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In my 7th week post-op and I finally felt like everything came together today. I felt good, I had a great workout, my nutrition was on point and I only have 8oz of water left to drink for the day. I have to celebrate this win today - there were days of struggle and hating the protein drinks, and craving crunchy carbs, but I got through it and that lets me know I can get through hard times and cravings! it’s been so hard to get to 700-800 calories and get all my water in - but I did it today! make sure to celebrate those wins!!

I echo the advice to go back to your surgeon for guidance & if you haven’t got one, find a dietician/nutritionalist with experience supporting wls patients. There are differences in plans, your very quick cycle through the return to eating stages as an example. But we ourselves are very different & consequently have different needs. For example I’m shorter, probably older, likely had a different weight loss/gain history, had no comorbidities before surgery & aren’t very active. I wasn’t given calorie goals only portion size: 1/4 - 1/3 cup from purée slowly increasing to about a cup at goal which was 6 months. I remember for months it would take me three days to eat two scrambled eggs. I could eat one egg at 6 months - just the egg nothing else I didn’t have to track calories but I know I was barely consuming 300 in around the soft food stage & was barely eating 900 calories at 6 months. My plan did not allow for any rice, pasta or bread at any stage while losing. Beat advice is to go slowly & be more tentative with your food choices while you are healing (& it does take a few weeks). The staged return to eating we work through is to protect & not strain your healing tummy & support your recovery. Remember all those staples & sutures holding your tummy & digestive system together & all the nerves that have been cut too. All the best with your recovery & weight loss.

Hello. I had my gastric sleeve surgery done on July 10th. I am in the USA, so I am a bit jealous of the folks overseas in the UK and Europe with lax restrictions. My team also seems to have some of the strictest restrictions from what I've researched online. I was on clear liquids for 7 days following surgery. After that, I was on a full liquid diet for 13 more days. During this time I've only been consuming protein shakes, sugar free gelatin and sugar free pudding, low sodium beef and chicken broth, and strained healthy request campbell's cream soups(cream of chicken, celery, mushroom, tomato). I've only been getting 300-400 calories a day. Its a struggle for me to get enough protein and my 64oz of clear liquids a day. It isn't that my body won't tolerate what I am putting in, but I am trying to do everything exactly as dictated by my treatment team. I can eat more than 2oz of yogurt at once, but they say to limit portions to that. I can put 6oz of soup in my stomach without any pain or discomfort, but they say only 1/4 to 1/2 cup at once. As for liquids, I am a gulper. I am used to drinking in excess of 1-1.5 gallons of clear sugar free liquids a day.(mostly crystal light iced tea mix). I am finding it so hard to take a sip and remember to keep taking sips. I usually just drink down 16oz and move on. Like others have mentioned, I too am able to drink more than I am supposed to without any discomfort. I am not doing it on a regular basis however, because I am terrified of complications. Also, I know I will have a much easier time of mastering my new lifestyle and diet changes moving forward if I learn and practice moderation early on. So for that reason I have been following my teams' advice verbatim. Until today that is. I decided to move on to the pureed food stage a day early. I went back to work last Tuesday, having taken roughly 2 weeks off for my recovery. My first two days were good. I had more energy than normal and enjoyed being back in the grind of things(pun intended, I am a butcher. :P) Yesterday and today, however, I've been dizzy, light headed, and my balance has been off. Also I've had a lot of muscular pains, more than before surgery, in my back and neck and sides. my blood pressure during one of these episodes was 88/41. I self diagnosed myself as having hypotension brought on by dehydration and possible lack of protein in my diet. So I left work early today with two bags of groceries to fuel my pureed stage of my diet, and set off to make up some egg salad, pureeing the eggs with nonfat greek yogurt and light mayonaise. I ate 2oz of that to test my stomach's reaction, and I didn't have any discomfort at all. This evening I made some adult baby food from 1 pound of skinless boneless chicken thighs, which I boiled, drained, chopped, seasoned, then pureed with a cup of low sodium chicken broth. I added 2oz of my chicken paste to 4oz of my creamy cheddar and mushroom(strained) soup, and that was dinner. At the moment it was the greatest thing I've ever eaten. As a Carnivoire pre-surgery, I really missed eating meat. I feel better tonight after getting more protein, and having gotten my 64oz+ of clear liquids in me. I am a bit concerned though, aside from my stomach gurgling and being a little gassy and occasionally bloated, I've had absolutely no adverse reactions like vomiting, nausea, trouble swallowing, or feeling really full. Maybe it is because I've adhered to what my treatment team told me to do, or maybe it is the slow pace of their rules. Here's the full list: Week 1 - Clear liquids. Weeks 2 & 3 - Full liquid diet. Weeks 4 & 5 - Pureed foods. Weeks 6 & 7 - Soft foods. Week 8 - Slowly start to introduce regular healthy low fat foods. The saving grace to all this is the fact I have no physical hunger, so it is easier for me to stick to this restrictive, slow pace. I think I am going to stick with it instead of trying to eat something 'normal' too early, risking injury. My total nutritional info for today: 588 calories, 29g fat, 63g protein, 18g carbs, 1,679mg sodium. Today I've eaten the most calories in a single day post-op.

Hi guys. I was just approved by my insurance to have the sleeve done. I’m 5’1 225. My goal weight is 155🙏🏼 I have to start my meetings with the psychiatrist & nutritionist. Having my colonoscopy next week. I can’t wait to have this done. Took forever to finally qualify! Any advice for me??

Hi OP - I am a little concerned as to whether french toast is considered a soft food in your program. I have a sleeve so feel free to ignore, but I didn't have bread for some months after my surgery - it takes up a lot of room and gives almost nothing back in the way of nutrition. In addition to that, in the weeks immediately after surgery your stomach will be healing. Nerves have been cut that need to grow back. Sometimes we can't feel our restriction so we need to stick to tried and tested rules. Might it be worth trying the generally recommended progression: clear liquids - full liquids- pureed foods - soft foods - that most of us are asked to, even though you haven't been? Especially if your own program is causing you concern. Other than this I echo everyone else - please speak to your team and clarify what you can and cannot have right now.

I can't have yogurts or juices, or skim milk until after my surgery. I think they do the "lean and green" as an option because it helps clean you out. 😉 I started drastically decreasing my actual food intake to once day 30 days ago. So that has helped. I've lost 13 lbs since beginning of June. I'm hoping I can lose at least 10 the next 2 weeks of doing this. My hardest part now that I'm not actually eating is drinking enough water. I just don't get as thirsty and I have to make myself drink.

Not being able to feel restriction is usually pretty common till you get past the soft food stage. I remember thinking the surgery didn't work for me either, till I started eating regular food at 5 weeks. It was then I really felt the I'm full pain. I have since learned when to stop before it gets to that point. Liquids and soft phase were pretty easy for me. I still go back to it sometimes when my tummy is not feeling so good. Just be careful that you don't eat more than you should. Especially this early out. You don't want to pop a staple or blow out your stomach. Extremely dangerous. Nerves have been cut too during your WLS and can contribute to why you aren't feeling that restriction. Give them time to heal. At this point you want to go by how much your Dr recommends eating because you can't trust that not feeling restriction phase. I could always eat more than 2 TB of food but never allowed myself over 1/2 C early on. Also wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating to drink. If I don't, liquids won't stay down. I would concentrate right now more so on getting all your liquids in. Good luck!! Here's what my nutritionist recommends: 5 weeks to 6 months: 600-800 calories, 65-100 g protein, less than 45 g carbs, less than 30 grams fat. 6 months to 12 months: 800-1000 calories, 65-100 g protein, less than 60 g carbs, less than 35 grams fat. Over 12 months: 1000-1500 calories, 65-100 g protein, less than 75 g carbs, less than 30-60 grams fat.

Congratulations on your surgery and doing so well. In Europe we seem to be given a little less rules and strict regulations than our forum friends based in the USA. Your team do seem to have the most laid back approach that I have come across. I had 4 -6 weeks of baby type foods until my stomach was healed and went on to normal foods. 1. Ask your team because everyone has a surgeon with a different idea of what a pre op or post op diet should be. 2. I had a wicked restriction so only managed 300 calories for the early months. 1200 - 1500cals a day is where I am now. It doesn't really help you because your team may want you on much more. 3. Many foods are slider foods. Cake, biscuits, crackers, chocolate etc. You will not feel any restriction eating these. They just slide on through. 4. At about 6 to 12 weeks, your real restriction will kick in. It happens when your stomach has healed and your nerves begin to knit together again. Hydration is a different matter all together, if you can eat so many calories ? why can you not drink enough?? It just does not make any sense. We are told to drink up to an hour before meals and wait one hour after to drink again. In the early stages drinking is a 24 hour occupation, it is tough. Take little sips at every opportunity, day and night. Try hot, cold and frozen drinks. I was allowed coffee, so had lattes. Great protein.

It's so different for everyone. For me, I had minimal pain, but was tired ALL THE TIME. I definitely got tired of liquids and protein drinks. I struggled with that part. I didn't want to cook either because I couldn't eat it. So if you have a family to take care of, maybe make some freezer meals ahead of time. Weeks 3 and beyond weren't bad. The puree stage was tolerable. I made things I liked and just pureed them, so it wasn't awful. To be honest, the first 6 weeks can be a challenge, but it's totally worth it. Keep with your program and continue to read posts on here to get an idea of what to expect. But keep in mind, for every bad experience, there are at least 20 good experiences. I am looking forward to hearing more about your journey!

Early on, I was eating maybe two tablespoons of yogurt for breakfast, a couple bites of refried beans or soup for lunch and usually the same for dinner. The last few days (5 weeks out), I can get down maybe 1/4c of yogurt for breakfast and 1oz ground turkey + a few small bites of zucchini and squash for lunch / dinner. Not too much, but everyone is different. I can drink a lot at one time. I was consuming 70-80oz of fluids pretty quickly.

Hey everyone! I hope you're all doing well. I wanted to reach out and ask about your experiences during the first week after gastric bypass surgery. I had mine on July 24th, so it's been 6 days since the procedure, and I've been feeling a bit concerned about my eating progress. I had my surgery in Belgium, where I'm from cause it's free there! Unlike most of you, we don't have to stick to liquids only for an extended period. After the first 2 days, we can move on to puree and soft foods, which is a relief. However, I can't help but feel like I'm eating too much already. Today, for breakfast, I managed to eat 2 small french toasts and 1 egg in one sitting. While I did feel some restriction afterwards, I can't shake the feeling that it's still a lot of food for this early stage. I've been consuming around 900 - 1100 calories a day, and it's making me worry that the surgery might not work effectively for me. Additionally, I've been having trouble staying hydrated, which is something I never struggled with before. I would really appreciate hearing your experiences and any advice you might have. Thanks a bunch!

Welcome Guru! Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are recovering pretty well for three days! Well my surgery was July 6th, completely recovered and feeling great. 20 Pounds down so far. Just about the end of the month for the July Surgery buddies. Hope everyone is doing well!

Day 4 post-op. I'm more sore than expected, especially from my upper right quadrant (abdomen). I did have a liver biopsy so I wonder if that is adding to it. I had the gastric bypass. I also have HORRIBLE hives on abdomen because I'm allergic to the scrub, benzoin...you name it. That alone is miserable. I gained 9 lbs (nine!) immediately after surgery. I'm sure it's from all the IV fluids. But I've lost most of that. Also, I am required to give myself injections in my belly for 2 weeks to decrease the risk of blood clots. Continuing another 2 weeks of clear liquid diet w/protein drinks; I'm ready to advance this diet, that's for sure. All in all, I'm glad I did this and the surgery is behind me. Anyone else experience right upper quadrant pain or discomfort? How long did it last?

I'm 4 weeks out from surgery and just had my first non liquid, non pureed food. Ranier cherries. Only 5, but they may have been the most delicious thing ever. Which makes me wonder, everyone. What was/will be your first "real" food?

I’m almost 3 weeks post op, and the most important thing I’ve learned is not to have back to back days of puréed beans! Lol the gas pain sat me down for a whole day. I’m in puréed tuna and ice cold water has been my game changer. I had a hard time getting my liquids in, I guess it was all those flavored and zero sugar drinks, my tongue felt burned out and I got dehydrated. Once I just did straight ice cold water, I could sip easily and get my 64oz in pretty easily(took all day) but I got very hydrated. I think I’m over the hump, and soft foods start next week. Lookout Babybel cheese, I’m ready heheheh!

The first two weeks I was achy, gassy, and slow moving. The binder helped a lot. I set a timer and sipped liquids slowly from small 1oz cups. The liquid goals seemed impossible to reach at first. I walked as much as I could several times a day albeit very slowly. Lived in fear of constipation but miralax daily helped as did a 1oz swig of prune juice. As I drifted off to sleep I would think of the non liquid foods I would have eventually like fish, meats, and eggs in a dreamy over the rainbow way which is humorous now as now much later I much prefer plant based proteins. Good luck take it one day at a day and be gentle with yourself.

I have osteoporosis. There are bone-building drugs available that do build bones. I was on Reclast for three years - will be starting Forteo in the fall. (I don't know if mine was caused by malabsorption or not - but since I'm in my 60s and osteoporosis runs rampant in my family (all the older female relatives I know of have it), it likely could be that, too.

It can be difficult to hit those goals in the first few weeks but as long as you are making an effort & slowly getting closer you’ll be fine. You’re only a couple of days out so relax. I could only consume one shake & a soup a day during the post surgical liquid stage but slowly after that I found I could eat a little more & more. Try not seeing your shake only as a meal but as a liquid you just keep sipping. I used to dilute mine (sometimes doubled the water) because it tasted so awful & then sipped it for a couple of hours. You may be able to get more in that way.

I've lost over 85 lbs since Jan 3 2023. Still have 60 more to go. My doctor and dietitian had me on the pre surgery diet for 2 weeks not long after my first appointment with them. I'm shocked I'm still married lol Hangry?? Oh heck ya that's a REAL thing!!! Since being on that, I've been on a pretty strict food intake. At first even that was a massive challenge for me. Then the longer I was doing it, it got easier. But the thought of having to be back on the pre surgery ( liver shrinking ) diet? Scares the heck out of me. I struggled with what I should have.. Or not have. My heart goes out to my husband because of everything he has to deal with. August 3 Rd I go in for my PreOp. I'm hoping to get loads of information and support. My surgeon has had my on Vitamins and Vitamin D since my first appointment. Hang in there everyone.... You've all come so far... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I sure hope you all can as well!! 🤗

Is anyone going through hard time after 2 weeks post op

WOW !!! 60 POUNDS !!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm jealous ...LOL My surgery was May22 and I've only lost 12 pounds. (I'm stalled) Looking forward to seeing your pictures ! 😁

I am chronically low on D also!! I think it's due to my past 10 years as a vegan but went to Vegetarian about 3 years ago- BUT I still don't drink milk and I hate the sun LOL. Thankfully my Dr is proactive, and she put me on a weekly dose 2 weeks ago. Praying it's helping! I have the list of vitamins and I am sooooo confused, even though I am a Lapband patient (which basically tells you I NEVERRRR took my vitamins all these years) - my friend who is sleeve to bypass made herself a daily color chart, to help learn, I think I will do the same.

Hunger Pang Hey guys I need so much help. From about my third or fourth day post op VSG I have had a battle everyday. #1 Before my surgery I have never truly experienced hunger pangs except for when I was younger. After I got older and even eaten less I did not deal with hunger pang. Since my surgery and I was able to eat purée, the first day I went to eat my food the pang/pain became so great my esophagus went into a spasm. I researched and asked my Dr’s office about this. They ask me if I’m drinking enough water, am I eating slow, am I drinking enough protein? To all their questions was ‘Yes’ I think so. Why am I’m dealing with hunger pain and it’s not head hunger because when I do eat my 4oz of food, it seem that I’m even more hungry. I drank more broth, but would be awaken at 3 or 4 AM starving. Once I was so wore out because of this I ate a little too much and I was in so discomfort I ended up falling asleep sitting to let the food digest. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what did you do?

Hi there! Congratulations on 7 weeks!! You didnt say what it was you ate other than "only good things". :) I personally followed my meal plan to the letter and still do almost two years out. But that is what I needed to do for myself. 7 weeks is not a long time, but there are a couple of things that you couldve been doing. 1. eating too fast. This is an ongoing challenge for myself. My jobs have always been such that time meal breaks were pretty much non existent and as a nurse we usually "ate on the fly". This is a bad habit from bootcamp and beyond that I work faithfully to control. Its not easy but I put a bite in my mouth, put my fork down and concentrate on chewing the food in my mouth to the consistency it needs to be for my pouch. 2. drinking too soon after eating. I have gotten good at this, I don't drink anything an hour after I eat, even now. In my preop class this was shown to me and it has stuck with me. If you have ever "forgotten" and drank after or during a meal once, you tend to not want to repeat that process again. LOL https://youtube.com/shorts/oNdeGkkwqlw?feature=share 3. not paying attention to the cues your body gives you when you are full or eating more than 1/4 cup (example). Or if you are eating veggies not cooking them. 4. check your macros with your dietician. That seems to be a lot of carbs. Relax!! Stick to your meal plan and touch base regularly with your Reg. Dietician.

The pre-op diet may have been the hardest thing during this entire process. It took me about 6 days before those hunger pains and desire to eat literally everything I saw to go away. My pre-op diet consisted of (2) protein shakes and (1) frozen meal under 300 calories and under 700mg of sodium each day. I was allowed to eat all the broccoli and cucumber I wanted though. It's tough, but stick with it. You'll need that discipline post-op. I lost 15 lbs on the pre-op diet. My RnY was on May 15th. I started losing weight on my own on Jan 18th in preparation for this and I'm proud to say I'm down 90 lbs! I started at 380 and weighed in today at 290! The difference in energy is amazing, not to mention I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in many, many years. Even lacing up my work boots can be done sitting down. I'm sitting closer to the steering wheel in the car and stupid things like putting the seatbelt on are so much easier. It's also amazing how hard it is to meet the 60 grams of protein each day without relying on a shake. I've been released to introduce all foods. I've got what I refer to as good eating days and bad eating days. Today happens to be a bad day. Can't find any rhyme or reason to it either. But I'm celebrating many more wins than that! Stick with it - you got this! You'll be on that liquid diet for a few weeks out of the hospital too.