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La.nena, I just started soft foods today and don't think I could do it with just 1 protein drink either. Saw my doctor today and he said to try and replace the drinks, but make sure to keep supplementing with them to hit my goals. For reference, today I had 1/2 egg 1/3 of a greek yogurt mixed with vanilla protein powder 1 cheese stick 75% of a turkey stick 25% of a ricotta bake (which was yummy) I honestly could have done without the cheese stick as I am not sure that I was really that hungry, and it was decently close to dinner time (like 90m before). I ended up hitting the same protein level I had yesterday, but got 10g more of fat and 2g more of carbs. Overall, very happy with the day.

So the last 3 days I can’t meet my protein goal. I’m on soft foods. Only 1 protein drink a day. I’m never really hungry. I try and eat and take 3 bites and I’m done. I meet my liquid goal but that’s it. My dr wants me to eat 3 to 4 small meals a day and try not to do more then 1 protein drink. I’m never hungry 😑

sounds like acid reflux to me, too. Did they put you on a PPI, like omeprazole or pantoprazale? Some surgeons do that automatically for the first 3-6 months to control acid (since it's not good for healing). If yours didn't, and the burning continues, you might want to ask your clinic about it, or at minimum, let them know what's going on.

I'm so sorry that happened. And I know how much hurtful words from your spouse can really shake one at their core. Could you find a marriage counselor who does online video calls? I think therapy is the only viable option to get to the root of what's going on. Or maybe a bariatric surgery support group for partners. Someone had mentioned that he may feel threatened by your weight loss. That is not an uncommon problem; especially if the partner is insecure. Maybe try to build up his security. Men normally respond to verbal praise. For example, in the first few weeks after my surgery, my husband was a very grumpy person to be around. When I commented on it, he blew up and said how overwhelmed he felt with work, taking care of a large portion of the home responsibilities, that it's been all about me and my recovery, and a few other things. I took some time to process, and in the right timing, I thanked him for all he's doing and told him that it did not go unnoticed. I reassured him and built him back up. Since then, things have been going really well. Your therapist may have some other ideas.

I was able to sleep on my side. Doc said do what feels right for me. I had a pillow under my side belly but it was so nice to just lay vs sit. Other tidbits: 1) your digestion is gonna change. Constipation or diarrhea, bad smelling gas, etc. be prepared and ready to address the biome that is your gut, 2) “hunger” feelings might actually be gas. You just have to feel it out. 3) some people know when they’ve eaten enough, others find out the hard way (vomiting, foamies). I get the hiccups. It’s so strange, 4) you may be SO wiped out with such a low calorie diet. I felt drained for the first 8 weeks, which is not unusual, and 5) the mental/emotional struggle is REAL. Get a therapist if you don’t have one! 😂

I got the gastric sleeve on May 10th and just recently about 3 or 4 days ago I have started feeling a burning feeling on my throat after I eat anything. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone know why I am getting this?& is there anything to relieve this pain? Ty

Prepped a batch of Bulgogi (korean marinated beef strips) and froze batches of it a month ago...finally got around to defrosting one of the ziplocks and cooking it. OMG so yum, if i say so myself! Portioned our about a cup of the cooked bulgogi and a 1/4 cup of cooked white rice (cuz u can't have bulgogi without rice!). 378 calories for the bowl, ate about 2/3 (maybe 3/4?) of it all. not sharing my leftovers with mr. as im keeping it for later cuz its so yum. p.s. the onions were not part of the frozen ziplock contents...i sliced and sautéed them separately 😉

I was worried I would have to sip liquids the rest of my life but finding out at 8 weeks I can guzzle water with the best of them . xD

I know this thread is a couple of years old, but I wanted to offer some suggestions for your pre-op diet. When it comes to tasty broths, Healo Broth is a solid choice. They offer a range of flavors that can make those liquid days more enjoyable. Check out their website for more info. This Broth is packed with goodness, perfect for your full liquid diet. Whether you're craving savory chicken or flavorful beef, they've got options to satisfy your taste buds during this phase. Staying hydrated and getting that protein kick from their broths will help you sail through those two weeks before your surgery. Hang in there, and I hope your surgery went well and you had a smooth recovery.

I see a bairatric psychologist. I see her again in a few weeks but have missed my last few appointments because of my new job. She has already recommended marriage counseling but that's easier said than done. Cost and finding one close to my small town that accepts my insurance is very difficult. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of my marriage. We have 4 kids so that makes things tougher. Sent from my SM-S115DL using BariatricPal mobile app

Mine's been about 6 months from initial appt in Dec 2022 to surgery (this Wed) but other factors happened, such as emergency gallbladder surgery 2 days after my first appt, grad school started in Jan, my mom passed in Jan. as well, so I was not in any mindset until late March or so. I had to have 2 nutrition classes, psych eval, PCP clearance, labs, and my diet is 1 week liquid before sugery and all clear the day before.

Hey, I'm about 6 months out from my sleeve. I've lost about 90lbs from my surgery date. I have been working out and eating my best. However, my life has changed dramatically in the last 2 months. So it was already difficult to find time to workout. I felt like my weight-loss goals were starting to be pushed back for other obligations such as my new job, my kiddos sports schedules, summer break, and such. So finding the motivation at 5am or at 10pm to workout was tough but I was doing it. Then about 2 weeks ago, my husband and I got into an argument. He confesses that he isn't attracted to me and never was. He said he loves me for other reasons and he was emotionally invested before we met in person. We've been together since 2007. I know I should be working out and losing weight for myself and my kids but I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. All my motivation is gone. Why workout if the man you'll be with forever isn't satisfied either way? I feel heartbroken and betrayed. Am I being too dramatic or shallow? Sent from my SM-S115DL using BariatricPal mobile app

I just had the lap-band procedure done less than 2 weeks ago. I struggled a lot with doubt prior to my surgery, especially since everything happened so fast for me. I had my consultation May 3 and my surgery May 26. I worried a lot about the side effects too. But i did a lot of research and talk to a few people who had the procedure and they said they had zero regrets, they feel so much happier and healthier and confident. I wasn’t severely overweight, i was 204lbs at the time of my consultation and i had only been gaining for months. I’m only 24 and told myself I’m too young to be letting my health go down the drain like this and thought about my future and the things I want to do one day. How weight loss will improve my every day life. The last time I felt healthy was when I was 135lbs, fit, and didn’t deal with acid reflux or achy joints or elevated heart rate and take meds for it. The first couple days were rough for me, but from the gas pressure in my body post op and not necessarily from my incision sites. But it’s all temporary. I’ve been drinking water and fluids and eating popsicles and jello, and so far so good. I move into phase 2 of full liquid diet later this week. Since the start of my journey on May 3, I’ve lost 19lbs. I am currently 185lbs. I was 192lbs at the time of my surgery, so I’ve lost 7lbs in the last 9 days. I already see a difference, and my reflux has already improved. So far, no regrets. Just staying patient and trusting the process.

Find out if your insurance requires a certain amount of diet counseling before surgery can be scheduled. Mine didn't and told me, timewise, it was up to the discretion of my doctor. Whatever pre-op health testing is needed, based on your condition, the doctor will order. I had to do a lot. Above and beyond what I think is considered the norm but completed everything and got insurance approval all within 3 months.

first of all, only about 30% of bypassers dump (I never have - and I know lots of others who never have, either). It's caused by eating too much sugar at one sitting, so you can prevent it by....not eating a lot of sugar at one sitting. the issue with restaurants is temporary - just the first few weeks. Once you're a couple months out, you'll be able to find things on practically any menu that you can eat - and once you're about six months out, you'll be cleared to eat any food item (you may still have some intolerances, but nothing will be off the table). My new normal (well, not so new anymore since I'm eight years out) is either ordering an appetizer or two, or ordering an entree and having them box up half of it to take home. Honestly, most of my never-been-obese women friends do exactly the same. At this point, no one would be able to tell I've had weight loss surgery - they'd just assume I'm a "light eater". and what are you throwing your cookbooks out for? I never threw out a single one - and I've since added a few more to my collection! I enjoy cooking and I cook a lot. I just eat smaller portions now, and I only occasionally indulge in something like chips or dessert. honestly, the eating that people often associate with weight loss patients doesn't last forever. It's tough the first month or two (well, esp the first month), so I tried to avoid going out to eat. But after that you can eat more variety and should be able to find things you can eat at any restaurant. And then, as I said, after about six months, there won't be any food restrictions. It takes about 1600 calories/day to maintain my weight (although that varies a lot among people - I know women who can only eat around 1200 and others who can eat 2000), and I eat very nutritiously most of the time. Yes there are days when I overeat or splurge on some junky thing, but it's not very often - and I'm back on track the next day. There are times when I wish I could eat whatever I want and however much I want every day, but very few people can do that - and it sure didn't work for me since it got me up to almost 400 lbs. I think I'm eating much more like a "normie" now.

Had my first visit with the surgeon last week about getting the sleeve. Did heaps of research and checked out forums prior to appt. Surgeon suggested getting the bypass. Said research shows it is more successful long term and as I am in my 50s I wouldn’t want to be doing another op in my mid 60s. Bypass is also reversible. I agreed to a bypass on the spot as the surgeon should know what’s best for me. He said he has even reduced the cost of a bypass to match the sleeve so patients would not be deciding on a procedure based solely on cost. Surgery next month. Very worried about ever being able to go to a restaurant in the future due to lack of suitable menu choices and ending up with dumping in a public setting. Not sure how I would cope when travelling as will be relying on others to prepare my meals. Any advice on these scenarios would be much appreciated. I just spent the weekend donating many of my gorgeous cookbooks as I can’t see myself ever using them again. I have another three bookcases to go through. Next step will be digging out the smaller clothes I never donated as I really liked them. I have a feeling I won’t be interested in many of my old clothes anymore and will want to celebrate my new figure with some new items. I know my smallest clothes are going to end up too big in the near future. Can’t wait. Would love to hear from others about their journey and any tips or tricks you can offer.

We park our RV at the lake for the season and spend almost every weekend there. A bit less this year since the surgery. I call it glamping because there's internet, AC and Netflix. LOL For soft food phase, I like to make a big roast in my Instapot, then shred it , adding SF BBQ sauce with a side of baked beans, coleslaw or pea salad. Sometimes I'll make a low-fat gravy/ shredded roast beef or chicken and put over mashed potato. Grilled asparagus is always good or any other cooked green veggie. Ground beef Sloppy Joes is another alternative with low-fat cottage cheese. Big pot of chili or soup if it's a cool night. My beverage of choice besides water is ice cold Crystal Light Raspberry Tea. And my freezer is stocked with SF Popsicles/Fudgesicles. Not the typical camping food but it works. On occasion I allow myself a 3 carb whole wheat tortilla for making a wrap. But then I'm on normal diet phase now. I'm holding back on grilled steak atm or hamburger/hotdogs. And I can't eat anything from the marina grill. Everything is deep fat fried except for a $10 green salad with grilled chicken which I haven't tried yet. Definitely need to catch more fish this year. I ate most of what was in the freezer during my pre-op diet. Baked oven crisp crappie, walleye, white bass and catfish. Yum Hope you have fun and enjoy your trip!!

Thank you for all the updates. I have stalled out and plateaued too many times and I often feel very discouraged. I am not losing very quickly, though I am down to 225 from a presurgery high of 285. Congrats of your weightloss and keep up your hard work

Hi Maggie - its so very nice to have you join us here. Of course you are feeling a sense of loss; we have had a long standing relationship with food and food was reliable and available if we wanted it, despite it ultimately making us so very miserable. You are grieving the loss of a deep and complicated relationship. Let it go - its a bad relationship and your surgery will support a much healthier union between you and food. I had my surgery on 1st June, having completed a two week liquid diet. Its hard - there is no getting away from it. You are going to have to dig really deep honey; its only 2 weeks and you will soon be there. You can do it - believe you got this. Dear Carla - try not to spend too much time worrying about the weight you are not losing at this stage. Maybe follow the advice your medical team has given you without your own modifications and see what happens honey. Relax beautiful girl - don't stress at this early stage xx For all of you who have surgery tomorrow, I am so with you in spirit and prayers. Can't wait to see you on the other side - 🤗

Criteria I was told was 1. Less than 200 calories per serving, 2. At least 25 grams of protein, and 3. Maximum of 5 grams of sugar and fat. Yours seems to fit criteria

I first considered bariatric surgery about 15 years before I actually went through with it. I considered it off and on at various times in my life, but kept deciding against it, until 3 years ago when I couldn't keep living the way I was and realized that I had to do something drastic. Like you, I spent a lot of time worrying about the worst case scenario and I specifically sought out stories of people who have regretted having bariatric surgery. These are hard to find! Bariatric surgery is very common and safe nowadays and serious complications are rare. Of course, that's not much comfort when you are one of the unlucky few, but even when I found people who had horrible complications, most of them still said they would do it all over again. I think the main reason you don't find a lot of bariatric surgery veterans on this forum or other WLS communities is that the first year or so is really rough and requires a lot of lifestyle changes and attention, but eventually, you get used to the changes and find a new normal (plus, most people can gradually return to a relatively "normal" diet) and get to a point where your life no longer revolves around your surgery. One of the biggest factors that made me hesitant about getting the surgery was that I didn't want my life to be ruled by my pouch. But I got to a point where my life was severely limited by my weight, so I took the plunge and had the surgery. I've lost 200 pounds and the world has really opened up to me. I'm 3 years out and have completely changed my diet and lifestyle, but I can eat a "normal" portion (not as much as when I was 300+ pounds, of course, but I'm not limited to half a cup of food anymore). I can drink water as much and as quickly as I ever could before surgery. I haven't told anyone, even my family, that I got surgery. Like a lot of people I wish that I had lost weight earlier because my weight was holding me back in so many ways, but it was probably a good thing that I wanted until I was really ready to change my lifestyle before I had the surgery. There are people who gain back all the weight, and I suspect that this is because they rely on the surgery alone for weight loss, and once the effects wear off, they are able to go back to their old eating habits and regain the weight. I do not experience dumping and I have only had one day of vomiting since my surgery. I kind of wish I would get dumping syndrome because it would be a good deterrent to eating things I shouldn't. If I eat something with too much fat and/or sugar (e.g., a slice of cake), I get super sleepy and feel like garbage for the rest of the day. I actually have had a serious complication, not directly from the surgery, but from the rapid weight loss, and that is bradycardia which required me to get a pacemaker. That's a bummer, but I'm sure my overall health is better off now than it would have been without the surgery.

I am on my 7th day of two week preop diet and I have lost 7 lbs. I’m not sure if that enough or not but I’m doing everything I’m supposed to. Surgery June 12th.

25 years old? Think about how much longer you will get to enjoy being normal sized if you go through with the surgery. As Catwoman said, it might suck for a while until you figure out what works for you and what doesn't, but that takes at most a couple of months, then you have the rest of your life to look forward to. As for dumping, my nutritionist said it only happens to 2 types of people: those who go overboard and eat too much/too quickly, and those who have heard about it and do it on purpose to feel how bad it is. She said in both groups it typically only happens 1 time. I think all of the bad side effects are pretty short term (nausea and such) are usually surgery related, so they pass pretty quickly (a week or two). While you are in that two week window, it feels like forever, but it will pass. That isn't to say there isn't real risk. I had a friend who had a ton of trouble keeping any food down, her esophagus was too small from scar tissue. She had multiple surgeries to fix and nothing worked, but eventually went to a different doctor to revert to a bypass and has been doing great since then. So even some of the worst side effects can be eventually mitigated. Positives? I am only 3 weeks out from my surgery and I have already had 4 non-scale victories (down 35 pounds): Walking down the stairs no longer hurts my knees No longer snoring Dropped 1 clothes size My wife's care no longer squeaks when I ride in it (from the side of the chair rubbing against the center console) And finally, I have been having over 100oz of water since my 2nd week. I can drink pretty freely now without noticing anything. I don't think I could chug a glass of water, but I rarely did that anyways.

I’m having a hard time with the liquid diet too with only 3 shakes and sf jello, broth, and popsicles. I’m diabetic and my sugar is dropping fast. That’s what makes it hard for me. I’m at a lost what to do with the blood sugar lows bc I was told not to do the glucose tablets. As long as I don’t fall, I’ve gotta do it!