Search the Community

Hi guys! My name is Maggie I just found this site today and I am so excited! I am having my surgery the 13th and I am on my all liquid diet I am allowed 3 protein drinks a day, 1 egg, 1 yogurt, and unlimited sugar free non carbonated drinks and I am STRUGGLING, it’s so much harder then I expected, also I just went through this one page Carla I have not dropped that much weight either which I’m very surprised about… I am interested in what others say… also how are you guys surviving this no eating thing? I look forward to talking with you all ❤️

dumping happens to about 30% of bypass patients. It's much less common in sleeve patients, so it's very unlikely that you'll have that (since you'll be a sleever). But for people who do have it (both bypass and sleeve), you can prevent it by not eating tons of sugar at one sitting. So I would not worry about dumping syndrome. nausea and vomiting are not uncommon early on when you're trying to see what your stomach will tolerate. BUT..you learn quickly, and most of the time foods that are intolerable early out you can eat later on. Besides, vomiting after surgery is different from vomiting before. Your stomach is tiny and there's a lot less acid in there, so not much comes up and you don't get that horrible taste in your mouth. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's "pleasant", but I don't dread it nearly as much anymore. I probably don't vomit any more often than I did pre-surgery at this point, and haven't for a long time. water - yes you'll be mostly sipping it the first few weeks, but at some point you'll be able to drink it like you probably do now. I know almost no one who regrets the surgery. The first few weeks can be rough and you may have second thoughts because of that, but after that, no. The only regret most of us have is that we didn't have it sooner.

Hello Mari! I guess I took what I needed from this site and moved on to other sources. Thank you for asking: I am doing well indeed. Funny how I have read how so many are terrified of surgery because I was not at all in that place when I had mine. I guess I am a bit obsessive about researching and reading everything, scientific and anecdotal about a subject before I pull the trigger on anything. WLS was no different. I was at rock bottom and it seemed the best course of action at the time. And you know what? It still is, in my not so humble opinion. I am still plugging along. I have been at a weight that seems to be effortless and a long-time set point for me, albeit 20 pounds over where I would like to be. That being said, I am still over 100 pounds lower (give or take: 107 pounds down from highest recorded, and most likely 127+ pounds down from an unrecorded weight due to not visiting doctor and not stepping on a scale at my most miserable and judging from my pictures.) Right now I am working on taming my stress because it leads to disordered crap eating and high cortisol...and no way will that 20 pounds come off when my body and mind are just searching for solace (usually found in inappropriate foods and the hell to pay on the digestive system.) Even if I stay right where I am, I am ok with that. I am able to buy clothing at any regular store and feel good. That for me remains priceless. So why even bother? Ah. Well. Since I retired after 30 years in public education, I have taken a pt library page position. I am on my feet, stretching and bending and basically sweating all in the course of doing my 19 hour a week job. Combined with daily dog walks, I am active. It has been hell on my feet. From all I have been researching, the only thing I have yet to do, but what will probably help the most with my foot pain, is releasing the extra 20 pounds that came on due to sloppy habits. The best thing is that I am convinced that it will happen. Best of luck to you on your journey. <3

Thanks Lipman! I did talk to him. His Brother had the surgery years ago and overate busting stitches very severe consequences. Weeks in hospital. He doesn’t want that happening to me.

Hi guys - I'm 3 days post op and doing ok. I don't have any pain so not a need or pain relief and am now managing to sip more water (I am determined to stay hydrated - it's so very important!). I'm moving around but ensuring that I pace myself. David and Jaz - my thoughts and prayers are with you tomorrow - you will b fine guys. I hope you have found the posts of us who have ad the surgery over the last few days of some comfort to you. Can't wait for you to join us on the other side 🤗😘

I wasn’t allowed to snack until solid foods - three meals only in purées & soft. And then it was one snack: a high protein yoghurt (was already eating that as a meal option in purée stage because I stopped shakes once liquids ended) or soft cheese (I liked Jarlsberg & string). After a couple of weeks I could have certain fruit as a snack option too or sometimes ate a wedge of cucumber (peeled) sprinkled with salt. Didn’t have other snacks until I was starting maintenance & I needed to up my calories. But plans are different. Check with your dietician for ideas that are suitable within your plan. PS - Yoghurt drinks are great too - blend your high protein yoghurt with milk.

LOL I was definitely doughy in the head week one. I would say one week off at the very minimum. If city transportation involves driving the public, I would consider longer for possible safety and liability's sake.

That’s a tough one to answer & really up to how you personally recover. Some are fine after a week & easily return to work. Some need two, three or four weeks. I took four weeks & needed all of them. I struggled with low blood pressure (which was a pre existing tendency), lethargy & would get doughy in the head at times. But I am someone who always seems to take longer to recover from everything even a cold. Discuss returning part time to begin or with reduced hours each day & keep the option of maybe needing longer open if your employers are willing.

I didn't need help, either. My husband took a week off but ended up going back to work after two days. It was nice having him get things for me (like my protein shakes), although I could have done it myself. I think I was restricted to lifting up to 10 lbs max for the first month or so - so lifting your dog may be a bit much. Pet stairs would be a good solution (my 18-year-old arthritic cat uses those to get up on my bed)

I had GERD and my surgeon said because of that I should at least consider bypass, although he'd do either surgery I wanted. Bypass usually improves if not outright cures GERD. My GERD completely went away for the first three years post-surgery. I have it again, although it's milder than it was before. I just take an over-the-counter antacid (like Rolaids) when it acts up, which is maybe a couple of times a week. no cautionary advice - I love my bypass and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Mine was roughly 18 months, but that was because of some other factors (I had a stroke) When I first went in, then quoted 60-90 days if I was going to use insurance to jump through all of the hoops (i say hoops, but I honestly believe they are important education pieces so that you know exactly what you are getting into). One of the things that may lengthen it (if you are using insurance) is that they may require 3 months on a diet if you haven't done that in the past 2 years.

Mine was 45 days exactly. I had to complete lab, xrays, sleep apnea test, pysch eval, 3 visits with dietician, EGD, & restricted pre-op diet. Time went quick and currently very, very, very glad I did it. 😁

I'll pass on the Multi Vita question. I will say my surgeon wanted us getting our nutrition from food. If blood work revealed deficiencies, then use supplements to address those. Calcium and Iron were those he suggested prophylactically since they were common issues; On the medic alert: No, not everyone get's one. I would say those that do get them are in the minority. My surgeon didn't feel they were necessary, and on my own research I amazingly came to the same conclusion as my surgeon. Imagine that! Common medic alert items: NG Stomach tube: There are standard practices for NG stomach tubes none of which require gastric bypass folks to warn anyone. First, NG stomach tubes are used for feeding which would not be done when you are unconscious in an emergency, once it would come to this point they will know your history or be able to see if it would be an issue; Even if this weren't the case, folks are trained to stop NG tube insertion when the slightest resistance is encountered, so the only time it would be an issue is when someone is doing it wrong already, so warning them not to do it wrong won't help; No NSAIDS: Folks won't be forcing NSAIDs on us when we are unconscious; If we are encountering a cardiac situation they may want to do a low dose aspirin, to which you want to say yes to avert heart issues. Low dose for cardiac care won't harm our tummies, I take saving my heart over saving my tummy any day of the week; Many folks take low dose aspirin daily; Dumping on Sugars: Again, they're not in the habit of forcing sugars on us if we are unconscious; Also, if in the extremely unlikely event that forcing sugar on us would be lifesaving, I'll take non-life threatening dumping over dying any day. Heck, I'll be asleep so dumping won't be a big deal. BTW, I dump and I'm still not scared; On a more philosophical level for me, I didn't want this surgery to rule my life. I was building a new normal here and I don't need special labelling to establish my new normal. Again, this is a me thing and is meaningless to the rest of the world which is why I'm not labeling myself for the rest of the world. Such medic alert bracelet's are an invitation for people to ask why, and I don't want to explain why to anyone. Hope this helps, Good luck, Tek

I haven't lost anything close to 10 lbs any month this year. The last month I lost a significant amount of weight was December 2022. This year it's 1-2 pounds per month, even less. I've been tracking my eating more religiously these last few weeks, and a typical day is 1100-1200 kcal. Shouldn't I be losing or is that enough for maintenance? Will I have to go even lower? I'm getting 50-60 grams of protein most days.

I didn't need help after my surgery. If your dog needs a lift, maybe you can give find something so he has "steps" to get up to you. Before my cat passed away from old age two weeks ago, she had arthritis and I had ottomans placed here and there so she could get to her favorite spots. I'm so glad I was able to spend so much quality time with her before she passed.

I have two questions. #1- I went for my two week appt and told MD I was taking multi vitamins occasionally as they make me nauseous. I have been faithfully taking Calcium and B12. He suggested and gave me some patches. The nurse said they work well for some people. Anybody used them? Second question is does everyone get a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace or something? I know it’s important, but I feel kind of embarrassed as it’s not a terrible disease. I am probably being silly, but just wanted some input. Thanks!!

Wow, Vacations! You’re definitely a plethora of information! This is all fantastic!, My KNEE! I’m limping this week because I fell last week checking out of hotel in Scottsdale… I did a real number! Can’t help wondering if it’s a sign from the universe ( or my Mom😂)) Tell me, did you bring and/or need someone ( nurse/ caregiver) for the first few nights at home? I have my hubby at night after work, but during day, I can’t me lifting my 17 year old 25 lb doggy bear who demands ( screams!) to come up on the bed w me ( and he’s my comfort!) …he follows my young dog who barks and jumps on and off on a whim.. I like your idea of vitamin patches… I like ALL YOUR INFO! I’ll ask for zofran .. so, any other advice, ideas, send my way! Thank you for this! Means sooooo much!

I’m having sleeve on Wednesday, June 7 @ 2:15 pm. Keep me in your prayers. Tomorrow I start liquid diet. I’ve been on pre-op diet for two weeks. I found that I love the Fairlife shakes more than the premier shakes. Anyone have good broth recommendations?

Mari3997, Pre-op diet will definitely help you and helps get "your head" into the right place for your new fabulous healthy life. Support system? I have no one. My husband tried to talk me out of it, NOPE! My body, my life, I make my own decisions...autonomy. Find support groups here, Facebook, IG, etc, research youtube videos on bariatric surgeries. Some FEAR is normal but still wasted energy and can become crippling. Find a way to reduce fear to a reasonable concern. I responded to another post with this...it might help you, I hope so, just do it. Definitely do it! At 71, 100lbs overweight, in pain constantly, both knees destroyed by arthritis, peripheral neuropathy in both feet with hot burning pins and needles when standing and walking, back pain. My journey started in orthopedics with knees, steroid injections, worked well most of the time, but didn't stop the occasional fall [3 to 4 times a year]. I knew sooner or later something would break. I would have had knee replacement sooner except for covid & elective surgeries were cancelled for two years [socialized medicine ***] weight gain, but developed hypertension. Researched weight loss thru ***, and because I had obstructive sleep apnea, I would qualify, and found this bariatric surgery should be first before the knees. I researched, attended classes, youtube videos, surgeons, after care, supplements etc. I wanted the Roux-N-Y but at my age surgeon said no, VSG. The surgeon recommended to me, is EXTREMELY strict and no BS kind of guy, he canceled my first surgery date because he didn't like something I did, so I really buckled down to his protocol. I knew I would have nausea and vomiting from anesthesia so I told EVERYONE, to give me whatever so this didn't happen. Well...it happened, no medication, and postop recovery the uncontrollable violent projectile dry heaves started, nurse good, gave IV Zofran, the IV Reglan and within a few minutes it stopped, but it was bad. I went home the next day. I had all my foods for week two, supplements etc. I am keeping up with supplements and fluids but not hungry. Dr said eat 1/4 cup every 2-3 hours otherwise your body will try to hold on to everything and the metabolism shifts. I'm going to add the vitamin patches from Bariatric Pal to my daily regimen of chews and capsules, [ I am very fatigued] for a while and see how this works. I use Mira Lax/:axa Clear equivalent in my morning water bottle and use a stool softener at night. Find whatever works for you, the stool softeners alone did not work for me. Trying to find my new normal, I knew it would be a process. I have NO regrets, and would tell anyone considering surgery to 'go for it' and FOLLOW directions strictly. Once I pass the phase of full liquids and get into pureed foods it will be another advancement. During surgery found a hiatal hernia and did the repair. Who Knew?! I didn't, glad it's done. My significant weight loss will help me in recovery for total knee replacement. I'm looking forward to repairing the rest of my body in my older age. Best wishes to you. Surgery May 15. 

Definitely do it! At 71, 100lbs overweight, in pain constantly, both knees destroyed by arthritis, peripheral neuropathy in both feet with hot burning pins and needles when standing and walking, back pain. My journey started in orthopedics with knees, steroid injections, worked well most of the time, but didn't stop the occasional fall [3 to 4 times a year]. I knew sooner or later something would break. I would have had knee replacement sooner except for covid & elective surgeries were cancelled for two years [socialized medicine ***]. No weight gain, but developed hypertension. Researched weight loss thru ***, and because I had obstructive sleep apnea, I would qualify, and found this bariatric surgery should be first before the knees. I researched, attended classes, youtube videos, surgeons, after care, supplements etc. I wanted the Roux-N-Y but at my age surgeon said no, VSG. The surgeon recommended to me, is EXTREMELY strict and no BS kind of guy, he canceled my first surgery date because he didn't like something I did, so I really buckled down to his protocol. I knew I would have nausea and vomiting from anesthesia so I told EVERYONE, to give me whatever so this didn't happen. Well...it happened, no medication, and postop recovery the uncontrollable violent projectile dry heaves started, nurse good, gave IV Zofran, the IV Reglan and within a few minutes it stopped, but it was bad. I went home the next day. I had all my foods for week two, supplements etc. I am keeping up with supplements and fluids but not hungry. Dr said eat 1/4 cup every 2-3 hours otherwise your body will try to hold on to everything and the metabolism shifts. I'm going to add the vitamin patches from Bariatric Pal to my daily regimen of chews and capsules, [ I am very fatigued] for a while and see how this works. I use Mira Lax/:axa Clear equivalent in my morning water bottle and use a stool softener at night. Find whatever works for you, the stool softeners alone did not work for me. Trying to find my new normal, I knew it would be a process. I have NO regrets, and would tell anyone considering surgery to 'go for it' and FOLLOW directions strictly. Once I pass the phase of full liquids and get into pureed foods it will be another advancement. During surgery found a hiatal hernia and did the repair. Who Knew?! I didn't, glad it's done. My significant weight loss will help me in recovery for total knee replacement. I'm looking forward to repairing the rest of my body in my older age. Best wishes to you. Surgery May 15.

Like @Tomo I try to stay clear of an all or nothing mindset. When I feel my underwear get tighter (undies and bras don’t seem to lie to me) I evaluate how I’m doing. I start with water. Am I drinking enough and throughout the day? Then I look at my vitamins, did I forget anything lately? Then I start logging my exercise, have I been cutting out leg weight lifting day again? Maybe it’s time to try a new activity like birding or paddle board? Then I look at stress and emotional needs. Do I need to talk to a friend, go to a book club, rejoin my yoga buddies, check in with a therapist? Then after all those check lists do I re-examine my food intake and usually start logging my intake again. Am I bored with my selections and need to change up my menu? Seasons switched and salad looks so good compared to cooked veggies, grilled meats smell so much better than meatballs right now. Fish seems so exotic and fulfilling now too. I made a cold salsa from mostly peppers and spices then threw in scallions and brewers yeast (for b vitamins) and it tasted more like gazpacho so I chopped up some cucumbers and POW! I dropped 8lbs after eating that all weekend last week with my regular chicken breast and hard boiled eggs. So finding new recipes (and maybe some fiber) is what gets me going with healthy food choices. I’m playing around with blanching broccoli in a cold served salad this week. That’s my reset.

Yeah, I was on clear liquids only in the hospital, then full liquids for 2 weeks, and now on soft foods thill the 3 month mark. They never made me blend food if I could chew it to applesause consistency.

On Thursday, the chiropractor took X-Rays and I'm all out of whack, thorisic spine curve, soldiers neck, and my pubic synthisis is off center by about an inch so my pelvis is tilted. I couldn't get a massage before the appointment so the adjustment wasn't as easy and hurt and the trauma from it made my pain so much worse that night, I was non functional. I always suggest a massage prior to getting adjusted, it loosens the muscles for an easier and better adjustment and it sticks longer before muscle memory pulls it back to where it was. I think it helped because I had 3 appointmens yesterday and I didn't start hurting until the 3rd. It was good timing because the 3rd appointment was a shot in my back for the pain. They say it will take 3 days to take affect and 3 weeks to be at the best effect. Great news because I get married in 21 days. I'm authorized for 8 chiro visits and I'll only be able to get 1 more in before the wedding because the wedding is out of state, but when I come back I'm hoping the other 6 adjustments and, if the injection works, excersizing and strength training will mean I don't need more shots.

I looked into it on and off for years but didn't have insurance and didn't want to go into debt. Over the years I found that if you self-paid they usually didn't require months of dieting, but if you had insurance, the INSURANCE required it. I ran into a youtube video from the VA saying they do the surgery and don't require you to lose weight before because it didn't really make a difference other than the 2 week liver shrinking part, that they do require. They did encourage people to diet, but it was to let healthy eating become a habit BEFORE you HAD to eat healthy. My VA did require that I diet 3-6 months, but their focus was on healthy eating and exercise habits more than calories. 3.5 months in they made the appointment for my surgery because I was loosing weight and kept really good food and exercise diaries.

For me, if I feel like I'm beginning to stray, it starts with revisiting my mindset. To think about my priorities and why I want to stay at my current weight vs gaining (or before I lost the weight: continue to gain weight vs lose weight to get healthy). Once I get my priorities straight and remember why it's so vital to me to stay at a healthy weight, then I go back to eating healthy. One thing it took me a lifetime to learn was to get rid of the "All or nothing" thinking. That if I go off track for a meal, a day, a week, then it's all over. That is so false. Naturally thin people overeat sometimes too, but the next meal, they go back to eating normally. In the past, I would beat myself up endlessly which was sabotaging any success to stay on track. I hope this helps.