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December 6 is my surgery date, I just got that today. Feels like it’s been forever but it’s really only been three or four months now. all I have left is November 29 a video call with a RN about my weight from that morning my medication list And my new Vitamin list which I’ll be getting from her. Then November 30 I have to go to a three hour “second Pre-op class“ I have to start my two week liquid diet this Thursday Thanksgiving 😞 that’s OK though does anybody have any suggestions about things I need before surgery? any help is appreciated!

I loved the Thai flavors of Kettle & Fire, though they are costly. Not as costly as a dinner out though! LOL I also love the fuzzy navel version of Syntrax Nectars. You can get samples of them pretty easily. I like these more than pre-made waters because there are no sugar alcohols in them. MyProtein makes clear whey isolate powders in Mike and Ike flavors, I like the watermelon the best, the cherry was weird. I had to drink the Premier Protein ready made shakes for my pre-op diet according to my doctor so I tried all sorts of those, I like Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Roll, Vanilla, and Cafe Latte the most. But they are not my favorite protein. My favorite one is R Kane Nutritionals Pro-Cal powders. They taste like melted milkshakes when you make them with milk. I have no clue what sorcery they used to manage that, but they do. BariatricPal also makes these little protein shots in fruit flavors that are sweet sour and pretty tasty when you need something fast. The tartness makes them easier for me to drink. I will caution one thing, don't buy a ton of things, get samples when you can. Because post surgery your tastes may change dramatically. Mine did, I can't taste sweet spices anymore and I can taste the whey in ANYTHING. I ordered a ton from Unjury and I can't stand any of it... I'm so annoyed. But my biggest issue is that whey sits heavy in my stomach and I couldn't get any protein drinks down for at least two weeks. I'm just starting to ease them back into rotation, but it is still hard to get a whole one down. So have a variety of samples for post op, but be careful what you buy full sized unless you have someone else that will consume what you don't.

I weigh more than you so that's not relevant, but I had the DS surgery 3 weeks ago. You want to talk about rewiring your intestines for weight loss?? Yeah, did that. I had a moment of panic after the surgery when it really truly hit me that I'd permanently altered my body and couldn't predict how it would look 30 years down the road. And then I internally slapped myself and reminded myself that how my life was looking pre-surgery in 30 years was death or disability even worse than what I have now, and that NO ONE can say what their life is going to look like in the next 30 years, or even in the next year. Life doesn't work that way. Nothing comes with guarantees. I was very afraid of the complications a DS can have. But I decided complications from diabetes and high blood pressure and high cholesterol were worse. You may not have these now but you may very well have them in the next 10 years. I was perfectly fine until I was 37. I have had no major complications so far, just some nausea. My tastebuds have changed and it turns out avocado no longer tastes good to me and I can't taste sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. I'm told that will balance out in time, its the hormones playing with my tastebuds like a pregnant woman. For two weeks my stomach did these twisty cartwheels inside me every time I drank or ate something, but that eased too, as I knew it would. I had family and friends rather skeptical of doing this surgery, especially because I am that 1% person who always gets the rare complications from things. But turns out so far I've had a rather boring recovery and I hope that continues to be the case, but if it doesn't, I'll deal with it. Because I no longer want to live the yo-yo life of trying desperately to normalize my weight on my own. I have lost 21 lbs in 3 weeks post surgery! I didn't think this would work for me but it is working... Yes, for the first few weeks getting that water in feels like a huge chore. But eventually you find your groove... Same with protein. And as my dietician reminded me today, they are GOALS, not absolutes that have to be perfect on the first day. I couldn't get down protein drinks for the first two weeks. In the end you will do what is right for you at this time. If you don't do the surgery now you will do it later down the road and be one of the people who wishes they'd done it sooner. I wish I'd known about this option in my 20s, I would have lived a very different life.

Have your favorite non-solid things and enjoy TIME with the people you love. It is hard for us to shift our mindset when so many of our holidays and rituals involve food, but we can always create new rituals. How about proposing a game night? Or going for a nice walk together? Or crafting ornaments for the tree? Doing things instead of eating things. I know it sounds like second best, but I promise you, it's not. I'm 3 weeks post op and still not on regular food. But I've been shifting my rituals with people from food based ones to activity and time based ones. It has been nice...

It was strict, technically more strict than they post op diet, but it's doable and mine was only for 2 weeks. My scans showed significant shrinkage compared to a month ago, so I guess it worked. They said it made the procedure much easier. Only about 45 minutes. Mine was 2 protein shakes per day, 4-6oz of lean meat or fish, and leafy green veggies. No starchy ones like potatoes, carrots, or rice. I could have all the pickles I want but unfortunately I don't like them lol. The first few days when I was struggling, I was able to add a serving of low/nonfat plain Greek yogurt to my dishes for something savory. I believe it's 17g of protein, very little fat, and single digit carbs.

Since you've been doing your homework, you probably already know that your chance for any complication is just under 6% and your chance for a serious complication is about 2.5% with the RNY. On the flip side, you have about a 74% chance of curing your sleep apnea and a decent likelihood of reaching a BMI in the healthy range. I am scheduled for surgery next month, so I can't tell you about my experience with it yet. What I can tell you is why I am choosing it after almost 7 years in my hospital's non-surgical weight loss program. I am 5'6 and 49 years old, with 2 teen/tween daughters. At the start of 2017, I was 249 pounds and on blood pressure meds, no other co-morbidities. My primary care doctor referred to me to the weight management center. They said aim for 1500 calories per day, 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week, and check in with them every month. I was motivated and started tracking my food and exercise. I went in for nutrition, psych, and medical meetings as directed. The weight came off. I was thrilled! I got down to 202 in 6 months. I was so close to being under 200, and I was certain I could easily get to at least under a BMI of 30 to no longer be "obese." Piece of cake! Or rather, some suitably healthy cake alternative. Like apples, maybe? And then I stalled for months. I never hit that magical 199 on the scale. I kept doing everything the same and my weight didn't budge. I ate a little less. I exercised a little more. I gained 5 lbs. I gained a few more. I became discouraged. Life happened. I would lose 10 lbs, gain 8, lose 5, gain 15... I tried various meds but couldn't afford them longterm. I lost health insurance for a year and couldn't afford to go to my regular check-ins, which I know were partially responsible for keeping me at least a little motivated even when the scale didn't cooperate. I got health insurance again, and went for my physical. My blood pressure had worsened and now I was prediabetic. My doctor urged me to go back to weight management. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment, and despite wanting to lose some weight in the interim (so the doctor there wouldn't be disappointed in me), I weighed in at 251, which tipped me over to 40 BMI. That was the most I ever weighed. When the doctor recommended I consider weight loss surgery, I knew that was the answer for me. One thing I learned in all this is people can lose weight, even a lot of it. The likelihood of keeping it off longterm without meds or surgery is around 10%. Between a 2.5% risk of a serious complication or a 90% chance of being obese and on blood pressure meds the rest of my life, and risking diabetes, I prefer to take my chances with the surgery. It's not the losing weight that worries me, but the keeping it off that I don't think will happen without it.

Hey guys, So today I got my surgery date 12/27 . Can you guys please comment your favorite whey protein isolate ? Or whatever protein shakes & clear liquids you did for the two week pre op liquid. I know everyone’s tastebuds are different, but which ones would you highly recommend?

My RNY is scheduled for one week from today. I was all in until a couple weeks ago. I am a person that likes a lot of information so I've been watching a ton of videos and joined a few groups like this one. I know there are always chances of complications but the more I look, the more I'm seeing people that went through them, and people that really regret having it done. So now I'm basically terrified. I know no one can tell me what to do. I'm more or less talking it out myself by listing the pros and cons, but I'd also love to have input from people that have gone through it, especially if they are around the same size and situation as me. I am 5' 7" and my highest weight that I recall was 266. I have lost weight and regained it a thousand times in my life. I started the bariatric program a year and a half ago at 254 but a few months later for family issues I had to drop out. By that point I had lost weight on my own and was confident I could do it myself this time, but of course gained what I'd lost and then some. I started again this past April. I am really in the kick ass mindframe since then and have gotten down to 212 - actually 209.5 as of this morning. I'm again in that frame of mind thinking I've lost 55 on my own, I can lose the next 50 as well. And it is definitely possible, though it would be difficult. Keeping it off even more difficult, though again possible. I really have no major health issues, the primary reason is because I'm tired of being this size and failing constantly at losing it myself. I'm tired of shopping in plus size, tired of being scared about sitting in theater seats or a rollercoaster. Tired of seeing pictures of myself and not recognizing that person. I do have sleep apnea and use a cpap. I had a pre-op scope and they found I have grade B esophigitis, though I have no symptoms and very rarely get heartburn. For that reason I was hesitant to get a sleeve, and so many people that get a sleeve are going back for a revision that I decided gastric bypass was the way to go, and my surgeon agreed. I think if someone could see my future and tell me I wouldn't have any major complications and everything went smoothly, I would not even hesitate to do this. My insurance will cover it, I have the time off work. I feel like I'm mentally prepared to do what needs to be done - but I also know many people feel that way but underestimate exactly how it'll go. I feel like I have a pretty good pain tolerance and can get though that ok. Things I'm nervous about: major complications, of course. Getting in enough water and protein in the small amounts you can take in at a time (although I know it can be done). Food aversions - I'm a fairly picky person anyway and you read about people that can't eat anything without feeling sick, even a long time after surgery. Future pain and inability to take ibuprofen - I am allergic to Tylenol and get hives so I'm kind of out of options in the future. I have told a few people because I don't want the negativity ahead of time. Some are jealous and wish their insurance covered it and think I'm crazy to have second thoughts. Some have said look at how well I've done on my own, I can do this on my own without surgery. My husband says he'll support me but he also says he thinks I look great now and don't need it. He's gone to a couple classes with me and was visibly horrified when shown a video of the surgery, and I think he's more scared than he lets on. I have 2 daughters 16 and 21 that are very much momma's girls - one is nervous for the surgery, the other says 'you do you, dawg', lol. Both of them struggle with depression and I would be gutted if something happened to me because I'm not sure they'd handle it well. This is turning into a novel, I'm sorry. I had 2 women that have gone through it say no way would they go through having their guts surgically rearranged for just 45 pounds. And then I see others on here roughly my size that are happy as hell they went through it. And again, I know no one can tell me what to do. I am just trying to get as much info as possible. I don't necessarily buy the whole "my cousin had this surgery and these horrible things happened" stuff, or even "my cousin had this surgery, never had any complications and is thrilled with it" - but when I hear it directly from the people that went through it, it carries more weight. Thanks if you've gotten this far!!

Lily2024 first, congrats on making a positive life changing decision. My advice to you is if you go into your RNY with the strongest foundation possible then that is the best case as you have weeks of lower calories and activity. That said, there can be arguments made to which is better: weights vs cardio? I think a balanced approach between the 2 is always prudent. At the end of the day, the best workout plan is the one you stick to! So most importantly stick with what you enjoy so you are motivated to stay committed to the plan and pick back up when your recovery plan allows. Hope that makes sense. Generally I work out 5-6 days a week which involves mix of weights and cardio. Training for the Ironman, I spent most time focusing on the 3 disciplines: swim, bike and run. In hindsight, I wish I would have made strength training more of.a priority in that process to help with foundational strength and recovery. But I chalk that up to lessons learned! Learn2cook: thank you and yes I have plenty of pictures of my progress. Journaling is an area of which I need to improve but I have started jotting down some notes.  As for other goals, yes! My current goal is to get back to normal or whatever my new normal is. It’s funny how life hands you tests along the way. On 10./29, I suffered from an Ischemic stroke where clots hit 2 parts of my brain. Turns out I have a hole in my heart that’s a birth defect. I have my issues but it could’ve been much worse. A blessing was going into the stroke being in such good health. Had I still been obese, I may not be here today. So now I need to channel my Ironman attitude into putting in the work towards my recovery. So my fitness journey isn’t over but surely has taken a Detour. But attitude and effort are the only things I can control so I will do what it takes. Good luck in your journey!

Yep that was me. im more cautious this time round. I am only 19 days post op. But it feels so different. I was told to stick to fluids for 3 weeks. So still a bit longer. And then runny puree for 3 weeks. I can drink and wait an hour before drinking again. I’m struggling with plain water. before I would have a coffee for breakfast and then wouldn’t have anything till lunchtime.

Okay, I set up a YouTube like just now, I have not posted but the name is BariatricStart2Finish, It's so new, I lost where my channel link went 😂😂, but the user name is BariatricStart2Finish. I do have an Instagram, it is currently set to private and I have not uploaded any photos, but I plan to. The Instagram account is BariatricStart2Finish it is currently private, but it does have a black and white picture of me for the thumbnail. If you are interested in following please do. Warning, it will be a bit of a slow start (it already has been,lol) I am in my final few weeks of school (I returned to school on top of all of this as an elder millennial). I will follow you under one of the above-mentioned accounts depending on the platform. The Instagram pic is the same as this profile pic, the YouTube on is me laughing next to a fish tank

I had to do liquids for 2 weeks post op my DS. And am now on purees for a week. You'll get food soon, hang in there!! Then you'll have to contend with your gut being mad at everything you eat. 😂 I swear my stomach thinks most food is a bad idea. I can eat yogurt, pureed eggs, and fish (my surgeon told me I could eat fish early). This is amusing because eggs and fish are not my favorite foods by any means, but since my tastebuds have changed post surgery they are actually palatable! Everything else I've tried has ended badly in the bathroom... I'm hoping it'll get better once I move to Soft Foods next week!

I have. I'm doing purees this week and apparently most of what I've tried my stomach doesn't like. Avocado? Tastes awful. Ricotta and tomato sauce? Too acidic, that was diarrhea for sure, and stomach pain. Refried beans? More diarrhea. LOL The only thing that seems to pass without objection is eggs, yogurt, and fish (my surgeon told me I could eat fish early). It seems this sort of trial and error is very common at this stage.

My Pre-op diet starts on Wednesday.. My husband and boys want me to pick my 2 last dinners for a while.. Trying to decide what I want to eat... It is crazy how they are thinking about my " last meals".. Here to about a week until surgery

I had my gastric bypass 11/10, now 11 days post op. Feeling pretty good, excited about soft foods in another week.

Yep I’m now 18days. I have to stay on liquids for 3 weeks due to all the oesophagus work they did too. good luck with you up coming appt. anib how did work go?

I’m 12 hours out from surgery. Or at least from having to be at the hospital. Having some protein broth. It’s actually pretty good it’s chicken soup flavored protein powder that you had to hot water. My doctor ok’d it for the pre surgery diet. Luckily my program only requires 2 days of liquid diet before surgery. They used to require the two weeks but claim studies have shown 2 days is enough. Still nervous as I said in my last post because I am high risk because I have kidney failure and heart failure but everyone cleared me for surgery. They do think I will have issues with infection and leaking because I am on chronic steroids. My highest weight was 509 pounds and my weight today is 399 pounds. I am 6 feet tall and my goal weight it ideally 180 but I will be happy at 200

I bought mine from this site the Bariatric Pal version. My program requires I take a multi with 45 grams of iron and this site had exactly what I needed, I did not know before I bought them how long I was required to crush my pills or use a chewable, so I bought the 3 months supply. After surgery, I found out I only needed to crush or use chewable for one month. That is okay though because I do not mind the chewable. Now to save a few dollars I bought the pill form of calcium citrate from Walmart and honestly I was so sick of crushing that horse pill and having it ruin my food over the course of 2 weeks AND after my first post-op appointment, I was told when I am done with the month of crushing, I would need to cut the horse pill, of calcium citrate in half to take it. This prompted me to just spend the money and buy the chewable from this site as well, and I am so glad I did. Both the multi and the calcium citrate are the bariatric pal brand. On my first day of taking the chewable multi, I did think it was gross, but on the second day, it tasted good. (this was right after surgery of course). I will be buying the year's supply of multi pills for $99 when I finish the ones I already bought, because that is the best deal since I did buy 3 months worth, and that will get me through to my first blood test and I will know if I should keep the same iron level or change it before I buy a years worth. As for the calcium citrate, I can't promise I will be the model patient, regarding taking it (and no, for anyone wanting to course correct me, I do not want a list of reasons why I should thank you ). But will likely keep with the chewable because I do not want to put the effort in of having to keep a pill cutter on me and make a production of cutting my pills around people. I can just throw some chewables in a bag and call it a day.

I have to wait until two week post op visit to start purée. Started some back pain today. I think I’m just carrying myself differently to be gentle on my stomach.

Perfectly normal. You’ve always fluctuated & always will. You probably never noticed it before because you may not have weighed yourself as regularly as you do now. You may also discover over time you may have a pretty constant fluctuation rate. (My stabilised weight fluctuation is about a kilogram.) Yep, hormones, fluid retention, pooping/not pooping, etc. can affect the number on the scales. Add to that we don’t eat the exact same things in the exact same amounts every day. Same with drinking & the activity we do. Even our general health can affect our weight even having a cold. Your doctor has seen it all. Be honest with them at your appointment. That way they can offer you their best advice. Do you still see your dietician? A visit with them may also help to ensure you are on the right path. It can be easy to miss something. Do you track your food? If not it may be worth doing it for a couple of weeks. All the best.

I had my taste buds change about 4 days ago (I'm 2 weeks post op). It's awful!! I can't taste sweet spices at the moment, like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect time of year to not be able to taste those things! LOL Also a number of savory things don't taste right anymore... I hear this taste change happens a lot in the 1st year. As for your family, you are going to have to set some firm boundaries there. I know it is hard to do with family, but if you don't set them now it'll only get worse. Just tell her you've had enough and you'll return to it later, then put your plate away... Tell her you get labwork to ensure you are getting enough nutrients, she doesn't need to worry. Your body is different now and your food needs are different. And that what you need most from her is SUPPORT in this new way of life, not encouragement to overeat. Parents have a hard time seeing their children as responsible adults who can care for their own bodies and lives. Sometimes we need to (kindly) remind them we've got this.

Yup! Feels like you've been on a sit-ups binge or really worked your core muscles hard! There isn't much you can do but be gentle. You can try ice if you want to, but they told me not to do heating pads over the abdomen for obvious reasons. Or you can try tylenol, sometimes it works on muscle pain. I just decided to live with it. I'm a little over 2 weeks out and the soreness is starting to fade. Hang in there!!

Hey all! I had a sleeve in 2020, and am having a revision the end of this month to a bypass for severe GERD. I also have a gum obsession, always have. It is only a short time you can't have it (or straws which is my other obsession lol). Hoping everyone who has had surgery is feeling okay and on the mend! My doctor does a 2 week diet but unlike last time (different surgeon) they allow solid food, which is a plus. I'm not complaining. I'll eat soup and chicken for 2 weeks. The liquid was tough, after day 4ish it got better though. I was so hangry the first time around, I thought I'd lose it on my husband. He knew to tread lightly LOL

Hi Meisha, Wow, only 1 day of liquid diet? I'm on 2 weeks prior to surgery doing liquid diet. Today is day 3...a lil rough but I'm working through it. My surgery is scheduled for 11/30/23. I'm nervous too, just want it over with and work towards better health. Bravo for you for giving up gum...temporarily. Wishing you all the success with your surgery and recovery.