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Hi all, I feel like I'm struggling with this post op diet. Pretty much all I can have for 22 days is my bariatric grade protein shake, clear low sodium broth, jello, and water (or gatorade zero or propel). I'm on day 17 and I have to stay on this diet until I see my doctor on July 1 (so technically I'm on it for 24 day). I was originally scheduled for a July 8 post-op appointment, but thank goodness I was able to get my appointment moved up. I wake up every morning feeling good and like I can do another day of this, but by the end of the day I'm just wishing I could have a warm piece of meat. Only 7 more days. I can do it, but I hope the next few days come sooner.
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5 years out and trying to get back on track
lachellove posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
5 years ago I laid on the table and had life changing surgery! I was sleeved. And I felt renewed. I got down to 138 by my birthday in December I looked and felted wonderful. I ended up at 142-145 and was ok with that . Life took me for a ride and now for the past year I’ve put on 20 pounds I know where I went wrong the hardest part is support and getting mentally back on track if you have any advice I’m open -
Hi, I’m Milissa, my friends call me Mil
mil_unloaded replied to mil_unloaded's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Update: my gastroenterologist referred me to the top bariatric center in my city. I have a consultation with one of their bariatric surgeons on 6/29. Hoping to get the ball rolling! -
Welcome and congratulations on making such a smart decision about taking control of your health and well-being by having bariatric surgery! What's helpful and what's not in terms of prep (and on an ongoing basis) will depend on your personality type and how you prefer to learn, but what I've found to be most useful and beneficial is staying away from social media for the most part, and instead engaging in a great deal of on- and offline research. I read A LOT of scientific papers and studies prior to surgery (and still do), and was careful to seek out evidence-based information and data on types of surgery, outcomes, complications, expectations, etc. from scientists, obesity specialists, bariatric surgeons, bariatric dieticians, and other medical professionals working in the field. What a lot of quality, realistic thoughts and suggestions you're receiving in reply to your question here! I would add that for me, taking maximum advantage of the first 6 months -- and particularly the first 3 -- after surgery has been *crucial* to my overall loss and success. If you're not hungry after surgery, take full advantage by keeping your calories very low, because the honeymoon phase is finite. Begin entrenching good food habits right now (if you haven't already) and work to sustain the changes over the long term by cutting out processed foods, highly palatable foods, and sugar and instead focusing on eating healthy, whole, nutrient-dense foods once you've passed the fluid stage(s). Start an regular exercise program if you haven't already. Look for ways to keep increasing your NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) and act on them daily as your ability increases over time. Contact your bariatric team immediately with any concerns that may arise around potentially significant physical or psychological issues because social media absolutely cannot help with those. Wishing you all the very best with a successful surgery and recovery, and much ease as you pass through all of the bariatric stages and into your new life 😊 Highly-Palatable-Foods-slides.pdf
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Liquid and Food - timing issues
PollyEster replied to AlwaysCruising's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Like Arabesque said, you should still be on liquids only at this stage no matter your program, so hopefully you’re not eating purees or solid food yet. Every program is different, but my program for example, required clear fluids for 3 days, followed by full fluids for 4 weeks. I skipped the next stage (2 weeks of purees) and continued with full fluids during this time (with approval from my team) because pureed foods were aesthetically unpalatable to me. Unlike some people who never felt a sensation of fullness on fluids only, I did, so literally had to take an extremely tiny sip every few minutes to get in the required amount of protein and fluids. During the 6 weeks of fluids, this was literally a full-time job: it took 12 to 14 hours per day, and sometimes 16. It's hard going, but you'll get through it. Currently, I wait 20-30 minutes after drinking fluids to eat, and at least 45 minutes after a meal. I'm committed to doing this for the rest of my life. It's an easy to do, and is one of several evidence-based actions (based on the long-term outcomes of hundreds of thousands of bariatric patients) that leads to long-term success. Dr. Walter Medlin, a bariatric surgeon at the Bariatric Medicine Institute in Salt Lake City, and a sleever himself, continues to wait 45 minutes after eating, almost 15-odd years after his own surgery. There are three reasons for this: 1) in the first year, not washing nutrients out of your small pouch, 2) maintaining satiety for as long as possible after eating as you get further out from surgery, as over65 pointed out, and 3) minimizing or preventing GERD by regulating the pyloric sphincter. -
Los Angeles Surgeons / General Questions
RickM replied to PJKS1989's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
HI, welcome to the club! I am familiar with the Cedars bariatric department, having met and talked to them several times over a few months on a prospective non-bariatric procedure (that I ultimately never had) but came out with an overall positive opinion of them. I am not personally familiar with UCLA's program, but have seen a couple of questionable things from them over the years. Here in the LA area, one doc that I would certainly have on my list to consider for sleeve type procedures is Dr. Ara Keshisian in the Pasadena area.. I would probably have gone to him for my sleeve if he had been practicing here at the time; instead I went to the Rabkins up in SF as no one in LA had much experience doing sleeves then and they had been doing them for around twenty years at that time. Dr. K will probably push you to do a duodenal switch (a sleeve plus malabsorptive intestinal rerouting) over the sleeve as it tends to have better long term results with better regain resistance than the VSG or RNY. For me, I felt that it was overkill for my needs (though was just the right thing for my wife,) so a good, honest look at what your needs really are would be in order in working out that decision. Good luck, and PM me with any other questions that you have, -
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Dr. Francisco Gonzalez and/or Oasis of Hope - Any Feedback?
sweetsmith78 replied to NovemberSleever's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I did not go Oasis of Hope in which I wish I would have I went to Mexico bariatric center what a huge mistake it wasn't very unclean very unsterile they lacerated my spleen finding that out when I got back here to Michigan it almost cost me my life they decided to remove 95% of my stomach which is not recommended please do your research before going to Mexico -
Make sure you do your research before going to Mexico for surgery I ended up going to Mexico Bariatric Surgery Center in Mexico what a huge mistake first of all I can say Mexico is not the cleanest it when it comes to being sterile and following protocol for safety measures my Iv fell out and was dragged on the floor the nurse that wanted to reinsert the needle back into my arm. They have a little Tin Cup to keep alcohol and cotton balls together. the tin cup had people's blood on the rim. the showers had bloody bandages clearly not clean. Never once did they change their gloves from Patient to Patient. To top this off I had my surgery they removed 95% of my stomach which here in the States that is not recommended. I returned back here in Michigan and I knew something was not right I decided to go into the hospital to get checked out they lacerated my spleen I was lucky to be alive I immediately contacted Mexico bariatric center they told me that my diagnosis was incorrect that I would have died there basically saying that a CT scan was wrong I tried to contact them raising matters that needed to be corrected for safety purposes they seem to not really care I thought I did my research and it was pretty thorough at what I was looking at boy was I wrong nearly costed me my life!
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So I have to say thank you to @GreenTealael for this. I had never heard of this bread. I am always lurking on the before and after food photos thread to get ideas and several months ago she posted a wrap or sandwich with this bread. I had never heard of it so I took a screenshot and said one day I’ll try it. So then on Father’s Day, my family decided on pulled pork sandwiches. Of course, I wasn’t going to eat the bread. My mom was making the pork and she is super picky so I knew there would be as close to no fat as possible so I decided I would just eat some of the pork with my sugar free bbq sauce. Then I remembered the lavash bread and decided to see if I could find it. Well I found it at Walmart and I was so happy with the taste and macros on it. I couldn’t even eat half of a serving but it was so good. I’ve already got plans for chicken salad sandwiches, Arby’s style beef and cheddar and other things.(all bariatric friendly Of course) so anyways, if you are looking for a wrap, tortilla, bread, pizza crust option, check it out. It’s pretty good.
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Hey, this is very inspirational! Congrats on the weight loss! I am 31 y/o female currently around 255lbs, I had a lap band procedure back in 2015 but it has given me nothing but anxiety and issues over the years, as well as about a 50lb weight loss. I'm thinking of having my band reverted to a sleeve in order to lose more weight and try and get rid of my medical problems which actually make it very hard for me to lose weight on my own. But of course, there are things about the sleeve that worry me. To start with they permanently cut out most of your stomach! I can't put my finger on what exactly worries me the most, but the healing process post-op and quality of life after...I know losing weight will be a much healthier better quality of life, but will I be able to ever enjoy food again? I'm still young and want to be able to enjoy going out with friends, how has that all been for you? Most of my friends do know I have had a bariatric procedure already, so no big surprise, I think it mostly around meeting new people, and not eating normally gives me a little anxiety. Have you had any medical problems related to your sleeve like regurg, vomitting, acid reflux? Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom! -Becca
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July 2020 Surgery anyone?
Nurse_Emily replied to IWantTheDream's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I will be having the sleeve. I don't mind telling my assigned nurses that I'm a nurse. Actually I have some friends working on the floor bariatrics recover.. and I've actually asked my best friend who is a nurse also request that surgery with the surgeon so she will be my or nurse. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app -
Good luck Eric. I had the same problem - sleeve 3 years ago, lost 100 pounds in 8 months, gained back 60 over the next 2.5 years. I tried resetting my pouch and going back to pre-op diet mode, but nothing really worked for me. In the end I decided to have a revision to bypass earlier this year. I've been losing weight consistently (but slowly) since then. However, it hasn't affected any real change - I can eat just about anything (pizza, bread, pasta, whatever - serving sizes are normal portions, not bariatric portions). For the most part I DON'T eat these things (still doing shakes and fish and salad, etc.), but every now and then I've just been pushing to see if there is anything that my body does not like/can't handle. There's nothing. I'm really disappointed because I thought the even smaller stomach would help with portion control (it doesn't), that having bypass would make me not like sugar (it doesn't), or that I would have other food issues (like lactose intolerance - I don't). So it's a good wake-up call for me that portion control and what I eat is the key - I can't depend on the surgery to help me out, other than initial weight loss. For whatever reason, my body has reacted to these surgeries really well. In both cases I was up and walking and feeling great within a day after surgery, I never had food restrictions like so many others (I could eat at 3 months what many patients could at 2 years post-op), and I never had any food issues after surgery either. I'm saying all this in that the second surgery didn't fix any of my food/body issues, it's all a mind game, really. In a way I wish I hadn't had the second surgery (money-wise), but if I hadn't done it, I don't know if I would have learned these lessons as well. FWIW, I think the best plan for me going forward is a mix of protein-prioritized keto (or maybe paleo) mixed with intermittent fasting (I'll start with 12 hours and work my way down to 8 hours, maybe to 6 eventually), plus adding some weight training to my regimen. I'm working on weaning myself off of all my bad habits over the next week or so and will be starting fresh on July 1st. Hopefully others can chime in with what they've done to deal with weight regain after surgery. Unfortunately I think a lot of people who do tend to leave these forums (as I did), so I'm hoping that sticking around here on a regular basis will keep me more motivated.
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check the blog "the World According to Eggface" . She's a long-time vet of bariatric surgery and has always loved to cook. She has lots of recipes and food ideas for people in all the different post-op stages.
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Now that I finally made up my mind
perfektlynrml posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Ever since I decided to go for Bariatric surgery I am anxious to get it over with. I have some issues with my skin that I hope will go away after the surgery. It’s not easy to talk about but I’m living with these issues for a long time. Is anyone else troubled with skin breakdown and bumps? Did they go away after surgery? Thanks. -
Hi all! Happy weekend. I have my surgery next Wednesday- I am so excited! I am doing the endoscopic sleeve and have about 80 lbs to lose. Still so frustrated that I got here to begin with but enough looking back- excited about the journey to come. I am a major researcher and want to be proactive. I have started to list foods I will eat. And have begun to purchase what I can which won’t expire too soon. This is helping me mentally prepare and adding to the excitement. Of course the food list for any bariatric surgery is very limited and gradually increases over time. I would love to hear about your favorites, what for you through the mundane list and anything creative you came up with throughout the initial months of your new food journey. Cheers! Jennifer
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I have an appointment next Friday for blood work, nutritionist, scan for kidney stones, the works. I have wondered when I'll meet the doctor. Time is starting to get tight. I just found out that I have to have a hysterectomy before the Bariatric surgery. I'm trying not to worry. 🙄 Good luck on Monday.
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Liquid and Food - timing issues
AlwaysCruising replied to AlwaysCruising's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Was just bemoaning how hard it is in reality to find the distinctions among the gas, GERD, and too much or too little in the remaining stomach. I am a good observer, but this feels almost impossible. My surgeon allows the drink until “meals” also, but the dietician over the hospital’s Bariatric service said it would feel better to wait before as well. Which is why it would be nice to be able to tell what each feeling might be, to help decide. Oy! -
August 2020 Surgery
Thicc chick 504 replied to Bjc1227's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have my first appointment with the doctor on Monday I have already had my life after Bariatric class online. I am hoping that she sets my date Monday -
I am from NJ and no bariatric doc would take me because my BMI is 35. The only thing they would offer is a balloon in my stomach. After six months it is removed. Insurance does not cover that procedure. I researched out of pocket sites and found Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas. I have insurance, but would not qualify for 100% coverage. I am paying 9k out of pocket. I am scheduled for the sleeve in mid August. My concern now is flying with covid cases rising.
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Liquid and Food - timing issues
AlwaysCruising posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi all - I had my sleeve done on Thursday afternoon and came home yesterday (fri). I had expected a huge problem from the gas used in surgery as I had a hysterectomy (close to that same procedure for both) and that is what I got, a huge problem. I hardly noticed any pain in my abdomen from the surgery because of the severity of the gas-related pain in my shoulder and back. But feel like the Charco tabs worked far better than gas-x (and my husband lightly whacking my back with cupped hands (what they do for CF but not that hard). This morning most of that is better. 1. I know most all the basics, but some of the details on shaky as I put it all in play! For example: In the liquid stage is there 30 minutes between each drinks (the rules deal with food and liquid that I have seen ca. 2 liquids or 2 actual food items). 2. my surgeon/nutritionist say I can drink up to the point of eating, but I need to wait 30 minutes after eating to drink. The nutritionist for Bariatrics at the hospital, however, said I was better off waiting 30 minutes So I am going with the latter for now. But still, whether due to remaining gas or to reflux or whatever, it feels uncomfortable to eat and drink no matter how small the bites. 3. Another timing issue has happened twice - I started this morning with a protein shake. But about 15m waiting 30 minutes for a food item, I realized that I need to take some meds. I needed some sips to take the pills. Do those few sips mean I begin the counter again? In other words, I am curious about the experience of others on this topic and how you interpreted this (more conservative) rule. 4. In the last hour it feels as if my stomach is growling, as with actual hunger. We will continue to have hunger, but with the increase in acid and gas it much harder to interpret these sensations and feelings. -
https://asmbs.org/patients/who-is-a-candidate-for-bariatric-surgery Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.
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Unless you yourself are a bariatric surgeon it seems unnecessarily risky to do this friend.
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I am only 3 weeks out and not drinking any soda at this time. But I have read conflicting thoughts on drinking soda. I'm wondering if it's possible that people who have the sleeve can drink soda, but with other bariatric surgeries you cannot. It seems that bypass, duodenal, and lap band, which are more involved surgeries which have stricter limitations on what you can eat and drink. I feel like these limitation get applied to sleeve patients as well, even when there's a little more flexibility with the sleeve. Then again, that could just be wishful thinking on my part because I really, really miss diet coke. Curious what others think. Thank you!
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How tall are you? I'm 5'5" and started at 208, BMI 35. I'm only 3 months out, though. So not sure where I will end up. Studies show bariatric surgery is actually more effective for people who start with a lower BMI. People who start in the 30-35 BMI range have maintained a loss at 5 years of, on average, ~80% of their excess weight and a lot of them end up in the normal BMI range of <25. In contrast, people who start with a BMI >50 lose more like 60% of their excess weight and few end up in the normal BMI range. https://mercybariatrics.com.au/obesity-surgery-2/bariatrics-at-the-edge/low-bmi-patient/#:~:text=The traditional threshold for offering,expected to improve following surgery. Unless you're super short, losing 80-100 lbs is probably unrealistic. But maybe not impossible - you'll see people on these message boards who have gotten down to a BMI of ~21. Keep in mind that the people on the boards, especially those who stay for a long time, tend to be the most motivated ones. Studies show motivation and sticking to the diet is essential to achieve a better outcome. Unfortunately it also depends on your body - you may just be the type who can't get that low no matter how hard you work. Studies also show that unrealistic goals can hinder your progress - you tend to lose your motivation when you can't even get close to that unrealistic goal. I've put my goal at 149 - which will give me a normal BMI of 24.8. Once I get there, we will see how it's going.
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I can sympathize - I did self-pay, and they move faster than insurance pay because there's not so many hoops to jump through. Plus I ended up moving the date sooner by a month and a half after I started hearing coronvirus whispers. I got my surgery less than 2 months after I decided to do it. My advice is to figure out what you're going to eat after the surgery. After the surgery, you're going to be in pain for a couple of weeks, and more tired than usual for 2 weeks to a few months. You won't want to spend too much mental energy on food. So try out some protein drinks/powders, sugar free jello and pudding, sugar free yogurt, broths and soups and stock your pantry. You'll be on a liquid diet for ~2 weeks (depending on your surgeon's diet plan), though most people continue to use protein drinks for quite a while. You'll also need to think about what you'll want to eat during the puree/soft food stages. Look at some bariatric recipes if you're the cooking type. But be warned - many people's tastes change after the surgery. A protein drink you liked before may seem, for example, overly sweet afterwards. So try a variety, and keep them around even if you didn't like them at first, just in case. It's a good time to check your equipment too. You'll need a blender if you use protein powders and mix your own drinks or to puree soups with chunks and other things. And a lot of people like to use mini plates and utensils to help them take smaller bites and feel more satisfied. I also bought a thermos that could keep food warm for a while, so if I cooked something hot, I'd make enough to put aside for another meal later.
