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@BrandiRB Hi, and congrats! We’re sleeve twins! I also had my VSG on 6/10/20. For everyone else, congrats as well. I had the lapband back in 2014 and lost about 90lbs in less than a year. I did really well. I got pregnant in 2015, gave birth in 2016. I lost all of my pregnancy weight and got back on track but wasn’t losing weight. By 2017, I had gained about 30lbs or so. I had to find a different doctor because my surgeon’s practice had closed down. I had an EGD done which revealed that my lapband had corroded causing a hole in my stomach. I had the lapband removed in January 2018. My surgeon said it would take 6 months to a year before considering a revision because the hole needed to heal properly. So fast forward to November 2019: I found a surgeon with an affordable cash pay option. I had another EGD done to make sure the hole healed properly and that the scar tissue was minimal. Once I got the okay, we scheduled my procedure. Unfortunately, COVID-19 delayed it. So, I started my liquid diet on 6/1/20. It was supposed to be for 2 weeks where I’d have surgery on 6/15/20 but my surgeon pushed me up to 6/10/20 because he said he had a family emergency and would be traveling out of town. So, my liquid preop diet was for 10 days instead of 14 days. My preop weight was 337 on 6/1/20. On the day of surgery (6/10/20), I weighed 322. Today (6/21/20), I weigh 315. The incision site is still a little tender but they are healing well. It didn’t help that one of my kids accidentally ran into it (twice 😩). I still can’t sleep on my side yet. I’m having a hard time getting in regular water. I HAVE to have a Crystal Light to drink it smoothly. Protein Shakes are okay but I have to pace myself. I also noticed that I have to start early in the day to get it all in. There are some days that I have not gotten it all in. I don’t always have a desire to “eat.” It’s weird but I don’t want to force myself. I did this on yesterday and got nauseous. First (and last) time I do that. I do have a desire to chew - not because I’m hungry - just because chewing is what I’ve been accustomed to and can’t do just yet. So, my diet setup is like this: 10 days - preop full liquids Weeks 1 & 2 - post op full liquids Week 3 - post op purée foods Week 4 - post op soft foods Week 5 - post op regular texture/low carb/high protein My surgeon’s Nurse Practitioner met with me for my 1 week follow up and said that I should lose about 20lbs by the time of my 1 month post op appointment. I was like YIKES but okay. As far as exercise goes, I’ve walked in my home mostly. I did go on a walk with my husband and kids one day last week as well. It wasn’t bad but I was a bit anxious. I plan to amp it up as I can tolerate it. I still have some trapped gas and my back is very painful when I yawn, stretch or sit/lay a certain way. I believe it’ll go away in due time, though. I have an abdominal binder that I’m supposed to wear at all times when I’m awake. I’ve worn it daily but not for the entire day. I usually tolerate it for about 7/8 hours. My surgeon said it’s supposed to help my stomach and other organs as it heals to sort of “snap back.” They suggested I wear it for the first month. Bad breath - yep, I have it. I’m brushing and rinsing often to help deal with it. I look forward to changing up my diet because this, my friends, is not cute! I drove at 1 week/1day post op and did fine. I cannot drive my SUV just yet because it’s hard for me to get up and done. So I’m driving my husband’s car for now. Other than that, I’m gradually getting back into the swing of my normal routine. I’ve meal prepped for my family, done laundry and housework as well. I take my time and listen to my body. If I feel winded, I rest. I’m excited about this journey. I honestly don’t know what my end goal is.

@BrandiRB Hi, and congrats! We’re sleeve twins! I also had my VSG on 6/10/20. For everyone else, congrats as well. I had the lapband back in 2014 and lost about 90lbs in less than a year. I did really well. I got pregnant in 2015, gave birth in 2016. I lost all of my pregnancy weight and got back on track but wasn’t losing weight. By 2017, I had gained about 30lbs or so. I had to find a different doctor because my surgeon’s practice had closed down. I had an EGD done which revealed that my lapband had corroded causing a hole in my stomach. I had the lapband removed in January 2018. My surgeon said it would take 6 months to a year before considering a revision because the hole needed to heal properly. So fast forward to November 2019: I found a surgeon with an affordable cash pay option. I had another EGD done to make sure the hole healed properly and that the scar tissue was minimal. Once I got the okay, we scheduled my procedure. Unfortunately, COVID-19 delayed it. So, I started my liquid diet on 6/1/20. It was supposed to be for 2 weeks where I’d have surgery on 6/15/20 but my surgeon pushed me up to 6/10/20 because he said he had a family emergency and would be traveling out of town. So, my liquid preop diet was for 10 days instead of 14 days. My preop weight was 337 on 6/1/20. On the day of surgery (6/10/20), I weighed 322. Today (6/21/20), I weigh 315. The incision site is still a little tender but they are healing well. It didn’t help that one of my kids accidentally ran into it (twice 😩). I still can’t sleep on my side yet. I’m having a hard time getting in regular water. I HAVE to have a Crystal Light to drink it smoothly. Protein Shakes are okay but I have to pace myself. I also noticed that I have to start early in the day to get it all in. There are some days that I have not gotten it all in. I don’t always have a desire to “eat.” It’s weird but I don’t want to force myself. I did this on yesterday and got nauseous. First (and last) time I do that. I do have a desire to chew - not because I’m hungry - just because chewing is what I’ve been accustomed to and can’t do just yet. So, my diet setup is like this: 10 days - preop full liquids Weeks 1 & 2 - post op full liquids Week 3 - post op purée foods Week 4 - post op soft foods Week 5 - post op regular texture/low carb/high protein My surgeon’s Nurse Practitioner met with me for my 1 week follow up and said that I should lose about 20lbs by the time of my 1 month post op appointment. I was like YIKES but okay. As far as exercise goes, I’ve walked in my home mostly. I did go on a walk with my husband and kids one day last week as well. It wasn’t bad but I was a bit anxious. I plan to amp it up as I can tolerate it. I still have some trapped gas and my back is very painful when I yawn, stretch or sit/lay a certain way. I believe it’ll go away in due time, though. I have an abdominal binder that I’m supposed to wear at all times when I’m awake. I’ve worn it daily but not for the entire day. I usually tolerate it for about 7/8 hours. My surgeon said it’s supposed to help my stomach and other organs as it heals to sort of “snap back.” They suggested I wear it for the first month. Bad breath - yep, I have it. I’m brushing and rinsing often to help deal with it. I look forward to changing up my diet because this, my friends, is not cute! I drove at 1 week/1day post op and did fine. I cannot drive my SUV just yet because it’s hard for me to get up and done. So I’m driving my husband’s car for now. Other than that, I’m gradually getting back into the swing of my normal routine. I’ve meal prepped for my family, done laundry and housework as well. I take my time and listen to my body. If I feel winded, I rest. I’m excited about this journey. I honestly don’t know what my end goal is.

I had a Covid test before my surgery. Honestly, it was no big deal. I went to a drive-thru test site. The test itself involved sticking a very thin swab waaaaay up one nostril and swirling it around for about 10 seconds. It tickled going in but burned when it reached where it needed to go. The whole time she was doing it I just moaned and said "uggghhh make it stop make it stop." Then it was over and within about 20 minutes my nose didn't even feel weird anymore. In my experience, a strep test is MUCH worse - I have involuntarily pushed nurses away who were trying to swab my throat! Even though I was 99.9% sure my result would be negative, having that confirmed by the test was reassuring.

Childbirth hahaha Not even close! I’ve had 5 covid tests. Three for surgery and 2 for thinking I was and one for routine at doc. It’s not horrendous but It’s not fun at all. It’s more weird and discomfort. Takes 10 seconds if that.

Jennifer, I felt this same way. I cried when I was having my psychological consult about that very thing. But the doctor told me that I should be proud of myself and not feel shame. She said this is not going to be easy, you are making a commitment. Luckily, my sister (also named Jennifer) had the same advice and is incredibly supportive. I'm happy you're excited. You should be. I'm three weeks out and it's been very interesting adjusting to limited foods, not being particularly hungry, and not being able to eat the way I use to when I feel emotional. I watch videos on YouTube of a woman who had the surgery a couple of years ago and has posted since the beginning. She has a nice presence and covers so many topics including what she eats now, recipes, etc. It's called My Level 10 Life on YouTube.

I understand your concern. I had it done the day of surgery. Fortunately, I was able to have the blood test done for COVID-19 instead of the nasal swab. It reminded me of getting a finger stick to check your glucose. It was simple, quick and less uncomfortable for me. See if that’s an option.

🤣 No wonder mine wasn't that bad.. only one nostril and it seemed to be finished in 10 seconds. 🤣

My program is no fluids 10 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after and I can definitely tell if I drink too soon. It hurts and backs up on me. However, during the liquid stage I didn't have "meals" per se but fluid goals to meet, so I drank whatever went down that got me to my goals. Within 6 hours of surgery I could drink 1 ounce of protein fluid and 1 ounce of water, at the same time, every 15 minutes. I always took my meds with protein fluids to "coat" my stomach. Now in purees (started 2 weeks out), I follow 3 meals and 2 snacks with water all day between. Protein shake for breakfast and a lot of cottage cheese, greek yogurt, hummus, eggs, and pureed meats and pureed steamed veggies. I can eat way more volume than predicted in a sitting, though, and can drink 20 ounces of water in 45 minutes. I drink 70 to 90 ounces of water a day and get around 80 grams of protein. I have atypical GERD where it only flares with my asthma, but also mild gastritis so I'm on omeprazole for 3 months. I feel "hungry" a lot but often find that I am actually thirsty (or its head hunger and habit/boredom). I also bought some antacid chews and find 1-2 of those a day really cut down on the sharp feeling in my stomach. My doc says that the hunger and larger volume per meal will steadily decrease the more I move away from puree to soft to regular as solid food is more filling per volume. I've had a breakfast shake for years, so I will keep that to help with my protein goal but really hope to stop wanting to eat because I feel hungry soon. Plus it will be easier to make fewer separate meals when cooking for the family.

Personally, I drink up until eating (although not too much - maybe 1/4-1/2 cup max in the 10 minutes before). I also don't stress much about a few sips with meals. A lot of the vitamins suggest to take them with meals to increase absorption, so I do that. (Also, sometimes my mouth just gets really dry when eating, so I eat an ice cube or something.) The no liquid with eating rule is to avoid washing the food out of your stomach. You want your stomach to feel full for an hour or two after eating - that's what helps reset your body's weight set point. (I read on here once someone saying that she feels like its Thanksgiving after every meal - me too. 🤣) Drinking before your meal isn't going to wash the food away. A sip with your vitamin isn't going to wash the food away either. It's going to feel uncomfortable to eat and drink for a while, which makes it hard for you to sort out what it means to be full or feel hungry now. Even though you may be feeling the gas pain more at the moment, keep in mind there is a ~12 inch incision on your stomach - much bigger than the ones you can see on your skin. It's swollen in there. But that's going to get much better over the next month or so, and you can start really working out what works for you and your new stomach.

My VSG was on 6/5. I had a very difficult time in the hospital. Dry heaving and vomiting. I went home on day 3. By day 10 I was back admitted for dehydration for 3 days. It’s been a struggle. But I’m trying to stay positive

I had it on Monday. It’s kind of like the feeling when water goes up your nose in the pool and it burns a little bit. The stinging a little milder than that, but it’s a little more sustained as they have to do it 10 seconds in each nostril. I haven’t read the responses above, so my next comment isn’t toward anyone particular, but I’ve heard seen so many people online being dramatic about the test and referring to it as horrible (someone was telling people it’s like childbirth - what?! 0. There’s are some horrible medical procedures, and this one is not. For those of you who haven’t had it yet, please don’t worry

not everyone loses that much. In fact, 50% is probably on the high end. I lost hardly any. The only reason I knew I was losing any is I noticed extra strands in my comb (after washing my hair) from about months 6-10. Just looking at my hair - no - I couldn't tell. I know others who lost quite a bit more than I did, but still, they're the only people who noticed.

had covid test- i was scared ass hell. however when they called me i told i suffer from anxiety and panic attacks . they has me supervisor nurse and she said we will hep you. we will do the throat swab or you can have blood talk throat was fine in and out in 10 secs

Congrats for starting your weight loss journey. I too wasn’t a social media user but this forum has been fantastic & very helpful. I’m so glad I joined. I’m 5’3” & was 200lbs with a bmi of 35 at the beginning. I’ve lost about 89lbs which has put me at the low end of the healthy bmi scale for my height. Any more loss & I’d look all bony & gaunt. I live alone, so before my surgery, I purchased the shakes, bone broths, clear soups, etc. I would be able to eat in the first fortnight. I also purchased hydralite, benefibre, Imodium, de gas, over the counter pain meds & coloxyl. I also filled all my scripts so I would have them as new, unopened packs to take to the hospital & for after. A friend also purchased sustagen & adult diapers. She swears the adult diapers were the best buy because of the sudden attacks of diarrhoea. (It does happen, without warning & it’s not pretty!) I also purchased a small thermos to keep my soups & broths warm while I slowly drank them & a couple of protein shake bottles so I could make up 2 at a time in different flavours. I wasn’t allowed to drive for two weeks, so by getting everything I needed before my surgery I didn’t have to ask others to try to find things. You will be tired & lack energy. Don’t push yourself. Go for strolls for 10 mins to begin with & then up the duration, frequency & pace according to your energy levels. Sip your liquids slowly. And don’t be surprised if you struggle to have a second ‘meal‘ a day to begin with. I would finish the shake I made for breakfast around mid afternoon & then be lucky to drink 1/2 cup of soup for dinner over the next couple of hours. You’ll notice your taste buds will change. I used to dilute my shakes & hydralite (at least 50% more water to the mixes) to make them easier to swallow & more palatable. And yes, all the shakes, soups, broths etc. count to your daily fluid intake. Everyone recovers differently & loses at different rates so don’t be concerned if you take longer to recover or lose more slowly than others.

rjan, where are you at right now 3 months out (if you don't kind me asking) Did you have sleeve or bypass? I am 5'2" 211 lbs. BMI around 38. My Dr says to plan on losing about 55lbs which would put me at 156. I remember 10+ years ago weighing 150 and thinking I was so fat. I will definitely appreciate and enjoying being at that weight now! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Awww! Such a Yummy Father’s Day 🦐🎁 !! So nice of you MaybeMeow!! Glad you’re coming along better each day and great you’ll have the whole weekend for just YOU to relax, breathe, care for you. Fine here...had a bit of nausea for no apparent reason today-finally took Zofran and it’s easing up. Drinking water, trying to stay positive amidst the rising COVID-19 numbers here in FL🤧. Walk back memory lane re: your Dad not liking heavy women—mine, God rest his soul was exactly same🙄. He would be 92 right now=their generation. I can still remember feeling his disappointment when I began gaining. SO happy for you that you’re in charge and focused ONWARD!💃🌟 Wishing you a thoroughly regenerative weekend!

Hi all, I had surgery three years ago. At the end of 2019, I had an adjustment as I was experiencing some discomfort and reflux. There's currently very little restriction and I've put on about 12 pounds in isolation. Here's the thing. The same week I had an adjustment I also moved to Cambodia, which is essentially a third world. So far, I haven't been able to find a bariatric surgeon here. I also can't travel to nearby Thailand due to Covid-19. With that in mind, has anyone done an adjustment themselves? I understand it's not ideal, but I can purchase saline and a syringe from any pharmacy, whereas I won't be able to see a surgeon for at least a few more months. Any advice would be appreciated. I lost 155lbs and need some help continuing my journey.

Finally 3 weeks post op and feeling really great. I get stiff in the morning from limited sleeping positions, but massaging helps a ton. My scar is healing very well no complaints. I am trying to maintain the weight i put on but its steadily sliding back to where it was before i decided to get a second round of plastics. Oh well... I decided to try on very fitted clothes that previously looked ok but look much better now! video-2020-06-19-10-52-21.3gp 20200618_163559.mp4

I'm getting ready to have gastric sleeve done. I've got to loose 10 pounds before my surgery. I need to know what to buy at the grocery store? I'm not a big meat eater and I'm having trouble finding groceries and things to snack on. Thanks!

i had my covid test 2 days ago before my colonoscopy today. i did not have to go anywhere they came to my place.. all i had to do is put the swab up my nose 10-15 seconds that is it i was done

Today marks 6 months Post Op!! I'm thrilled with the progress so far, and look forward to continuing my journey. I'm down 71lbs so far. I need to lose 19 more to get to a "normal" BMI, but would ultimately like to lose another 10 after that, to get down to 130. My before pictures are from my sister's bridal shower and wedding, the only time I let someone actually take my picture. I hated being the "fat bridesmaid" though! Please forgive the tight clothes in my "after" picture, but I wanted to wear something that would really show off the the progress I've made. Someday I hope to be confident to wear tight clothes like that out in public, but not yet! LOL!!

I'm one week post op and feeling good and off all pain meds and finally pooped. 10 pounds down and I feel like I'm onto the next level. My question is what are people keeping track of and how are they doing that? Are you counting calories, measuring food, water, protein, and/or fitness? Is there an app you like best to do all this?

Had my gastric sleeve 6/2/2020. Feeling pretty good. Weight stalled at the moment, but from what I am reading...normal. I have lost a total of 25.9 pounds since liquid diet start on May 19th and 10 of that is since surgery. First few days after surgery were ROUGH! Now, a lot better!

they'll have you focus on protein and fluids the first few months, as those are the most important things - without adequate amounts of both, you could get sick. You're probably not going to be able to get in enough calories to worry about for the first few months, so that's why they're not having you count them. My dietitian didn't want me counting calories AT ALL, as in EVER, but I did start counting them when I got to maybe 10 or 12 months out since I could eat a lot more by then, and counting calories works for me (I know it doesn't work for everyone). but just so you know, the first few weeks you'll be taking in very few calories. After those early weeks are past, a lot of us eat in the 600-800 range for a few months. I don't think I went over 1000 consistently until I was close to a year out.

I ordered a pill crusher today just in case. Less than 10, better safe than sorry