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I've had dumping syndrome even before having my surgery. I am a type II diabetic and would experience it if my sugars would drop too fast after being high for so long. Since my surgery I've had it happen a couple of times. Once because of one of my Protein shakes (which contained sugar alcohol) and a couple of days ago when I overdid it with fruit. Sometimes it happens right away, I'll get the sweats and tough it out. Other times, it can be more gradual and I'll end up in the bathroom for an hour or more. I'm almost 8 weeks out and still figuring out what food are ok. I've lost a little over 25 pounds. Fatty foods my body doesn't seem to like at all. So I stay away. I still crave sweets, but I am doing my best to keep away and not wanting to dump helps with that. I want to try a small bowl of ice cream, but I am nervous. In any event, I wish you the best of luck.

Premier Protein makes bars that are high in protein and low in sugar. Personally, I can't stomach them. The next best thing I found is Atkins bars. moderately high in protein and low in sugar. Though they do have sugar alcohol in them, some people are sensitive to sugar alcohol.

@@MissLiss Thank you for your prayers, they are all heard, and definitely all appreciated! My husband went in for his second colonoscopy today, to no avail as the doctor could not get the biopsies he needed to get. So he went in for x-rays, which we will hear results from tomorrow morning. The surgery will have to be done without any other tests, apparently. And it needs to be done ASAP, so I imagine either this week or early next. We think the cyst on his pancreas may be from a fall he had off of a ladder last summer. The "bloated" sensation isn't bloating at all, but because he has this blockage, it is food that can't pass through the colon in the same timing as normally done. This is a BIG heads-up for all, as colon issues apparently don't always present symptoms (my husband didn't really recognize his symptoms as symptoms), but on the slightest change, get medical attention. Here is an otherwise VERY healthy, robust man, who has never smoked, hasn't used alcohol in over 25 years, never did any type of drug (other than the rare aspirin), works out a minimum of 5 times a week (burning a minimum of 500 calories - P90X...) and works outdoors 80 percent of the time....just healthy as can be. Never sick, other than minor colds once every few years. And there it is. Surprise. Out of the blue. No warning. ANYONE, ANYWHERE can have health issues. Take care, people! Take CARE!

Yup. And your choices will effect your success. Really, none of my business. But don't ask me to justify your bad choices when you are just a few weeks out from surgery when it can actually do physical damage. It's not "cute" that you chose to drink alcohol a couple weeks out from surgery. I'm not going to pat you on the head and say "There, there" when you won't follow your doctors orders because you are tired of Protein shakes and want to eat solid food before you're cleared to. At least have enough self respect to actually allow yourself to heal before you continue to make the terrible choices that caused you to have the surgery in the first place. After you're all healed up, I could care less about the bad choices you make. I know I'm getting to goal from the choices I'm making.

You'll get a hundred different answers and all of them are right if it works for them. My surgeon and his procedures have NOT been the norm from the get go compared to others going through this process. My surgery started off with only a one day fast before surgery, followed by outpatient VSG (I was home within a couple of hours) and my NUT supervised diet seemed to progress faster than others with me being able to eat/drink (only no carbonation) at 5 weeks out. I actually had to step away from the boards for a while because it was personally driving me insane to keep comparing myself to others. I've had everything under the sun to eat/drink (in moderation because of my sleeve) while traveling the globe since two months after surgery. I do keep proteins first, try to get in at least 60 grams daily, and limit any bad carbs/fat. Do I have cake, alcohol, chocolate... if I want it...sure!!! In very small amounts and not every day. I slip. For me this isn't a diet...it's my life. Forever!! I want to be healthier, but I also want to live!! And for me that includes not denying myself things I want. The sleeve helps me control it. Now in saying that I know the honeymoon period is going to end. I know it will be harder. And I know I'll have to work for it. But I take one day at a time and do what works for me as long as it is under my doctors guidelines. I had surgery November 26, 2014 and have lost a total of 96 pounds since the week before surgery.

I was told to stick to 40/40 carbs and fats. My primary focus is on Protein 80-100 grams/day, veggies and my Water. I do use straws as it significantly increases my ablity to get my liquids in and I have not had any issues with gas. I was told I could have wine or other non-carbonated alcoholic beverages after a year but just one on occassion because of the sugar/carb content. I do have a couple crackers or pretzel crisps now and again when I have tuna salad, usually no more than 2-3 crackers in total. It gives me that much needed crunch since I still am not allowed raw veggies (carrots are my favorite). I also had a very toasted 1/2 slice of bread with my eggs the other morning. Both are allowed per my plan and stage. I was told pastas, rice and potatoes are okay but in very small quantities. And to always start with my protein and at least eat half of it before starting the veg, eat half of the veg before a bite of the starch. Take a couple bites of starch and move back to the protein. The idea is you will finish your protein and veg and likely not have room for the starch at the end. I do miss pizza and I can only imagine there will be a time in the future when I will try to have a slice of thin or flat bread pizza and I think that is okay. The NUT said many people find the crust too gummy and that a crisp flat bread is the way to go or just to eat the toppings. Personally, I don't think complete deprevision (unless it is harmful) is always the best way to go. Part of the journey is re-training your brain as well as your stomach. I think a balance can be struck and there are foods that can be enjoyed in moderation or only on special occasion. Of course if you have a trigger food then finding healthy substitutes might be best.

I know the OP meant for this thread to be light and tongue and cheek. But I have to say, seeing some people consuming alcohol just weeks out from surgery kind of floors me a little. Not only do you have a line of staples going down the whole entire sleeve that haven't even begun to heal yet, you are already trying to sabotage any weight loss efforts by consuming empty, non nutritious calories at a critical time where proper nutrition is important for healing. Like I've said before, I don't care what people do after your'e all healed up. Drink alcohol, eat sweets to your hearts content. You're only hurting your chances of not reaching your weight loss goals and in danger of the whole surgery being all for not. That's none of my business. What I don't find funny and won't condone are people making light of behaviors that could potentially harm and put you right back in the hospital. For goodness sake, care enough about yourself to at least heal properly before you choose to continue self destructive behaviors that caused you to have surgery in the first place. I suggest you find a video of a sleeve procedure on YouTube and watch it just to see the amount of healing that needs to take place after you see your little sleeve that looks like Frankenstein when they are done. The doctors aren't telling you not to drink for a certain amount of time just for shits and giggles.

Good luck to everyone about to start their pre-op diet. I've lost 10 lbs within the last month just by cutting out carbs, alcohol and almost all caffeine. I am most surprised that I don't miss coffee! I'm starting 2 shakes a day and a light meal until two days prior to surgery when I go to all clear liquid. Jumping in with both feet now!

It's like alcoholism. You will ALWAYS be an alcoholic but you are a recovering one. They say now (took them long enough) that obesity is a DISEASE. We will never be cured of that disease but we CAN keep it under control. WELCOME BACK!

I could have written @@Queen of Crop post, with the exception of the time frame and weighing everyday. I'm only 17 months out and have been below goal for 9 of them. I don't even own a scale and only weigh about 2-3 times a month, unless I know I had a "bad" weekend or post-holiday then I'll weigh when I get back to work on Monday to see if I need to cut back a little during that week. But other than that, I just eat like a "normal" person. No planning, counting or measuring. I do choose Protein over other things in most cases, but I certainly don't restrict myself from enjoying anything in moderation....including alcohol, chips, dessert, pastries, Pasta and rice (mmmm -sushi!). Easiest "diet" I've ever been on!

Like you, I'm at goal, and I tend to find myself being a little obsessive about what I can and can't eat. Outside of drinking my butt off in college, I'm not much of a drinker, so I don't really have a hard time not having alcohol. I could, however, happily eat an entire bakery in one day. I only each chocolate around Christmas, or I will end up eating it way too often otherwise and I generally don't eat sweet stuff on a regular basis. I don't see a problem though with having something sweet and a glass of wine on special occasions. I had cake pops the first few days after my last plastics procedure, I have a few bites of cake when it is ordered at dinner events (a few times a year) and sometimes when I feel like it, I get myself a blueberry muffin from Starbucks. If anything my sleeve has helped limit my all or nothing mindset because I know that in theory I can eat whatever I want but I can only have a little bit of it so I'm no longer in danger of eating the entire pan of brownies. One piece and I am quite content. I think you should enjoy a piece of cake and a glass of adult beverage today. Life is about living and the few extra calories won't hurt you. Maybe add an extra workout into your day today as a way to offset the calories and to assuage any guilt you might feel.

I did it for a mix of reasons. Absolutely to look and feel better. I hate getting an extender on an airplane and wondering if I could get removed from a flight. I hated being limited in what I could do because I didn't like to stand for long and walking exhausted me and the summer heat was unbearable. I also began working in a Senior apartment building and became infinitely more aware of health as one gets older and the impact excess weight has on health. My ObGYN told me in no uncertain terms that he felt I was a cancer risk due to being over weight. For years I tried to do this on my own and @@AvaFern has said it very well- a permanent solution to yo-yo dieting that I was not able to give myself without help. So, one day right before Christmas, when I was dreading the clothes family members would buy, inevitably too small, and ask me to try on, sliding into the airplane seat and praying and sliding into the booth at Denny's -where I really didn't fit, after family picked me up at airport and any other number of things I made the decision to meet with a surgeon and made the appointment before I left for the holidays. I met with the surgeon on December 29th and Got my sleeve on April 21st - almost 4 months later and I haven't hesitated or regretted yet. It is early on and I do look forward to getting off the purees and having some veggies and fish and steak (fingers crossed) but I am also looking forward to losing the weight, to starting at a gym, to arranging activities that don't center around food or alcohol. I'll admit- most of my current friends I met at a local restaurant bar and we had 3 nights a week that we met- but some of that has changed and I find myself a little at a loss of how to fill my time just now but I'll get there. But I am largely happy and on my way to healthy and so glad I made the decision to do it.

My new mantra. Recently a recovering alcoholic said to me: "I may always be an alcoholic but I will NOT die a drunk." It really moved me and inspired me. Now I say to myself many times a day: "I may always have a lifelong decease of obesity BUT I WILL NOT die obese!" For my age (64) and new weight charts according to age, I have about 60 pounds to go until I am at at normal weight. God willing......giving me time to be a successful WLS patient---- I WILL NOT DIE OBESE! One day at a time! I am so grateful I have this opportunity to be at healthy weight enjoying each moment I have left on this beautiful planet. Best wishes to all of you!

I had to take Maaloxx in addition to my Omeprazole for awhile. I've read about Many others having to go up to 40mg or switch to Nexium or Protonix. Stopping eating/drinking 2 hours before bedtime and/or sleeping with your head and upper body partly elevated can help too. I haven't need a PPI since about 3 months out, but I do take Rolaids occasionally (when I irritate my sleeve by eating crap and drinking alcohol) and have done a course of Omeprazole when I had to be on NSAIDS and then steroids for neck/spine issues. Your doc should be able to make whatever adjustments to your Meds you need to help. Reflux is probably the most common side effect of VSG.

I never measured, counted or tracked anything except Protein and Water. I don't plan meals, I simply eat a healthy, balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains....with a few indulgences of candy, desert, alcohol, pastries, etc thrown in a few times/month. Pretty much like any "normal" fit, healthy person. But since most people on BP like to measure their progress with numbers, I did a few spot checks along the way so I could "communicate" with the number crunchers.... 1-4 months out 500-800 calories....I had non-surgical health issues that impeded my ability to eat/drink, that's why this number is so low. 6-8 months 1000-1200 calories....passed surgeon's goal at 6 months and passed personal goal at 7 1/2 months 9-17 months maintaining 10 pounds below goal (BMI 23) at 1400-1600 calories. I ascribe to the theory that if you limit your caloric intake for an extended time, your body will adapt to the limitations and it will be harder to maintain and easier to gain as you get farther out when you try and increase your calories. I dont exercise, I simply have a physical job that involves a lot of lifting, bending, squatting, walking, standing, etc. and an active lifestyle (horseback riding, chores, kayaking, hiking, skiing). I usually hit 12,000-20,000 steps on my fitbit just in my everyday activities. I allow myself a 4 pound bounce range and when I go over, I cut back to strict protein and veggies and when I drop below, I add more carbs.

I, too have not experienced dumping. I had had 1 alcoholic drink with tonic. I have had a few bites of coconut cream pie and 2 Oreos in 14 weeks. That alone is a miracle! I wanted it to make so sick and it didn't. After the 3rd bite of the pie, my stomach just made it clear it had had enough. I knew that going any further down that path would lead to nothing good. I think that is the surgery working, providing gentle reminder not to push it. I think that is worth the price I paid for surgery....

I just had my Psych eval today and I wasn't asked anything about that. I understand that each doctor is different but really all I was asked was if I understood that this is a life changing process and that I had to change my ways in order for the surgery to work. I was also asked about my support system and any history of mental illness, alcohol use or smoking. Hope that helps!

Hi, M! Thank you for asking. I usually don't even open the e-mails from the WLS sites anymore, but for some reason I opened yours :-) I'm doing better. I'm finally gaining weight so now the fear of being "huge" again is scary. I still love food . Unfortunately, I've come to realize that one addiction leads to another. If you don't figure out why you over eat in the first place , have this surgery it's not uncommon that we substitute food for something else . My late brother in law , same surgery, Sam ages and had surgery one year after me found alcohol which damage his kidneys more and costs him his life. I turned to drugs. Thank goodness I got caught. I actually came out on my own. What a relief. It almost cost my marriage, my family, my kids . I've lost so many cars from wrecks. My husband left me. We are working on saving our marriage. So far it's going well, but it hasn't been long. But I'm determined and have a wonderful support system. My parents and older sister have been my ROCK. I WOULD NOT BE HERE IF IT WEREN'T FOR THEM. I was at my breaking point but no one knew. Suicide was ALWAYS on the brain. Lost all self esteem , due to my on going dental issues. Missing most teeth when I use to beautiful teeth. I wouldn't look in the mirror even while putting on make up or brushing my teeth. Much less want to talk to ANYONE. Which led to wanting more drugs. Luckily, I have the MOST INCREDIBLE PARENTS. I'm over coming having all my rotten teeth pulled and dentures made THANKS all to my mom and dad. They are a HUGE BLESSING. I appreciate you asking . That was nice. Made me think maybe my story can help just one person and that I should keep up with this more. Especially since my REAL story doesn't end just at the take down surgery. There's more complications that go on that are hidden very well from some some. It's a very dark and lonely place. Again, thanks. Michelle *SORRY FOR POSTING THE SAME PICTURE OVER AND OVER, IT KEPT SAYING IT CRASHED SO I DIDN'T THINK IT DOWNLOADED! I'm in no way trying to be insensitive, I actually do some work as a drug/alcohol counselor so I realize what a major issue addiction is and the very real possibility of transfer addiction, however reading your first few posts, drugs were not mentioned and you scared a whole lot of people who were led to believe that ALL of your health issues and personal problems and even demise of physical appearance was 100% due to your weight loss surgery. Now sure, you can say I had weight loss surgery and became a drug addict and that in itself is a tragedy that many will empathize with, however had you not started using, would your bypass had led to the same results ? I for one think it's important to clarify and report the whole story when discussing such serious life threatening complications. Regardless, I'm glad you are doing so much better.

Tried sparking water once a year out without thinking (was at a party looking for something non alcoholic and sugar free) and OUCH! Never again for me personally.

Hi all! It has been quite a while since I've posted. I'll give a quick recap of where I've been and where I am now. 2010-Highest weight was 282 Oct/9/2010- Sleeve in Mexicalli by Aceves 6/14/2013- LBL/BL/Arm lift in New Jersey by Dr Cappella (141 lbs) 11/13 Separated from my husband 1/14 - Lowest weight reached 123 lbs Current 150 lbs So my original goal was 155, I went below that with ease but I was quite active then. I got down to 141 and had 7lbs of excess skin removed and as a result of the surgery and being more active lost even more. Now my work has slowed as has my activity and I'm up to 150. My goal weight, where I felt the best is at 135 so I have 15 to get off. I am currently a size 6/7 and have a little bit of a booty (not a bad thing) but I cannot fit into all the clothes I want and also want to keep my results of my plastics looking good so I've got to get it off. I'm on day two of low carb, it always falls right back off after I buckle down. I'm still having great restriction when I stick to low carb and no sugary drinks. My downfalls are carbs, sweets, alcohol, not weighing every day and sitting on my butt. So almost 5 years out and it is still the best thing I've ever done. I'm down 132lbs...wow! My life is amazing (other than love life but I don't care about that..... today at least It's great to see some old folks on here! Btw my ex had the VSG also on 3/14 and is down 100lbs. He feels so much better and is in love again (we are still best friends). I've found that the last couple of relationships I've been in, I don't even mention that I've had the VSG, they don't ask since they have only known me as a regular sized person. What about y'all?

First, I want to thank everyone for your replies and support. It means SO much to me. I am generally not a weepy person - as a professor and counselor I've learned to keep pretty tight control of my emotions. Yesterday, however, I was crying at the drop of a hat! All day long. Even until I went to bed. Every time I would get a new response here in my email, I started all over again. What most people would not understand (except you guys!) is that the appointment itself was shocking and a disappointment, and I left feeling defeated - in ways I never would have imagined. I really felt like I got shafted yesterday. Not only with what I expressed earlier regarding the weight loss and Crohn's, but I went in expecting to be setup to see the nutritionist to start the supervised weight loss (ie. as required by insurance), to talk with someone about insurance and how much the total would be, etc. Instead, he seemed to just be going through the motions without any real plans to see me - just shuffled me out the door. To respond to everyone's questions/comments. The center IS one of the Center's of Excellence. My insurance company requires it - so they do have the full team of nutritionists, psychologists, etc. My insurance requires three months of supervision by one of the centers, as well. The doctor did not require the weight loss specific of me - the nurses told me before I ever saw him - he requires everyone to have a BMI below 55 before he will operate. The diet they gave me - their pre-op diet, IS a low-carb/high-Protein diet - unfortunately, many of the foods they are telling me to eat on it are foods I cannot eat due to my blood, for example. As for the surgery - I told them I was interested in the Sleeve. Although it is irreversible, which makes me more nervous, I did my research. Research says that it is better for patients with a higher weight, it is better for patients with Crohn's and Anemia (due to absorption issues, I am guessing), etc. Although some of the stats say RNY has a higher overall weight loss, the sleeve seemed a better option due to my own health issues - which I took into consideration before ever meeting with the doctor. In regards to the green stuff + blood thinners: It's not the blood thinners with which the green stuff is incompatible with, it's blood in general. Whenever you have blood clotting issues, you are suppose to eat a VERY limited amount of green, leafy items. Ie. cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, etc. Last year, they said that included other 'green' veggies, as well, as I was eating a lot of asparagus (it was my go-to veggie when losing weight) - it was messing up my blood. The 'green stuff' thickens your blood, in the same way alcohol thins it (it's the reason you are not suppose to take aspirin for a hangover - they both thin your blood). I mean, I guess I COULD eat a salad and then drink some alcohol, but that might be defeating the purpose As far as what I do now - I cut out salt years ago. If I DO ever drink soda, it's diet - I drink Water almost exclusively. I eat minimal carbs - I am simply not a bread, rice, Pasta type person. I use a Fitbit and walk a set number per day. I have been using LoseIt! for a couple of years and log every bite of food I eat and every minute of exercise I do. I go to water aerobics several times a week. So, in a lot of ways, I feel that I was somewhat ahead of the game in preparing. I acknowledge I've had a lot of health problems. Oddly, none of them are weight related! I have perfect BP, low cholesterol, etc. I would like to KEEP it that way! I have already called a clinic I went to several years ago which said they did NOT see any signs of the Crohn's. I have asked for my records. This can be 'proof' for him, with or without additional testing. As well, I have looked at another center. As I said, there are three in my state. He's about an hour away. The second I have seen mixed reviews. The third is about three hours away, but my general MD likes it. I looked on their website, and they require a weight below 400 lbs. That I can manage. I THINK I got everyone's questions...! Again, I appreciate all of the support. I have never opened up about my weight to anyone, and although I have a beyond supportive family, they simply do not understand. My mom keeps saying she has struggled with weight all of her life, and this is true, but not to the same extent. To everyone on here - keep doing what you do for everyone else on here. Your words of encouragement, no matter how strong the support system of others, are so much more meaningful than you can ever know...

When you look at the inactive ingredient label. The second listed ingredient is ethanol, and the 6th is high fructose corn syrup. Since ethanol [ethyl-alcohol] is an alcohol, it might cause a problem, especially soon after surgery.

Oh yes, my Non-alcoholic cirrhosis has been controlled for over 2 years by medication. My liver doctor is 100% behind me regarding WLS.

Has anyone had a hernia and had WLS done before the hernia repair? Everything I have read says have WLS first and after you lose weight, take care of the hernia. I also know they won't do both at once. I am afraid that because of the hernia open WLS will be necessary. I had my Hernia repaired some years ago and a 1-2 hour surgery took over 4 hours. The doctor said there was little tissue to put the hernia back in and had to piece me back together inside. He wasn't sure if it would last and told me not to gain weight or get constipated. Well, it tore out again when I was going to the bathroom about a year after surgery and then I started gaining weight. I know they will not do another hernia repair as long as I am this heavy. I wear an abdominal binder 24/7 to keep it from coming out further. I also have scar tissue from it.Medicare here in TX will only approve open surgery for Bypass. Louise Oh yes ,the same doctor (general surgeon) did my Gall Bladder surgery. He discovered I have some liver damage from Non-alcoholic cirrhosis and that surgery took a lot longer than the hernia one. My incision from that one is probably 10" long. The scar looks like someone took a butcher knife to me. When he pulled the staples, pus and Water squirted out two feet in the air. (sorry to be so graphic.) I had to have wound care for several months till it healed. He cut so many nerves in the second surgery I had NO pain post-op and still have no feeling down there. WLS will be a piece of cake compared to the last two!! LOL This WLS I will be seeing is also a General Surgeon. He will do a tummy tuck for his WLS patients. Wouldn't it be nice if he could do the hernia repair AND tummy tuck at the same time?

I spent 12 years with a jealous man who was not faithful, verbally abusive and would punch walls or throw things. The father of my only two kids and I had to get my children and walk...took me learning the hard way but I did it. My parents were alcoholics that fought and beat the crap out of each other. I am thankful to have survived that and then I married one! At 29 I realized that I had two young kids to raise and I didn't want them to think people lived like I had with my parents. My children never saw what their Dad did to me but the holes in the walls was proof. It was scary to leave but liberating at the same time. This is a decision SHE has to make on her own or she will go back (or work thinks out) every time until SHE is ready unfortunately.