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Hello, I’m brand new here, and may go down in history as the most neurotic person to ever contemplate gastric bypass surgery. I consulted with a surgeon earlier today, wringing my hands during most of the session. To give you an idea of how crazy I got, I actually leaped onto the exam table and tried to simulate my sleeping position – I tend to twist around a lot, think a middle-aged contortionist – and worried that if I got a lap band, that I’d somehow dislodge it in my sleep and wind up in the ER. I would’ve demonstrated my aerobic moves, too, but the doctor would likely have me escorted outside the building by security. So we discussed my options. Given my advanced age – 59 – he recommended that the bypass would likely suit me best. My slower metabolism, age, etc., will not be as good a match for the lap band. I still wrestle with a sweet tooth, and a bypass is better for sugar addicts than the sleeve surgery. The doctor and I addressed bone loss, nutrition, hair loss. I would’ve discussed my childhood dog Sparky with him, that’s how many issues and questions I asked. Then I got to the “brain-gut connection.” I’m a writer, and I’m finishing two novels. I need every brain cell, every gut nerve ending, available to write as sharply as I can. I’ve noticed that celebrities who got the gastric surgery, particularly the comics, no longer to have their comedic edge, their cleverness. While they seem happier, they don’t seem as witty or quick-on-their-feet mentally. There's Roseanne Barr, Rosie O’Donnell, Lisa Lampanelli, Al Roker, others. Maybe it’s a matter that their weight made them edgy and sarcastic – and now that they’re slimmer, they no longer have to make snappy remarks. But I worry that the nerve endings in the stomach might be involved. I’m a borderline diabetic and figure I’ll be mentally sharper after the surgery, but worry in the long-haul, that I won’t be as creative or mentally sharp as before. Ergo, I won’t be able to finish the rest of my novels or be as creative. Creativity is uber-important. Any advice you can share with me, would be greatly appreciated. And thank you for your time. This brain-gut connection is cited by Hopkins Medicine, (link): http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection

Hi Nuria! I am from AZ & had my surgery with Dr. Ortiz & loved him! I went back for my first fill & was very happy that I did. They use Florouscopy & I could actually see my band & and the Water going down. It was a perfect fill for me!! As far as what you eat, everyone is different. Some days I can eat bread, other days I can't! I've always been able to eat rice. Here is a list of some foods that I typcially eat. (I only choose one for each meal, not all!) Breakfast: Protein shake/2 scrambled eggs/1/2 cup of wheat chex Lunch: 1 cup of Wendy's Chili/small salad/egg salad sandwich Dinner: Small serving of whatever I make my family. (spaghetti, casseroles, chicken & rice, Soup...etc.) I drink lots of water through out the day as well. I really can eat most anything - just smaller portions. I think you'll have to figure out what works best for you. Good luck!!

Welcome to the site Many of us have experienced a weight gain. Its great that you have reached out and working on getting it back down. Pouch reset is going back to liquids and progressing back out to real food stage. (It does not shrink your pouch) It may help you feel your restriction a bit. Its one way to help get back to healthy behaviors. Another option is to start at real food stage if you feel reset is too restrictive. Some choose to change diet plans Keto, paleo, vegetarian,IF, whole 30 etc. Only my opinion. Whatever diet you choose, The key is logging your food in an app and staying with in your weight loss calories/macros. Basics: Food plan, exercise, hydrate You know what to do but it may be difficult to get your head back in the game. A few threads on the site that may help. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/425354-the-importance-of-doing-the-head-work/?tab=comments#comment-4776743 https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/428113-🍁-oct-2019-challenge-🍁/?tab=comments#comment-4815439

Long time member but i haven't posted anywhere in ages, but I used to be on the Lapband board. I was a long time very successful band patient i was orginally banded in Jan 02 (in Canada, pre FDC approval) lost weight at a great rate. My first band (Innamed) slipped a total of 3 times before it came out for six months, I also had surgeries to move my port and another because my tubing disconnect. Next we went to the J&J band and it was great until it slipped badly, I had it for about 6-7 years and it worked like a charm, restriction was great most of the time, lost to my goal size and then it self tightened and i left it there because of travel, personal stress etc and i thought it would release on its own when i went for a defill it completely slipped around my esophagus and it was horrible. With the J&J I had a port revision surgery in there too. Then we tried a 3rd band it never worked right, I couldn't get restriction because if we did more than i had instant reflux etc. I revised to the sleeve last week with a new surgeon in Philadelphia who told me the band was basically around my esophagus and i had no pouch which is why I had no restriction and why I could not be tightened any more. But I lost about 150 lbs in 12-16 months and maintained that loss for 10 years plus, with little to no effort. In the meantime because of the band with no restriction, some prescribed evil steroids that I had to take that put 30lbs on me in a matter of 8 days... (they change your brain chemistry in weird ways) hashimoto's disease (hypo thyroid) fluctuations for the last few years and a few other things I gained about 70-80 lbs that I could not lose weight I tried. I went gluten free and dairy free, nada, I tried the HCG diet lost 20 lbs gained it back and generally I don't eat more than 1500-1700 calories per day including when I am drinking wine, eating out 3 meals a day etc. I hired a trainer, almost went paleo not quite. Now in talking to my surgeon he has said there are new studies showing band patients 9-12 years out who suddenly gain weight they can't lose for love nor money. They try everything and it won't come off more restriction, calories restriction etc. So we made a joint strategic decision to go to the sleeve since I knew the risk, what type of lifestyle change I was in for, portion control etc. wouldn't be a problem since i had it already. In our conversations we talked a lot about Ghrelin which is produced in the stomach and it makes you hungry, when you are feeling that craving to overeat or binge typically it is ghrelin and obese people produce more ghrelin than non obese people typically with some exceptions. We also talked about leptin which makes you feel satiated and is produced in the brain. With the sleeve, about 70-90% of the ghrelin produced is surgically removed with the part of the stomach they remove. i am curious have you noticed a difference in how hungry you get, cravings and the satiation of cravings ie: I can eat two bites of cake vs. I want the whole cake now? Have you also noticed the full feelings getting different than before from the leptin. My surgeon has said in his conversations with his patients they noticed their cravings reduced which helps them with portion control and in making better choices which helps a number of other things. In other words the brain and stomach don't conspire to make cheetos seem like a great dinner choice or ben and jerry your best friend. Overall I eat very healthy without a ton of junk food in my life we cook at home, we make our own stocks and Soups etc. to help get me through the liquids phase. But we do eat well and drink wine, we might be foodies (we are told we are, I just like trying new things). I have never eaten out of control even with the last band and no restriction just trying to lose weight has been terrible, depressing and frustrating. Especially after my first experiences which was I lost well, ate well, exercised and it worked like it was supposed too. I am a consultant and I travel for my job excessively so hence the eat out three meals a day most of the time I don't have a choice in that, but you can make healthy choices even in eating out and I do. I look at fats and calories along with Proteins and make good choices. Any thoughts you have I would appreciate and any advice you have I would love to read. Thanks for reading and good luck

I had VSG 3/25/19. I lost 15 pounds in first couple of weeks but not an ounce since. I am getting over 60g of protein, drinking my water and walking. Getting frustrated. Is this common?

I got a bit blitzed, to the point i almost couldnt talk clearly off of two shots. so it does happen. Havent touched a drop since, and i weighed much more then. With all the Vitamins and Protein we take it, we put a greater need on our liver and kidneys to process the things we take in and as a result we dont filter alcohol as fast nor as completely over time as we used to. that why we get drunk faster. So just be careful.

I have been on a waiting list for surgery. I got a call from my doctors nurse. November 24th is the date. I need to go and get my physical finding from my PCP and then see the surgeon and the anasticiologist to give them the report and get their clearance for surgery. I never thought that I could feel so excited and scared at the same time. His nurse said at my BMI pre-op diet isn't needed. However, I think I will go for at least a week on 2 protein shakes a day and then a low carb meal in late afternoon. Has anyone heard of not having to do the pre-op diet? I just think that it would be easier to do to start because of the diet after surgery. Anyone else around my date?

I didn't have to do a pre-op diet. However, I had been making lifestyle changes to get ready for the surgery. For example, I started eating Protein first and only eating 4-6oz meals and I made sure to up my water/fluid consumption. I also worked on chewing more and eating slower. (Not enough though.) I also started taking the Vitamins pre-op that I'd have to take post-op so I could get my routine started. I'm glad I did these things because there were so many other things to worry about and change after my surgery that I'm glad I had at least a few good habits in place. And, though this wasn't the goal, I did lose 30 lb. during the 7 months I was working on these things.

11 days out and I was finally able to get in all my protein and liquids!

You will get there! I had to resort to unflavored protein in my soup to do it. I was able to drink two shakes today for the first time. They are just so dense! Good luck to you!

Im so disappointed in myself. I have been craving foods that aren't good for you. Up until the last couple of days. I have been able to fight it off. But today I have eaten all day long. My food choices are not as bad as they were before WLS (most everything has protein in it). but I can't believe I have eaten so much. Today I've eaten : breakfast: Greek yogurt w/ protein granola. Snacks all day 🤦‍♀️ (unknown amounts) I've gone back several times for a handful of granola and bbq Pork rinds lunch 4oz of honey baked ham and 2oz of mashed potatoes supper Greek yogurt w/ protein granola I never got any restriction feeling but I am so miserable now! I know tomorrow is a new day but I worry I've gotten the taste of junk and I'll release to my old ways

The only thing I ordered was from vitalady. I ordered 6 different samples of the synthrax protein powders, and so far, have tried two of them and dumped them out. More $$ on protein powders down the drain. I thought for sure I'd like the tea with lemon, but it left an aftertaste.

When I went into surgery I was 221 and went down to 181 but now I've been gaining I'm at 190 I take 80-90g of protein a day I walk and do Zumba and also I weight my food I eat 6 oz a meal I Really don't know what's going on I'm trying my best what else can I do

I'm also 12 days post op. I feel like i'm a newborn, eating every 2 hours, lol. I eat about every 2-3 hours, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Sipping throughout the day. I should do better about tracking the portions, but portions are so small its hard to measure. On full liquids, I eat protein Atkins advantage shakes, yogurt, pudding, and creamy soups (blended in the blender). and fudgesicles. (all the above are the sugar free/no sugar added versions, except the soups.

Bust out the Vitamix & go to town with that bad boy! Campbell’s Chunky Soups were great for me. They even have some good protein but there are so many other options.

My protein intake is ok. I should take more protein and fiber but for some reason my stomach sometimes rejects the protein. I will begin to write down the food I eat. I know that I can not take the sugar because I still have the dumping syndrome.

Makes total sense. I went a little crazy cause I had to get away from the protein shakes. It seems like when I have something new that is when I have the most initial discomfort.

I don't think juicing would be all that useful one week-post op, since you should only be thinking "protein, protein, protein" right now.

My NUT actually recommended baby food as an option for Pureed phase.

Hi all. I have done a lot of griping and obsessing on this forum. I had my 1 week post-op appt today and it was very reassuring. Here's what I came away with. I share it because I hope it might help reassure some of you: 1. I only lost 6 lbs in one week. Response: That's fine. You're body is adjusting. Don't pay much attention to the scale at this point. Your 2 mos post op will tell the tale. 2. I'm scared I'm stretching my sleeve because I can drink Fluid with no limit. Response: Don't worry to much about that. 3. I seem to do better getting my fluids with a straw. Response: Then use one. 4. I'm scared that I'm stretching my sleeve because I can already eat a 5.5 oz yogurt in one sitting. Response: don't worry about it. But make sure you aren't drinking fluids before or after meals (30 min). Once you get to solids, you won't do that. 5. I'm worried about having to track Protein, calories, carbs for the rest of my life. I can't do it. Does that mean I will fail? Response: Not at all. Everyone is different. Some patients track religiously and that's great. Many patients say that after a few months, they don't need to track because they already know what they can and cannot eat and what it means to get in adequate protein. That is certainly true at 6 mos to a year post-op. You'll be fine. 6. I'm exhausted. I read about people exercising at my stage post-op and I just cannot fathom it. I sleep during the day and then sleep again at night. Is this normal? Response: Yes, totally normal. Everyone is different. You had major surgery. You'll likely turn a corner when you start eating more solid food (starting this week w/ refried Beans, eggs, cottage cheese, tuna, yay!!!) 7. I am weepy. I am prone to depression and I'm worried that surgery has been a trigger. Response: Don't worry yet. Many people report their emotions being all over the place as the hormones stabilize post-surgery. This should subside with time. That said, stay on your medications. That's all I can remember, but the bottom line is that he was very reassuring. I got the impression that there is just a lot of variation among patients and that's ok. Feeling much better, Angela

Okay so I’m 3 days post op and getting close to goal on liquids but I have the following questions... 1. How do I take my crushed medication when liquids only. It’s so nasty mixed in Water 2. How are you getting Protein in with just liquids. My plan seems to be more concerned with liquids the first week and not so much with protein 3. Have not had a bowel movement since 3 days before surgery. I’m not uncomfortable but know I need to get things moving. 4. I had my gallbladder taken out the same time as my sleeve. I wouldn’t be in any pain if it wasn’t for my lower right abdomen. What happened there? Think that’s where they pulled stomach and gallbladder from? The incision by bellybutton doesn’t hurt as much as my insides do on my right Thank god for heating pad Thanks!

I researched my options and I didn't think I had a 6 month evaluation. Well I do I feel defeated I have weight watchers and switched to two liquid diets to get my liver ready. I guess my question is how did you pass the time and stay positive with your decisions?? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

I am... Let's see 18 days post op now, and YES! I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the long liquid tunnel, but I was pretty miserable for the past week or so about only having liquids. It does get better, and honestly it inspired me to start adding random things to my protein shakes to make them better. Today I am very proud, I got 70 grams of protein and 500 calories with only 12 carbs which is way more than previous days. The problem in currently having is very difficult/hard BMs which is not very fun. Finally moving on from liquids only on Wednesday and the first item up is Eggface's Ricotta bake!

I assume you want to fly after having surgery. I was not earied to fly until a full seven days after surgery. Took a flight on that eighth day with two legs for about 8 hours. Now, was I smart to do this? Hmmm. Question is how well you will be able to hydrate during that time frame. In 15 hours is it good to go without protien and just Water? Since you can not take in liquid protien through security yiou are going to need to consider this. Hydration is key after sugery. So - yes, you can probably do this, but consider what you are going to do if you have any complications? You are up in the air without medical attention. If you have a leak, you could be a a heap of trouble. Consider legging your trip into smaller portions, where you can get a hotel room ,rest and drnk some liquid Protein. I was exhaused after return trip and slept for the next week to recover from lack of hydration and protein. Ask your surgeon. If on day of flight, you are not feeling right (would say gut feeling here) rebook. Good luck!

I am 16 months post op on 11/23. I have lost 60 pounds and have recently started working 2 full time jobs and unfortunately gained 4.5 pounds. I realized this and have decided to follow the pre-op and post-op diet to a T just to get myself back on track. Today is day 2 of liquids. I had a 5 day liquid diet before surgery and then 1 week liquids, 1 week mushies, 1 week soft and then the 4th week slowly introduced solid protein and veggies back in to my diet. Thanksgiving I will allow some solid foods but only for that day and only 1 meal. The liquid diet is definitely an eye opener to how reliant I am still on food. I am in this for success and will make it there. I have about 44-49 pounds I would like to lose. I am 194 right now and a size 14/L. I started out at 250ish and was in a size 20-22 and a 2xl shirt. I just stared getting really comfortable with my size and realized I need to lose even more to be healthy. I am not in this to get "skinny", I am in this to be healthy. I will get there. Down 1.5 pounds in 2 days. Wish me luck!!!