from restaurants where it's questionable how they really prepare the food (from a nutrition standpoint). Per his surgeons protocol he should only be doing pureed. Also, I know everyone is different, but I was NEVER hungry until about 6 months out and he says he is hungry often and I see him looking at the fridge/pantry throughout the day. Also, he is not taking vitamins and calcium consistently, not getting in enough water, and not tracking protein (but I haven't seen him drink a protein shake, so he's just getting it from whatever he's eating). He is losing weight, I'm just worried he is going to mess something up or stretch out his "new" stomach too soon before he gets to his goal weight. 3 years out I have DEFINITELY stretched my stomach, and wish I had kept to the strict diet even longer than what my surgeon recommended (e.g. protein shakes). Any advice? Or am I overreacting?

I didn't have neck or back pain, but had strong pains under my rib cage, usually after eating fatty foods. The pains were intermittent and sometimes would last hours, other times would cease sooner. Occasionally I felt winded, like my breathing was constricted.

Hi Samiaam25, It's so scary to feel this pain constantly. I know I need to try to eat something (pureed) but I can't because of this gas bubble in my chest. It's making me scared about the next steps in recovery. And with the impending hair loss, the dramatic and fast weight loss, and my ability focus and be positive about my journey. I'm a total sad-sack right now.

Congrats on your long term success! No real words of wisdom, but the possibility of intermittent fasting comes to mind if you haven’t yet been that route.

For me, it was around 6 weeks before I could sit up, cough, sneeze, twist my upper body and wear high waisted anything without pain. Some folks heal super fast and some of us take time. one thing I did that helped me log my progress when it felt agonizingly slow was to write on my kitchen calendar. Day 6 clear pee Day 20 glue washed off Day 25 eggs came up, mashed p’s stayed down ETC. That’s really helped me remember the journey when every day was slow like molasses but a week flew by abs felt like zero progress. If I could go back, I would rest after my walks and listen to music more. Natural mood booster. Hope you’re incisions start to feel better.

Had my sleeve on the 13th, and I really feel great. Was in pain for a few hours post surgery, but since then I've been feeling great, I can drink kinda fast and can already eat mushy foods

How many surgeries are performed depends a lot on what insurance companies are covering or not. Depending on how severe obesity is patients still need to fight for their rights when it comes to proper treatment. In Germany a person with a BMI of 54 is more likely to get surgery fast than someone with a BMI of 41. They don't have to jump through all these silly hoops a lot of the time. Sometimes the fight to get surgery can take years and is not always successful. Surgery means thousands of Euros and medical tourism is not as popular in Europe as it is in the US (at least not yet).

My name is Tek and I dump. Even *IF* you dump, I doubt you will be able to drink enough protein initially to cause it. So watch carefully as your volume increases because it can sneak up on you. Dumping syndrome (technically a complication) affects 20-50% of RNY patients. It is not a one size fits all statistic. It varies by surgeon and how much intestine is bypassed. More bypassed = more likely to dump. It also varies by patient because not all of us start with the same or even terribly similar intestine lengths or capacity or other genetic things that can impact... well... just about everything. Sugar alcohols affect non-ops just a bit less severely than post-ops. It's why they are common in actual laxatives. I never did Slim-fast, but recently I was not eating well so my spouse decided to get me premade low calorie breakfast protein drinks. Protein drinks are not on my plan, but I drank a couple and dumped each time (not severely). I accidentally threw the rest away... oops. "Sorry dear, I didn't know!" When I was binge running my Doc had be add a protein drink or two because without them I felt like I was eating all day and still losing too much weight. When I stopped I returned to my original plan. I don't recall particular brands I used but I do know they were chocolate and started as powder. Coulda been Nestle for all I know. A lot of this stuff, drinks, foods, drugs, activities, whatever, are trial and error. We each need to find what works for us with an eye to not developing bad habits that ultimately won't work for us. Good luck, Tek

Two people who had years of success after WLS told me three things to avoid. 1- Fast Foods, 2- Processed Foods and 3- Snacks. I have been able to avoid everything but snacks. When the weight is flying off I could eat healthy snacks with no problem. Now three years post op the weight doesn't come off so easy. I have had to modify my food plan. If I do eat a snack I use it as a substitute for my lunch and I NEVER snack past 7PM. For me snacking was no problem as long as my body cooperated with me and allowed me to lose the weight easily. Once my body started to hold onto the extra weight snacking for me became a problem.

I have an uncontrollable drunken-sounding hiccup several times a day. It’s so loud! I sound like a day-drinking pirate. Fortunately I am working from home so it’s not particularly bothersome. I’m not quite 3 months out from surgery, so I’m assuming/hoping that it will lessen with time. Also, looking at ms.sss’s list, I bet I’m probably eating too fast.

2 years post op here, and I still burp a ridiculous amount (and often times ridiculously loudly). I don't burp as much as the first few months post-op, and now it is for the most part limited to about 30 or so minutes after I've eaten or drank something. Things that are *supposed* to help: eat slowly take small bites avoid drinking from straws refrain from talking while you eat don't chew gum stop smoking avoid carbonated beverages avoid/limit foods that cause gas/bloating (this list is LONG.) aside from the 1st three above, I do/partake in the rest of this do-not-do list (and my diet pretty much consists of stuff that is found on the gas-causing-food list), so I really only have myself to blame. Sigh. On the bright side, my burping never was/is accompanied by pain nor discomfort (unless I eat too much or too fast), it really just annoying at this point. If your burping is causing you alot of discomfort or affecting your quality of life a little too much, you may consider implementing the list above (and speak to your doc). Good Luck!

I ordered a protein powder called Phd diet whey which has artificial sugars in it (I think!) , I have a feeling I wont react to it as say to something like slim fast which is higher in sugars and carbs. But yeah, I guess we'll see how it goes...

Yes and no. I don't belch uncontrollably anymore like I did after surgery, but some wind does like to go through now and again depending on what I eat. And sometimes, belching relieves that gas buildup, so while it's kind of embarrassing, it's useful. Do you walk a lot right now? That will relieve some of the gas and slow the belching down a little, too. If you're drinking too much water/eating too much or too fast, you'll have a lot of gas from that. Congrats on the surgery, and hang in there.

For those of you who had gallbladder issues, what symptoms did you have? I've sent my surgeon a note but am curious what others have experienced while I am waiting to hear back. For reference, since bypass I've had what I thought was intermittent heartburn and neck pain. I mentioned the heartburn to my Dr at my 6 months, but didn't describe the actual pain. I was googling (I know, I know...) and it sounds like it could potentially be gallbladder. Symptoms are pain behind & below low my right breast, near my sternum. I also often have pain in the back of my neck and the same time. I also have fairly regular back pain (long standing) so no idea if that's related. Thanks for sharing, Lori

I could really do with some advice. I had gastric sleeve done April 2019. In 6 months I lost 6 stone (84 pounds) I was pleased with this as I had 3/4 stone left to lose. I started a medication around 6 months post op and it caused me to stop losing weight, fast forward a few months and I had gained two stone in a month due to my medication so I had to stop it. Ever since I’ve struggled hugely to lose weight I eat about 1,000-1200 calories a day and my restriction is still there. I’ve had no support from bariatric team or dietician, I need some advice on what I should eat, how many calories I should be having and how much exercise I should be doing. I don’t think I’m doing enough.

Well, that’s not too far away. When they scheduled me back in August for October, I thought it was an eternity away. I could’ve used a few more days... lol! Time crept up fast! Good luck!

+1 on trying to find something else to "comfort" you other than food. +100000000000000000 on the slippery slope of "having just one cigarette". I had been smoke free for 8 years until one day on vacation last September, I thought I would "just have one". Then I thought well i can "just smoke while on this vacation". Fast forward 1 year and despite "quitting" 3 times for about a month at a time, I am back to smoking like I never stopped all those years ago. Le Sigh. Sooooo...be careful when putting your toes back into old habits that got you to where you don't want to be. ....but obviously, YOU know yourself the best, and can endeavour to recognize your limits, and try not to toe the line if you don't need to. Personally, it's not worth it. Good Luck!

Congrats I hope all goes well and you have a fast recovery.

I stated walking for 2-3 minutes the same day. Around my house and in the drive way, around my yard. Now I am up to walking 5-10 minutes outside and I walked for 15 minutes in my neighborhood one day. I am certainly not walking as fast

I had the sleeve done 4 years ago. Lost 115 pounds. Gained about 20 pounds over the last year. I ended up with severe GERD, hiatal hernia and gallstones that cause severe pain. 9/6 I had the surgeries to fix all that which includes the bypass. It's been an interesting month. The healing process is different. Food going down too fast will definitely be coming back up (vomiting). Anything not chewed will be coming back up. Premier protein is smooth enough to stay down. Soups like French onion, chicken noodle (minute the noodles) veggie soup. Salmon. 2 good Yogurt and high protein high fiber oatmeal. Stays down for me. It's a big adjustment. I know that this is just a phase that we go through. I can eat boiled eggs now too. Eat slowly-chew slowly-swallow slowly. Drink 60 ounces of water. Follow the doctors orders. You'll loose weight I've seen people successfully keep the weight off with both. They stick to the high protein/low carb and don't eat anything they did before ( that made them obese....like breads, maccoroni, rice, flour, sugar, fried foods). How are you all managing constipation? That's been interesting. Take care and give yourselves room to adjust. Things will get better. We make the best of the tool ( bypass) and it will work for us. Everything will workout for the greater good. We deserve healthy and happy lives and we embrace them daily.

It’s has been well established that Bariatric patients can develop orthostatic Intolerance post Bariatric surgery. It is a complication of the autonomic nervous system. Just google Orthostatic intolerance after Bariatric surgery and you will find page after page of articles documenting this syndrome. All the symptoms you mention are there. Autonomic dysfunction is not well understood and many physicians are unaware. I have had this syndrome for 4 years and I have not had Bariatric surgery yet. I ran across all this information while looking for research about my illness. I get shaky, sweaty, nauseated and dizzy with brain fog. I have collapsed numerous times but have never lost consciousness. If I lie where I collapse lift my leg up in the air to allow the blood to return from my legs to my upper body I can get up and be alright for a little while. I specifically cannot stand in place. I must be walking or the dizzy collapse feelings hits me immediately. All my symptoms resolve when I lie down. I understand this has been noted to be a common post op complication of Bariatric procedures. Please take the time to do a little research. You may just be able to tell your physician what is wrong with you. I wish you luck. There is no cure but there are treatments to improve it. I was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic. This is a neurological condition and I was in the Emergency room 27 times before a cardiologist picked up up all this was happening when upright. I was fine lying down. I am a registered nurse and I was absolutely scared to death when I was told over and over you are alright, your test are normal. I did not feel normal and it was not anxiety/ panic attacks as many suggested. I had become very angry with the lack of concern for my symptoms. I was dizzy with a racing heart and all the symptoms you mentioned and more. I am so thankful that I ran across a physician that was knowledgeable of the condition and knew I needed expert care. I struggle, and was unfortunately completely disabled 7 months after my symptoms first appeared. I am so debilitated physically that I have gained 60 pounds and am pre diabetic. I am currently working towards the gastric sleeve. I am afraid it may worsen my condition but I have a glimmer of hope it may improve my situation somewhat. I forgot to mention that I experienced the same situation when showering. The Mayo Clinic physician explained because of the blood shift and pooling to the legs and lower abdomen upon standing, that the hot water in the shower acts as a vasodialator which worsens the blood return to the upper body. The dizziness is hypo perfusion of blood to the head. I get short of breath, with chest discomfort and dizzy. The heart begins to pump hard and fast to return blood to the upper body.

Hi I am preparing for post op diet (gastric bypass) and I am looking at protein powders / shakes. I know slim fast are rather tasty but I am worried the sugar in it might cause dumping syndrome. Is it best to avoid and try another protein powder? Thanks

Wow it's coming in fast. I got a call today, they want to schedule my bypass surgery for Oct 26, exactly 2 weeks from today! I am totally unprepared! I don't have any supplies! I am not sure I call pull it off by the 26th. Plus, it is very short notice for time off from my job! I am very stressed about this. First they told me early November and that is great, perfect even. They are going to get back to me if they have a November date, if not I will be taking the 26th of Oct, and start fasting the day after tomorrow! I'm not sure where to start. Not sure what kind of protein water to buy, etc. I started this journey in August of 2019, lost my job and insurance in Oct 2019. Was blessed to get a new job with the same insurance in April. Now my bariatric checklist is done. My health is terrible and I can't this surgery soon enough. However I want to be able to do it right. Any advice appreciated!