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I agree with the other posts here....protein and Water intake are much more important than calories. Having said that...yes, you CAN have too few calories, especially just after surgery. Your body needs calories to heal...again, Protein and water in particular...so you need to NOT concentrate on losing right now AT ALL! I know that seems totally ridiculous when that is why you had the surgery in the first place, but it is ESSENTIAL that you heal well FIRST. The weight WILL come off. But, in the short run, you want to heal properly so that you will not have any of the complications that poor/incomplete healing might happen in the long run. I KNOW it's easier said than done, but one day - not too far from now - you will probably turn around and advise someone the very thing that I'm proposing now!! Hang in there - it sounds like you are right on track, since you are making sure to get lots of protein and water...the two essentials, along with your (chewable) vitamins!! You WILL succeed!!!

Yea true, I was basically wanting to know if anyone else had a small glass a month out of surgery. I haven’t had any complications and I don’t want to start now, I can wait lol. Thanks for the feedback!

I heard horror stories,too. The fact is that rny is safer than gallbladder surgery. Common complications are things like strictures and ulcers. Talk to your Dr. I found that the people who told horror stories were woefully uniformed. I had surgery on 4/29 and have had no complications. Loss of bowel control? Maybe if you eat sugar and dump before you can get to a bathroom, but I doubt it. The answer to most complications is to follow the plan to a t. Eat clean. Chew well, etc. If you're worried, talk to your doctor at length and they will outline every possible complication. Also remember that most people don't know that rny is mostly done laproscopically now....it used to be more dangerous and people don't have current information.

I have the band but my Dr also allowed solids after 1 week but advised to choose foods that were moist like fish instead of chicken and to chew well. No complications so far.

When I had my surgery, there was a woman next door to me that was getting her sleeve too and her husband had gotten it two months before. The husband told me that his surgeon was old school and told him he could eat whatever he wanted 1 week post op. Me being three weeks out and having a difficult time just getting Water and Protein in, I thought maybe he was exaggerating. Well going through different WLS websites and forums, I've read so many posts about how many surgeons allow their patients to eat solid foods one or two weeks post op. Has anyone seen this? Has anyone started eating solid foods much sooner than the rest of us? Had ease with it? Complications after trying solid foods so early? I am just curious and would love to hear your stories if you had soft or solid foods much earlier than the norm. Thanks!

I think it's outpatient if you don't have complications??

@jamiep5 -- My surgery is June 9th. My doctor didn't even offer the band -- he says he hardly ever does that surgery any more as the weight loss from it statistically isn't significant and it has so many complications. Because i have pretty severe reflux, he said the bypass is really my only option. I'm not worried about that though -- I want to do what has the best success record and that's bypass. Wishing you all the best!

My surgeon just closed his practice. He was a wonderful and amazing resource and very easily accessible since he was just a couple miles away from my house. He closed his practice because of local hospital restructuring and lost a lot of general surgery patients, who comprised most of his business. Now I'm left without my surgeon, the PA, and the awesome staff at his office and the nearest bariatric center is 1.5 hours away My biggest fear is having complications or needing help and not being able to access it anymore.

Every person handles this conundrum differently. I definitely struggled with some feelings of shame myself. I felt that I had failed because I wasn't able to do this "myself". I have some perfectionist issues and had to make peace with that. Going through this the last 8 months and realizing that success takes a lot of hard work and that this is no magic bullet has helped me, too. As for others, there will be naysayers and negative people. After a complication-free surgery I decided not to hide how I was losing weight. I felt I owed it to those who were obese, like I was, to not lie. I learned about the VSG because someone else was honest about their weight loss so it was almost a paying forward issue with me. I have not encountered anyone who is openly negative but I am sure there are have been comments I didn't hear. I think the key is to make peace with your decision, what you are comfortable sharing and then live your life as you see fit paying no attention to those willing to rain on your parade. Best of Luck- Amanda

Fear triggers anxiety and I don't need that. I am not really afraid of regain because I won't let it happen. So it's more like it is an area of focus, but not a fear. I have some niggling doubts about my health. I feel like I can do anything but the truth is I have damaged joints and am vulnerable to injury. Complications from a recent surgery remind me of my fragility,of the uncertainties in life. I also have some unease about my next phase of life. It is a new experience for me to not be completely driven toward a goal and I continue to strive to find my next "passion" or become at peace with not having a passion.

I had Sleeve surgery on 2/4. Everything has been going beautifully. No complications. Suddenly, I started having pain at my large incision site and went the the ER. They did an CAT scan, Chest xray and checked for blood clots, did blood work and urine and found nothing. They said there is some inflammation, but nothing to be worried about. Today, the pain is worse. HAs anyone experienced this? Could it be something more than inflammation? I'm debating going back tot he ER.

I'm 9 days post op, I had the "reluctant support" of my grown children They were concerned because with me " there are always complications ". I'm happy to so "so far, no complications ", I've had a couple of "what have I done" moments, but then I think long term. It's hard, your body goes through a lot, this isn't a simple little surgery even if it is laprascopic! Take your pain meds, this is not the time to be a martyr. Getting the fluids have been the hardest thing for me so far. I haven't made the 64 oz goal once yet. I try, but I start getting nauseous if I try to force it. But, I don't feel or look like I'm getting dehydrated. ( I'm a nurse, and know what to look for).. I'm just now starting to feel hungry and all the Christmas dinners going on are hard, going to one tonight with my liquid protein... I had not told anyone I work with what I was having till my last night at work because I was afraid of negative comments. I was overcome with emotion when I told my co-workers and they were so supportive. Saying "what do you need from us" "we're here for you". You have to do it for you. If you get support its great, but you know what??? Even if you don't, you be your own support system because in the final analysis it's your body and you have to do what is best for you. No one else lives in your skin. Hang in there.

Amf1025 good to hear your process has been fast. My first appt is on Feb. 8th and I haven't learned what the requirements will be before surgery. I also want to be healthy for my kids. I'm not so worried about the actual surgery but the life after. I don't want to have complications or feel sick all the time when my kids need me to be active. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome! You will gets lot of uniformed people telling you this is dangerous and don't do it. For me this was life changing and the easiest surgery I have ever had done. I had zero pain and zero complications. This was easier than my complete hysterectomy. Do your research and listen to experts, not nay sayers. Even with doctors some are old fashioned and not up on what baritric surgery involves. If he's not your doctor, he doesn't get a say. I would recommend continuing your research, but don't bother talking to your family about it. It's not worth the arguments and family discordance. People often hear surgery and panic. Even with your pre-op testing, just quietly get it done and don't make a big deal about it.

According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present. So generally what this is saying is 1) stay off all NSAIDs such as aspirin and excedrin that contains aspirin. 2) use a proton pump inhibitor such as prilosec (omeprazole). My surgeon recommended I take this daily for the first year so that my stomach would heal properly. At the end of my first year I discontinued it. I am now 5 years post-op. 3) make sure you were tested for Helicobacter pylori infection. This is a very common infection, one that is somewhat hidden because of a lack of symptoms. The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily protein, fluid and vitamin requirements. Food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. So my first concerns are not focused on food but rather to make sure you are meeting your daily protein and fluid requirements.

I had no pre-op diet, my surgeon only asks folks who are 300+ to do a pre-op diet. I was skeptical too bc it seemed like everyone else was doing a pre-op diet but me. My surgery was without complication and i've had zero issues post op...

Hello there! I was diagnosed with Crohn's at the age of 8. It has been in remission for a VERY long time, for which I am very blessed. I have continued to have ongoing related issues, however (ie. nausea and upset stomach). I have also had to take prescription medication for reflux for probably 15 years. My PCP encouraged me to have the surgery. I was very leery, concerned it would make my Crohn's symptoms worse. He said that it could really only make things better - my diet would change, there would be less weight to complicate things, etc. I have found he was right! Aside from the nausea related to the surgery, there has been a big improvement. I continue to take medication for reflux, but the reflux is now non-existent (it was overpowering my medication most days preop). I continue to have the upset stomach, which is no big deal at this point, but not as often - probably because I eat less! LOL. Overall, I would say it has not had a negative, rather, a positive impact on my Crohn's symptoms.

E Erica.....If you look at my recent posts you will see that you are not alone. I am about to embark on my final WLS - the RNY. Had the Band, then the Sleeve, now back to what I should have done initially the Bypass. I have lost weight with the sleeve, but of the 110 pounds lost I have gained about 40+. Still down from original weight but also still DISCOURAGED and self loathing. My reasons for the sleeve were similar to yours plus some potential medical complications due to a chronic illness - YET, here I am, back where I started 10 years ago. Do your research, but more so, be honest with yourself. Really find your motivating factors for WLS and do what is necessary so that this obesity problem is in the past. You deserve to be happy, feel and look healthy, and live a quality of life in a body that is fit and strong. No one needs to tell you how short life is, imagine how much longer, and enjoyable, it will be when your at a healthy weight. Please don't let fear stop you. You have come so far in the process and you are right there.....don't set yourself back or become complacent. Trust me, we all know how you feel in one way or another......I KNOW how you feel! My surgery is 9/14/15 and every day I try to back out of it, or say to myself "maybe I will just tell the surgeon to re-sleeve me, or I make poor eating choices because of the stress I am putting myself under. I need to just jump in the Water already being my biggest obstacle. Oh what tricks our brain will do. Good luck, God Bless, keep us posted XOXO

What!?!? Paul makes something complicated??? Noooooo I havent seen any sales around here for C-winds tix lately. and HAPPY FRIDAY !!!!!

I too thought about the sleeve and hearing that it can make gerd worse and if you do end up with esophageal (sp) cancer there is not any stomach tissue to use to repair if surgery is required! That scared me more than having a RNY. On June 9th I had my lap band out (which had moved and was causing me tremendous pain) and had the RNY done. I have had very little acid reflux, before surgery it was actually a lot worse. I have had no complications and I would do it again in a heartbeat! but, the bottom line is you need to do what is right for you and be comfortable with your decision, after all you and only you have to live with whatever decision you make! Good luck to you my friend and take care.

I had my surgery on Feb 14 , left the hospital on Feb 15 and back to work on Feb 23. One week is good enough if you were lucky and didn't have any complications. I didn't use pain meds after leaving the hospital since it was all liquid i hated it.

I am maintaining a 160# loss and finally living the active life I always wanted so no regrets. If you search for the word regret you will get people who do share that feeling. Sometimes it is due to complications but I think more often disappointing results...it can happen.

My ins paid for my surgery. I was told that most self-pay patients opt for outpatient status. I was told that my ins may require that I stay over night. I wouldn't know until the surgery was over, the case complications and such. I packed my over-night bag and brought, just in case. I was let go about 3 hours after surgery. However, had they wanted to keep me over night, I'd been a bit disappointed. But hubs and I decided that if the doc wanted me to stat over night, I would have. They had my best interest at heart. I think you'd be wise to consider an over night stay, if that's what your doc wants. I live in Louisiana, so I can't help to as far as doc's go. My advice would be to not weed out good doc's because an over night stay is a possibility. They only have your best interest at heart.

Banded on 03/28/07. No complications. I felt almost completely healed at two weeks out. My Doctor wanted me to remain on Clear Liquids and Protein Shakes for two ADDITIONAL weeks (until one month after surgery). He said this was for weight loss as well as to let adhesions develop around the band. I could lie and say I was following his rules, but at the two-week mark I started on full liquids, then mushies. Never felt a twinge from the band on any of it. Couple days later, I was on solids again, chewing well and feeling great. I've got a valid excuse in that the Protein shakes were making me gag- literally. Seven different brands of powder and can, all nasty. Plus, the only clear liquids that tasted good to drink were sugary fruit juices- I am not a broth/soup person at all. I was genuinely worried that I would "sugar" myself out of losing any weight. I wasn't getting enough protein, felt weak and tired. Now, my doctor and I had already discussed me doing Atkins on the band until I'm done losing. He also put me on Phentermine (appetite suppressant) to speed this whole process and help me through bandster hell. Anyway, I've been doing Atkins with only a couple minor cheating incidents. I get my protein from real meat. I avoid sugar. I feel FREAKING AWESOME. Today is exactly one month out and I'm down almost 50 pounds. I know, I know, should have followed doctor's orders... I know, I know, could have lost more already w/out the food. And yes, I have been exercising a little bit and taking my Vitamins. My portions went from tiny to almost-normal as my body got used to food again, so that I can just about finish a chicken breast, burger patty or can of tuna and I feel very satisfied with that. But even in supposed bandster hell with no fill, I just am not that hungry. I have to force myself to eat, most days. Some of that is the Phentermine working (you can feel it when you're on it), but even without the pills my hunger just isn't like it was. Don't doubt, I already pushed myself once, trying to eat the old way: I overdid it on on chinese spicy beef and the band let me know about it! Just ate too much, felt like I was bloated and it was pressing up UNDER the band? Wierd, but it went away when I took a gas-x tab. Regardless, I am so glad I had this surgery done. I plan on going under 300 pounds next month. I can't wait to get a fill (on 05/10/07)and watch my portion size drop back down again. Oh, one last dark little confession because I am a bad man: In order to avoid stressing the band, I've been drinking with meals to keep it flushed. I don't have restriction ANYWAY, but I wanted to let the adhesions form like the doctor talked about. He said food sitting in the band would push it down, that was the reason for the long liquids period- I tried to get around it my own dunder-headed way. So, it's time to buckle down and stop drinking with my meals. Thanks for reading this novella, please berate me for being pigheaded and breaking the rules. I know I deserve it. *ducks and covers*

It's from losing the weight so fast. Years ago I was going through a divorce and could'nt afford to eat so all I ate was tomato soup and lost 100 pounds in like 4 months. That's when mine started acting up but they could not figure out for awhile what it was. It is so painful - I always felt like if I ate something I would feel better but it just made it worse. Stay away from greasy foods - that's what seemed to bother me the most but I also had a stone nearly the size of a golf ball and it had torn up my gall bladder so badly they had no choice but to remove it which I'm glad that they did so it would'nt happen again. If you still have your appendix have them take that out while they are in there - one less thing to worry about. Don't look at this as a complication - it's just part of life.